It’s hard to believe it has already been six months since I started my placement at DHD. To say I’ve learned a lot would be an understatement. UX was a subject I was immediately drawn to, as it combined creativity, problem-solving, and human understanding in a way that inspired me. The scariest part of pursuing a career in UX was the placement itself but I knew it would be worth doing.

So, here are the three things I’ve learned from six months of placement…

1. Project Focus

At university, the user is always at the centre of every decision: how they interact, what they need, and how design changes can improve their experience. For example, if the user struggles with one style of navigation compared with another, the design should be adapted.

In an agency, however, I’ve learned that the business also plays a key role in driving decisions. Projects aren’t just about what users need, but also about what supports business goals and objectives. Being aware of both perspectives has helped me carry out stronger UX research, explain my design choices more effectively, and produce work that is both user-centred and aligned with business priorities.

2. Adaptability

From the start, I knew placement would be a year of growth and learning. Now, at the halfway point, I can confidently say that adaptability has been my most valuable skill.

You rarely get something perfect on the first attempt. The best thing you can do is be open to failure, learn from it, and try again. Each mistake or challenge teaches you something new, whether about the project, the process, or yourself. It’s not about avoiding things going wrong, it’s about how you respond to them. These moments reveal the skills you have and how to use them.

3. Prioritisation

University life teaches you to juggle projects, deadlines, part-time work, and your personal life. Placement takes that to another level, you’re managing multiple clients and projects, each with its own timelines and priorities.
Learning how to balance smaller day-to-day tasks with larger, more urgent projects has been essential. Knowing when to shift focus or reprioritise has helped me become more organised, adaptable, and able to deliver stronger outcomes under pressure.

Closing Thoughts

Overall, placement has been an incredible opportunity, and I’d encourage anyone considering it to go for it. The amount you will grow, both professionally and personally, is has been invaluable. Even if you decide that being a UX designer isn’t for you, the experience, skills, and confidence you gain will stay with you throughout your career.