In recent years, there has been a growing trend of people going to university to become a UX designer. While it may seem like a logical choice at first, there are actually several reasons why this may not be the best path to take. In this article, we’ll explore these reasons and highlight some of the great courses available at General Assembly and other online platforms.
One of the main issues with going to university to become a UX designer is that traditional university programs often do not have a strong focus on practical, hands-on learning. Instead, they tend to focus on theory and research, which may not necessarily translate well into the real world of UX design. Furthermore, many universities may not offer courses specifically tailored to UX design, or they may only offer them as electives, making it difficult for students to get the kind of specialized training they need.
“without breaking the bank!”Another issue with going to university for UX design is the cost. Tuition fees for university programs can be extremely high, and students may end up taking on a significant amount of debt in order to pursue their studies. Given the competitive nature of the job market, it may take some time for graduates to find a job in their field, which could make it even more difficult to repay their loans.
For these reasons, many people are turning to alternative options for UX design training. One great option is General Assembly, an online education platform that offers a range of courses in UX design, as well as other tech-related fields. General Assembly courses are designed to be practical and hands-on, giving students the skills and experience they need to succeed in the real world. They also offer flexible learning options, allowing students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule.
Other online platforms, such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning, also offer a range of UX design courses that are both affordable and accessible. These courses are often taught by industry professionals, giving students the opportunity to learn from those who have real-world experience in the field.
In conclusion, while it may seem like a good idea to go to university to become a UX designer, there are actually several reasons why this may not be the best path to take. Traditional university programs may not offer the kind of practical, hands-on training that is necessary for success in the field, and the cost of tuition can be prohibitive. However, there are many great alternatives available, such as General Assembly and other online platforms, that offer specialized training in UX design that is affordable and accessible. By taking advantage of these options, aspiring UX designers can get the skills and experience they need to succeed in their field, without breaking the bank.