Roney Khan 
If you love designing intuitive user experiences, here are 6 ways you can become a UX Designer Without a Degree.
Did you know that being a UX designer requires only an intermediate skill level? Did you also know that this job isn’t always locked to those who have a college degree in Human-Computer Interaction or another related field? Fortunately, the demand for UX designers continues to rise as more people use online services and mobile apps on a daily basis. As such, companies are looking for employees who can create user-friendly interfaces that are easy to understand and navigate.
Learn the basics of user experience design
Even though you can work as a UX designer without a degree, you’ll need to know the basic principles of designing intuitive user experiences. If you’re serious about designing interfaces, you’ll need to learn how to create intuitive UI designs and interactions. This starts with a general understanding of human psychology, cognition, and behavior. You’ll also want to learn about the different types of users and their preferred methods of using software and apps. If you’re serious about becoming a UX designer, start by studying the different elements that go into designing a seamless user experience. You’ll want to learn about different design processes and methods, as well as communication and collaboration tools. You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with the different types of design tools, including wireframing, User Interface (UI) design, and Computer-Human Interaction (CHI) design.
Become a specialist in one program or platform
If you’ve been learning the basics of UX design but want to take your learning to the next level, become a specialist in one program or platform. For example, if you love using Adobe Creative Cloud or Sketch, specialize in these products in order to appear more attractive to employers. Once you specialize in a certain field or design platform, you can then use your expertise to create better UX designs, which will make you more attractive to employers.
Take advantage of online learning platforms
There are many online learning platforms that can help you break into UX design. Full-time programs can be expensive, but you can often find online courses with group discussions and assignments for as little as $10 per month. Online learning platforms like Coursera and edX offer a variety of Human-Computer Interaction courses that are often taught by industry experts. If you don’t have the money to pay for a full-time UX design course, you can check out free online learning platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and Lynda. These platforms often have courses that focus on the basics of designing intuitive user experiences.
Network and find an apprenticeship
If you’re a student at a local university, don’t rule out the possibility of finding an apprenticeship in your area. If you’re serious about getting into UX design, focus your search on companies that offer apprenticeships or internships. This will give you hands-on experience in the field and connect you with potential employers. If you can’t find an apprenticeship in your area, consider reaching out to companies that specialize in hiring UX designers. You can find these companies by searching job sites like Indeed or Monster. Once you’ve identified potential employers, you can then reach out to them and ask if they offer apprenticeships.
Find a job as a User Experience Analyst
If you don’t have the money or time to pursue a full-time or online UX design program, consider finding a job as a User Experience Analyst. This job will give you hands-on experience in the field and allow you to network with people who work in UX design. While this job will provide you with experience, you may want to consider pursuing a full-time UX design position after gaining several years of experience as a User Experience Analyst.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in becoming a UX designer but don’t have a degree in Human-Computer Interaction, don’t worry. While having a degree may help you get your foot in the door, many employers are willing to hire applicants who have the necessary skills but lack the degree. You can get your foot in the door by learning the basics of UX design, becoming a specialist in one design platform, and taking advantage of online learning platforms. You can also network with people in the industry and find an apprenticeship that will allow you to get hands-on experience in the field. Once you’ve gained enough experience, you can find a job as a User Experience Analyst or apply for full-time positions at companies that hire UX designers.
