“I found that what excited me most was designing solutions that truly worked for people.”

What work were you doing previously?    

I began my career in 2004 as a Public Relations Officer.

In 2014, I moved into teaching, where I worked until 2021. Alongside this, I explored entrepreneurship and ran a startup from 2015–2016.

I later took a career break to focus on raising my two premature daughters.

What are you doing now?    

I’m working as a UI UX Designer with Cognizant Technologies Solution.

Why did you change?

Across PR, teaching, and running a startup, I realised I most enjoyed understanding people’s needs and solving problems in ways that made things clearer and easier for them.

I was consistently drawn to improving experiences – whether that meant refining messaging, redesigning lesson materials, or shaping a product based on user feedback.

When I discovered UX design, it felt like a natural fit, as it brought together communication, empathy, problem-solving, and creativity in one role.

When was the moment you decided to make the change?    

The idea developed over time, but two experiences stood out.

As a teacher, I often redesigned lesson plans after observing where students became confused or disengaged. I enjoyed analysing these pain points and adjusting the structure or visuals to improve understanding.

The real turning point came during my startup journey (2015–2016), where I worked closely with users, tested ideas quickly, and iterated based on feedback.

I realised that what excited me most wasn’t running a business, but designing solutions that genuinely worked for people. That’s when I decided to pursue UX design seriously.

How did you choose your new career?

When I learned about UX design, everything clicked.

It combined the communication skills I’d gained in PR, the empathy and clarity from teaching, and the user-focused problem-solving I’d experienced while running a startup. It felt less like a career change and more like a natural progression.

Are you happy with the change?  

Yes, very much so.

UX design aligns closely with my strengths and interests. I enjoy the balance of creativity, logic, and empathy, and I feel more confident and fulfilled in my work than I did in my previous roles.

What do you miss and what don't you miss?

I miss the direct human interaction from teaching and the fast-paced problem-solving of startup life.

However, I don’t miss the limitations of rigid curricula or the financial pressure and unpredictability of running a business alone. UX gives me the best of both worlds: meaningful problem-solving, collaboration, creativity, and long-term stability.

How did you go about making the shift?

I approached the transition gradually and intentionally.

I took formal UX courses to build a strong foundation, while applying what I learned to real problems through hands-on projects and case studies. I built a portfolio, sought mentorship, joined design communities, and collaborated on small projects to develop practical experience.

By the time I moved into UX roles, I was able to bring together skills from business, communication, and product thinking as a well-rounded designer.

What didn’t go well? What wrong turns did you take?

My startup from 2015–2016 was ultimately shut down due to financial constraints and limited resources.

While it felt like a setback at the time, it taught me valuable lessons about resilience, prioritisation, user needs, and working under pressure – all of which have been useful in my UX career.

How did you handle your finances to make your shift possible?    

During my teaching years, I ensured that I saved enough to cover my living expenses while I invested in learning and building a portfolio.

I also leveraged my experience running a startup, where I had already managed budgets, so I was conscious about prioritising spending and avoiding unnecessary costs.

What was the most difficult thing about changing?

Starting again outside my comfort zone.

Moving into UX meant learning new tools, methods, and ways of thinking, despite having years of experience in other fields. That initial adjustment was challenging but ultimately rewarding.

What help did you get?

I received guidance from mentors and UX professionals, particularly around portfolio development and best practices.

I also relied on structured courses and workshops, as well as strong personal support from my family, especially my husband.

What do you wish you'd done differently?

I wish I’d explored UX earlier, even while teaching or running my startup.

That said, each stage of my career gave me transferable skills that have strengthened how I approach problem-solving today.

What would you advise others to do in the same situation? 

I'd advise others to approach a career shift with intentional planning and patience.

First, understand the skills required in your new field and start learning them early through courses, projects, or mentorship.

Second, leverage your past experiences, because transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, or leadership are often highly valuable in a new role.

I’d also emphasize the importance of building a portfolio or practical experience, even through small projects, to demonstrate your capabilities.

Finally, seek guidance and support from mentors, peers, and your personal network. It makes the transition smoother and helps maintain confidence along the way.

Most importantly, be patient and persistent. Meaningful career changes take time, but the growth is worth it.

What resources would you recommend to others?

I’d recommend a combination of structured learning, hands-on practice, and community engagement.

Combining these resources gives both the knowledge and practical experience needed to confidently transition into any career. 

What lessons could you take from Preeti's story to use in your own career change? Let us know in the comments below.