Growth begins with you. It requires stepping up proactively, forming strong opinions, and voicing them with the confidence of an owner, even in the face of fear and doubt. With each attempt, you’ll edge closer to your breakthrough.
When I began my journey at Google seven years ago, I was a junior designer, diligently executing designs and putting in long hours, convinced that hard work alone would lead to bigger opportunities. However, I soon found myself trapped in a cycle of repetitive small projects, hoping my manager would notice me and grant me the chances I craved.
It wasn’t until I made substantial changes—switching teams and companies, but most importantly, transforming my mindset—that I realized growth must be self-initiated.
A senior designer, by definition, is a proactive thinker and doer. It’s a role no one can simply bestow upon you. I had to evolve from being just an executor to taking ownership, proactively identifying new opportunities, and voicing my opinions despite my fears and doubts. This shift led to accelerated career and personal growth: I gained confidence, took on larger projects, received consecutive promotions, and was invited to speak at multiple international conferences.
Now, as a mentor to junior designers, I often observe the same hesitation I once had—eager to grow but waiting for someone else to push them or grant permission to step up. However, becoming a senior designer requires taking initiative and seizing opportunities yourself.
Does the idea of stepping up scare you? Are you worried about making mistakes, failing to identify new opportunities, or facing disagreement?
I understand. It can be intimidating. But I’m here to share my growth story and the mindset shifts that helped me, in hopes of inspiring you to embark on this transformative journey with excitement rather than fear. The butterfly inside you is waiting to emerge.
Growth Begins With You
A senior designer, by definition, is a proactive thinker and doer. No one can hand you this role; you must step up to it. Here’s how you can initiate this transformation:
- Change Your Mindset
Your mindset is the cornerstone of your career growth. To become a senior designer, you need to shift from being an executor to an owner. This means not just completing tasks but taking full responsibility for your projects, identifying new opportunities, and driving initiatives forward. At Google, I learned that waiting for recognition or bigger projects was futile. Instead, I started seeking out opportunities and presenting my ideas confidently. - Be Proactive
Proactivity is key to career advancement. Rather than waiting for projects to be assigned to you, identify areas where you can contribute and take the initiative. This could mean proposing new design solutions, improving existing processes, or even suggesting new projects. When I moved to Meta, I carried this proactive attitude with me, which allowed me to work on more significant projects and gain visibility within the company. - Voice Your Opinions
As a senior designer, your opinions matter. It’s crucial to voice your thoughts and ideas, even if you’re not entirely sure of them. This shows confidence and leadership potential. Early in my career, I was hesitant to speak up, fearing I might be wrong. Over time, I realized that contributing my perspective, even in uncertain situations, was vital. It not only demonstrated my commitment but also helped in refining my ideas through feedback and discussion. - Embrace Challenges
When faced with challenges, focus on understanding and learning rather than just trying to win. This approach fosters a growth mindset and resilience. During my time at Google, I encountered numerous challenges, but each was an opportunity to learn and improve. Embracing these challenges and working through them was crucial to my development as a senior designer. - Overcome Fear and Doubt
Fear and doubt are natural, but they shouldn’t hold you back. Stepping up to new responsibilities can be intimidating, but it’s essential to push through these feelings. Throughout my career, I faced moments of self-doubt, but pushing through these moments led to significant growth and achievements. Each step forward, despite the fear, brought me closer to my goals.
Real-World Application: My Growth Journey
When I decided to make these changes, my career trajectory transformed. I moved to different teams and companies, each time bringing a proactive and ownership-driven mindset. This led to faster career and personal growth—I became more confident, worked on larger and more impactful projects, received back-to-back promotions, and was invited to speak at multiple international conferences.
Mentoring Junior Designers
Now, as I mentor junior designers, I see similar hesitations in them—eager to grow but waiting for others to give them a push. My advice to them is always the same: the transformation into a senior designer requires you to step up proactively and identify new opportunities yourself. It’s about initiating your growth journey and taking ownership of your career path.
The Butterfly Within
The journey to becoming a senior designer is transformative. It requires a proactive mindset, a willingness to take risks, and the courage to voice your opinions and embrace challenges. Remember, the butterfly within you is waiting to emerge. By making these mindset shifts and taking ownership of your career, you can achieve your goal of becoming a senior designer.