From Questions to Understanding – My Mentoring Experience with German UPA

In November 2024, I embarked on a small adventure: a 6-month mentoring program organized by the German UPA. I had no idea where the journey would take me – just the feeling that I wanted to grow, reflect, and connect with someone who sees the UX world a little differently than I do.

And that’s exactly what I got – and so much more.

How it all started

Through the German UPA, you could apply for the mentoring program – mentees and mentors were matched, and I was lucky to be paired with a highly experienced mentor specializing in qualitative research methods.

From November to May, we met every two weeks for an hour remotely. It may not sound like much at first – but I was surprised how much can happen in just 60 minutes.

Many questions, honest conversations & fresh perspectives

Our conversations were open, diverse, and most importantly: grounded in reality. No perfect frameworks, just real challenges and personal reflection.

Some of the topics we explored included:

• Should I specialize or remain a generalist? And if so – in what area?
• How do I build visibility and credibility as a UXer in a new company?
• The UX job market: tricky application phases, uncertainties about portfolios and CVs
• UX Management & Strategy: how do I work holistically without losing focus?
• Maturity levels, CPUX-F, Scrum, Product Owner – and: what does it really take to become a UX Lead?
• What does “Senior UX” even mean – and how do I give valuable feedback to juniors?

Spoiler: there weren’t always clear answers. But often, that’s exactly what helped.

What I learned – about UX and myself

This mentoring program wasn’t a training course with modules. It was more like a mirror – and sometimes a tool to shift perspective. What stood out for me:

• Honest, eye-level exchange about opportunities, doubts, and directional decisions
• The impulse to step into a leadership perspective and not only argue from a UX angle
• The realization that you don’t always have to choose either-or – sometimes it’s okay to leave things open for a while

I’ve learned to approach topics more slowly and mindfully, without overthinking them right away. Today, I see the UX field more positively – not as something I have to “endure” or “optimize,” but as a space I can actively help shape.

What’s next?

I’m taking these learnings into my everyday work – whether it’s collaborating with colleagues, dealing with leadership, or just reflecting on my own thinking.

And looking ahead, I can definitely see myself stepping into a mentor role one day – especially in UX research. There are so many talented people out there who just need a little nudge or a fresh perspective.

Final thoughts

Mentoring isn’t a shortcut – but it is a powerful catalyst.
To every UXer out there: I can highly recommend applying for the German UPA mentoring program and giving it a try. It’s worth it – not just for your career, but for your personal growth.

‍