2 answers
Kenna
Student
Princeton, Minnesota
1
Question
Asked
590 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?
Login to comment
2 answers
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical engineer, researcher and Software Developer
181
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!
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.