6 answers
Kenna
Student
Princeton, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
1509 views
What is the most difficult part about becoming involved in the User-Experience Design field? Is there any way to start working in this field without having an associate or bachelor's degree first?
I am currently a high school senior who will soon graduate with my associates degree. However, I have been trying to get involved in this career field to no avail. Many companies seem to require some sort of prior experience; does this mean I should wait until I complete my degree first?
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6 answers
Nivedha Anand
Sr. Experience Designer II
8
Answers
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Nivedha’s Answer
Hi Kenna,
I started my career as a software engineer with a computer science degree, focusing on front-end coding. But I discovered my passion for UX and shifted my career without needing another degree. It was all about smart work and staying consistent. So, don't worry about needing a degree to get started. This field values your portfolio and your ability to solve problems over formal qualifications. Your associate's degree shows your dedication to learning, but showcasing your work will really help you get hired.
The biggest challenge isn't lacking a degree; it's gaining experience. Companies want to see that you've done the work, but you need a job to get that experience. It's a common frustration for beginners. Instead of waiting for a degree or a job, focus on creating a portfolio that proves your skills.
You're in a great position. Earning an associate's degree in high school shows you're proactive. Use that same energy to build a strong portfolio. The experience you want won't just come to you; you'll need to create it yourself.
Do "Fake" Work. Don't wait for a real client. Find a website or app you use and redesign it. Create a case study that walks through your process
Volunteer or Intern
Network like Crazy!
I started my career as a software engineer with a computer science degree, focusing on front-end coding. But I discovered my passion for UX and shifted my career without needing another degree. It was all about smart work and staying consistent. So, don't worry about needing a degree to get started. This field values your portfolio and your ability to solve problems over formal qualifications. Your associate's degree shows your dedication to learning, but showcasing your work will really help you get hired.
The biggest challenge isn't lacking a degree; it's gaining experience. Companies want to see that you've done the work, but you need a job to get that experience. It's a common frustration for beginners. Instead of waiting for a degree or a job, focus on creating a portfolio that proves your skills.
You're in a great position. Earning an associate's degree in high school shows you're proactive. Use that same energy to build a strong portfolio. The experience you want won't just come to you; you'll need to create it yourself.
Nivedha recommends the following next steps:
Sanchita Bajaj
Designer
8
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Sanchita’s Answer
Getting into UX is less about your diploma and more about your storytelling and portfolio.
You absolutely do not need to wait until you finish a four-year degree to start working; if you have a sharp resume and a portfolio that proves you can solve problems, you can land an entry-level role now. The key is to be honest—don't "fake" your projects, but instead tell the story of your process. I’ve seen candidates land jobs just by explaining the deep thinking behind a single button on a screen!
However, keep in mind that while a portfolio gets you the job, a design degree is often required to move into senior leadership later in your career. My advice: start working now to gain experience, but keep that degree in your long-term plans if you want to climb to the top.
You absolutely do not need to wait until you finish a four-year degree to start working; if you have a sharp resume and a portfolio that proves you can solve problems, you can land an entry-level role now. The key is to be honest—don't "fake" your projects, but instead tell the story of your process. I’ve seen candidates land jobs just by explaining the deep thinking behind a single button on a screen!
However, keep in mind that while a portfolio gets you the job, a design degree is often required to move into senior leadership later in your career. My advice: start working now to gain experience, but keep that degree in your long-term plans if you want to climb to the top.
Vladimir Vustean
e-commercial marketing manager/site merchandising
6
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Vladimir’s Answer
The hardest part of breaking into UX is the “experience gap”. Companies want proof of work, but you can’t get work without proof. The way around this is to create your own portfolio before a degree or job: redesign existing apps/websites, build case studies explaining your thought process (user research, wireframes, mockups, usability fixes), and share them on Behance, Dribbble, or LinkedIn. You don’t need to wait for a degree.. Many junior UX designers get hired with strong portfolios and some self-taught skills (Figma, Sketch, usability testing basics). Internships, volunteer projects (non-profits, student orgs), or freelance gigs on small platforms can also give you real examples to show. Focus less on formal education for now and more on tangible work samples that prove your thinking.
Rocío Calderón
Product design and research
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Rocío’s Answer
Hi Kenna, it’s amazing that you already want to get into this field before college. In my experience you don’t have to wait until you finish school to start learning and getting involved into the user experience .
A good first step is to explore the main skills and methods used in user experience design. There are many websites, videos, and books you can use to learn the basics. As you learn, try putting it into practice. For example, you could design a tool to solve a problem in your daily life or improve the design of one of your favorite apps.
Another way to learn is to join a team that’s doing research or product design. Even helping out with note-taking, organizing ideas, or making simple sketches can give you real experience. When I was in still in college, I joined a group of MIT researchers visiting Mexico City and helped test prototypes. Look for local student groups or community projects where you can get hands-on practice.
Finally, check out case studies from groups like IDEO or Design for Good. They show how designers use these skills to solve real-world problems, which can give you ideas and inspiration.
