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120: How a Sr UX Researcher got hired at Amazon after a layoff & 2 year job search
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Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.
Welcome to the Career Strategy Podcast with Sarah Doody, a UX Designer & UX Researcher with 20 years of experience who founded the UX job search accelerator, Career Strategy Lab. She's been doing UX career coaching since 2017.
Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram
In this candid and encouraging open house conversation, Sarah Doody interviews Fritz Boyle, a UX researcher and Career Strategy Lab (CSL) graduate who recently landed a program manager role at Amazon—after nearly two years of job searching.
Fritz shares what changed when he finally stopped spinning his wheels and committed to a strategic process. From rebuilding his portfolio and resume with intention, to regaining confidence through storytelling, community, and reflection, Fritz walks us through the exact mindset and tactical shifts that helped him move from burnout to breakthrough.
Whether you’ve been job searching for months or you’re just starting out, this episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to get clear, realign your strategy, and step into the next chapter of your career with confidence.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ Why applying to every UX job doesn’t work—and what to do instead
✔️ How creating a portfolio isn’t just about design—it’s about clarity and confidence
✔️ The role of community and coaching in rebuilding after rejection
✔️ How Fritz moved from doubt to a leadership role in AI research at Amazon
✔️ Why following a structured process made all the difference
✔️ What it looks like to think long-term about your UX career (not just your next role)
Where Fritz Works Now:
🎯 Program Manager at Amazon, leading AI-powered UX research initiatives for the shopping experience
Resources & Next Steps:
💬 Love this episode? Share it and tag @sarahdoody with your favorite insight.
⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover Career Strategy Podcast.
🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly stories, strategies, and mindset shifts to help you thrive in your UX career.
Timestamps:
01:41 Meet the Guest: Fritz's Journey
02:52 Challenges in the Job Market
03:15 The Role of Career Strategy Lab
05:11 Importance of Networking and Feedback
06:49 Building Confidence and Storytelling
09:19 Holistic Approach to Career Development
16:03 Long-Term Career Strategy
18:59 Final Thoughts and Advice
22:33 Conclusion
🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025
👉 Join Career Strategy Lab, a UX job search accelerator for UX and Product people.
👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
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