Navigating Career Transformations: Emily's Journey
Emily’s journey as a Service/UX (User Experience) designer is a powerful example of how embracing your true self can drive career success.
Her story isn’t just about her professional accomplishments but also about her personal transformation and the meaningful impact she's made through her work. For anyone navigating their own career path, especially in specialized fields, her experiences and insights offer practical and inspiring lessons.
Role: Service / UX Designer at Sikkerhedsstyrelsen
Understanding UX Design: A Passionate Pursuit
Emily describes her role as a Service/UX designer with enthusiasm:
“As a designer, I focus on optimizing the way users interact with digital products and services. My job is to ensure that e.g. websites and apps are not only functional but also intuitive and enjoyable to use. Unlike graphic or UI (User Interface) designers, who primarily focus on the visual elements of a design, UX designers delve deeper into understanding user behaviors, needs and motivations. Why waste a fortune on developing something nobody really needs or wants to use. This is why my work involves a lot of research and user testing to refine and enhance the user experience.”
Her passion for UX design is evident. Emily feels that her unique perspective as someone who has experienced both sides of the gender spectrum gives her an edge.
“Having lived as both a man and a woman, I bring a different sensitivity to user experience design. This experience combined with my natural empathy for others, helps me understand diverse user needs more profoundly, which I believe sets me apart in my field.”
A Journey of Transformation
Emily’s professional journey is closely intertwined with her personal transformation. After coming out as a trans woman, she faced the dual challenge of navigating a career in a highly specialized field while also embracing her true identity. The transition was not without its hurdles. Emily reflects, “Coming out at work was a pivotal moment. I was fortunate to work in an environment that was open and accepting, but it was crucial for me to choose companies that were proactive about diversity and inclusion. If a company isn’t supportive or isn’t interested in fostering an inclusive environment, it’s best to look elsewhere.”
This personal and professional alignment was critical. Emily emphasizes, “The best way to advocate for change is by simply being yourself. My approach to activism is not about making every interaction a statement but about living my truth and letting that be a form of advocacy in itself.”
The Challenges of Finding the Right Job
One of the significant challenges Emily faced was finding a job that matched both her specialized skills and her values. “It was tough to find a job because being UX research focused is such a specialized area in the field of design. In Denmark these jobs are rare. Also many roles require not just technical skills but also a strong alignment with the company culture and mission. I had to be very selective about where I applied, ensuring that potential employers valued diversity and inclusion. If a company didn’t emphasize these values, it was a clear sign that it wasn’t the right fit for me.”
Emily’s advice for those in specialized roles is particularly insightful:
1. Identify Your Core Values:
“Understand what is most important to you in a work environment. For me, inclusivity and respect for diversity were non-negotiable. Ensure that your potential employers align with these values.”
2. Leverage Your Unique Edge:
“Use your unique experiences and skills to stand out. For me, having a nuanced understanding of user needs due to my personal experiences has been a significant advantage.”
3. Network Strategically:
“Build and maintain a network within your field. Connections can often lead to opportunities that aren’t advertised widely. Attend industry events, participate in online forums, and engage with others in your profession.”
4. Tailor Your Approach:
“Customize your cover letters and applications to reflect how your specialized skills and experiences align with the company’s needs. Highlight specific projects or experiences that showcase your expertise.”
The Importance of a Supportive Network
Emily’s success is a testament to the power of a supportive professional network. She acknowledges, “Having a strong network has been crucial. It’s not just about finding job opportunities but also about getting advice, sharing experiences, and finding encouragement. My network has helped me navigate the complexities of my career and personal life.”
Adapting to Life Back Home
Returning to Denmark after years of living abroad presented its own set of challenges. Emily admits, “After spending so many years living abroad, coming back to Denmark felt like being an expat in my own country. The cultural nuances, societal changes, and even the way people interact felt foreign to me. It was a challenging transition, but it also gave me a unique vantage point to see my country from a different perspective.”
Volunteering with Career Club DK
Emily’s experiences and her commitment to fostering inclusivity led her to volunteer with Career Club DK. She explains, “Volunteering with Career Club DK allows me to use my experiences and skills to support others who are navigating their own career transformations. I understand the challenges of finding a job in a specialized field and the importance of finding a company that aligns with your values. By sharing my journey and offering guidance, I hope to help others achieve their career goals and create a more inclusive and supportive professional environment.”
Cover Letter Tips from Emily
For those crafting a cover letter, Emily offers practical advice based on her own experiences:
1. Be Authentic:
“Your cover letter should reflect who you are and what you bring to the table. Authenticity is key to connecting with potential employers.”
2. Showcase Your Fit:
“Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the company’s needs. Make it clear why you are the best fit for the role and how you can contribute to their mission.”
3. Be Concise and Impactful:
“Keep your cover letter concise but impactful. Focus on the most relevant experiences and skills that demonstrate your suitability for the role.”
4. Demonstrate Your Passion:
“Show your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in the position and that you are motivated to contribute.”
Looking Ahead: Aspirations for the Future
Emily has aspirations for the future that extend beyond her current role. “In the future, I hope to move into strategy and project management. I’m passionate about the intersection of design and strategy, and I believe that my background in Service/UX design will give me a unique perspective in managing projects. I’m excited to potentially influence larger-scale projects and drive impactful change at a strategic and organizational level.”
Emily’s story is a great reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself, the value of a supportive network, and the impact of finding a workplace that aligns with one’s personal and professional values.
Connect with Emily on Linkedin
Article By
Judy Cohen
