UX FAQ - Early Career

What's the difference between UI and UX design?

This is a very common question, and most design companies and publications have an article on this exact topic. To keep things concise and focus on the job responsibility lens.

Which Bootcamp should I enroll to learn UX?

There are several UX/UI/Product Design bootcamp options out there. Given that the bootcamps vary in cost, duration, curriculum, and level of support, it is difficult to claim that any particular bootcamp is the best option to choose. To help evaluate the options, below are the latest bootcamp details from the most popular bootcamps on the market today.

How can I find a real-life project without any UX experience

A real-life project refers to working on a project with a real company (whether that is paid or non-paid) and implies that you worked with other stakeholders. A real-life project is considered to be a lot more valuable than a personal or academic project, mainly because of the collaboration experience and the challenges that come with it. When building your portfolio while you are learning UX, it is better to be able to secure and work on a real-life project so your portfolio can ultimately be more valuable in the eyes of hiring managers.

What are some effective networking strategies for growing and building a UX network?

Having a strong network can be hugely beneficial to your career growth. From gaining visibility to other people’s work to the ability to ask for direct feedback or job referrals, it is a great idea to start networking as early on in your career as possible. I started intentionally building my network about seven years ago, and there were countless times when I was able to leverage people within my network for support and insights. Below are some of the approaches I took to develop my professional network.

How much can I expect to make as a UX designer?

Design salary varies depending on many factors like location, the level of the role, and the company’s own salary band. Location is typically a critical anchor point to understanding the salary range you can expect as a UX/Product Designer.

What computer should I get for UX Design?

There was a time when mainstream design tool was only available on MacOS, which meant designers would be required to use a Mac computer. Nowadays, most design software is either cross-platform compatible or web-based. Web-based software also comes with less demand for hardware performance. This means you have a lot of options when it comes to choosing your work hardware.

What are the requirements to transition into UX Design?

Generally speaking, the requirements to even start applying for a job in UX are: Resume with some level of UX experience, whether that is research work, internship, or school/volunteer project experience. Design portfolio containing at least two projects to demonstrate your skills, UX knowledge, and quality of work .Before applying for a job, you certainly need to be qualified to take on the role. You can acquire the necessary skills and knowledge by going through learning resources such as books, online courses, formal education degrees, or career bootcamps. The exact knowledge required for the job can vary depending on the company but expect to know most of the following:

Can I get into UX without a design background or any experience?

Yes, you can. I have worked with many designers in the field who came from a non-design background before.Below is a high-level list of things you should commit your time to if you are interested in transitioning into UX design.

frequently asked Early Career UX Questions

Answered by Senior Designers