Designation

I was a member of the Magenta cohort that graduated in November 2015. After graduating, I was hired by the program as a Designer-in-Residence.

I can wholeheartedly say that DESIGNATION changed my life. I enrolled in the program without having had any formal design training, yet with the guidance of the instructors, the comprehensive curriculum and many late nights of effort, I am now confident in my abilities as a digital designer. 

Having been both a student and an employee of the program I was able to gain the student perspective but also a look behind the scenes. 

As a student, DESIGNATION was one of the most challenging yet rewarding academic journeys I have been on. There is an incredible amount of information that will be thrown at you, and you will inevitably feel overwhelmed at points; however it will be a shared experience between you and your fellow cohort members who will become close friends that you can lean on. 

DESIGNATION will provide the tools and guidance for success, however, success is not a given. It is the student's responsibility to be self-disciplined and to take advantage of the resources provided by the program.

The instructors are one of the key resources of the program. The instructors are knowledgeable and want to see you succeed. They are there to provide guidance and help you on your journey. That said, they are not there to hold your hand. You are expected to put in the required hours and effort.

An additional resource that is just as important as the instructors, if not more so, is your fellow cohort members. Fellow cohort members (as well as those in the senior or junior cohort) will teach you much more than you expect. Learning design is about practice and being open to critique. If you consistently ask your cohort members for feedback, you will accelerate your growth and learning. 

Unlike other programs, DESIGNATION gives you the chance to work with actual clients (startups in Chicago and around the country) to gain real-world experience which in turn distinguishes the work of a DESIGNATION graduate from those of other bootcamps. You will learn how to navigate client relationships which is a critical skill to possess.

As part of the program you are paired with a mentor; a working design professional who can answer any questions you have regarding the working design world, the application and interview process, etc. Again, it's up to you to schedule the meetings with your mentor.

The career support is also another selling point of the program. There is a dedicated community director who provides portfolio development support while you are still a student and will assist you in making connections with companies once you are a graduate of the program. DESIGNATION does not guarantee a job upon graduation, but if you ask for assistance, they will do what they can to connect you with recruiters and companies. You will find that they won't always be able to help you in the case that they have no connection with the company but as time goes by, the stronger and more expansive the DESIGNATION network becomes.

As an employee of the program, I was able to see and contribute first-hand to the program itself. DESIGNATION practices what it preaches in that the curriculum is constantly being iterated upon based on student feedback. They make it a priority to figure out how to address frustrations that students have.

The program is not perfect - there will be moments of frustration, but you are actively encouraged to voice your concerns. The staff is genuinely invested in your success.

Overall, this program has the capacity to change the direction of your career. You will get out of it what you put in. It won't be easy, but you will have the support of a lot of people along the way. You will form friendships that will last a lifetime; you'll learn more over the course of the program than you ever thought possible and you will have a great of a time doing it.

I graduated from the program in April and just got my first job offer. So I can happily say that the program is legit and would reccomend it. I think there are a few things to know/consider to get the most out of the program:

- Know the basics of what UX is BEFOREHAND. Read as much as you can to get aquianted with terms and everything else UX so that you can hit the ground running. 

- Be ready to work your ass off. When they say the program is intense, they mean it. When they say it's 70 hours a week, they mean it. When they say you really have to put in the effort on your portfolio (during the latter career phase), they mean it. Or you could be lazy and slack off throughout the program, but good luck with the job hunt afterwards.

- The instructors are awesome, and expose you to a wide variety of views, opinions, and styles. Realize that everything you learn is subjective, and you have to process or filter your feedback. Also, you will learn SO MUCH, but there is inifinitely more for you to still learn after. This field in general is best for lifelong learners.

- It's not perfect. There were definitely bumps in the road, but I think thats to be expected. The staff at DESIGNATION are all very friendly, genuinely interested in their mission, and adamanet about constantly asking for feedback and improving the program. This is key, IMO.

- The people you are exposed to and the network they help you to create is one of the biggest benefits in my opinion. Especially for a pretty big introvert like me, the opportunity to comfortably meet and talk with designers and other creatives and tech people from all over Chicago (and beyond) is amazing.  

- The opportunity to work with two REAL clients is one of the key benefits of the program. Be as involved as possible during the client phase, because not only can this open up opportunities to you in the future, but being able to speak to real world client work during interviews is something graduates from similar programs cannnot say. 

- Just competing the program isn't going to land you a job. This wasn't clear to me when I started, so I just want to try to be upfront about all of the work required to really be ready to search for jobs: resume, personal statement, portfolio site with 3-5 case studies. (THIS IS MORE WORK THAN YOU EXPECT). You begin work on this in the final 6 weeks, but its completely up to you how much you get done. It took me about a week and a half after the program to finish my portfolio, and I was the second one finished. So just remember, after the program, theres still plenty of work to do.

Overall, I really appreciate the program and the people, and where they've helped me get to today. Just know what you are getting in to, be ready to work your ass off, and go for it!

