Erin May sits down with Aneta Kmiecik, founder of Be Your Own Design Team, to tackle one of the biggest questions facing designers today: how to position AI skills in portfolios and resumes. With 15 years in creative industries and a community of 200,000 followers, Aneta brings unique insights into navigating career strategy during this AI transformation.

Aneta reveals her Past Present Future framework for career positioning and explains why most companies aren't explicitly requiring AI skills yet, but smart candidates should still showcase them strategically. She discusses the three designer archetypes emerging at AI native companies and shares practical advice on standing out when AI can generate portfolios and case studies for everyone.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

04:06 AI Skills in Job Descriptions Reality Check

06:52 Research Strategy for AI Portfolio Positioning

14:23 Audience Context Determines AI Skill Positioning
17:49 Past Present Future Portfolio Framework

27:10 Common Portfolio Mistakes in AI Era

35:46 Future of AI Skills in Applications

38:39 Favorite Research Interview Techniques

RESOURCES
Lenny’s Podcast featuring Jenny Wen, Design Lead for Claude - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh8bcBIAAFo
2024 AI in User Research Report - https://www.userinterviews.com/ai-in-ux-research-report 

CONNECT WITH ANETA KMIECIK:

- LinkedIn: Aneta Kmiecik

- Instagram: @ux.aneta

- Newsletter: Be Your Own Design Team

- Portfolio Course: uxportfolio.co