Are you intrigued by the vibrant world of technology, design, or product development but unsure where to begin? With a plethora of programs, bootcamps, resources, and learning methods available today, navigating the rapidly evolving tech landscape can be daunting. In this post, we'll explore the three most prevalent paths to learning about tech and design: college/university programs, bootcamp programs, and self-taught methods.

General Considerations

Before delving into the specifics of each learning path, it's crucial to consider several factors that can influence your decision.

Learning Style

Understanding your learning style is essential. Don't rush into the first program you encounter or one recommended by others. Everyone learns differently, and what works for one person may not work for you. Some individuals thrive with instructor-led classes, while others prefer personalized mentorship. Some need detailed explanations, while others benefit from visual or auditory learning. Consider these factors when choosing your learning path.

Learning Environment

Different learning environments cater to various preferences. You might prefer a traditional classroom setting, a self-paced module with mentor support, or a hybrid of both. These environments are typically associated with college/university and bootcamp programs, but you can also create a structured self-paced learning journey.

Learning Support

The level of support varies across programs. Some offer instructor-led classes with teaching assistants, while others provide mentorship and tutoring. Consider the support you need based on your learning style and environment preferences. While college/university and bootcamp programs often provide structured support, you can also establish a support system for self-paced learning.

Learning Setting

The setting is a vital consideration, especially in today's post-pandemic world. Some programs are entirely in-person, while others are remote. In-person programs may have geographic limitations, whereas remote programs offer global accessibility. Remote learning can be instructor-led or self-paced, and self-taught learning allows you to choose your setting.

Learning Commitment

Consider the commitment level required by different learning experiences. Some are immersive and full-time, ideal for those without other commitments. Others are part-time, suitable for individuals with full-time jobs. Self-paced learning can be tailored to your schedule, whether full-time or part-time.

Education Length

The duration of learning experiences varies. College and university programs may span 2 to 4 years, while bootcamp programs range from 2 to 9 months. Self-paced programs can extend beyond 9 months, depending on your pace. When learning independently, you set your timeline, but having a structured plan is beneficial.

Education Outcomes

Consider the outcomes of different learning paths. Bootcamp programs may offer portfolio projects and career coaching, while self-taught learners decide their outcomes. A strong portfolio is crucial, regardless of the learning path.

Community + Network

Networking opportunities vary across learning experiences. Remote and self-paced learners may feel isolated, so networking is essential. Evaluate the networking opportunities offered by programs and actively engage in community-building activities.

Education Cost

Cost is a significant factor in choosing a learning path. Bootcamp programs have diverse pricing models, and it's important to make a financially sound decision. Many have succeeded in tech through self-taught methods, highlighting the availability of affordable resources. Choose a path that aligns with your financial situation.

Tech & Design Education

Now let’s outline the three most common ways to learn about tech and design.

1. College / University Programs

Attending a college or university program is a traditional and well-established way to learn about technology, design, or product. A key benefit to college/university programs is that most have a well-structured and set curriculum that covers the essential concepts and theories.

Examples of college and university programs include:

• 4 year bachelor degree programs
• 2 year associate degree programs
• 3-9 month long bootcamp-like programs

One additional appeal to college / university programs may be the perceived credibility in the eyes of employers. Do note that many jobs in tech don’t require a degree from a college or university. While having a degree will never be a con or something that pushes an employer away from hiring you, it’s generally not a requirement. At the end of the day, what will give you the most credibility will be your portfolio. Someone who has a weaker portfolio but has a degree won’t get the job over the person with the stronger portfolio but has no degree. Especially if the employer does not require a degree, the stronger portfolio will always win (of course, amongst a multitude of other factors!).

2. Bootcamp Programs

Bootcamp programs are designed to provide intensive, hands-on training in a specific technology, design, or product discipline. These programs typically last from three to nine months and are offered on a full-time or part-time basis. Bootcamp programs also have focused-curriculums. In other words, bootcamp programs have a narrow focus and cover specific skills and technologies.

To be very direct, no, a bootcamp program won’t generally make you “look bad” or a hiring manager won’t judge you negatively simply because you attended a bootcamp program. Similar to what was highlighted in the previous section, at the end of the day, what will give you the most credibility will be your portfolio.

What should be highlighted instead is that bootcamps are NOT the end-all be-all. In many ways, bootcamp programs are just the beginning. Their expedited and lots-in-a-little-time nature inherently means they’re teaching you the basics, the foundation, the essentials. As you evaluate which path is best for you, don’t think of bootcamps as the place where you will learn everything you’ll need to know and suddenly be job-ready after a couple of months. You’re not necessarily job-ready when you finish your bootcamp program, you’re closer to being job-ready when you’ve practiced your skills over time.

3. Self-Taught Methods

Learning about technology, design, or product on your own can be a flexible and cost-effective way to gain skills and knowledge. Some of the methods for self-taught learning include:

• Online courses: There are numerous online courses available in technology, design, and product, including Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and many others!
• YouTube videos: There are countless tech and design tutorials available on YouTube, making it a great resource for self-taught learners. However, make sure you can trust the person you’re learning from. You want to make sure you learn from credible experienced professionals.
• Working with a mentor: Finding a mentor who has experience in the tech or design field can be a valuable way to learn and grow your skills and have the guidance you may need to better structure your come up.
• Putting your own curriculum together: Creating your own learning plan can give you the flexibility to focus on the areas you want to learn and progress at your own pace.

Regardless of how you learn on your own, it’s important to note that this path doesn't mean you’re learning alone. As you teach yourself what you need to know, don’t keep to yourself throughout your entire learning journey. In many ways, it’s extra on you to put in the work to connect and network with people in the field. Join a community, attend events, meet with experienced professionals, and immerse yourself in the space.

Also, no, being a self-taught professional won’t make you “look bad”. As we’ve said multiple times in this post, at the end of the day, what will give you the most credibility will be your portfolio. And as we near the end of this post, it’s important to note that when get to the point where you’re looking for work, it’ll end up being less about how you learned about tech or design and more about how well you learned what you studied.

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In conclusion, there is no one "right" way to learn about technology, design, or product. The best way for you will depend on your goals, preferences, and resources. Whether you choose a college/university program, bootcamp program, or self-taught methods, the most important thing is to keep learning and growing your skills.

And if you need individualized help figuring out the best path for you, feel free to reach out to me to discuss your options. As a Design Leader, Design Manager, Tech & Design Educator, and Tech & Design Mentor, I’m super passionate about supporting the next wave of technologists, designers, and product experts - so don’t hesitate to reach out! Follow me on Instagram @michaelmakesco.

Also, consider joining our Rita Lab community on Discord. You’ll find other tech and design beginners in our community that can support you throughout your journey. We’re all in this together!