Job Progression for a Senior Designer?

What job titles should I be applying for to advance my career? Most of the work I do nowadays is strategic and leadership focused. I'd like to get hired by a new company to just do that all day.

Every Senior UX job I interview for seems very basic and boring to be honest, involving the same stuff I did as an entry level designer.

Post Photo
like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

From Senior, there are usually three 'tracks' I have seen Designers take...

"Technical" - usually this means becoming a Principal (or similar title) which is basically a step up from Senior, but is largely the same job with a few more responsibilities. This tends to be the pinnacle for UX/UI Designers unless they move into management.

"Managerial" - Become the UX Manager and eventually a UX Director. This will require you to step away from regular design work and focus more on promoting design at the company and managing people.

"Something else" - Some Senior Designers move into entirely new roles like Front End/UI Developer or Product Manager. This is usually due to the fact that UX Designers usually cap out at Principal or Director, or a general frustration (or burn out) when it comes to UX Design as a career.

like

great POV here too. really depends on the org.

You’ll find job descriptions aligned with your goals if you search Lead (minimum from my experience so far) or Principal Product Designer. Companies like where I work tend to expect/require that you start to do more managing and top of funnel design thinking for these types of lead roles. Less emphasis on doing the detailed work generally speaking. Capable of leading a project: stakeholder management, client management, project management, strategy, user research, design etc.

You have a better chance moving into a Manager role (if that is what you want to do) at your current company than applying for Manager jobs without managerial experience on your resume.

Related Posts

Bain & Company I would like to work in Sustainability and Climate Risk practices at MBB+ firms. Which gold standard certification or courses will you recommend for the sustainability and climate risk market? 

What's your opinion on GARP's Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR®) Certificate?

McKinsey & Company Boston Consulting Group Bain & Company Oliver Wyman Kearney

like

Been a coach at the collegiate level for 6 years. Make a $65k salary. Want to leave coaching and break into sales/marketing/recruiting/consulting. I have ample leadership and recruiting experience with a strong work ethic.

I’m assuming I’m going to have to take a pay cut and start toward bottom of totem pole. Any recommendations/advice on roles to apply for since I’m new to the field? Would like to be in tech if possible in Charlotte, NC or remote.

like

Anyone prepping for the SHRM-CP test? I’m taking a prep course this fall and would love tips or to know if there are any study groups out there!

like

Hi everyone! In this field, when choosing a masters degree program is it more beneficial to get a degree in Human Resources to further my knowledge in HR (my undergraduate degree is in Economics) , an MBA, or Data Science Degree due to the fact that HR is becoming more data driven as well as get a PHR / SHRM-CP certification?

like

Hi. How do I get into commercial real estate? Where do I start? Real Estate and business ownership has always my passion and I'm ready finally to do what I love.
I like residential real estate too, but wondering if I should do that after given the sheer number of residential real estate agents out there.

like

I have about four years of real estate credit/investment experience. I also started my career in public accounting and have my cpa. I’m considering looking into a B4 advisory role. Am I crazy?

like

Anyone who's done ID work right after law school but transitioned on to something else after a few years? Was your ID experience marketable? If so, in what other practice areas?

like

Hi All!

Trying to grow your network but don’t know where to start? Or maybe your network needs a refresh?

Next week, from Monday to Friday connect with Tangie Murray, SVP at the 4As to ask her how to find, establish and sustain mentors in Advertising. Tangie will also answer your career & industry questions as well!

All week in the Black in Advertising bowl! See you next week!

Post Photo
like

Anyone lateraled at the 2-4 year mark from boutique (40ish lawyers, corporate lit work on same level as biglaw, making top NY pay) to v100? Can you say anything about the experience? The reason I’m considering is while boutique is generally a good place for me as an associate (NY pay, reasonable WLB, good experience on many fronts) there’s basically zero shot at making partner.

like

Thoughts on Prosci or SHRM-SCP certification? Which would be considered more valuable or highly regarded? Currently focused on Change Management but have a HR background (industry experience / area of study in college).

likehelpful

Guys, i have an offer at Accenture. I'm concerned about the probation period - 6 months with another possible 3 months.

