So let’s go… I got a question from LinkedIn connection asking me what were my thoughts on my topic.
Question:
Do you think a boot camp is enough to get me a tech job? Would someone have trouble getting a job without prior experience or experience in a similar career?
If you Google this question you will get many examples and opinions. Either say that boot camps may not give you a foundation in UX, or the opposite, that this boot camp A is better than this boot camp B.
What it comes down to a few questions only you can answer?
1. Do you have the time to learn?
2. Are you on a budget?
3. Do you know that industry?
4. What are your current skills?
I have heard different stories from people who did the boot camp or simply got a certificate in some created field, UX, UI etc. There is no one way how to do things, there is no magic wand to make everything happen how you want it. What I do know is you have to judge this for yourself and do the research. This is a perfect example, she reached out and wanted to know my own experience.
Yes, I did the boot camp because I was in an interview back in the day. The art director told me that I need to take a class in UX. I smile and tell him thanks for the feedback. I did not get the job, but what I did get was feedback. I am still thankful for the feedback from that interview, that started everything. That was my starting point.
After the interview I check out different boot camps and classes. In 2016, I believe I was only two boot camps, one was in person and the other one was online. I ask my mom about the online boot camp. She wanted to make sure I was not going to be ripped off. So I called and talked to them a lot. I did my research for about 3 months going back and forth. Finally, pulled the plug and started the course work.
It took me six months to complete the course. While I was going through the course work… I continue to apply for various jobs and talk to anyone who reached out to me. That was solid practice for myself.
I could practice with different personalities and hone in my skills. Believe me, there were times when I messed up a lot when I didn’t know how to answer a question in a few interviews. I was honest and said “Sorry, I don’t know, but I am a quick learner”. So I remember that question and practice. I ask my network about that question. I would ask my mentor (online boot camp) important questions about the industry, about what I was missing and how to fill those gaps.
While I was doing the program, it was the best decision that I made. It helps me to understand what the process, granted I, had to learn more on my own. It was important that I listen to the art director told me. He was right. During the learning and question process. I read articles and interact with other designers.
Google was my second husband… I would type different UX or UI phrases and start reading and checking up other designers on what they wrote. I did reach to many designers that I did not know. What they wrote appealed to me. That was my portal as if I hit a button, and I was traveling to another time in learning.
So yeah, I am glad I took the boot camp and yes you can get a job within the tech world, but remember it won’t happen overnight. Before I even took the boot camp I was talking and talking to different people who were in the industry. I started to hang out with the developers and understand how their roles were and how their relationships were with other designers. What I can tell you they are a clever bunch and are passion about code.
Once you feel confidence in your skills to start searching for a new gig, what helps me is doing freelance work. This was an excellent way to learn on hand. I got accelerated experience working with a client and the process. If you don’t have experience yet, then you can freelance. Design for non-profits, design your projects. I love to talk to my network and ask what was their pain point and boom, I have an idea. I give myself a time line to create something.
I would look from different angles at what your background is, what your secret sauce is, what you’re good at. Look at your skills and how can UX/UI can fit into that. This is like putting together a 500 puzzle piece. Sooner or later the pieces will fit into that puzzle.
No matter what path you do, the choice it will take work and simply don’t give up. If I gave up in 2016, I would not be here answering questions from LinkedIn.
