Journey So Far: Balancing College, Career, and Growth as a Designer.

Four years ago, I took my first steps into the world of design, uncertain but determined. Today, as I prepare for the next phase of my professional journey, I find myself reflecting on the experiences, challenges, and lessons that have shaped me into the designer I am today.

One of the most important aspects of my journey has been the impact I have made in every role I have taken on. I firmly believe that wherever I work, I should leave behind a legacy — something that others can build upon and be inspired by even after I move on. This philosophy has guided me throughout my career, shaping the way I approach my work and my contributions. In every role, from college associations to industry projects, I have strived to create systems, strategies, and initiatives that continue to grow and evolve beyond my tenure.

Walking Two Paths: A Student and a Designer

Being a full-time engineering student while working as a designer was never easy. There were countless sleepless nights, skipped meals, and missed trips with friends. At times, I questioned whether I was making the right choices — should I embrace the carefree college life, making memories with friends, or should I focus on my career, building something for my future? The answer was never simple.

Especially as someone who had been pushed into Electronics Engineering without much interest in it, every step toward design felt like a fight against the tide. I had no alternative path — I had to carve one for myself. Every project, every opportunity, every late-night learning session was a part of that journey. Looking back now, I know that every sacrifice was worth it.

From a College Designer to a Professional

My journey as a designer started at my college department’s association, where I took on the role of designer and later led the creative team. Organizing events, preparing posters, and setting up creative strategies — it was my first real taste of responsibility in the field I loved. That experience opened doors to work with IEDC and IEEE, where I actively contributed to flagship programs like Inspiria and the annual IEEE magazine.

Then came my first real-world opportunity — joining MuLearn Foundation as a UX Designer. What started as an individual role soon evolved into leading the UX team and managing the UX Interest Group. Being part of an active community gave me exposure, connections, and knowledge that shaped my professional mindset. During this time, I also worked on a Microsoft CSR project, mentoring students from tier-three colleges pursuing various degrees, helping them build careers in design. The opportunity to work on an external project soon followed, and I stepped into the role of a mentor, guiding students of my own age from State Odisha through the fundamentals of UX design.

That was just the beginning. My role as a product designer for a B2B project introduced me to the realities of working in an industry. Learning to navigate client expectations, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and developing solutions that directly impacted businesses — it was a new level of responsibility and growth. With every project, I became more confident in my skills and my ability to create meaningful experiences.

Making an Impact: The Work That Matters

Beyond the personal growth, what truly drives me is the impact I have been able to create.

• At my college department association AECE, I developed a content strategy and design system that is still in use today, serving as a foundation for my juniors to build upon. Seeing my work continue to evolve even after I moved on is something I take immense pride in.
• With IEDC and IEEE, I had the chance to manage large-scale programs and contribute to projects that enhanced the student community’s engagement in technology and design.
• At MuLearn Foundation, I didn’t just work as a UX Designer — I built learning experiences for aspiring designers. I actively facilitated and managed the UX Office Hours, a weekly virtual discussion on design trends, which started as a one-person initiative but grew into a regular event with 10–15 active participants.
• At Gyanoholic International, I mentored over 1,000 students, guiding some from tier-three colleges to landing jobs as UX designers. Watching these students grow and succeed while working on impactful real-world projects was one of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey.
• While working there, I was also part of a team developing a B2B project for farmers, contributing to UX research and early concept development. This project focused on creating a solution that helped farmers bring their crops to market without the interference of middlemen. Knowing that my design work had the potential to impact real lives was a powerful realization.

Embracing the Future: A New Chapter Begins

The past four years have been filled with challenges, sacrifices, and invaluable lessons. From leading design initiatives to mentoring aspiring designers, from working on passion projects to handling real-world business challenges, every experience has added to my growth.

Now, I stand at the threshold of my next journey as a product designer. The road ahead is still unknown, but I step into it with confidence, equipped with experience, industry exposure, and the relentless drive to create meaningful, impactful designs.

As I move forward, I hope to continue learning, growing, and making a difference — not just in my career but in the lives of those who interact with my designs. To those reading this who are on their own paths, wondering whether to take the leap — know that every step, every struggle, and every sacrifice shapes you into who you are meant to be.

The next chapter awaits. And I am ready.