After graduating and moving back to San Francisco, one of my first design job interviews was with a hiring team that pulled my application from the applicant pool because they saw DESIGNATION on my resume. They had a great experience with another graduate and were eager to bring in someone with a similar skillset. That experience reminded me that I made the right decision to attend this bootcamp.

A few attributes set DESIGNATION apart from other design programs, in my mind:

1. Intimate learning environment: DESIGNATION is small in all the right ways. While the staff have strong and deep ties to the design community and professional world, each cohort is comprised of maybe 20 students. You will get the help you need to reach your design goals. Instructors and classmates will learn your strengths and weaknesses. Everyone will help you improve by leaps and bounds.


2. Startup workspace: The program occupies part of 1871, an incubator and co-working space. This means that, if you want, you can meet and talk with professionals from different fields who can offer you "outside" opinions and perspectives on design. I was even offered a few freelance opportunities while still in the program.


3. Real client design projects: The last six weeks of the program are allotted to two design consulting projects with real businesses that want design work. This is an unreal opportunity to apply your newly-acquired design skills to the real world. These projects make for great portfolio pieces.

The reason I only give the program 4 out of 5 stars on job assistance is because they do not have established placement programs with companies who agree to interview new graduates (this is a practice that a few friends at development bootcamps have told me about). However, DESIGNATION does have a full-time staff member who focuses on professional development and a significant portion of the program is focused on getting you ready to find a design job. Again, the DESIGNATION community is strong and we have an internal job board where new roles and potential referals are posted everyday.

The instructors are great, they come from many different backgrounds, and they really know what they're talking about. With experiences in UX/UI design, advertising, graphic design, front end development, entrepreneurship, logo design, and so on, I dont remember having a question that somebody in 1871 didn't have the answer to. 

At DESIGNATION, you're doing something productive towards your future 11+ hours every single day and that really makes you remember the knowledge you are learning. I learned more about design and front end development in the first 2 weeks then I did the previous 2 years in college. Doing something for 70+ hours a week is going to quickly get you better at whatever that something is.

Lastly, the 'job-opportunities' message board is constantly being posted to by the instructors and alumni located worldwide. With how big the network is, it is very easy to find job openings that fit your criteria. My cohort has gotten job offers from Hawaii to Boston, and many places in between.

I would not be where I am now without DESIGNATION. Looking back I can't believe how much they were able to teach and mold me in such a short time. I'm not going to lie, it was hard. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. I feel like they take  1-2 years worth of content and experiences and cram it into 4 months. Our instructores really knew their stuff, they could be hard on you but in a way that pushed you to do better. I loved that it wasn't just theoretical content. I got to work with real clients and was able to leave with a portfolio of work and an understanding of how to work with other designers.

Great people, great vibes, great instruction. Other descriptors? Long hours, lots of coffee, tons of laughs. I learned the theory and technical skills, while making great friends along the way. For those looking for a career transition into the world of digital design, DESIGNATION allows the space to learn a whole new set of skills in a very short amount of time.

On the instructor side, most of the instructors don’t have to be teaching (and could probably be making more money designing instead). Yet you have these teachers that do it because they want to be there. (I've heard it's a different story for GA.) Whether it’s the nighttime instructors who work day jobs too or the day-time instructor Won who could definitely get any full-stack designer/developer job in Silicon Valley, the passion is palpable on all fronts.

DESIGNATION is a complete experience that was overwhelming with all it had to offer. As a career switcher who had only 18 weeks to learn everything I could, I graduated recently wishing I had more time or preparation going in so I could absorb even more of the content. I chose to focus in UX but seeing the quality of the curriculum in UI and front-end development made me wish that I had the time to specialize and learn all I could in those areas as well. 

I came away from this immersive experience feeling extremely confident in my new skills as a UX Designer but also confident that my experiences and the assistance here will help me find a job.

If you are looking for a change in careers this bootcamp not only has the best curriculum, but they put into practice what they teach. With each cohort the curriculum is getting better and evolving. I was trying to learn design on my own but I needed to have structure and support from peers and instructors and that's what DESIGNATION provided me with. The entire curriculum is completely up to date and the programs that I learned to use were a mixture of industry standards along with popular, newer, programs that companies are starting to use such as Sketch and InVision.

The instructors/mentors are knowledgeable and know their field inside and out. You always have someone that is willing to critique your work, help you get better, and offer their advice.

It has been roughly two weeks since I graduated and I feel confident in my abilities to land a job in design.  Instructors from the program have kept in touch with me post-graduation to make sure that I have everything I need to complete my portfolio, get a job, and have even send me job postings in my area.

I left my job and career to take a huge chance and attend DESIGNATION. It turned out to be the best thing I could have done.  Considering how all great the reviews are for the program I would probably be a little skeptical, but it's all true.  You will come out of the bootcamp completely equipped for a UI, UX, or front end development job. Expect to put a ton of extremely hard work in, sacrifice your social life, and have some stressful days. After finishing up my portfolio I landed many interviews and had 3 job offers. All of the late nights are totally worth it.  If you're on the fence about attending DESIGNATION, just do it.

