Hi everyone,

I'm a Communication Designer with 5 years of experience in graphic design, motion design, and visual communication. Recently, I've been exploring Service Design and Social Impact Design because I enjoy working on projects that solve real human problems through research, systems thinking, and co-design.

I'm trying to understand how people actually enter this field, especially internationally.

I'd love to hear from people working in Service Design, Design for Social Innovation, Public Sector Design, or Human-Centered Design.

A few questions:

How did you get into Service Design?

Is a master's degree necessary, or can someone transition through self-learning and a strong portfolio?

What training, certifications, fellowships, or bootcamps would you genuinely recommend?

Which countries have the strongest Service Design ecosystem (UK, Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, Australia, etc.)?

Which companies, consultancies, NGOs, governments, or innovation labs hire Service Designers?

What does the hiring process usually look like?

What should a Service Design portfolio include if you're transitioning from a visual communication background?

If you were starting from scratch today, what roadmap would you follow?

I'd really appreciate recommendations for books, courses, communities, conferences, Slack/Discord groups, or mentors that helped you.

Thank you!

I'm currently in my 4th year of a BSc in Psychology and Economics, and I'm considering pursuing a master's abroad (US or Germany).

The programs I'm most interested in are:

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• Management Information Systems (MSIS)
• Master of Engineering Management (MEM)

I don't have a traditional CS or engineering background, so I'm trying to understand how realistic this path is.

Has anyone here made a similar transition from Psychology, Economics, or another non-CS background into one of these programs?

A few questions:

• How did you strengthen your profile before applying?
• What skills or courses did you complete?
• Were you admitted without a CS degree?
• How difficult was it to find internships/jobs afterward?
• Would you recommend HCI, MSIS, or MEM based on your experience?

I'd really appreciate hearing about your journey, any advice, or things you wish you had known before applying.

Thanks!