I also withdrew from CF. I went in so excited and I hated it. My mentor never responded and the guy grading my assignments wasn't a native English speaker so I had trouble understanding him often. They always seem so busy and never have the time to actually help you and when they do it's just a text message. At one point I was so lost on an assignment, I asked for guidance and the guy told me "just keep trying I'm sure you'll figure it out". The platform had known bugs they weren't being addressed. Although CF has good reviews everywhere a lot of people were complaining in the slack channels. I even took screenshots of threads like multiple people complaining about their mentors not responding.
Were you able to get your money back after you withdrew? I finished the course, but have the same issue as Kelso mentioned in her video , that they say you will have 3 projects by the end of the course ( but in the reality you don't, max that you might have is 2 projects if you go with UI specialization). Anyway, I am now at the point of looking for a job and have no lack at all , and wonder how do I aproach CF to tell them that I am not satisfied , but mostly what I worried if they refund you? And how they do it ?
@@camillastartev3886 I was able to get a full refund because I was still within the first two weeks. I think you'll just get partial refund after that depending on how far into the course you are. But idk how it works exactly. I'd recommand doing projects on your own. You can get people from ADPlist to look over them for free. That's what I did and I ended up getting a job pretty easily. There are a lot of people willing to help and guide newbies like us. Good luck!
Yes ofc honestly my friends I made at at CF feel the same way and one txtd me to see how they should write an email asking for a refund. I stopped the program!
I'm a current CF student, and I agree with most of what you're saying. I've spent so much time re-doing parts of my design because we weren't taught the basics of UI in the beginning. I'm not even interested in being a UI designer (I'm currently a product designer who does more UX research/strategy in my role), but having the foundation of design principles from the very beginning would have been helpful. As for tutors and mentors, I dont think having a tutor was necessary - I was able to get much better feedback from my mentor even though she didnt "grade" my assignments. And yes, in order to put the Intro project on my portfolio, I would have to completely re-do it since its nowhere complete or professional looking. All this to say, I will finish the program this Dec and I already have a product design job. I personally needed the structure and accountability to learn UX, and I dont think I would have been as successful if I was completely self-taught given the way I learn and my short attention span haha. I strongly encourge people to do additional work outside of whichever bootcamp you choose, and to find design mentors in your area to build relationships and network.
Hi Kelso, I've enrolled in the same CF course but a couple of months before you and I must admit that I have, or used to have, the same opinion. I'm in a 9-5 job, I've always felt I need the theory before the practice and I notice I spent a lot of time searching info for myself. And this is something I was thinking from day 1. However, I should say that despite it not being what I expected, it is "changing" the way I used to approach a task, which it could prove to be useful in the end. I don't have a background in design but I've always been attracted by it and so far I've always find tons of info about the principles, but nothing about the application of those. What I realize is that there are no rules, but a "balance" between elements. I should start thinking what elements I want to be the core of my design, and shape the other needed elements around them, where the principles could help pointing at the right path but, since it's not real science, there is a wide margin of possibilities. About the CF course in particular, I think their objective is to disrupt the classical "learn the rule - apply the rule" and their trying to make us think and decide without too many advice, as if they don't want to "imprint" anything that later on could become like a cage we can't go away. For example, imagine they start telling us "the buttons must have this size, the text box should be put here, the title there..." and so on...I'm sure this would become my first thought in the future and I would probably stick to it so much that anytime I could "change" these rules, the design would look too unfamiliar to me that I will probably start having my pattern and my design could be boring (maybe useful, but too standard). I think they could add much more tips or suggestions, that's for sure. There's so much I can found everywhere that I would be happy to see some more into the lessons. Another point I think has its advantages is: since I don't have experience in design, my project will be full of flaws, mistakes, ugly stuff. This means, higher chance to spot mistakes and things to improve. If a design is already quite good, it would often been difficult to think of a different layout, options, order, colors...or at least it was for me. I was a little bit annoyed by having to go back again to my Figma file (I agree, they should update the suggested software) and to push myself to modify things, when I've just submitted the new version! The designs would surely be better if I had more "rules" to follow, and it would be more difficult to me to learn and to push myself to change and change and change my designs. Despite all my efforts, I find myself affected by the Impostor syndrome in the 24 hours after I changed the design of my project. As for the UI, since there's a specialization course available after the immersion course, I hope to find those missing advice about UI but I can tell you only after I submit my last 3 exercises. In any case, this are my opinions as a Devil's advocate. I don't know how other courses teach about UX. In my case, I've been taking this as a trial because it's really difficult, and mentally stressful, for me to be forced to learn in a way that often goes against (my) logic.
