On May 3rd, IT Academy STEP Cambodia hosted a special UX/UI Design Workshop led by Shey Cobley, a UX and design industry expert with more than 25 years of experience working across the global design industry. The two-hour session welcomed students, aspiring designers, and early-career creatives who wanted to gain practical insight into the real world of UX/UI design.
Unlike many traditional workshops that focus only on tools or trends, this session focused on the realities of building a successful design career in today’s fast-changing digital industry.
A Workshop Focused on Real UX Career Growth
Throughout the session, Shey shared honest and practical advice about three major topics that many junior designers rarely get the chance to hear directly from an experienced industry professional:
- How to get hired by both local and international companies
- How to succeed in your first UX/UI design job
- How designers should adapt to AI before it becomes a challenge later
From the beginning of the workshop, the atmosphere was energetic and interactive. Students were highly engaged, asking thoughtful questions and openly discussing the challenges they face as new designers entering the industry.
One of the biggest strengths of the workshop was how practical and relatable the discussion felt. Instead of generic motivational advice, participants received direct insight into what companies are actually looking for when hiring designers today.
Why Most UX/UI Portfolios Still Fail
One of the most impactful parts of the workshop was the portfolio review section.
Shey presented real portfolio examples from designers across Southeast Asia, comparing strong portfolios with weaker ones side by side. A clear pattern quickly appeared: many junior designers already have good visual work, but most portfolios fail to explain the thinking behind the design decisions.
This became an important lesson for attendees.
A strong UX/UI portfolio is not only about attractive visuals. Employers also want to understand:
- The problem being solved
- The user research process
- Why certain design decisions were made
- How the final solution improves the user experience
Many students realized that the issue was not a lack of talent, but a lack of guidance on how to properly present their work and communicate their design thinking.
For aspiring UX/UI designers in Cambodia and Southeast Asia, this insight was especially valuable as the digital industry continues to grow rapidly across the region.
AI Will Not Replace Designers, But It Will Change the Industry
Another highlight of the workshop was the discussion about artificial intelligence and the future of design careers.
Instead of creating fear around AI, Shey explained a much more practical perspective:
“AI creates, you decide.”
The message was simple but powerful. Designers who learn how to use AI tools effectively for repetitive tasks will have more time to focus on creative thinking, problem solving, strategy, and understanding user needs.
Rather than replacing designers, AI is becoming a tool that can help designers work smarter and faster.
For students and young professionals preparing for careers in UX/UI design, this was an important reminder that adaptability and critical thinking will become even more valuable in the future job market.
Building a Stronger UX/UI Community in Cambodia
Beyond the workshop itself, the event also helped create stronger connections between students and the growing UX community in Cambodia.
Participants were invited to join a dedicated Telegram community where the workshop presentation slides were shared. The group also serves as a space for ongoing discussions about UX careers, portfolio development, design challenges, and industry opportunities.
Creating communities like this is an important step toward helping young Cambodian designers learn from one another and stay connected with industry professionals.
Supporting the Next Generation of Designers
At IT Academy STEP Cambodia, workshops like this are part of a larger mission to help students connect classroom learning with real industry expectations.
As Cambodia’s digital industry continues to grow, UX/UI design skills are becoming increasingly valuable for companies building websites, mobile apps, digital platforms, and online services.
By bringing experienced professionals like Shey Cobley to speak directly with students, IT Academy STEP Cambodia continues creating opportunities for future designers to gain practical knowledge, industry awareness, and career direction beyond traditional education.
The workshop was not only informative, it was also a strong reminder that successful designers are not defined only by software skills, but by their ability to think critically, solve problems, and communicate ideas clearly.
