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If you're interested in becoming a UX designer, you might wonder how to get started in the industry. You know it's essential to gain hands-on skills and real-world experience before landing a UX design job. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start.
So, what do you do? There are two paths to consider. UX design bootcamps and UX design internships. Both routes offer valuable opportunities to learn critical design skills and advance your career. Although depending on your current skill level and circumstances, one may be a better fit for you than the other. So how do you decide which route to take?
In this guide, we'll help you decide whether a UX design bootcamp or a UX design internship is right for you. We'll explore the benefits of each and answer the questions in your mind that will help you assess your situation and choose the best path. If you read till the end, we'll provide tips to help you make the most of your experience, no matter which route you choose.
Let’s give you a heads up about who we are and what we do at Brave Achievers. We offer a range of learning opportunities to help you pursue a career in UX design. Our bootcamps provide hands-on training in critical design skills and tech education, while we have an incubator/mentorship program that gives you valuable real-world experience working on real projects.
Whatever your level of experience, we're here to help you take the first steps towards your dream career in UX design.
So, let us explore the concept of UX design bootcamp and UX design internship. Stay with us.
What you should know about a UX Design Bootcamps
In recent years, the bootcamp learning model has gained significant popularity, offering a structured and hands-on approach to mastering tech skills such as coding, data analysis, digital marketing, and UX design. Originally, bootcamps emerged in 2011 with a focus on coding. However, since then, the market has grown, with bootcamps popping up in different areas of tech, including UX design.
The growth of the bootcamp market has been impressive. For instance, according to Course Report's 2019 Coding Bootcamp Market Size Study, the coding bootcamp market grew by a whopping 49% in 2019 alone, highlighting the high demand for tech skills such as programming, data analysis, and digital design. Bootcamps are tailored to meet this growing need, with a primary focus on practical skills that prepare graduates for job readiness.
So, what is a UX design bootcamp? A UX design bootcamp offers a course or program that teaches you the fundamental UX design skills and, most importantly, shows you how to apply them in real-world situations. There are various options available, ranging from intensive, in-person bootcamps to completely flexible online programs. Unlike traditional university or college programs, bootcamps prioritize practical skills and hands-on experience, ensuring that graduates are job-ready upon completion.
Who Can Enroll for It?
UX bootcamps are a fantastic way for beginners to gain the necessary skills to become job-ready designers. These programs are specifically designed for those who are new to the field, providing a comprehensive introduction to user experience design. With the right UX bootcamp, you don't need any previous design experience to qualify.
The beauty of UX bootcamps is that they're flexible and can work around your existing commitments. This makes them a much more feasible option for those who cannot commit to full-time, attendance-based study. Whether you have a full-time job, family commitments, or other hobbies, a UX bootcamp can fit around your schedule, allowing you to pursue a career in user experience design without disrupting your life.
While UX bootcamps are primarily aimed at adult learners and those looking to change careers, they are also well-suited for individuals who want to develop new skills to enhance their current career. With the right level of dedication and commitment, anyone can benefit from a UX bootcamp and improve their understanding of user experience design.
It's important to note that not all UX bootcamps are created equal. Choosing a high-quality program is essential for getting the most out of your investment. According to a report by Course Report, a leading authority on coding bootcamps, the average bootcamp graduate sees a 64% salary increase, making it a wise investment for anyone looking to pursue a career in UX design.
Why GoCreate USA?
Are you looking for a way to break into the tech industry, but feeling discouraged because you're an underrepresented person in tech? Then GoCreate USA, a fully funded virtual product design Bootcamp initiative of Brave Achievers, is here to help!
Our intensive and immersive practical training is designed to help you gain practical experience in UX/UI Design. With our well-structured curriculum and experienced instructors, you'll be well on your way to starting your journey in your chosen career path.
At GoCreate USA, we believe in the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce in the tech industry. That's why we're proud to offer this program as our contribution to creating a more equitable and accessible industry for all.
What will you learn at GoCreate USA?
A bootcamp will give you a comprehensive education in user experience design principles and techniques, mentorship, feedback, and career coaching. But how can you ensure that you choose the right bootcamp for you? Here are some key factors we consider when you enroll on the GoCreate bootcamp:
Practical skills: Look for a bootcamp that emphasizes hands-on learning, so you can gain the practical skills needed for a UX design career.
Clear structure: A bootcamp should provide a logical and well-organized curriculum, so you can be sure you're learning all the necessary concepts in the right order.
Mentorship: Some bootcamps offer one-on-one mentorship with an industry expert, providing personalized guidance and feedback. At GoCreate USA, our mentors are seasoned industry professionals with no less than five years of experience in their respective fields
Flexibility: Online bootcamps can offer flexibility in terms of location and pace, making it easier to balance your studies with other commitments.
Beginner-friendly: Bootcamps are often designed for beginners, so look for one that is accessible and teaches everything from scratch.
Portfolio-first approach: A good bootcamp should help you build a professional portfolio, highlighting your skills and making you more attractive to potential employers.
Community: Bootcamps can provide a sense of community and support, connecting you with fellow students and designers.
Job preparation: Look for a bootcamp that offers career coaching and job placement assistance, so you can be more confident in your job search. This might not be easy, but as we mentioned earlier, Brave Achievers has an incubator program to help learners get their hands on real-time experience. In other words, you can tag it as an internship.
