How to show UXR experience when you have 'no experience'

How do I demonstrate work experience when I have no UXR "experience"?

Last week, I shared how I became a UX Researcher before I had the official title. The response was incredible, but one question stood out:

"What if you're a job seeker or freelancer who isn't already inside an organisation?"

Fair question. Here's my answer.

The real lesson isn't about copying my path.

My story wasn't meant as a blueprint to follow exactly. It was about asking yourself one crucial question:

"What is in my hand?"

What's within your reach right now that could become your UXR training ground?

A story that changed how I think about "readiness"

There's a biblical story about Moses being sent to confront Pharaoh. Moses was terrified and made every excuse: "Why would they believe me? What's my credibility? I have no experience with this."

Sound familiar?

God's response was simple: "What is in your hand?"

Moses had a rod. That rod became the tool that made royalty listen.

I've applied this literally whenever I feel unqualified for something. Instead of focusing on what I lack, I ask: What do I already have?

Here's what might be "in your hand"

Your current job: Can you experiment with user research methods while still hitting your core responsibilities?

Your network: Do you have friends or family with businesses that need user research? They'd probably love free help from someone learning.

Your values: What charities do you support? Volunteer to improve their digital platforms through research.

Your community: Connect with aspiring UX designers online. Partner on projects where you handle research, they handle design.

Your observations: Know someone who builds websites without any user research? Offer to collaborate.

The only way to get experience is to GET experience

You can't demonstrate experience you don't have. But you can create experience right where you are.

Start with personal projects, but level up to real-world impact where people will actually use your insights.

The opportunity is there. You just need to see it.

Speaking of opportunities...🔔🔔🔔

I'm hosting a free webinar in July: "How to Break Into UX Research." I'll share my 5-step method to get started from wherever you are right now.

Quick announcements

Free webinar next Wednesday: I'm collaborating with Outwitly on "Usability Testing That Delivers Results" - June 25 at 12 PM EST / 5 PM BST. Sign up here →

Free book alert: Erika Hall is releasing a second edition of "Conversational Design," which means the first edition is now free. Grab your copy before it's gone →

Thanks for reading. Next email hits your inbox Tuesday, July 1st.

What's in your hand?

Tomi O.

P.S. If this resonates, email me [email protected] and tell me what you're working with. I read every response.