RKRaza Khawaja
Founding mentor
🌱 First session
🚀 Career changer
Product Designer @ Smith & Associates
About
Hey, I'm Raza. I'm an experienced designer and former software engineer, here to help you navigate your way around your design education and career. :) I'm currently leading design for enterprise applications at Smith & Associates. Previously, I was shipping software at Educative, Inc. I also have a bachelors degree in CS and a masters in UX design. I've also won a couple of design awards for my works :)
How I can help
I can help you with several specialised items: -> Navigating your design org: I've worked in teams with low UX maturity. I can help you pick your battles, build stakeholder buy-in, and present design work in a way that lands with non-designers. -> US grad school applications: guidance on selecting a program, building a portfolio strategy during your studies, and (for international students) finding funding. I can also help you plan the program itself to maximize post-graduation outcomes. -> Portfolio reviews: I've hired designers before, so I can review your portfolio the way a hiring manager would: case study structure, storytelling, and what gets you past the first screen. -> Enterprise/internal app design. I have spent the last 3+ years designing data-heavy, internal-facing tools. Very different problem space from consumer apps, happy to mentor on this specific niche.
Ask me about
Pivot into design
First or only designer
Influence without authority
Stakeholder standoffs
Presenting to execs
Negotiating comp
Imposter syndrome
First design hires
Growing into leadership
Frequently asked
Why did you switch from engineering to design?
I felt I could channel my creativity much more in a design role. I did not enjoy the standard software engineering experience either.
What should I do to prepare before the session?
Just have an idea of the questions you want to get answers to. Other than that, not much!
What are your thoughts on AI?
A great tool when used ethically. Unfortunately, that is not the case in most of the industry. I have concerns about it spreading mass misinformation, training on people's hard work, degrading human thinking and its environmental impact via data centers.
Expertise
Interviewing
Leadership
AI tools
Product Designer
UX Designer
UX Researcher
Enterprise Apps
Data-Heavy Design
Early-Career
Navigating Corporate Environments
Experience
Software Engineer · Educative, Inc.
2020-2021
Product Designer · Smith & Associates
2023 - Present
Selected work
What mentees say
3 testimonials on Hop
Mentees say:warm · 1honest · 1went over time · 1great listener · 1
Raza was super helpful in our session! He went over my portfolio and resume, helped me understand places to improve and generally, had a really nice discussion about what I was struggling with. I'd recommend him to any one struggling with the job market right now, especially internationals.
warmhonestwent over timegreat listener
Mustafa · Oct 2026 · 1:1 session
Raza was amazing at helping me audit my case studies and my portfolio in a way I hadn't gotten before. I put my portfolio through AI multiple times beforehand, but Raza was able to find actual issues that was leaving recruiters and fellow designers confused with my processes. I would definitely recommend Raza for anyone looking for a skilled and nuanced insight into your portfolio and people looking for career guidance.
Naman · Sep 2026 · 1:1 session
Raza is not only an incredibly talented designer and senior, but someone whose work and guidance have genuinely shaped my own journey. I’ve taken inspiration from his case studies, presentation skills, design process, and even his guidance around funding and navigating the program. He has helped so many people along the way and is always willing to share what he knows. If you’re looking for a mentor who truly invests in your growth, you should definitely reach out to Raza ✨
Izza · Aug 2026 · 1:1 session
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