What you should know about a UX Design Internship
An internship in UX design is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience and insight into the industry. Typically, internships last from one to twelve months and provide invaluable experience and exposure to the world of UX design. Ideally, you will have a mentor who is an experienced UX designer that can guide you through the inner workings of the industry, as well as the chance to work on real projects.
The tasks you will undertake during your UX design internship will vary depending on the company and their specific needs. Tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, and Airbnb offer internships, but you can also intern with startups, agencies, or freelance designers. In a smaller organization, you may be heavily involved in the entire UX design process, while at larger organizations or agencies, you may focus on specific aspects of the process.
The issue of compensation is a common concern when it comes to internships. While some internships are unpaid, there has been controversy surrounding this in recent years. The good news is that intern salaries are on the rise, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the average hourly wage for interns in the United States was $19.97 in 2020.
Additionally, the percentage of students taking unpaid internships has continued to decrease, with only 16.4% of students reporting an unpaid internship in 2020 compared to 55.5% in 2010.
These trends suggest more companies recognize the value of compensating interns for their work and providing valuable experience to young professionals. The average hourly wage for a UX intern in the United States is $15.21, according to PayScale. It's important to do your research and find out whether the internship is paid or unpaid and to ensure that it provides valuable experience to you.
Who can do an internship?
UX design bootcamps are an excellent way to gain practical skills and knowledge in the field of user experience design. However, landing a UX internship can be a competitive process, and prior knowledge of UX design principles is often a requirement.
When perusing job ads for UX internships, you will find that companies prioritize candidates with knowledge of industry-standard tools and a solid understanding of user experience principles. Additionally, some organizations prefer candidates who are currently enrolled in a relevant study program.
But don't worry, even if you lack experience, some companies are willing to take on interns who possess relevant soft skills like communication and collaboration and demonstrate a desire to learn. We checked the global statistics and found out that more than 13000+ companies around the world are waiting to take you on a UX intern role.
It's important to note that internships are not just for junior-level candidates; they are open to individuals of all ages who are eager to learn and fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Whether you're a recent graduate or seeking a career change, internships can provide valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities in the UX design industry.
According to a study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, approximately 70% of interns are offered full-time positions, indicating that internships can be a pathway to securing a long-term job in the field. Additionally, internships provide an opportunity to develop and hone skills, such as design thinking, user research, and prototyping, which are critical to success in the UX design industry.
Does Brave Achievers offer Internship?
Yes, we do. But we don’t call it internships. We are fully aware of the importance of gaining real-world experience in UX design to prepare for full-time roles. That's why we've created an incubator/mentorship program that serves as the perfect learning path to join our design squad on the BraveUX platform. Through this program, you'll have the opportunity to partner with clients and work on real projects that will enhance your portfolio and set you up for future success.
Our program provides expert mentorship to help you hone your skills and learn about UX design in a business setting.
You'll be able to apply your newfound knowledge to practical projects and receive valuable feedback from our experienced team members. We believe that this hands-on experience is crucial for preparing you for a successful career in the tech industry.
While our program is unpaid, we believe that the benefits you'll receive are invaluable. You'll gain real-world experience, learn from experts in the field, and have the opportunity to earn a job offer at the end of the program. Our goal is to help you launch and own your career growth, and we believe that our incubator program is the perfect place to start.
So, a UX Bootcamp or an Internship?
When it comes to choosing between a UX design bootcamp and a UX design internship, there are several factors to consider. It's important to think about your availability and current skill level before committing to either option.
If you have other commitments, a bootcamp might be the better choice due to its flexibility. However, if you have some design skills and want to gain more experience, an internship is a great opportunity to do so. It's also important to do your research and gain insight into the field of UX design before committing.
Lastly, consider your financial situation and the costs associated with each option. Look for a bootcamp that offers a job guarantee and find out if an internship could lead to a paid position. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about which option is right for you.
Key Takeaway
There are a lot of opportunities out there to learn and gain real-world experience, but you should filter the one that works best for you. Joining a UX design internship can be an invaluable step towards launching and owning your career growth in the tech industry, but don’t skip the chance to sharpen yourself for the journey ahead.
In simpler terms, LEARN before you EARN. And when you think of it, many opportunities don’t have a backup plan for you. They just want you to go out there and hack it. This is why Brave Achievers has created a mentorship program that serves as a continuous learning path when you are done with our bootcamp.
The GoCreate USA bootcamp is designed to provide you with real-world experience that prepares you for entry-level roles in UX design. Our program is made free through partners and offers a range of benefits that will help you grow your skills and career. With expert mentorship and the chance to work on real projects for your portfolio, you'll be able to learn about UX design in a business setting and build a solid foundation for your future career.
We believe in equal opportunities based on merit; your performance at GoCreate USA and upon completing our mentorship program can earn you a place in our design squad on the BraveUX platform, where we partner with clients to deliver the best value for their projects.
So why not take the first step toward your career in UX design today? Join GoCreate USA and build the skills and experience you need to succeed in this exciting and dynamic field. Visit Brave Achievers to sign up and register via the waitlist form on the site. You can also use the contact form to learn more about our program and how we can help you launch your career in UX design.