I chat to Laura about the world of UX design contracting.
Laura → https://laurablock.co/
Laura shares her journey of transitioning into the tech world with an English literature degree from Columbia University, diving headfirst into contracting after graduation. She outlines the independence and freedom she enjoys as a contractor compared to a permanent role. Laura also advises aspiring contracts on being financially prepared, getting a portfolio ready, and being confident.
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▶️ Watch next
• Find the design career you genuinely love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR8CJb-zulA&t=0s
• Plan a design system in 30 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCk5NsqpeqE&t=0s
• Another video shot at the Barbican: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYqCikaRQm8
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0:00 Introduction and Meeting Laura
01:19 Freelancer vs contractoor
02:02 The benefits of contracting
02:37 The realities of contracting
03:42 How Laura got into UX contracting
04:08 Moving from English Literature to UX Design
05:43 Content first design
06:33 COVID Years
07:10 Starting communities
08:56 Landing the first contract
09:56 Finding more contract jobs
10:35 Contractors need to be confident
11:08 What skills you need
11:53 Flexibility = amazing
13:58 Advice for getting into contracting
14:04 Advice 1: Build up a war chest
15:04 Advice 2: Have a freelancer portfolio
16:36 Advice 3: Leap of Faith
