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Alternative careers

SLP to UX Research

Making the transition from a speech therapist to a UX (user experience) researcher can be an exciting opportunity to use your skills and expertise in a new field.

Making the transition from a speech therapist to a UX (user experience) researcher can be an exciting opportunity to use your skills and expertise in a new field. While the two careers may seem unrelated at first glance, there are many key similarities between them.

Some overlap in skills include: 

  • Effective communication
  • Understand and addressing the needs of others
  • Active listening
  • Empathy
  • Analyzing and interpreting data
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Creativity, including creative problem-solving

UX researchers must be able to understand the needs and goals of users in order to design products and services that meet their needs. SLPs must be able to understand patients and their individual needs.Both careers may build into their understanding of people by asking open-ended questions, and observing nonverbal cues to learn more about what’s happening and why. 

Data interpretation is another top skill. Speech therapists use data to track progress and identify areas of improvement, while UX researchers use data to understand user behavior and inform design decisions. Both careers also require strong problem-solving skills and the ability to come up with creative solutions to complex challenges.

If you’re considering making the transition to UX research, it’s important to be proactive about developing the skills and knowledge that you’ll need. This may involve taking online courses or earning a degree in a related field, such as human-computer interaction or psychology. It’s also important to build a strong portfolio of work, showcasing your research skills and the insights you’ve gained from working with clients or users.

Finally, it’s helpful to network with professionals in the field and seek out opportunities to gain hands-on experience. Internships, volunteer work, or part-time positions are all great ways to apply skills and learn from those with more career experience. With determination and hard work, you can successfully make the transition to a new career as a UX researcher and continue to make a positive impact on the world around you.