Hello everyone,
My name is **Vrushabh Sakate**, and I recently started learning **UI/UX Design**. As a complete beginner, I'm trying to understand what the industry really expects from junior designers in **2026**. I would truly appreciate guidance from experienced UI/UX designers, mentors, and hiring managers.
I have a few questions:
* What kind of portfolio helps a beginner stand out in 2026?
* Is AI replacing junior UI/UX roles, or is it changing the way designers work?
* What do recruiters and hiring managers actually look for in a junior UI/UX portfolio?
* Should I start by designing UI screens, or should I first learn how to create strong UX case studies?
* What does the day-to-day work of a UI/UX designer look like?
* Which AI tools are commonly used by UI/UX designers today?
* If you were starting from scratch in 2026, how would you learn UI/UX and prepare for your first internship or job?
Any advice, learning resources, or career guidance would mean a lot to me. If you've hired junior designers before, I'd especially love to hear what makes a candidate stand out.
I'm eager to learn, improve, and build a strong portfolio. Thank you in advance for sharing your experience.
If anyone is open to connecting or mentoring a beginner, I'd be grateful.
📧 Email: **[vrushabsakate@gmail.com](mailto:vrusha
bsakate@gmail.com)**