and why you should still pursue a career in UX design

Let’s be honest. Attending a UX bootcamp won’t guarantee you a job no matter what the bootcamps promise you. With the current layoffs and the increasing number of people transitioning into UX design, it’s becoming harder to stand out in the job market.

If you’re passionate about UX design and want to pursue it as a career, don’t let the current layoffs and saturation discourage you from following your dreams.

It’s not going to be easy, but it’s not impossible either. If you’re struggling to find the right program for you, this post is for you. While I can’t speak for other bootcamps, I can offer insights into my experience with Designlab. In this article, we’ll dive into the top 5 reasons why you should consider enrolling in the Designlab UX Academy.

Keep in mind that attending a bootcamp is just the starting point of your career transition, not the end.

1. 1-on-1 Mentoring and career services

Finding the right mentor is crucial when it comes to UX design education, and I cannot stress this enough. In my experience with UX Academy, 1-on-1 mentoring has been the program’s standout feature. I had to try out a few different mentors before finding the perfect match for my learning style and goals. But once I did, my mentor became an invaluable resource.

• Guidance through every part of the project. My mentor provided me with the tools and trust I needed to succeed as a UX designer. I owe much of my success to his mentorship and guidance.
• Personalized attention from your mentor. You can get deeper focus and more personalized attention from your mentor, who can provide feedback and support where you need it most.
• Greater accountability and motivation. Your mentor can monitor your progress and challenge you to grow.

These factors are particularly important in a field as competitive and demanding as UX design, where having a knowledgeable and supportive mentor can make all the difference in your success.

2. Structured Learning

If you’re like me and struggle with self-discipline and motivation, then a structured program is essential.

• 490 hours of UX design coursework and projects. The coursework is unique in that it’s broken down into manageable chunks, with each section building on the previous one.
• Portfolio with 4 projects. The curriculum is designed to mimic a real-world project, so you’ll be able to work on a project from start to finish, from research to design to prototyping.

3. Affordable tuition

Designlab is one of the most affordable UX bootcamps on the market. The bootcamp costs $7,749 as a one-time payment. Other bootcamps like Springboard and General Assembly cost more than $10k.

• Offers flexible payment options. It includes an installment plan to make it easier for students to afford the program
• Provides a variety of scholarships and financial aid options. These options help those who may not be able to afford the full cost of tuition so check it out on their website & schedule a talk with an advisor.

Designlab’s affordable pricing could be due to a variety of reasons, but in my experience, while it does provide a comprehensive overview of the UX design process and is beginner-friendly, I found that I had to do a lot of self-learning through other platforms and teach myself Figma. While they do a thorough job of explaining the UX process, I found myself supplementing my learning with Youtube videos and books.

4. A supportive and collaborative environment.

Another standout feature of Designlab is the opportunity for collaboration with other UX students. The program includes group critiques, which provide a space for students to receive feedback on their work from peers and it is facilitated by an experienced instructor.

• Learn from others. When you work with others, you can learn from their experiences and their ideas. This can help you to improve your work.
• Get feedback on your work. When you present your work to others, you can get feedback on how to improve it. This feedback can help you to develop your skills and to create better designs.
• Develop practical skills for future work in the UX field. Collaboration and group crits can help you to develop the skills that you need to be successful in the UX field, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

This collaborative environment is not only helpful for receiving constructive criticism but also for building a community of like-minded individuals who can support each other throughout the learning process.

5. International Availability

UX Academy is available internationally, as long as you have access to the internet and a design tool of your choice (Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD). You can also set your study schedule with weekly mentorship calls that suit your time zone and availability.

• Expose yourself to different perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. When you study with people from all over the world, you can learn diverse ways of thinking. This can help you to become more creative and innovative.
• Understand how design differs across cultures. By learning about different design approaches, cultural norms, and user behaviors, you can expand your knowledge and broaden your perspective on UX design.

While a bootcamp certificate is a valuable asset that can help you achieve your goals, it’s not enough to guarantee employment. In today’s competitive job market, employers are looking for experienced designers who can demonstrate their skills and expertise. This means that after completing a UX design bootcamp, you should not expect to immediately land a job in the field. It takes time to gain the necessary skills and experience to become a competitive candidate in the job market. It’s essential to continue learning and working on projects even after completing the bootcamp.

That said, a UX design bootcamp can be an excellent starting point for your career transition — but it’s not the end. You need to be committed, work hard, and gain real experience to succeed in this field. If you’re willing to put in the effort, a UX design bootcamp can help you achieve your goals and set you on the right path toward a fulfilling career.

Feel free to drop me a message on LinkedIn for any feedback and suggestions.

Here is the UX BootCamp I enrolled in during my career transition.