“After 4 years of barbering I wanted to go back into studying computers and design. When I looked through the courses I noticed UX Design. I heard about it before and decided to research it. Looking at the job description for UX Design I felt really intrigued of how the job focuses on the user."
My name is Gillian Grier, I'm 32 and a barber. When I finished school I did my foundation degree in Animation. However when I finished that qualification I couldn't find a job and trained as a hair Stylist for a year so I could work and travel.
After 4 years of barbering I wanted to go back into studying computers and design. When I looked through the courses I noticed UX Design. I heard about it before and decided to research it. Looking at the job description for UX design I felt really intrigued of how the job focuses on the user. The DkIT modules were most appealing to me: I learnt coding, digital media and the theory of UX design.
The teachers go above and beyond to help at DkIT. They emailed and went on Zoom sometimes with anything that the students or myself struggled with. They kept checking each student in class in the breakout rooms on Zoom, where everyone was on their project and this is where we could ask them for guidence on the project.
The most beneficial part of the course was learning about UX design in general. I wanted to try it to see if I liked it and it turns out I love it and I want to have a career in it. I also gained a portfolio out of it which I can use to show other companies.
Now I am doing an MSc in UX design in IADT after doing the Certificate at DkIT has given me so much confidence. It's the type of course I'd never even think of applying for or been capable of. Once I finish my 2 year MSc in IADT, I hope to get a job as a UX Designer, UX Researcher, or UX Architect.
The Dundalk course has given me more than I honestly ever imagined. It gave me a portfolio to apply to IADT and the knowledge to move forward in this fast-moving industry.
Certificate in User Experience (UX) Design
This course was previously funded by Springboard+.
