52. There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Blueprint for UX Education With Kevin Shertz

52. There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Blueprint for UX Education With Kevin Shertz

Episode 52

1:12:50

In an industry where bootcamps dominate the conversation, the concept of self-learning presents an intriguing alternative. How does one navigate the complex world of UX design without the roadmap that a formal education provides?

How do you break into this competitive field armed with nothing but a thirst for knowledge?

Kevin Shertz is a prime example of someone who took his education into his own hands. Transitioning from a career in architecture to UX design, Kevin didn’t just rely on a boot camp; he actively sought out knowledge and skills on his own, particularly in emerging technologies like AR and VR.

Kevin joins the show to share his unique perspective on self-directed learning, offering valuable insights for those looking to break into UX design without following a traditional educational path.

This week, we dive deep into Kevin’s journey of self-education, discussing how he navigated his own learning experience, the role of emerging technologies in his career transition, and the importance of mentorship and community when you’re learning on your own.

So, if you’re a junior UX designer, a career shifter, or simply intrigued by the idea of taking control of your own learning journey, this episode is one for you.

Topics:
• 05:30 – Kevin’s OriginStory
• 18:34 – What drew Kevin to UX Design?
• 22:44 – Kevin’s journey begins
• 26:47 – You get out of it what you put into it.
• 31:41 – Kevin’s method for absorbing the most from his coursework
• 34:05 – Kevin’s approach to mentorship platforms
• 37:11 – Consider what you want in a mentor
• 41:12 – Advice to Young Kevin
• 44:03 – Career shifters starting over shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help
• 50:36 – Don’t burn bridges in your previous career
• 52:20 – How Kevin uses LinkedIn
• 58:54 – People want to work with nice people

Helpful Links:
• Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn
• kevinshertz.com

Support Our Sponsors

This week’s episode is brought to you by Figma Academy.

We usually talk about soft skills here on the show, but let’s not forget hard skills are important too. Mastering tools like Figma can be crucial in today’s job market.

Back in episode 49 Tommy Geoco mentioned ‘knowledge debt,’ and how you’ll pay for learning either with your time or money. If you don’t have time to learn it on your own, Figma Academy is your fast track to mastering Figma, and you’ll be in good company—over 4,000 designers from industry leaders like Shopify, Microsoft, and Amazon have already signed up.

The course is hands-on, and you’ll be part of a talented cohort of designers. Plus, they host live Q&A sessions every Thursday to clear up any questions you have.

Want your company to foot the bill? Lofts of designers have done just that, and Figma Academy even offers an expense template to make it a breeze to get approval from your boss.

And because you’re all awesome listeners, I’ve teamed up with Figma Academy to offer you a $100 discount. Just head to beyonduxdesign.com/figma and use the promo code BEYONDUX at checkout.

This Week’s Audio Book

Check out The Science of Self-Learning: How to Teach Yourself Anything, Learn More in Less Time, and Direct Your Own Education by Peter Hollins.

The Science of Self-Learning is a guide to mastering self-education. It offers actionable strategies for setting goals, practicing effectively, and adjusting learning techniques over time. The book blends psychological insights and educational theories to empower readers to teach themselves anything, from new languages to professional skills, even UX design, much like our guest today. It’s an excellent resource for anyone looking to take control of their own learning journey, making it particularly relevant for career shifters and junior UX designers aiming to upskill independently.

Download Now

Kevin Shertz
UX Design and Research | Licensed Architect | EV Geek | Continuous Learner

About Kevin

Kevin Shertz is a recent career switcher to UX design from an extensive background as a registered architect in the construction industry. From his childhood days of writing a Missile Command clone in BASIC and continuing as a Content Developer at a CAD software company prior to becoming a licensed architect, he has always loved the intersection of architecture, product design, and technology. With AI, AR, and VR creating new design opportunities in an expanding UX industry, Shertz brings his extensive experience with problem-solving, critical thinking, and person-centered iterative design to the digital environment.

Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn

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Meet your host

Jeremy Miller

Designer // Host // Mentor

I’m Jeremy. I’m a product designer from New Orleans. Here are some things I want you to know about me:

I rally around research
I’m dedicated to design
I’m crazy about collaboration
I’m sweet on the soft skills
I’m entranced by the end users
I’m passionate about the product

But most importantly, I know you can’t build great software without great relationships.

So join me here and learn about how to build truly great software.

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52. There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Blueprint for UX Education With Kevin Shertz