From Law to UX Design: How I Switched my Career and Landed my First Job

Welcome to my story, where I hope to provide helpful insights and ignite a spark of inspiration. Whether you’re a new immigrant, contemplating a career change, or feeling uncertain about which path to take, this article aims to offer valuable guidance.

I got lucky to start my first project while being a student. Humber College hired me along with other students to build software for internal use by the students.

I used to be a lawyer in Ukraine and had zero connection to UX design. I had a solid career, but deep down, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing out on something more. But then, life threw me a curveball and I moved to Canada with my family. Suddenly, my legal background did not apply to the Canadian legal system, so it was time for a change. I had no idea what I wanted to do until I stumbled upon UX design. It was shot in the dark, but I took a chance on it instead of going back to law school. And dare I say, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

From Law to UX Design

My journey from law to UX design was a wild ride, filled with unexpected twists and turns. When I realized I was going to move to Canada — a country with a different legal system — I started to consider a possible career change. I have always had an interest in design and even got my Interior Design Certificate. Also, I managed to complete a real-life project and loved it. So, inspired and impatient, I came to Canada. But soon enough, I realized that my enthusiasm for functional European interior design wasn’t exactly a good fit for the utilitarian North American style. I still had the option to continue my legal career by going to Law School for one year and spending $35k just to be able to practice law in the province alone. But what if I decide to move again? (Spoiler: I did relocate again exactly 2 years later). So, I decided to make a pivot and pursue something that will give me more flexibility. And that’s when I stumbled upon UX design.

What I did to land my first out-of-college job

I started my first job as a one-person UX team in a tiny startup based in the UK (fully remote). Now it sounds like a desperate decision, but it worked out well. We’ve built a SaaS platform from scratch, which is now a mature company Symple.

Apparently, I was not the most wanted applicant. As I delved into the job search process, I encountered numerous rejections. However, I saw them as opportunities to learn and grow. I stayed committed to finding a place that would be a match for my skills and business needs.

Ok Google, what is UX design?

I knew so little about UX design that I had to google “UX design meaning”. I read for hours on end and attended numerous workshops held by universities, colleges, and educational centers. I kept reading and gradually came to the realization that UX design was precisely what I wanted to do.

Boot Camps vs. Academic Programs

When it came to finding the perfect UX Design program, I had two main options: boot camps and academic post-grad programs offered by universities and colleges. I made it a point to explore both avenues thoroughly and carefully weigh my choices.

The boot camps offered by General Assembly and Brainstation immediately grabbed my attention. These programs, lasting anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, definitely came with a hefty price tag. Initially, I thought they were designed for seasoned professionals aiming to level up their skills. However, in hindsight, I realized that they might actually be the best fit for beginners too. Fast-paced and intense, just like the real world of a UX Designer.

I also considered the academic programs offered by universities, particularly Toronto and York Universities. These programs were more affordable compared to the boot camps. However, the two-year duration felt a bit lengthy for my liking. I craved a more streamlined and focused approach to getting into the field sooner.

After carefully weighing the pros and cons, I ultimately decided on a 1-year intensive post-graduate program at Humber College, Toronto. It felt like the perfect balance, offering a comprehensive education in a shorter timeframe. The curriculum also included 2 work placements during the program.

Admission requirements

In Canada, similar to many other countries, admission requirements and education costs are determined based on the student’s status: domestic or foreign. Fortunately, I had the privilege of being classified as a domestic student, which came with its fair share of advantages. One significant advantage was the eligibility to apply for a student loan. I was utterly astonished when I received the grant, which covered the entire cost of the program.