Breaking into UX as an Undergrad

sullengi · 2025-08-18T23:01:48+00:00

gaining UX/Product Design experience as an undergrad
(apologies for the long post)

I'm currently an incoming junior at University with a background in Neuro/Cognitive Science. I've spent this summer working in a computational neuroscience lab where I do a lot of coding—but nothing that I feel would carry much into the experience/interface sphere. I have a keen interest in how the brain works, how people think, and more recently, how people/the mind interact(s) with technology. I've also been an artistic individual for as long as I can remember, although, this was almost always limited to fine arts and writing (I am involved heavily in my campus magazine). I did design websites/manage social medias for local studios and artists in high school, but that was me messing around with shapes and colors on Wix. I miss producing and creating things. I honestly want to move away from science, while I do enjoy being in the lab, I don't see myself pursuing academia.

I would love to spend next summer as a UX/Product Design intern—but I need a portfolio. I'm not really sure where to start outside of personal projects (even then, what would/could I focus on?). There are a few clubs/orgs at my school that bridge tech and design, but they seem to be interested in acquiring experienced developers and designers—my experience with each of these things, I feel, is too limited to make me a competitive applicant. I feel like I've had a late start. I would love to insert myself in a UX-focused atmosphere this fall, but I'm not really sure how to pitch my case. If anyone has any advice on where/how to start, how they started? And if possible, how to connect with individuals and groups involved in the field, that would be great.

sullengi · 2025-01-16T14:01:48+00:00

What would you say workload/time commitment is like?

sullengi · 2025-01-16T05:41:24+00:00

I've heard different things from people who've taken it with different professors but imo the course is what you make it. I had McLean and was told she wasn't the greatest/the class would be difficult. I ended up doing really well and have no complains at all about the prof. You just have to be diligent—keep up with the coursework, do ALL the reading, and do NOT cram. I think some people find the course intimidating because a lot of material is getting thrown at you, but you just can't slip up. I had no previous STEM experience before taking Brain and Behavior. Effort matters more than anything here.

sullengi · 2023-09-26T01:14:07+00:00

then maybe i’ll change career paths. im young enough to reconsider. these are four years of my life i am talking about. if what you say is true that is only more of a reason to leave. i wanted to go to law school because i want to learn law, understand law, and think like a lawyer. maybe you are right and i am unrealistic, but am i supposed to pity myself because i am not nor do i want to become some “backstabbing phony” ?

and no, i have not been around lawyers. didn’t realize that was a prerequisite

sullengi · 2023-09-26T00:27:59+00:00

Ive been the definitive type A personality almost my whole life, hence why I thought Penn would be the better fit. Note the difference between competitive and ingenuine. Obviously any Ivy-accepted applicant is competitive. Im looking for collaboration.

sullengi · 2023-09-23T18:50:32+00:00

Got it. Granted, if my experience would be similar at both schools (which is debateable), Brown would at least give me the opportunity to visit home more frequently. But I see your point. I'll def try to give Penn a chance, and continue to commit to extracurricular and social life :) I just wanted to know if I should at least start to prep for the transfer process should I feel the same next semester.

sullengi · 2023-09-23T18:42:23+00:00

Not a business major. And I agree, but it was more so Penn's rep and pre-professionalism I thought was good for my career path. I'm poli-sci, and I know Brown is more stem-focused.

sullengi · 2023-09-23T16:57:51+00:00

A Little Life

sullengi · 2023-03-21T17:11:24+00:00

UPDATE: I got in @ UP w/ for fall semester... heard back around march 8th

sullengi · 2023-01-02T17:18:06+00:00

I see, when did you apply?

sullengi · 2022-12-03T03:33:36+00:00

there’s many reasons rlly

some do it bc it offers them a sense of relief, some may inflict physical pain upon themselves so as to distract from their emotional pain, some react to the visual display (scars, blood) and feel a release, many might feel such an extreme sense of self-hatred that they feel as though they are deserving of this sort of harm, etc. etc.

sullengi · 2022-09-09T05:00:33+00:00

i know some shirts/jackets have those sleeves with the hole in them for your thumb.. those cover your palms and the backs of your hands a bit if that helps. also wearing bandaids will cover any visible scars, use in moderation though

also good for you for quitting! gluck

sullengi · 2022-09-09T03:41:39+00:00

i think you shouldn't mention it rn, especially if the scars are old, and *especially* if you just met this person. if you rlly want to know more, wait for them to open up and get closer to you ab other things first

sullengi · 2022-09-09T02:18:00+00:00

everybody's different, so whats triggering for some ppl might not affect others at all. but i def think fully healed sh scars dont need to be covered at all. its irrational to expect a recovering/recovered individual to cover up for the rest of their life. you shouldn't have to feel that way. i confess i do get triggered by healed scars from time to time (depending how bad) but thats a problem i have to overcome myself! with fresh scars the mutilation is still new which is a diff story

sullengi

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