What people REALLY think of UI/UX bootcamps
If I wanted to switch to ui/ux/product design, I'm thinking of learning and building a portfolio with coursera, bootcamp, or go for a masters. Do real designers and recruiters frown upon bootcamps? Has it worked for you? If so, recs would be helpful :) - And after the switch would I start as an entry level? ( 5 yoe design/directing exp)
I was in grad school for ux design and I saw many people who came for grad school even after taking bootcamps. Also, one of my friends said she was unable to get a job after taking a bootcamp so she decided to do masters. I dont know what recruiters/ other designers think but from what I have seen so far, I would suggest going for masters if you can afford it. Lot more opportunities to meet people and build connections.
I see! Thanks for sharing. Yeah masters is definitely a bigger investment on time and money. Are you a ux designer now?
I think bootcamps can be predatory and overstate the kind of opportunities they can unlock. Having it on your resume doesn’t really matter (not a negative either). The best way to get in as a UX designer is to invest the time, understand the right design methods, and apply them to solve human problems. Collaborate with at least a developer and if possible a UX researcher and PM (this can be hard in bootcamps but easier in a university setting). Having at least 2 solid case studies that you can talk about in depth and relate to relevant design methods is the most important factor in breaking into UX design at tech companies.
Solid perspective, thank you!
Gotcha! So learning from this, I guess next steps would be to work towards building a good portfolio, and to do that well, learn through coursework in what I'm able to invest in now (but either bootcamps or university ok, more important on how I'm best using the course and the people I meet).
Former teacher at a bootcamp, from my own anecdotal experience only about 30% of the students I see in these programs have any potential.The rest are completely clueless to design and are wasting their money.
Bootcamps are good entry or introduction to the design thinking process. They are really great at exposing you to practical exercises that’s popular in the tech industry (Ex: mobile). They aren’t so great at teaching you the theoretical aspects of design/research, which allows one to build for an experience, regardless of the medium. Once you finish a boot camp, I would say you have about 5-7% of knowledge to become a designer in tech. There’s other area to build upon: portfolio, various projects, understand UI foundations, visual skills, actual real world experience, story telling & presentation, soft skills, etc. Reality: For entry level roles, most recruiters (big tech) I know filter out candidates from bootcamps. It’s because all the portfolios look the same, and they don’t show any ability to scale. Also most (if not all) entry design roles are reserved for internship candidates (from bachelor/master) programs. But if your background, experience, and portfolio show enough to apply for a mid level role, then it doesn’t matter if one comes from a boot camp or not. But most likely they will get down leveled.
I've always wanted to transition to become a designer. I've been a PM for a decade and if I ever get a windfall this is my go to second career. Please share your thoughts ☺️
Ooh like doing product design at a tech company or like total switch to like brand design?
Product design at tech company.