How to Ask Me for a Promotion in UX Research—and What I’m Looking For

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader

As someone who’s built and scaled UX research practices across global organizations, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring researchers at every level. One of the most important—and often most misunderstood—conversations is about promotion.

If you’re thinking about leveling up, here’s what I want you to know before you ask me for a promotion. This isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about demonstrating readiness, strategic impact, and leadership—regardless of your title.

First, Know That I Want You to Grow

Let’s start here: I want you to succeed. I want you to thrive. Promotions aren’t gatekeeping—they’re about timing, trajectory, and trust. When you come to me with a thoughtful case for advancement, I see it as a sign of maturity and ambition.

But I also need to see that you’re ready—not just for the next title, but for the responsibilities that come with it.

What I’m Looking For

Here’s what I evaluate when considering someone for promotion in UX Research:

1. Strategic Impact

Are you influencing decisions beyond the immediate scope of your projects?

• Have your insights shaped product strategy, roadmap prioritization, or business outcomes?

• Are you proactively identifying research opportunities that others haven’t seen?

I’m looking for researchers who don’t just execute—they elevate.

2. Ownership and Accountability

Do you take full ownership of your work—from planning to impact?

• Are you leading projects end-to-end with minimal oversight?

• Do you follow through on commitments and communicate clearly when things shift?

Promotion means more autonomy—and more responsibility.

3. Cross-Functional Influence

Are you building trust across teams?

• Do PMs, designers, and engineers seek you out for guidance?

• Are you facilitating conversations that bridge silos and align stakeholders?

Influence is earned through relationships and reliability.

4. Thoughtful Communication

Can you tell a compelling story with your research?

• Are your deliverables clear, actionable, and tailored to your audience?

• Do you present insights in ways that drive decisions?

I want to see that you’re not just collecting data—you’re driving clarity.

5. Mentorship and Multiplication

Are you lifting others as you grow?

• Are you mentoring junior researchers or enabling non-researchers?

• Are you contributing to playbooks, templates, or operational improvements?

Leadership isn’t just upward—it’s outward.

How to Ask Me

When you’re ready to have the conversation, here’s how to approach it:

• Schedule dedicated time: Don’t drop it in a hallway chat. Let’s have a focused, intentional conversation.

• Bring evidence: Show me how you’ve grown, what you’ve impacted, and where you’re headed.

• Be open to feedback: This is a dialogue, not a verdict. I’ll share what I see, what’s needed, and how we can get there together.

• Ask for a roadmap: If the timing isn’t right, let’s co-create a path that gets you there.

I respect directness, preparation, and a growth mindset.

Final Thoughts

Promotions aren’t just about what you’ve done—they’re about what you’re ready to take on. If you’re thinking about the next step, I want to hear from you. Let’s talk about your trajectory, your impact, and how we can amplify your voice in this organization.

Because when you grow, we all grow.

—Philip Burgess Global UX Research Leader | Mentor | Advocate for Human-Centered Leadership