Entry-Level Usability Jobs

entry-level usability job market..not good?

[kimnayeo]

So I'm a masters student, specializing Human-Computer Interaction. I've been gearing my studies toward Usability and User Experience Design.

I'm going to graduate this semester, so I've been looking for entry-level jobs since I don't think companies would consider my two years at the graduate level program, or my internship as "experience."

I think I applied to 20+ different companies starting this January..and so far, no calls. I'm starting to wonder if I'm to blame (under qualified), or if the job market for usability positions is that bad..

is it?

I would appreciate some feedback on my question above.

Thanks in advance,

kimnayeo

[edited by: pageoneresults at 11:04 pm (utc) on Mar. 7, 2008]
[edit reason] Removed URI Reference - Please Refer to TOS [/edit]

[Clark]

Welcome to Webmasterworld!

Wow, that's a tough field to have picked. Usability is very important. But not that many know about it. Once you are somewhere that uses your abilities, you may make them very happy which can ensure a long run with them, but getting the job in the first place might be tough.

[edited by: Clark at 11:58 pm (utc) on Mar. 7, 2008]

[LifeinAsia]

I'm not sure that it's a good time right now for entry level positions in ANY field...

[Receptional Andy]

In the UK at least, practical experience is increasingly highly valued as opposed to academic learning.

Have you not done so already, the internet makes it easy for you to put your skills to the test, and gain some of the commercial experience that might turn the tide in your job applications.

[kimnayeo]

Yeah, I understand that practical experience is very very important..but we all gotta start from somewhere, right?

The program I am in is more of a professional education...meaning we have to directly work with local companies for course projects.

Shouldn't that count as a little bit of experience, at least?
Hmmm...

[Clark]

Of course, some people understand that about experience. Smart people hire smart people...

I've never cared much for the big resume people. I've had bad experiences managing people with 4.0 GPA's in computer science that are supposed to be great. Give them a test question like they got in school, they do great. But something goes a little "off" the books and the curriculum they were taught and they can't debug at all. Then some college dropouts who are computer wizards do great without the resume...

You need to find an employer with a little vision...and you will eventually get someone who sees through the "needing experience" and give you a shot...but the bigger issue is that times are tough.