In recent years, there has been a notable influx of emerging UX designers (including me) into the tech industry. Many have undergone UX courses, both through online platforms and traditional educational institutions (also including me).

While a strong foundation in design principles and theories is undeniably important for designers, my intention in this post is to delve into the significance of translating these concepts into real-world applications. I want to emphasize the distinct value that practical experience offers, as opposed to conceptual or solo projects.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of UX Bootcamps and Schools

Let’s take a step back and ask — do these schools and bootcamps genuinely prepare individuals for the challenges that lie ahead?

From where I stand, it’s a mix of “yes” and “not quite”. Because let’s face it, there’s much more to the equation than just “take the course”.

Imagine this: you’re a novice in the UX realm, soaking up design concepts like a sponge. It’s akin to planting tiny seeds of knowledge in the fertile soil of your mind. So in my experience, yes, the bootcamp helped me plant these little seeds.

I remember coming out of the bootcamp with a handful of solo projects in my portfolio. Responsive wireframes, mobile redesigns, and even a mobile app. These projects were like my UX training wheels, giving me a solid grip on the field. But did these projects get me “job-ready”? Not quite.

Just as plants require the right balance of temperature, sunlight, and nutrients to flourish, the seeds of experience demand a real-world environment to truly thrive. Real-world projects often involve a set of constraints — client requirements, technical challenges, and budget limitations — that aren’t always covered in theoretical education.

What Skills Are the Most Sought-After?

Hiring managers look for people with concrete evidence of applying knowledge in a real-life setting. This evidence helps hiring managers answer any questions they have about a designer without having to ask them directly or assume.

After all, how do you show that you’re good at problem-solving if you’ve never butted heads with a real problem?

So, let’s look at some skills that real-life experiences bring!

These are observations that stem from my year-long experience as a designer, engaging with projects and collaborating with individuals.

1. Client Interaction

Interacting with clients, understanding their needs, and incorporating their feedback constitute the core of design work. While solo projects can open a world of imagination and creativity, they might not always address practical considerations. Real-life experience has been my guide in refining communication skills, managing client expectations, and building meaningful connections.

Effective communication is a skill that I deeply value. Learning to express my reasoning and advocate for my design choices has been an invaluable experience.

2. Adapting to Constraints

Designers often work within tight budgets, timelines, and technical limitations. Maybe the solution you found is too costly. Maybe the technical system is limited. Learning how to design within these constraints is a valuable skill that can only be honed through hands-on experience.

3. Learning Industry Tools

Design software and tools used in the industry can be complex. Real-life experience exposes junior designers to these tools and helps them become proficient in using them effectively.

I remember asking around what tools I needed to know to break into UX. I personally believe that you only need to know how to use Figma, but of course, this all depends on what kind of field of design you want to be in. Learning how to utilize auto-layout, components, variables, and prototypes is a must when designing. Practicing this also helps grow an “eye” for design as well as fast-track your design skills.

4. Problem-Solving Skills

At first glance, design projects look as though the challenge and problem-solving are linear. While this can be true, it is often challenged in multiple directions. This was true for me, as there is no “one” problem and “one” solution.

Real-life experience exposed me to various design challenges and taught me to think in different directions to come up with innovative solutions.

5. Feedback and Iteration

Design is rarely a solitary endeavor. Real-life projects provide opportunities to receive feedback from clients, colleagues, and users. Learning how to accept this feedback and iterate on designs is an important skill for growth as a designer.

I didn’t understand the significance of this until I was actually in that space. Sometimes, you might not like the feedback. Sometimes, it goes completely against what you think is right. But, there is something you gain during this.

First, you are not your user. Second, you are not the smartest in the room. (I read this in a design book)

6. Confidence and Growth

Successfully completing projects boosts the confidence of junior designers and helps them believe in their capabilities. With each project, they can learn from their mistakes, refine their skills, and grow as designers.

Real-life experience provides junior designers with the practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and industry insights needed to excel in their careers. While formal education lays a solid foundation, it’s the application of knowledge in real-world scenarios that genuinely transforms a junior designer into a capable and adaptable professional.

Creating opportunities

While there are many opportunities online, posts online are read by many people, and it may be hard to obtain an opportunity.

As I started out in design, I needed real-life experience, so I created my own.

Here’s a glimpse of what I did:

1. I researched small companies in my neighborhood and simply found what design help I can offer.

2. I gave them a call and/or email explaining that I am a design student hoping to provide some help (for free) while I gain experience.

3. I set a time and place, then built an agenda. Now that’s the start of the stakeholder meeting!

The best thing you can do is to find and create an opportunity yourself.

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