I enjoyed my experience at Designation, and would highly recommend it to others considering transitioning careers into design.  Designation provides the resources, knowledge, and support to help you in your career transition into design.  As part of the program, you become part of a broader community of 1) passionate, eager students, 2) instructors/staff that want their students to succeed, 3) start up clients and connections in the 1871 space (Chicago incubator and cowork space), 4) alumni across the nation in varying fields/industries/design roles. This community has upbeat, resourceful, encouraging, helpful, and engaging pre/during/post my time at Designation.

I believe this program stands out compared to masters programs and a self hack education because their curriculum is often updated to include the latest patterns, design tools, emerging technology, and trends going on in the tech / design field.  They also provide collaborative, immersive exercises that allow you to apply new design and front end development skills.  This program stands out compared to other bootcamp programs, because they teach you the end to end design process from research, UX, interaction, visual design to front end development.

What you put into it, is what you get out of it especially related to finding a job afterwards.  There's alumni across different types of design positions and companies, so it is definitely possible and proven to land a design job. Designation won't babysit you put together your portfolio and practice your interviews.  They'll be available if you reach out for help.  

I discovered Designation when I was looking for a career change. I had a background in marketing but found I didn't have all the skills or experience to get that new job I wanted. I really liked that Designation offered UX, UI, IxD and front-end development as I wasn't set on any particular path at first. (you'll choose a direction once you're there)

My experience was great and I would do it over again if I had to. I really suggest prepping yourself and learning all the fundamentals you can before starting because from day one it's intense. That's what I loved about Designation– you're with these great, motivated people, who each bring something different to the table everyday. The instructors are wonderful and truly care about you. Your time there will consist of lectures, assignments, projects, guest speakers, working individually & with groups and hopefully karaoke-ing after hours on Thursday nights. I definitely suggest giving the experience your 110% commitment because you get what you put in it. Designation will provide you with the tools and resources but it's up to you what you do with them. I was a part of one of the earlier cohorts and as every good designer should constantly iterate their designs...Designation constantly improves their curriculum. I think the biggest take-aways that I walked away with was the confidence in my new career direction and the network of new friends and colleagues I made. The design world is amazing & I love how passionate everyone is. 

I know there's at least a few of you out there that can relate to the start of my journey in transitioning to UX/UI design. I had been working in PR for several years and, while I invested a great deal of time in my work and enjoyed certain aspects of my job, my achievements never really felt meaningful.

I spent several months researching how others got started in UX/UI design, read countless design blogs, and even tried to teach myself a few of the tools. I also checked out several design courses, including DESIGNATION Labs and General Assembly. In the end, I realized the best way to learn the trade is to immerse yourself: get hands-on experience and guidance and surround youself with others that share the same passion and drive to be the best designers. I learned so much from the course instructors, client projects and working with other classmates who come from diverse work backgrounds. I left DESIGNATION with a killer portfolio and the skills and confidence I needed to land an awesome job as a UX designer. 

If you're reading this review and are still nervous about making this big step, just take a deep breath, imagine the best outcome, and make it happen. If you put in the effort and hard work, you'll get to where you want be, any likely make some great friends along the way. :)

I uprooted from Ireland and travelled to Chicago to complete DESIGNATION - initially believing it would add some creditionals to my work as a SME business consultant, the ideas of Design Thinking and the holistic bootcamp environment drew me in. 

While there I got totally swept up in the passion and enthusiasm amongst the team and students and found myself falling in love with UX. Armed with an extensive knowledge and great career direction I have returned to Ireland and landed a job with one of Europe's most resepected UX Design firms (who IXDA have also been awarded best in the world 2015) and I couldnt be happier. It was a great experience (both during and after).

I was trying to teach myself design and development tools and technologies for a few months. I then came across DESIGNATION and decided to give it a chance. Best career decision I've made. 

I was struggling with certain CSS concepts such as the box model and floats for weeks on my own. At DESIGNATION, the concepts were made clear to me in two days. The instructors taught best practices within the industry and presented us with great resources to design and develop websites/graphics/wireframes/prototypes well. 

DESIGNATION gives real client experience, which is invaluable. I was able to present these projects at interviews, which led to job offers; more importantly, job offers that I wanted. 

This is an intense and worthwhile experience. 

If you are thinking of enrolling in DESIGNATION, be prepared for the most intense couple months of your life.  Actually, in hindsight and in the moment, I don't think you can be very prepared.  It will be unlike anything you have ever or will ever experience.  Your future fellow classmates, the teachers, the mentors, will all be lifelong connections.  The topics taught and nurtured will impact your career in these fields without a doubt.  Enrolling was truly the best decision I ever made.  Also thanks to their internal instant messaging tool, I feel like I am still always connected to the DESIGNATION community, even after having graduated.  Be prepared to grow your design network by more than 100 people (and keep it growing).  

DESIGNATION gave me a career path.  It helped me apply my previous knowledge and fine tune it in a way that works with the most lucrative career paths on the market.  But if you don't have any previous relevant experience in UX/UI, you will still learn everything you need to know to make it in these fields, and then some.  Also, their strategic partnership with 1871 and 1871's startups was an extremely smart move.