I have Psych + CS from undergrad w/ focus on game dev, then I got a masters in HCI from CMU. Have worked at companies, startups, and agencies doing both design

I have Psych + CS from undergrad w/ focus on game dev, then I got a masters in HCI from CMU. Have worked at companies, startups, and agencies doing both design and front-end dev. Here are some of my takes: - build up a design portfolio that shows off your design thinking. You don't need a Masters in HCI, but you need 1-3 things that shows you think about these problems. Show that you care about this field, even if your thinking is flawed, it really helps if you speak the language, and show that you're adding fresh takes. - if you want to do UX eng, then you have to build a few prototypes — doesn't have to be full-blown CRUD apps, but do something in the field you care about. If it's educational games, you can write about what you think should be an experience ramp for a language or other game, and then build what that looks like. You can even make it work as a web app prototype for bonus points if you're able to do it. - make friends in the companies and sectors you love. If it's educational games, find those people on twitter, linkedin, socials, and hang out. Find those people in your city, if you're able to. Talk shop with them, and build rapport to get in the door - some people like to re-skin and redesign other apps; I usually don't like that tactic, but apparently it does work. E.g. build a re-skinned prototype of Spotify w/ new functionality using their API. That shows you've thought about their app, users, product / PMF, etc. But do this from design and first principles thinking, don't just go around making things "prettier" — that might not impress those you want to hire you. Hope that helps!