I changed careers with CareerFoundry and the course is first-rate. There's a basic misunderstanding of UX vs UI here. UX groundwork must first be laid. UI comes later in the course and in the UI specialty course. That "very detailed research" you speak of is what you should be concentrating on at this point. Some UXers never do UI -if the company you work for has a separate department for it). If you get further on in the immersion course you will learn design principles, and it gets much more detailed in the UI specialty (exactly what you are looking for). It sounds as if you just want to be a graphic designer, and not a UXer. Just remember that UI without researched backed UX means you are designing on a hunch, and won't serve your users well. Good luck on your journey.
I think you're the first person I stumbled upon that had a critical review of Careerfoundry! CF was one of the bootcamps I was choosing to enroll in, I ended up going with Designlab instead and I really like it so far! I'm currently taking the foundations course where they teach you the basics of UX/UI and even give guides and tutorials for Figma (or Sketch if you use Mac!). Do you plan on finding other bootcamps or going completely self learn? The latter is great too, I've done a bit of self learn before deciding to dive into a bootcamp!
Yes thats why I had to share because the program is not it!! and ooh that sounds better than CF already haha honestly Im in a phase of uncertainty right now but I know quitting CF was the right move. Good luck on your UX journey!
Hi Kelso, thank you for your honest review. This is very useful information. I thought about enrolling to one of these bootcamps, but wonder if worth the price. I have some website design experience, so the UI side shouldn't be too challenging to me (I hope). Like the posts before me, I am going with the self-learning route, learning to mastering tools like figma and XD. I am also thinking about taking the google UX course, which is much more affordable. Good luck to you on your UX journey, and to everyone learning UX/UI as well.
sorry to hear about your experience, current a CF student and a lot of the point you made and information i feel has been put in the course now but i totally agree what you said about going back. although its a bootcamp i think you really have to do lots of your own research otherwise i think your designs will end up really basic. I think in regards to the tutor it depends who you get and maybe you didnt get the best of people
Thank you for the review! I’m also trying to switch careers and been thinking about a bootcamp for some time. I’m starting to think it’s not worth the price. I might spend a few months mastering tools such as Illustrator and Figma and then find some online resources so I can self-learn UX. I reckon for for that amount of money I could hire a mentor full time 😂
Thank you so much for sharing your perspective! I am in the middle of choosing a Bootcamp and could honestly use your advice. If you were to select another Bootcamp what would you lean towards? I notice other bootcamps like springboard are titled “UX/UI” so they may have more emphasis on the design aspect? I definitely want a well rounded experience with the Bootcamp I choose and am seeking accountability through the structure of a course. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Hi Kelso!! I recently moved to SF from Australia and thought I might take this advantage of living in SF and enroll one of those UX design bootcamps and transition into UX... I have completed few short UX design courses online and was thinking of bootcamp as I felt the need to learn more but I was not sure if its worth the money! But thank you for your honest feedback and I am going to self-learn as you can find so many free resources online these days! :) :) good luck with your UX design path!
Hello Kelso @kelsosworld Thank you so much for you honest opinion!! This is so helpful, I think I have a similar learning style like yours, I would like to know if you were able to find a more suitable bootcamp at the end? Thank you again!
