If you're like me when it comes to making a decision, it can take a lot of time. I am notoriously the friend who is the last to order because I can never decide on what I want. When it comes to making more life-changing decisions, the process can completely consume my life until I know what I want to do.
After a lot of research, conversations with my friends and family, and constant back-and-forth thoughts to myself, I finally decided I wanted to become a UX Designer. Great! So, now what?
Now I had to figure out how to become a UX Designer, which, to be honest, was a more challenging decision. There are so many options you can take. Bootcamps, degrees, self-taught, and more!
My piece of advice to anyone considering UX Design but not knowing where to start is to consider the following:
Time - How much of your time are you willing to invest in learning UX Design? How much time do you have? If you're planning on working a full-time job while learning UX, a degree might not be the most realistic route. If you want more flexibility and an option to graduate quickly, a bootcamp or self-taught could be the right fit!
Cost - Bootcamps can be pricey, but not nearly as expensive as degrees. On the other hand, if you're looking for zero to low cost, maybe self-taught is the right choice for you. However, keep in mind that your time is valuable, and if you're coming into UX Design with absolutely no design experience, the self-taught option could take a lot of your time finding information that could be readily available to you through a credible program.
Your learning style - I learn best with hands-on experience and guidance from a professional. Bootcamps are mostly a project-based curriculum, which was what I was wanting. The bootcamp I chose, CareerFoundry, also sets their students up with a mentor and a tutor, and having no UX Design experience, I saw that as a huge advantage. Everyone learns differently, so maybe you work best by watching tutorials on Youtube, or maybe you want to sit in a class and dive deeper into focused-areas of UX.
Experience - If you're coming into this field with little to no design experience, I would highly recommend considering a more formal education platform (bootcamp or degree). Not only can this ensure that what you're learning is from a credible source, but it can also connect you with professionals in the field! If I've learned anything in my young professional life, it's that the importance of networking can't be overstated.
Job guarantee program - While this is specifically a bootcamp perk, and not available for every bootcamp out there, I feel it's necessary to point out to those looking to pivot their career or find a career in general. What attracted me to CareerFoundry was their job guarantee program, which sets their students up with a Career Specialist to help guide them along the job hunt process. While there are requirements you must follow to opt into the program, it's worth checking if you would like assistance during the UX job hunt.
Some things you can do to help make your decision:
Opt into a trial period (if available) - This is what sealed the deal for me. CareerFoundry offers a week-long trial period for all of its programs. They give you a glimpse of what you will be learning and doing in the course.
Talk to a professional designer - This is something I didn't do before starting my bootcamp, and I wished I would have. Asking their opinion and finding out how they came into the field could be incredibly helpful. If anything, this could be an early start to your networking!
Talk to a career specialist - I can't personally touch on this too much as my experience working with a career specialist was after I enrolled in my UX bootcamp. However, getting some guidance from a professional experienced in helping people find their career path couldn't hurt!
My decision to go with the UX Design bootcamp with CareerFoundry wouldn't be everyone's choice, but it was the best fit for my circumstances, goals, and priorities. So far, I have no regrets.
If you're interested in trying out CareerFoundry's week trial for their UX Design program, check it out here!
I hope this helped anyone having difficulty deciding on what educational method they want to invest themselves in. I get it; decisions are hard. Make sure you research and consider all of your options. Reach out if you want more information on why I chose CareerFoundry or want to chat!
- Kaity
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