So how bad is this in terms of job security? What are the parameters they monitor during this period?

like

Can anyone let me know the levels in Accenture?
I got offer for- Application Developer Senior analyst.
Management level- 10
What’s the hierarchy in Accenture and how is my role compared to my 3.5 yoe.

Total YOE- 3.5
Tech- Data Engineer (PySpark, Big Data, hive, hadoop, python, sql) Accenture Accenture India

From Los Angeles, looking to get into the vending machine side gig. Any advice for someone just starting?

like

What is the comp ceiling long term look like for staying in cloud consulting technical career compare to moving into SWE?

like

I am an Indian CPA and pursuing my level 2 Cfa. I have worked with family office and Swf and have relocated to Vancouver. Any tips on where to begin my job search

After a few years in ops consulting I think I’ve realised I want to try my hand at being a dev or working in software delivery. Any way I can swing this staying with Deloitte or will I need to fork out for a boot camp and start from the bottom? Any helpers appreciated!

like

Has anyone left big 4 or other PA firms tax transaction service groups for industry (or know of anyone)? What was the role and salary bump, how are annual bonuses/raises in industry, what is a typical work week (hours) like? I don’t think I can take this always on just to stay afloat life much longer. For context I am considered a high performer, am near the top of the salary band at my level and have a great supporting network at Deloitte. It’s just not worth it to have zero personal life.

like

Any advice on how to switch from big 4 to tier 1 consulting firms like BCG and MCK?

like

Has anyone made the jump from one HR specialty to another? I’m trying to figure out if I’m better off trying to get experience in the new specialty internally, or if I just find a new role elsewhere. Thanks!

like

Those who moved from MBB to Strategy& , why did you do it? Pros and cons?

like

More Posts

How competitive are promotions at Deloitte GPS?

Is CitiusTech a worth joining? I have heard they have long and late night working hours? I am looking for a wlb and better learning prospects.
Please suggest.

like

Met this really cute guy at national training, exchanged phone number, but he's heading back to home office tomorrow. Advice?

like

How long does it usually take to clear conflicts? Mid level. Around 50 client matters.

like

Anyone willing to have a chat for Mck/Bain

currently at T2 7YOE based in 🇬🇧

like

What is the salary range of an Assistant Account Executive in NYC? (2 1/2 years of experience)

Hi 🦈,
I'm looking for a referal
SAP LABS India
I've the job id
Can anyone please help me with providing the referal.
Please ping or comment to connect.

like
like

Can anyone share their salary % increase (and $ amount if comfortable) for promotion from senior to associate manager? I find the lack of pay transparency at TSG a little frustrating compared to B4. TIA!

Accenture India Hello Amazonians, my joining date is on 30th May and I have received no communication regarding my first day. Any idea when will i start getting emails. Role: cloud support associate Amazon Amazon Web Services Amazon India Accenture

like

Applying for L6 non-tech Program Manager at Amazon. Please leave some advice below on how to get a shortlist! (What looks good on a CV etc.) YoE - 5.5 post MBA

like

Is the Program Manager (Non Tech) in Amazon is always a L5 profile or there are chances of it being an L6 as well. Kindly enlighten. Amazon Amazon India Amazon Web Services

like

Thoughts on the new Chase Freedom Flex?

like

I wanted to get your thoughts on the following:
1. Health Insurance for your parents (assuming they are 60+)
2. Term life options for myself (under 30)

I recently went through a medical family emergency and realised how important insurance is. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

like

I had a google referral from privacy counsel for a privacy counsel role that I met all the qualifications for and I didn’t even get a screener. Feeling a bit confused. I just got an offer from another FAANG company but feeling perplexed by this rejection.

