Hey, look what I can do: A Meetup experience

After weeks of going to class and learning more and more about the world of User Experience I felt the need to leap. Eager to get my hands on a live project yet nervous about appearing professionally confident enough to execute I decided to attend a meetup.

To be honest, I see the value, but I am one who has to find their people skills before attending these types of things. Luckily I realized I didn’t have to go in this alone I mention it to my classmate who agrees to come with. One thing I’ve learned throughout this boot camp experience is you’re not alone. Everyone is just as eager and shy as you so you can leap together.

About the meetup.

The meetup was designed for start ups to pitch their ideas and state their needs. After everyone said their pitch, we (the UX/UI, dev, etc.) would go to speak with whomever we had interest in.

My first mistake was ignoring my first mind, I changed my mind about which table to go to when I saw more people going toward my top interest. The table I arrived at included 3 other people. The Entrepreneur asked for everyone’s experience I told her what I knew about UX, my experience in it all, she said “okay”, she went to the next lady. This woman was a bit aggressive by nature. As she responded in between bites of her cheeses quesadilla, she muttered, “I do UX”.

Now I am stunned, like that’s it?

I’m just exhaling a list of skill sets and all she says is “I do UX”?! The entrepreneur had more questions like how long. “I’ve been doing it for like 10 years, I do a bit of front end too” and that you guys is when the entrepreneur no longer paid attention to a single soul other than hers at the table. She went on to explain what she needed and what they have tried, the lady continued to snack on her meal and give her responses.

Seeing that made me realize it was time to leave. I walk over to the table I originally had in mind. The guy explained his plan and answered all questions with ease. Seeing that I slid in after intros I felt that at most I would catch him afterward to introduce myself. The conversation moved to something I could comment on, and without hesitation I spoke. The guy turns toward me and says yes you’re right and then asked me more questions about my experience. This time I calmly explained it with four topics Writing, UX, and some HTML and CSS. I learned from the quesadilla lady short and sweet cannot be beat. This leads to more questions and continued conversation.

What I learned.

This meetup experience was not my first, but it was the first after learning the skill set. Approach these with humble confidence, talk about what you know but leave room for people to ask questions creating a lengthy conversation.

Taking someone along with you is great because you have a familiar face and someone to talk to about it when it’s done. This also gives you someone to work out how you pitch your skills, bring about topics, etc. and these events making you both stronger candidates.

Going to class is half of the work when in a boot camp, the networking is what presents the opportunities.

Overall, I’m glad I attended. Starting the process was half the battle but there was something about being ignored at that table that encouraged me to always go toward my passions. Don’t doubt yourself and keep evolving. I’m excited to attend the next meetup and see where it takes me.

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