Before discovering UX design, Alberto was a pizza chef. He made the bold decision to retrain for a career in tech and completed the UX Design Program at CareerFoundry in 2020.
We were curious to know what led him to make such a big life change and eager to learn how his career has progressed since graduating from CareerFoundry. So, we asked Alberto to look back on his journey and write a letter to his former self and reflect on the past few years.
In his own words, this is what Alberto had to share about his journey from pizza chef to UX design student to digital marketer…
Dear Alberto in 2019,
As you stand in the kitchen of that pizza place in the US, you’re contemplating whether there’s more to your future than being a pizza chef.
I’m writing to you from 2023 to tell you to listen to that voice in your head telling you to pursue UX design and explore the world of tech. Go for it, because the journey you are about to embark on will become a pivotal moment in your life!
What you don’t realize now is that the time you invest in researching schools is actually an invaluable part of your journey. You’ll learn about yourself in the process. It will teach you the significance of thorough analysis and attention to detail, skills that will serve you well in the future. Embrace the process—it’ll shape your path in ways you can’t yet comprehend.
As you study and begin to learn about UX design, don’t just concentrate on assignments and course materials. Networking events, meetups, and online forums offer valuable connections and insights. Fostering relationships with fellow students, alumni, and professionals will help you grow and uncover new opportunities in your career.
Fast forward to the present, where I am now, and I can tell you that your life has undergone a remarkable transformation!
Learning UX will be instrumental in your career advancement, providing you with the right attitude and mindset to delve into the world of digital marketing. With a UX mindset, you’ll begin to approach challenges empathetically and thoughtfully, always prioritizing the needs and perspectives of your audience.
Even working in digital marketing, you’ll be able to utilize design thinking principles to craft targeted campaigns that resonate with users. You’ll have the ability to see the bigger picture and forge meaningful connections with people through your work, making you a valuable asset in the industry.
So, my younger self, I’d like to tell you to: trust your instincts, embrace the journey, and know that you’re about to embark on an incredible adventure! Your life is going to change for the better, and you’ll be grateful for the time you devoted to researching and choosing the right path.
With love and encouragement,
Alberto from 2023
So, what can we learn from Alberto’s story?
Firstly, even if you’re learning UX design, the skills you’ll develop and the mindset you’ll foster in the process will serve you well working in other fields: like digital marketing.
Lifelong learning and transferable skills are incredibly valuable in today’s world, and it’s important to note that making a career change doesn’t means you are committing to one future path.
Secondly, learning a new skill doesn’t mean you have to stick to one resource. Whether you’re taking an in-person course, attending networking events, or studying with CareerFoundry, thankfully there are plenty of opportunities for professional growth in the tech industry.
For example, you can check out the CareerFoundry blog and YouTube channel for lots of great insights about the tech industry and what it’s like to work in UX/UI design, digital marketing, data analytics, web development, and product management.
Take the time to find the learning style that’s right for you, and don’t close yourself off from opportunities—embrace them and stay curious.
Since studying with CareerFoundry, Alberto has certainly committed to his professional development. He continues to educate others about learning UX design while also developing his digital marketing skillset. You can check out his new website giving advice to students on how to choose the best UX design school, and also read his comprehensive review of the UX Design Program at CareerFoundry.
What’s more, with CareerFoundry’s referral program Alberto has successfully referred hundreds of new students, offering them a discount on their tuition and earning referral payments along the way! Learn more about the referral program and how it works in this article: 5 Ways to Use Your Referral Link—And Start Earning!
If you’re interested in making a transition to working in tech, these resources might be useful:
- The Top 5 Transferable Skills and How They Can Help You
- How to Network in Tech in 2023
- Which Tech Career Path Is Right For Me? [2023 Guide]
If you’d like some advice on figuring out if studying with CareerFoundry is right for you, book a call with an expert program advisor. You can also get a taste of what a job in tech looks like with our free, introductory short courses.
Enjoyed this article? Check out other career change stories in the series:
- Letters To My Former Self: Julian’s Career Change Story
- Letters To My Former Self: Billy’s Career Change Story
About the author
Alison Lightfoot
Originally from northern England, Alison’s marketing background ranges from gaming, to sports, to the arts. When she’s not writing about CareerFoundry’s inspiring alumni, she can be found doing yoga, reading a weird book, or exploring new restaurants and cafes around Berlin.