WELCOME TO

PIVOT

About Pivot founder - UX design expert helping professionals transition into UX careers by leveraging their unique backgrounds

HEY THERE! I'M DENISA, THE FOUNDER OF PIVOT.

My journey into UX wasn't a straight line. I didn't start my career with a traditional design education; instead, I came from Materials Engineering, where I learned to solve problems, think creatively, and build meaningful connections with users. It wasn't until I faced the challenge of breaking into UX that I realized how much my past experiences could contribute to this new field. However, I also realized there was a gap — there wasn't a clear roadmap for people like me who wanted to pivot into UX from another career.

That's where Pivot began. I built this platform to help others who are navigating a similar path. I understand what it's like to feel stuck and unsure about how to frame your past work in a way that makes sense to UX recruiters and hiring managers. I've been there. But I also know that every experience — whether directly in design or not — has value. It's about learning how to highlight that value and present yourself confidently.

Pivot was created to bridge the gap between your previous work and your future career in UX. It's for people who, like me, aretransitioning into UX from other fields and need a way to uncover and frame the experience that's already in their toolkit. Whether you're in a non-design role right now or you've had non-traditional design experiences, Pivot is here to help you connect the dots andtell a compelling story.

UX design workspace setup showing career transition materials and design tools used in Pivot methodology
The Pivot Playbook cover - comprehensive guide for transitioning into UX design career from any background

PIVOT IS A SPACE WHERE YOU CAN

  • Find relevant UX experiences that align with your past work
  • Learn how to frame your skills and projects through a UX lens
  • Build a standout portfolio that catches recruiters' eyes
  • Develop a personal brand that showcases your unique strengths

I HOPE PIVOT SERVES AS YOUR GUIDE

as you navigate your career transition, empowering you to land the UX role that aligns with your passion and potential.

I'm committed to providing real, actionable advice and tools to make your transition smoother and less overwhelming.

Pivot isn't just a resource — it's a community. It's a place where you can find support, share your story, and connect with others. With the insights, tools, and guidance available here, my goal is to make your journey into UX more approachable and achievable. You have something valuable to bring to UX, and Pivot is here to help you see and amplify that.
Career timeline visualization showing successful UX design career transition journey with Pivot platform guidance
A LOOK BACK
2017 - 2024
Everyone's journey into UX is different. Here's mine!
2017
Realized I didn't like my major and had an existential crisis.
Graduated with a degree in Materials Science & Engineering and got my first real job at a composites manufacturing plant.
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2018
Went back for a Master's, hoping that specializing in composites would help me find my passion.
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2019
Did all the personality tests trying to figure out the best career path for me.
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2020
Finished my master's as COVID hit and was desperate for a job.
Got a job as a consultant at BART (SF Bay Area Rapid Transit District) through a grad school connection.
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2021
My mom pointed out that I was obsessed with psychology books!
Discovered UX design and started CareerFoundry's User Experience Design bootcamp.
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2022
Started applying to UX design jobs.
Kept applying ... and applying ... and applying.
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2023
Noticed a need for UX design at BART and started with redesigning the System Access process.
Championed my work while networking, and found like-minded people at BART.
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2024
Joined the Performance & Innovation team to improve digital (and other!) internal processes.
Started Pivot to share what I learned along the way with the dream of helping others transitioning into UX Design.
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