Have you experienced difficulty in maintaining a brand identity specifically a personal brand?
I always want to have my brand using my name, yet I suck at it. I want to use my name, but the universe doesn’t allow me because almost all my name combinations are taken.
My name is common, and there is also a local artist who has the same name as mine.
I have decided to stick to one username where all social media platforms are available, and free to open an account for that username. In this case, it is easier to build my brand with just one username for all platforms.
I’ve faced this struggle like I don’t know if I should create a business name or somewhat unique without my name on it. But as someone who wants to have a personal brand to grow my career and to meet new people in the industry is all that I wanted.
@kimarodri forInstagram, Twitter, Behance, and TikTok
Do you believe that if you never stop thinking and continuously trust the process, something destined for you will come? Something that you’ve always waited for?
I never give up. I always wake up each day and face the reality of my life. Someone who doesn’t have that significant achievement yet. Someone who is still finding the right way to see the light.
I feel lost and don’t have a clear idea of what my mission is in this life. Time is running, the face is wrinkling, and the breath is weakening.
I was so down last month. Something about 28? Feb 28, to be specific! Well, I don’t know what’s with 28, and I keep seeing it anywhere. But here is the funny and miraculous thing.
Last month exactly February 28, I posted about rejections from different job opportunities I applied for. Since I’m a career shifter and the competition is high, I am slowly losing hope and wanting to stop trying – that feeling of questioning my knowledge and whole self.
But every time I think about giving up, I also believe I should trust the process and God because every rejection means a redirection. I prayed every time and told him that I was ok getting rejections because I knew that he had a plan for me and would deploy me where he thinks is the right company and job for me.
Now, I want you to know that I FINALLY GOT MY DREAM JOB!! I was hired as a UX Researcher, and I am so happy, blessed, and thankful for this opportunity. As someone who transitioned career, this is an achievement for me.
Thank you, God! Thank you to the company that trusts and believes in me. I will do my best!
My favorite month is about to end; whether I like it or not, I can’t do anything but accept and go with the flow of life.
I’ve been surviving 2023 with a growth mindset; however, pressure kills my vibe. Looking back when 2023 just came in, but now the second month of 2023 is about to end, it hit me how time changes so fast. Why so fast? I’m scared that I might end up accomplishing nothing this year. I’m afraid that I won’t finish all my goals.
Monthly check
I’m starting a monthly check, and it’s the overall achievement and accomplishments I’ve made this month. I want to help myself to stay on track. I believe with this kind of mentality and accountability, I can realign my goals and system. This monthly check is the only way I can help myself by doing my best and becoming consistent in my agendas.
Job hunting
Since I finished my Google UX Specialization, I started to build up my portfolio using Behance and updated my resume. I applied to numerous job postings on Indeed, LinkedIn, and JobStreet. Most of them offer UX Designer and UX Researcher positions. I used and got rejected, and it’s okay.
For me, rejection is just a redirection and a lesson. At least with my experiences, especially during interviews, I learned the dos and don’ts what to say and elaborate on discussions, and what the hiring managers wanted to hear from me. Also, the most important thing that how I will present myself, my skills, and my portfolio to them and the impact of it on others.
Honestly, there was a day that I felt so down about the happenings of my life. I cried and wanted to give up. But I remember the quote, “This too shall pass.” My mind kept repeating it until I got up and faced life again.
Rejections are challenges I should face and pass by. I need to work on myself and improve my skills to land a job. I know I can do this. Also, as a User Experience Designer, I should know how to address these pain points. I should know every detail to come up with a solution.
Now, I am in the process of designing my life. Creating the future I wanted to be.
I started creating a personal identity: a personal brand and a logo. I just used my name, Kima Rodriguez. So people could easily recognize who I was.
Personal branding
My goal is to have a brand that is an understanding, friendly, creative, and trustworthy vibe. it is more of a “your bestie brand” that speaks to my personality; someone who is approachable and easy to get along with. my brand will focus on helping MSME and startup virtual games companies.
Aquago branding
Aquago is a delivery company brand that is perfect for helping water station business owners and consumers digitize their drinking water businesses with an added workforce for deliveries from stores to their customers’ houses.
