How I Landed a Job in Quantum Computing as a UX/UI Designer
I always felt that entering the quantum computing space without a technical background would be unachievable, something I could never accomplish in my lifetime. However, it happened, and I want to share my story as inspiration for anyone dreaming of breaking into a field they once thought was impossible.
Why Quantum Computing?
Quantum computing feels magical to me. It explores phenomena we can’t fully explain, uncovering the mysteries of nature and putting them to work. This field leverages nature’s greatest capabilities to solve problems that are either impossible to address with current computing technology or would require unsustainable amounts of resources. I firmly believe that by harnessing nature’s principles, we can unlock the next frontier of technology.
During my time at BCG (about which you can read more here), I discovered my passion for supporting technical teams and collaborating with them. I found the complexities of their products and the challenging environments in which they operate both stimulating and rewarding. Solving those challenges motivated me to continue helping such teams in their missions.
Working in the quantum computing space allows me to tackle challenges that no other industry can offer. The technology is still in its infancy — we don’t yet know what lies ahead, and that uncertainty makes the journey even more exciting. I wanted to be part of this mission, to contribute to its growth, and to simply help.
What Initiatives I Took?
Quantum Computing Course
I wanted to explore the topic further to gain a deeper understanding of the quantum computing space — just enough to grasp its fundamentals. I was searching for opportunities to expand my knowledge while keeping it accessible. That’s when I discovered a program offered by The Coding School and IBM, designed for high school students, and decided to apply. To my delight, I was accepted.
Surprisingly, my high school math background was enough to keep up with the course. The experience felt magical as we learned hands-on concepts that underpin quantum science. I didn’t enroll in the course with the expectation of landing a job in the field; I was simply captivated by the subject and wanted to get as close to it as possible.
Networking
I can get pretty obsessed with a subject, so naturally, I started networking in the quantum computing space. I reached out to people working in quantum computing companies — which, to be honest, aren’t that numerous, so the selection wasn’t difficult. The challenging part was whether anyone would reply, as these professionals are incredibly busy.
During my research, I discovered just one active designer in the quantum computing industry outside of IBM, which has its own dedicated quantum computing department with in-house designers. Can you imagine? At the time, there was only one full-time designer working in this field outside of large corporations.
I reached out to him on Twitter and asked questions like, “What experience and qualities do I need to have to work in this industry?”
Wrote An Article
At the same time, I wanted to deepen my knowledge beyond the experience I had gained at BCG, particularly about B2B, data-rich products. Writing articles has always been a great way for me to express my ideas, so that’s exactly what I did. You can find one of those articles here.
What’s truly remarkable is that I included a quote from the then Head of Design at IonQ in that article. That individual later became both my manager and the Director of Product. It’s a highlight of the article for me — a testament to how life can turn around in the most surprising ways.
Created Trend Report
At that time, I was eager to challenge myself by envisioning future trends through a focused exploration of specific topics. This time, my focus was on Gen Z and quantum computing. You can find the report here.
In this report, I examined how the key trends shaping the Gen Z generation, combined with advancements in quantum computing, could create new driving forces for the economy, science, and society.
I also want to mention that I presented all my explorations, along with the courses I had taken, to the quantum computing company I was applying to.
Opened Instagram Account
Lastly, I managed an Instagram account where I posted content related to UX and trends in the technology sector. My goal was to inspire designers by showcasing the possibilities of emerging technologies and providing educational content tailored to UX designers. At the same time, I treated the account as a platform to explore my own ideas.
One of the topics I focused on was quantum computing. I gave myself assignments such as exploring applications in the quantum computing space, ethical considerations, and the UX skills needed in this field. I would dive into these subjects and create posts to share my findings.
My hope was that the content would resonate not only with fellow designers but also with other creatives interested in the space.
What Was the Process Like?
While messaging what would soon be my manager, I noticed a job posting for a Product Designer role at IonQ. I applied immediately and mentioned my application to him. Shortly after, I received a call from a recruiter, marking the first step in the process.
The next step was a portfolio review with the manager. During the review, I walked him through one of my past projects. I remember the call as being friendly and engaging; we both had the chance to learn about each other. After passing that stage, I was invited to a panel interview with more team members. For this, I chose a different project to present, one that I felt aligned more closely with IonQ’s work. That session went well, and then I had individual interviews with several team members, mainly engineers.
Throughout the process, I got a strong sense of a welcoming culture and a team united around a common goal. The experience felt surreal yet familiar, as I had been through many job interviews during my career. What made this one extraordinary was that it was for a role in the industry of my dreams.
Although I didn’t hold many expectations, I also never give up on what I want, so I knew that, sooner or later, I would achieve this dream.
A couple of days later, I received an email from the recruiter: “We want to make you an offer.”
I was at the Amtrak station in Los Angeles, waiting for my train to Chicago, when it all sank in. I was beyond happy — I had done it. Not only was I about to embark on a wonderful train ride across the United States, but I had also just landed my dream job. It felt like two of the best worlds coming together.
How Do I Feel About This Position After 3 Years?
At first, learning new things in this role required a great deal of mental effort. I had experienced something similar during my time at BCG, where I was often assigned to new projects aimed at innovating within specific domains — domains I typically knew nothing about at the start. The challenge was to become an expert quickly enough to excel.
As designers, I believe we develop strategies over time to manage complexity effectively. We learn to focus on what’s immediately necessary while gradually acquiring deeper knowledge in steps. This approach helped me navigate the steep learning curve here.
Transitioning from management consulting to being an in-house designer was also a significant change. Beyond supporting the roadmap, I became responsible for other initiatives aimed at enhancing our platform and user experience. The scope of my responsibilities expanded significantly compared to my previous role, and I felt a strong sense of accountability to deliver the best possible UX for our customers. Acting as a Product Designer Owner taught me to think more holistically about UX initiatives, foster collaboration with engineering and product management, and broaden my perspective. I can confidently say that I’ve matured immensely as a product designer over the past three years.
Given my lack of a quantum engineering background, I had to rely heavily on users with technical expertise to guide me. Since I couldn’t fully interact with the product myself, customer interviews and Slack interactions became part of my daily routine. I had to quickly learn how to conduct user research in a field I initially knew little about, constantly validating my assumptions and refining my product recommendations.
The most rewarding aspect of this job has been building relationships with people and seeing features ship — knowing they genuinely help engineers and researchers. Working in this field is incredibly fulfilling because everyone is relentlessly working toward the same goal, with no time to waste. It’s an environment filled with dedicated, intelligent, and supportive people, making it a truly inspiring place to be.
Recommendations for Designers Trying to Break into the Scientific Field
I wanted to share some strategies I would use if I were trying to break into a specific field. These may or may not work for you — it depends on how you like to spend your time and what excites you. While following a set of rules or templates can be helpful, I believe it’s much more rewarding to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. Find a format that suits your personal style and approach.
Here are a few tips:
- Make connections and genuinely ask people what it means to work in the field you’re interested in.
- Take relevant courses to build your knowledge and skills.
- Think of side projects that can deepen your understanding of the industry and demonstrate your interest.
- Attend events related to the job you want to pursue.
Get as close as possible to your goal, and remember to be patient. Enjoy the journey along the way!
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