Bootcamps (or Masters)?

3 Comments

1. Kimberly EllsworthMay 18,2020 at 4:01AM UTC

   Hello! Recent UX Bootcamp grad here! While I really enjoyed my bootcamp experience, the program that I attended is no longer running so unfortunately I can't recommend it. I do strongly recommend looking for some free UX courses online to get a taste for the material. However, I can give you some ideas on what to look for in a program, whether its a bootcamp or master's program.

   First and foremost, get your hands on the syllabus or curriculum. You want to look for a balance of theory and practice. In order to get a job after graduation, you need to have projects to write up as case studies for your portfolio: does the program have 3-4 projects to jumpstart your portfolio? What types of projects are they - B2B, B2C, mobile app, web, desktop app, responsive?

   Second, will you have the opportunity to do client facing work? Every grad from General Assembly does the same projects, which is similar for many of the bootcamps. Therefore all of those grads have variations on the same case study. Similarly with masters programs, frequently the curriculum and therefore the projects are exactly the same for each cohort. What will differentiate your portfolio is if you have any client facing projects. This could be an internship or a short term contract between a client and your program.

   Third, search any program you are considering on FBG or LinkedIn to see where those grads work. Are they working for a company you'd like to work for in a similar position? You will have to leverage your alumni network for jobs, so make sure they are working in places you want to be!

   Fourth, what software will you be learning how to use? Pull up some dream job postings and make a list of the software listed. Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD, Axure, Invision, Principle....the list goes on and on. Make sure the program lists at least a few of the software required for the jobs you want before you start.

   Lastly, for bootcamps, make sure you understand the tuition guarantees. Some programs deffer tuition until you have a position, or will refund your tuition if you don't find a job. Make sure you understand the terms so you understand what the commitment will be.

   Hope this helps you make a decision!

2. Dorothy AduMay 27,2020 at 5:59PM UTC

   I couldn't have said it better myself. UX bootcamp grad here too and at the end of the day, I am learning that having client-facing portfolios help you stand out from the standard portfolio outcomes of the bootcamp.

3. G-E. Runge/#opentoworkApril 11,2023 at 6:08AM UTC

   You need not choose. Clearly your interest resides with both. Why short change yourself.

   First choose the one you are most excited about. Then in your time, and own pace work on the other.

   Your first stage, in other words, would be to get you to that next level. The other to future-proof your position.

   A win-win in the end!