<ul><li>Promotions in design are not solely about skillset or years of experience, but can be influenced by factors beyond one's control.</li><li>The difference between mid-level and senior designers lies in design execution, product thinking, collaboration, and autonomy.</li><li>Senior designers understand product strategy, lead cross-functional teams, and drive measurable business outcomes.</li><li>Politics, limited promotion opportunities, and company performance can impact promotion decisions.</li><li>Title inflation can lead to disparities in seniority definitions across companies, affecting career progress and comparisons.</li><li>Focusing on personal development, high-impact projects, and effective communication can help in navigating career growth.</li><li>If feeling stagnant, considering internal opportunities or updating portfolio for external roles can be beneficial.</li><li>Ultimately, prioritizing upskilling, impactful work, and personal values over job titles can lead to long-term success in the design field.</li></ul>

Why some designers stay stuck at mid-level — And the truth about design titles

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