New to the area, anyone in this group into hunting?

like

Any 🐠 here who have left ClearView? How is life? would you have done anything differently at ClearView to set yourself up for a great exit?

like

Anyone who can help me in getting referral in Pwc! I can share the details if you can refer. Thank you.

like

Additional Posts in UX & Product Design

Designers, what is your relationship like with your PM and Design Manager? How do you typically work together?

like

I have a $1,400 annual learning stipend, and looking for ideas on ways to spend it. Any suggestions on coding classes, digital subscriptions, conferences, etc? How have you spent your learning stipend in the past, or what are you planning to spend it on?

like

What’s the company that pays the most to UX Designers?

like

Hi! I do freelance job as a UX Designer
And I just have rejected a job, because I don't believe in the business idea. I don't think it's gonna work and don't want to take a part in it. I also don't want to waste time arguing with the company manager...

Do you think it was a right choice ?

like

How much would you charge for building a design system for an enterprise, already having web and mobile apps? What would be a fair price?

like

Wondering everyone’s take on password-protecting your UX portfolios? I have some case studies from a previous B2B startup I worked at. Although the work isn’t under an NDA, I’m wondering if it’d appear more professional if there were a password. Alternatively, any advice on how much detail to show on a case study in situations like this?

like

Hey! I'm just about to start doing some freelance work for a NYC based boutique design studio, and I need to give a hiring manager my hourly rate to give his customers. I am new to UI/UX design. I have experience in graphic design, but I just completed a certificate in UI/UX design so other than school projects I don't have an extensive amount of experience. What would you suggest I should charge? I am more interested in gaining experience than needing the money, but want to be payed reasonably.

like
like

I am product designer with a fair amount of experience (6yrs).

Recently was interviewed for a Sr. role in Booking but unfortunately the team finds me better suited as a core individual contributor.

I am also in the advanced stages of some lead designer positions in other companies.

However I am really interested in joining the team at Booking, especially because of the design culture.

What should be my reasons to accept or not accept the offer from booking?

like

Are there any designers training in accessible UI design lately?
I'm looking to learn and ask some suggestions for an interview tomorrow.
Pretty nervous on technical questions.

Any references on what to read

like

Hi everyone,

I’m in a pit of a pickle…I’m leading my very first project (case study) with a team of 5. We’re all in different countries and different time zones 😬

What do I need to include on the project plan/roadmap so there’s a clear understanding of what our goals are? How do I get everything to align for success and how do I keep everyone motivated?

Any tips for 30 min design remote whiteboard challenges in interviews?

like

UXers - I'm intrigued to know how specific your job role is under the umbrella term of UX. Would your job sway into other avenues such as UI, design, development or consultancy?

like

Hi, all! I am an emerging UX designer and I would love some tips and ideas for polishing up my resume and portfolio so I can get my first real job. What advice can you give a junior designer to stand out from the crowd?

like

What's the protocol for adding internal portal mockups for a client to your portfolio? Is it expected, something that requires asking permission but is still generally OK, or frowned upon? I'm a developer trying to pivot to UX.

Nothing in the contract bc our SOW was originally dev only. If I need permission, I have a good rapport with the Corp Comm director and VP so would I contact them on LinkedIn, or is this something that's normally done through the employer?

like

How much, on average, should a UX designer make as a mid-level and as a senior in Canada?
Then how much does a UX team lead or manager make?

like

I have an upcoming interview for a lead product design role. The company asked for a case study presentation made uniquely for this interview and specifically requested I don’t walk through my portfolio…

Has anyone else experienced this while interviewing?

likehelpful

Any recommendations on good online courses for someone looking to explore Ux design? I am a service designer looking to learn more about ux design to broaden my design experience. I am looking for courses that help you build a portfolio and eventually land a job in product and experience design. I am checking out product design courses at dribble, Brian station and careerfoundry but haven’t found more independent reviews or comparisons.

like

What's the best route for early career, agency or in-house?

like

I've been sending out my resume but with no response. So, what do you think I've missed in my resume?

Post Photo
like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal