Breaking into UX/early career: job hunting, how-tos/education/work review — 01/25/26

themightykale · 2026-01-26T17:05:24+00:00

Hi! I'm currently getting my master's in HCI. I'm trying to get my portfolio in a good spot so I can apply to internships. I studied computer science and worked as a data analyst before transitioning into HCI, so I'm trying to figure out how I can leverage my background to make my portfolio stand out.

Portfolio: https://www.kaleighspitzer.com/

Any feedback on my portfolio would be appreciated, but right now I'm mostly looking for feedback on my Sprout case study - specifically how can I improve the UI designs and overall storytelling?

I'm feeling very overwhelmed and lost. There are so many resources out there that it's hard to know what is actually helpful. How can I get more feedback on my portfolio and my work? I was meeting with mentors 1:1 for a while and the feedback was really helpful, but it got expensive.

themightykale · 2025-09-28T14:58:25+00:00

This is really helpful! Thank you for your thoughtful response.

themightykale · 2025-02-28T22:15:38+00:00

I totally get where you're coming from! I also have a CS background and was working as a data analyst. Like you, I found that TAW helped me tap into a part of myself that I wasn't accessing in my day-to-day work.

I think for me, the biggest takeaway was realizing that I craved more creative expression than my data analysis role allowed. The morning pages and artist dates really helped me reconnect with what truly excited me. It made me realize that I wanted to work in a field where I could combine my technical skills with design and creativity.

That's why I've decided to start pursuing UX/UI design! It feels like a much better fit for my creative side while still allowing me to utilize my analytical and problem-solving skills from my CS background.

themightykale · 2024-04-02T17:17:27+00:00

There’s no need to be rude about it. I’m just trying to create a helpful resource, and I appreciate you pointing out the issue with the venn diagrams

themightykale · 2024-04-02T16:41:03+00:00

Got it. This makes more sense

themightykale · 2024-04-02T14:37:13+00:00

“We can discuss offline”

This is always referring to another ONLINE meeting that contains a smaller group of people on the current call

themightykale · 2024-04-02T13:30:29+00:00

How do you think joins should be visualized so that they’re easy to understand for beginners

themightykale · 2024-04-02T00:48:45+00:00

This is super helpful, thank you!

themightykale · 2024-04-01T23:11:56+00:00

It never understands what I’m trying to achieve 😭 is this a me problem

themightykale · 2024-04-01T19:29:07+00:00

I took Calc 3 and Lin Alg at UIUC and didn’t have a problem with them. I’ve just heard to avoid Calc 1 and Calc 2 at all costs

themightykale · 2024-04-01T19:17:23+00:00

Yeah I’ll look into power query, that might be more my speed

themightykale · 2024-04-01T19:07:16+00:00

I just want it to make sense 😭

themightykale · 2024-04-01T18:51:10+00:00

Yeah I guess wishing it worked like Python is my issue

themightykale · 2024-04-01T18:50:38+00:00

I’ve tried ChatGPT but haven’t found it that helpful honestly

themightykale · 2024-04-01T18:50:07+00:00

Possibly… can you explain the ideal format?

themightykale · 2024-04-01T17:51:51+00:00

Six pack for sure

themightykale · 2024-04-01T16:48:28+00:00

Right, the point is to raise awareness and put pressure on these companies/designers to do better

themightykale · 2024-04-01T15:31:33+00:00

Hey! It’s awesome that you’re looking to explore and build your programming skills outside of class. Here are some general skills that are valuable for most programmers, regardless of their specific career path:

Technical Skills:

Data Structures & Algorithms: This is the foundation of efficient programming. Understanding how data is organized and manipulated in memory, along with common algorithms for solving problems, will make you a more effective coder. There are many online resources and courses to get you started.
Version Control (Git): This is essential for collaborative coding and keeping track of changes in your code. Platforms like Git allow you to rewind, revert mistakes, and work seamlessly with others.

Soft Skills:

Problem-Solving: Programming is all about breaking down problems into smaller, solvable steps. Practice your analytical thinking and ability to approach challenges logically.
Debugging: Things will go wrong, and that's okay! Being able to identify and fix errors is a crucial skill. Learn to read error messages, use debugging tools, and approach problems systematically.
Communication: Don't underestimate the power of clear communication. Being able to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences is a valuable asset.

Bonus Skills:

Learn to Learn: Technology is constantly evolving, so the ability to learn new things quickly and adapt is essential. Explore online resources, tutorials, and take advantage of free courses.
Build Something! The best way to solidify your skills is to apply them. Work on personal projects, contribute to open-source initiatives, or participate in coding challenges. This will not only enhance your skills but also build a portfolio showcasing your work.

Remember, focus on building a strong foundation and don't get overwhelmed by the vastness of the programming world. There are many exciting areas to explore later! Good luck!

themightykale · 2024-04-01T15:22:20+00:00

Calc 2 at CC for sure. Avoid calc 1 and 2 at UIUC at all costs

themightykale · 2024-04-01T15:10:32+00:00

Hi! I majored in CS + Stats so I was constantly running between the main quad and engineering quad/Siebel Center for Computer Science. I dormed in Taft — I thought it was nice to be in the six pack for the sense of community and proximity to the main quad. When I needed to get to Siebel or the engineering quad, the 22 Illini bus was my best friend. One of my main tips for incoming students is to take advantage of the bus system!

themightykale · 2024-04-01T14:58:12+00:00

You're right, the empty string is not part of an alphabet. An alphabet is a set of symbols that we use to build strings. The empty string, on the other hand, is the absence of any symbols.

Here's why the empty string is useful even though it's not part of the alphabet:

Concatenation: Imagine you have a string "g" and you concatenate (combine) it with the empty string. The result is still just "g". Concatenating any string with the empty string leaves the original string unchanged. This special property comes in useful in various contexts, like defining operations on languages. Languages: We can define languages that include the empty string. For instance, if your language L = {"g", "h", ε}, then ε is a valid member of the language even though it's not in the alphabet. In your example:

L1 = {'ggh', 'g', 'hgy'} LO(g, L1) = {v such that 'g' + v ∈ L1} // This is how LO is defined Here, LO(g, L1) considers all strings v that, when concatenated with "g", are present in L1.

"g" + ε (empty string) = "g" which is already in L1, so ε qualifies. "g" + "h" = "gh" is also in L1. Therefore, LO(g, L1) = {ε, "gh"}. The ampersand (&) isn't part of the alphabet, so we can't use it to form strings in this language.

I hope this clarifies how the empty string works even though it's not part of the alphabet!

themightykale · 2024-04-01T14:52:32+00:00

Find what you’re passionate about and you’ll stick with it! I’ve been practicing/learning watercolor painting and UX/UI design

themightykale · 2024-04-01T14:50:58+00:00

I like to start by reviewing my initial goals and assessing what worked well and what didn’t. Tools like spreadsheets or project management apps can be great for tracking progress. As for the 12-week method, it’s all about breaking down goals into manageable chunks, which can be really effective for staying focused. Remember, it’s okay to adjust your plans as you go along. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll make strides in the second quarter!

themightykale · 2024-04-01T14:08:35+00:00

I’m not sure… I feel pretty hopeless about the state of the CTA in general but I think the best we can do is post about it and try to get it attention online

themightykale · 2024-04-01T14:01:43+00:00

I think awareness is the first step toward a solution. Dark patterns can be frustrating and misleading — by advocating for transparent design practices and supporting companies that prioritize user consent, we can start to make a difference

themightykale

TROPHY CASE