These two are my accomplishments this month. I know it is not that big, but then, little progress is still progress. Not all of us started big or produced a lot when just starting. I will keep on practicing and improving myself until I find the right opportunity that will change my life.
You’ve reached this part, and I would like to thank you for spending a few minutes reading my random thoughts. Feel free to connect with me. 🫶🏻
I’m constantly encountering this question whenever I’m communicating with recruiters during interviews or with colleagues and friends.
One of my “common” (because I encounter it all the time) problems is that I don’t know what and where I’m good at. This is also why I look around to find my way.
A road that I can turn to keep my engine moving and enjoy my journey.
Love at first sight
I stumbled upon user experience in the book The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman and vloggers, so I researched more about it, read articles, and attended courses and conferences. The good thing is that I’m enjoying it. At first, I was not fully committed because I was weighing things out. Still, as time went to by, I also realized that this was the kind of work I always dreamed about – working for products, doing research, collecting users’ insights, improving the outcomes and process, designing, and working with a team of creatives. I love that.
Am I fit?
As someone with a background in research, who loves creative design digitally or personally, who is empathetic, and who loves helping and storytelling with the people around me, yes! I will do my best to improve more. That’s why I decided that this User Experience is the career I want.
Learning is a never-ending process, and it goes along with it because of day-to-day experiences with people, projects, collaborations, etc.
It may sound simple and easy, but it is not. It requires a lot of time, patience, hard work, problem-solving, and creativity to finish a project. And all I can say is that I love it! I experienced different challenges, including “Impostor syndrome,” and yet I am still trying and pursuing it.
Final thoughts
This is life. This is how things should be. But as we go along, we are improving and learning. I may be a failure at some points in my life, but my journey doesn’t end there because I am also a gambler when it comes to life challenges and opportunities. I lose hope most of the time, but I stand up and start with my “why” to get things done.
Life consists of many challenges we must be ready to face. You may be a failure on some points, but it doesn’t mean you are already a failure and have no hope. Usually, failure is an opportunity to learn, improve, and get motivated. Heads up! We can do this!
I’m turning 28 in a few days, and here I am, still in the same boat as before. I wonder where this pressure and fear come from, but I do feel that turning 28 in this state is not something that I wish about.
I always overthink and ask myself these questions “What happened?”, “Is this the end?”, “Will I still be able to achieve my dreams?” and “Until when will I stay this way?”
Turning 28 with no job, savings, or career is something that all people are scared about. I can’t blame anyone, though I know I am the only one responsible for my life. I am still lucky to live in a house with food to eat and water to drink.
I’m a failure but a learner
I failed in different scenarios in my life. I don’t know where it all starts, but from the very first, I don’t know what I want.
What college degree?
When I entered college, I was undecided. I wanted a computer-related course, but then I took Biology because my parents suggested I could become a doctor. However, I learned that we should follow what our hearts want – our passion and the talent that God gave us. We must find and believe that we can succeed by doing what we are happy for.
How was it?
For those years, I had a hard time, but I just wanted to enjoy myself and get things done. I enjoyed research more than my other subjects. I enjoyed working alone and finishing things up. Maybe this is also part of my introverted character, and then I learned to put down my walls and let other people know me better.
I graduated but a year late!
Do we have the same environment that entering a prestigious school, getting a significant degree, and graduating on time will make you successful? Oh well, those were beliefs by the odds. During and after graduation, I was so shy and doubtful, well I lived in an environment of “she graduated late?”, “maybe she is not that intelligent,” “Ohh poor, why she didn’t make it on time?” and a lot more. I was affected by that criticism, but then I knew there were all “just” opinions. Late or on time, if you graduate, you graduate. That’s it. I learned that having different timelines will only cause you depression if you keep on comparing with others.
A thesis presented in THAILAND!
Did I tell you that I love research? Well, this is one of my most significant milestones. Do you know why I graduated late? Because I have to finish my experiment for my thesis and I have no control over how my microorganisms will work for me, I need a lot longer time for them to grow for the fermentation. By the way, my thesis is about “ethanol-producing yeast from naturally fermenting fruits.” I graduated late, but I was able to present my undergraduate thesis in Thailand! I’m so happy, but you know what even made me happy? Seeing my parents so proud of me. (cries 😂)
Make your parents proud by pursuing a Master’s degree at a top-notch university gone wrong!
