Learning paths in user research

I think a lot about user research education. I practice and teach in three camps: 1) At a university 2) In a bootcamp setting 3) At companies trying to upscale their employees .

All three have critics. Some detest bootcamps because “they can’t teach you in 12 weeks how to get a $100k/year UX job.” Others criticize universities because they can’t update their curriculums as fast as the industry changes. Also, companies “are more focused on generating profits than educating employees.”

Learning is a living, breathing and constantly-evolving process. It’s unrealistic to expect a one-stop-shop to meet all learning needs. People with such inflated expectations end up frustrated, sound harsh, ill-informed, and out of touch.

Different educational programs have different strengths and weaknesses. To maximize your skills and career track, you’ll likely need a variety of programs and experiences. For example, a bootcamp can quickly give you an overview of a topic, but it won’t instantly transform you into an expert. You’ll need one or more programs, and lots of applied experience, to accomplish that.

My suggestion: Pursue programs that meet YOUR needs. Don’t judge people’s learning paths. Stay in motion and keep moving forward.