Elif Karakose🇺🇸

About Elif Karakose

UX Designer at Amazon

Hi, I'm Elif, a Senior Product Designer based in New York.

Over the past 8+ years, I've designed products across fintech, healthcare, enterprise SaaS, and consumer experiences, helping teams turn complex problems into intuitive, user-centered solutions. My work combines product strategy, UX research, interaction design, and cross-functional collaboration.

I’m happy to help with portfolio reviews, case study storytelling, interview preparation, UX research approaches, stakeholder management, career growth, agency-to-in-house transitions, and building a design career as an international professional in the U.S.

Whether you're breaking into product design, preparing for senior-level roles, or refining your portfolio, I'd love to support you on your journey.

Expertise

Sessions with Elif Karakose

• Portfolio Review (45 min): This session is designed for designers who are gearing up for promotions interviews or refreshing their portfolios. We will begin by exploring your goals and the specific role you are targeting. This brief yet impactful conversation will set the foundation for the session and ensure that our focus aligns with your aspirations. Following this, we will dive into a live portfolio review, where you will receive tailored feedback on your work. This interactive segment will highlight your strengths and provide insights on how to enhance your presentation. After the review, we will dedicate time to discussing case study storytelling, offering constructive feedback to refine your narrative and make it compelling. Finally, we will wrap up with a discussion on next steps, ensuring you leave the session with a clear action plan to elevate your portfolio.
• Coffee Chat with Me (30 min): Join me for an informal and engaging Coffee Chat where we can explore your design journey and career aspirations. This session is perfect for anyone seeking guidance on design principles, creative strategies, or navigating the job market. We will delve into your specific interests and challenges, allowing for a personalized discussion that reflects your unique goals. Whether you are a budding designer looking for tips to enhance your portfolio or an experienced professional seeking new opportunities, this chat will provide valuable insights tailored to your needs. Come ready to share your thoughts and questions as we create an open and supportive environment for growth and exploration together. Let's connect over coffee and inspire each other on our paths to success.

What mentees say

“Elif is an outstanding mentor who exceeded my expectations. Her excellent communication and deep expertise made our session incredibly valuable. She provided thoughtful, actionable feedback on my resume and portfolio and helped me strengthen my case study presentation. Her ability to identify opportunities for improvement, solve problems, and motivate others gave me a fresh perspective.”

“I received thoughtful and amazing feedback from Elif on my work and what I could do to improve. I highly recommend working with Elif!”