I always wanted to make my parents proud of me. They are parents who, if their children are high achievers academically, will boast you all to their friends and colleagues. Hey, I want that! So I entered a top-notch university in my country. I submitted all requirements and even applied for a scholarship. You know what? I made it! I was accepted, but the scholarship was still on hold since I’m on probationary status. Am I happy? Yes, I am so glad because I entered a top-notch university. My parents are so proud of me, especially for the major I get, which is Master of Science in Microbiology. But wait, as much as I want to make them proud, and I am having second thoughts about making myself proud this time. So I questioned myself for years while pursuing the degree. Sadly, I failed. I cried and thought that everything would be okay and would fall into the right places.
Work, earn, and treat your family!
Since I failed my master’s degree, I found a job and worked as a microbiologist at a healthcare company. It pays well, and I can earn just the right to treat my family and help my parents to pay bills. I enjoyed everything about the job, but there’s a thing in me that is this really what you wanted. From college to master’s to work. Am I really for this? When will I do the things that I want? When will I find the happy me? Covid came and got infected by it. During those times pandemic, I found what I wanted to pursue. I found, UX!
Rejections there and everywhere
I finished Google UX Design Specialization and produced three projects. I am so proud of myself this time, my parents might not be, but I am pleased. It’s like I am starting from scratch because I am learning a different kind of field. I used the Coursera platform for my career transition process, and I learned a lot. However, competition in this field is so high. I applied to multiple companies, and I didn’t make it. There are so many applicants who for sure have the qualities and experience they are looking for. Nevertheless, I will make this experience an inspiration to do more and practice more to enhance my skills and improve my work.
And now you know me so well, are you ready to read more of my stories? Stay tuned for the next chapters. By the way, I’m Kimberly, but you can call me Kima, and this is my story. 🫶🏻
I am a shy type of person and not socially active, especially when doing video recordings. That’s why I prefer blogging over vlogging. My first attempt at video recording was when I tried to record my Watsons’ haul. I uploaded it on YouTube, but kept it private. Check here: Vlogging as an Introvert
Yesterday, I shot my first video recording answering three questions given by the company’s HR that I am applying to. Honestly, this is my weakness. Maybe I am not used to it because I only worked before in laboratories which doesn’t need much exposure.
I spent like 3-4 hours of shooting and 15 minutes of editing. I am ready that my application will not be processed for the next step of the application.
But, whatever the results, I am still grateful and happy because I did it! Like, Everything has their first time, and not everyone is excellent or expert in their first time. I know I can improve my skills, primarily if motivated to do so. I am happy that the company asked me to do it, hehe. Trying is better than not trying at all. ♥️
Like what Bebe Rexha sang in the song Meant to Be:
If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be Baby, just let it be
Google is like my partner in my everyday life because it is my go-to platform for almost everything! With just a click away from the search engine, I can find all the needed articles, blog posts, images, and videos!
Google also helps me easily communicate with everyone online around the world. I can send and receive emails, plan my schedules using Google Calendar, track my everyday tasks with Google Keep, and edit my docs using Google Docs. I can even create an online survey to share with everyone. How lucky of us all to have something like Google, right?
Since I’m in the process of transitioning my career to UX, I searched for free courses online, and I stumbled upon the Coursera platform that provides online education for everyone. On this platform, I saw the Google UX Design Certificate and became curious about how UX works on their end. So I applied for Financial Aid for this certification, and luckily, they granted me!
Who would have thought that I could get Financial Aid from Google? This is a blessing for me!
Since Google advised their students (who are taking the courses) that it is more productive and motivational if we have a group or community where we can discuss the topics and help each other in these courses, I’ve decided to join a specific Facebook Group named Google UX Design Certificate Group | Coursera. I posted about a study buddy in the same phase as me, like Course One, because I just recently started. I didn’t expect that there would also be many students who just recently started!
I am delighted because I can do my self-paced study and get a certification after completing these seven courses from the Google UX Design Certificate. I am excited to learn more.
I am grateful to be part of this Google UX Design Certificate and to do my best not just to finish the seven courses but to understand and apply all the knowledge and skills to my future endeavors.
