8 tips for completing your UX bootcamp quickly
The sooner you complete your bootcamp, the sooner you can start job hunting. Here are 8 tips that I used to complete my bootcamp early.
1. Set ambitious goals and verbalize them
I set out to complete one task a day. If some tasks took longer than expected, I would still end the week with at least 4 tasks done — double the amount required to stay on track. By verbalizing your goals, you are holding yourself accountable, especially if you express them to someone else.
2. Track your habits
This was a big one for me. I use Notion to track my daily, weekly, and monthly productivity. I have different columns for things I can work on daily, and I check them off when I feel I’ve done something substantial. If I see that I’ve gone more than a day without completing something for my bootcamp, that was the kick in the pants I needed to get moving. I would also document what assignments I submitted and when.
3. Always read the next lesson
Whenever I would finish a task, I would immediately read the next lesson even if I didn’t plan on completing that task. This gives you a head start the following day so you can get right into the assignment, as well as gives you time to brainstorm.
4. Avoid analysis paralysis
It’s really important to remind yourself that, while researching and preparing are great, the work needs to get turned in. There is a certain point where research turns into procrastination, and it’s up to you to recognize this and get the work done.
5. Set rewards
When I finished reading the lessons, I would allow myself to watch a 10 minute Youtube video before starting the task. The same reward applied to completing certain milestones in the tasks. This kept me from getting overwhelmed and burning out.
I will note that the videos I watched were normally UX-related in order to keep my head in the game.
6. Ask for help
If you’re feeling stuck, reach out to your UX tutor/mentor/community. You can spend days trying to get over a creative block, or trying to solve a technical issue. You’re not alone! Ask for help so you can move forward!
7. Find a study/work buddy
This can be a study buddy who is in your bootcamp with you, or you can pair up with a real-life person unrelated to your bootcamp. I chose the latter. My roommates and I would sit in our living room all getting separate work done. None of us knew what the other people were working on, but no one could goof off and watch videos or online shop because the others would hold them accountable.
8. Remember why you’re doing this
This is the most important tip. Why are you attending this bootcamp? What is motivating you? Most people are doing it for a career change, and that is enough to push them to finish. Sometimes motivation can be as simple as, “I spent a lot of money on this course and don’t want to waste it”. If you don’t have motivation… why are you here?
Don’t forget to learn!
Please remember to never sacrifice quality for quantity. If you are blowing through your assignments just to pass, it will hurt you in the long run. Walking out of the bootcamp with a subpar case study will have just been a waste of time and money.
Your portfolio and skills matter in the job market, not the certification!