Books recommendations: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/ux-design-books-guide
Websites that can help you get familiar with methods:
https://www.interaction-design.org/
https://dschool.stanford.edu/
Case studies sites:
https://www.ideo.com/work
https://www.designforgood.org/
A good first step is to explore the main skills and methods used in user experience design. There are many websites, videos, and books you can use to learn the basics. As you learn, try putting it into practice. For example, you could design a tool to solve a problem in your daily life or improve the design of one of your favorite apps.
Another way to learn is to join a team that’s doing research or product design. Even helping out with note-taking, organizing ideas, or making simple sketches can give you real experience. When I was in still in college, I joined a group of MIT researchers visiting Mexico City and helped test prototypes. Look for local student groups or community projects where you can get hands-on practice.
Finally, check out case studies from groups like IDEO or Design for Good. They show how designers use these skills to solve real-world problems, which can give you ideas and inspiration.
Books recommendations: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/ux-design-books-guide
Websites that can help you get familiar with methods:
https://www.interaction-design.org/
https://dschool.stanford.edu/
Case studies sites:
https://www.ideo.com/work
https://www.designforgood.org/
Mel Linares
Consultant
4
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Mel’s Answer
I'd this point and time I'd recommend looking into setting up an internship as soon as possible, and looking for one consistently as you continue your education. Companies as a whole are not likely to consider anyone who has not completed high school.
That said, work on creating and documenting independent projects now and throughout your degree. Document the UI, the how and why considerations, and research. The expectation is not that the client will be real for these independent projects when you are just getting started, but the process and outcome need to be.
UX/Experience Design as a field is going to be competitive. Get as much experience as quickly and as often as you can. There isn't a one size fits all approach to getting in the door. In general however having a bachelor degree will still require having some years of experience, but having an associate degree will require you to have much more years of experience when applying for jobs. Getting in the door with an internship can be a great way to bypass some of this, but you have to find them and get accepted. Start with your school and local associations in order to find some of these potential opportunities.
For right now focus on building relationships and professional contacts, and attend local UX meetups. When looking into a degree (if you are still considering your options), research current job posts to get an idea what companies are looking for.
That said, work on creating and documenting independent projects now and throughout your degree. Document the UI, the how and why considerations, and research. The expectation is not that the client will be real for these independent projects when you are just getting started, but the process and outcome need to be.
UX/Experience Design as a field is going to be competitive. Get as much experience as quickly and as often as you can. There isn't a one size fits all approach to getting in the door. In general however having a bachelor degree will still require having some years of experience, but having an associate degree will require you to have much more years of experience when applying for jobs. Getting in the door with an internship can be a great way to bypass some of this, but you have to find them and get accepted. Start with your school and local associations in order to find some of these potential opportunities.
For right now focus on building relationships and professional contacts, and attend local UX meetups. When looking into a degree (if you are still considering your options), research current job posts to get an idea what companies are looking for.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
520
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Hello, Kenna,
You can absolutely step into the world of UX design as a high school senior with an associate degree, even without a formal degree. The secret lies in crafting a strong portfolio that highlights your design thinking and problem-solving abilities. Begin by tackling personal projects, redesigning websites or apps, or offering your services to local businesses. Make sure to include detailed case studies that show your design process, such as user research, wireframes, and prototyping, and how you improved your work based on feedback. Understanding the UX process, including user research, information architecture, and iterative design, is vital.
Get familiar with key tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch to create and polish your designs. While focusing on UX, knowing basic UI principles—like typography, color theory, and responsive design—can really boost your work. Networking is crucial too; connect with other designers through online communities, attend meetups, and find a mentor to guide you. Gaining real-world experience through internships or freelancing, even if unpaid, will also enhance your portfolio.
To sharpen your skills, try platforms like Daily UI, Frontend Mentor, and Practical UX, which offer design challenges to practice and expand your work. Keep up with industry trends by following design blogs, attending webinars, and engaging with communities. With a strong portfolio, a user-centered design mindset, and a desire to learn, you can thrive in UX design. Passion and skills are more important than a degree, so start building your future as a designer today!
You can absolutely step into the world of UX design as a high school senior with an associate degree, even without a formal degree. The secret lies in crafting a strong portfolio that highlights your design thinking and problem-solving abilities. Begin by tackling personal projects, redesigning websites or apps, or offering your services to local businesses. Make sure to include detailed case studies that show your design process, such as user research, wireframes, and prototyping, and how you improved your work based on feedback. Understanding the UX process, including user research, information architecture, and iterative design, is vital.
Get familiar with key tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch to create and polish your designs. While focusing on UX, knowing basic UI principles—like typography, color theory, and responsive design—can really boost your work. Networking is crucial too; connect with other designers through online communities, attend meetups, and find a mentor to guide you. Gaining real-world experience through internships or freelancing, even if unpaid, will also enhance your portfolio.
To sharpen your skills, try platforms like Daily UI, Frontend Mentor, and Practical UX, which offer design challenges to practice and expand your work. Keep up with industry trends by following design blogs, attending webinars, and engaging with communities. With a strong portfolio, a user-centered design mindset, and a desire to learn, you can thrive in UX design. Passion and skills are more important than a degree, so start building your future as a designer today!