I will update my learning and experience as much as I can! ♥️
Working/Study table is essential, especially when you’re working with computers or laptops or taking down notes and sketching. It is hard to focus when you don’t have the right table to work and become productive.
Recently, I have decided to transition my career to User Experience Research. I spent most of my time with my laptop because I enrolled in some UX-free courses and started playing around using its tools, such as Figma and Adobe XD. Unfortunately, I don’t have a study/working table to set up my learning productivity system, yet I decided to improvise a table that can be useful to my learning journey.
I used to have a study/working table before, but my sister borrowed it because she is currently working remotely. I don’t have a plan to get it back because her work is more important than mine. Since I am still studying and practicing UX, getting a new working/study table isn’t necessary. Yet, I set that I will be rewarding myself with a new table once I finish the free courses that I am currently taking and when I get a job/internship remotely.
I have a side bed table that I don’t usually use, and I had decided to put a big empty box on it so that when I placed my laptop, the height was still tolerable. I use my bed as my chair at the moment, and everything works fine. Sometimes, I go to the dining area of our house to use the dining table. I am still blessed because I can still work on my progress for career transition.
I browsed my ideal table using the Shopee app because I planned to reward myself with a study/working table after my study phase. I am having a hard time choosing because they are all beautiful and affordable, but there’s this one table that caught my eye.
I like how minimal and affordable the table is. It also has a spacious surface to use and is easy to assemble. However, I haven’t tried ordering tables online before, and I am pretty worried about the missing parts, scratches, or damage to table pieces.
So that’s my ideal table ♥️ but for now, I am using my improvised table. Still functional and helpful for my learning journey. I can move it around and remove the box if I want to. 😂
Before you start doing what you love or want to pursue, you must first build a better plan.
Creating a better strategy/method is one of the most critical success factors. Setting a goal is a good skill because you know what, where, when, and how to start. You are urging to accomplish and reward yourself after finishing your creation. You are more prepared and motivated because you know which path to take.
Honestly, when I was in college, I was unaware of these things. I’m that person who follows what life can offer. My daily tasks are usually what a day might bring to me. I don’t have plans, to-do lists, schedules, or even an idea of how I will spend a day. Maybe that’s the reason why I barely completed my tasks. I usually forget some essential things to do because I don’t have a plan, and it sucks because I often mislead my priorities in a day, weeks, months, and even years!
As time went by, I started noting my tasks using an application. It helps me to track my productivity and progress in a day, and that new habit continues up to now. I am using Things3 for my daily tasks and track my progress and check where I stopped and where I should start. I like the logbook feature because I can check my accomplishments and become motivated to finish everything left.
Once you know how your day-to-day schedule works, then you’ll see a routine where you can plot your programs and plans. To start your learning plan, you have to:
1. Identify first your main goal and the reason why you need to accomplish that goal.
2. Have a self-assessment and know your strengths and weaknesses
3. Prioritize the skills that you need to focus on by creating a quadrant
4. Create a learning preference table to group the prioritized skills you want to pursue
Formal Learning – learning with diploma or certification,
Social Learning – learning via observation or watching online tutorials, and
Experiential Learning – learning via hands-on, practical, or by simply doing it
5. Create how you will put your learning plan into action. Do with SMART guide
5. List down your learning resources and support
6. Track your progress and celebrate.
These are some of the most critical planning guides that you must follow when you are just starting. I’m not professionally advising the best plan that suits you, but you may consider these steps and see if they might work for you.
I will provide a sample template of my planned Learning Plan for my UX Journey. I will put the link below if it’s already available.
Following different useful planner templates from the internet helps you to become more productive in your daily tasks because your plans guide you. But creating your way of planning is much better because you will know what suits your schedule and your learning type best.
I have so many ideas in my mind but the only thing that stops me is confidence. Coming from a different field of career to Technology and Design field is a huge step to take.
I am so overwhelmed with every idea and output of what other people in these fields are sharing and posting. I don’t even know if I am on the right track but I am sure that I am motivated and inspired to do tasks related to UX Design.
I created my first wireframe using the famous UX design tool, Figma. I am familiarizing myself with how to use it and the different techniques about it.
I am excited to finish this case study that I am working on. I already have my user’s persona and other details about the user. I hope I am doing them right. ♥️