I think reviews like this are important. One thing to keep in mind if you’re looking for a reason to attend/not attend Career Foundry is YOU have to pick a boot camp based off YOUR learning style. If you don’t like having to do your own research the programs may not be for you. If you like all the products and resources laid out for you like traditional schooling this program is not for you. Picking a boot camp that suits your learning style will allow you to get the most from whatever program you choose.
Hi! I'm in your boat too but I didn't even get as far as you did. I actually went in with the intention of being aUser Researcher but was open to learning the UX Design process as a whole bc I think it's important to know both. I'm on the verge of canceling so I can get a full refund. I just felt like I got a bad start to the program and I feel I'm not getting the support that they advertise. Feels like this program is for you to "Complete tasks but figure it out on your own". Mind you, I have dabbled with some intro UX content on coursera and IxDF, etc. and it feels on CF you are just getting the same or if not less but you are paying thousands of dollars because it comes with mentorship and tutorship. It just so happened it was coincidentally one of the most hectic weeks for me personally, which affected me starting off on the right foot. I reached out to an advisor with my timeline concerns and it took them 5 DAYS to respond to me. I wanted reassurance or to reset my timeline or pause and restart but they offered no options other than "catch up at some point in the future and if you need an extension e.g. a year from now, you can PURCHASE ONE" (???). No one wants to start week 1 and bc of life occurrences see that they're already behind and go to the slack channel and see everyone in your cohort is ahead 5 assignments ahead of you. Even as per the curriculum, they say reach out if you need guidance but I had a question for another assignment and my tutor STILL hasn't responded. Secondly, my assigned mentor's availability was not matching well with me and its not like you have access frequently. He was sweet but I could not understand him well since he was not based in the US. The fact that this is the support I get now, I can only see this feeling disastrous later. I reached out to to request a cancellation and sure enough they responded within HOURS. LOL.
Sounds like you want to be a UI-designer (who also does some testing from time to time)... UX-design is just a method. As you might know, its more about information structure and research than typography and color etc.. I'm no big fan of bootcamps... but maybe you just choose the wrong course?
Hi! Did you switch to another course in the end or self study? Hope it went well either way :) I'm also considering to quit my bootcamp, with another company though, for similar reasons to you plus monthly hefty fees and deceiving timeline
Hi Kelsi. thank you for the video- very helpful. I am looking into a UX Bootcamp and came across your video. I am still researching various providers and wanted to know if you can recommend any that does teach UI design and is more hands on.
@Kelso Hi, i would like to ask you more question and getting more information regarding UX DESIGN course with CF because i m in a situation where i find it difficult to decide which bootcamp to go for, if u won't mind i would like to ask you direct via email or in any form u may prefer..Regards and Greeting from Germany
I also withdrew from CF. I went in so excited and I hated it. My mentor never responded and the guy grading my assignments wasn't a native English speaker so I had trouble understanding him often. They always seem so busy and never have the time to actually help you and when they do it's just a text message. At one point I was so lost on an assignment, I asked for guidance and the guy told me "just keep trying I'm sure you'll figure it out". The platform had known bugs they weren't being addressed. Although CF has good reviews everywhere a lot of people were complaining in the slack channels. I even took screenshots of threads like multiple people complaining about their mentors not responding.
Were you able to get your money back after you withdrew? I finished the course, but have the same issue as Kelso mentioned in her video , that they say you will have 3 projects by the end of the course ( but in the reality you don't, max that you might have is 2 projects if you go with UI specialization). Anyway, I am now at the point of looking for a job and have no lack at all , and wonder how do I aproach CF to tell them that I am not satisfied , but mostly what I worried if they refund you? And how they do it ?
@@camillastartev3886 I was able to get a full refund because I was still within the first two weeks. I think you'll just get partial refund after that depending on how far into the course you are. But idk how it works exactly. I'd recommand doing projects on your own. You can get people from ADPlist to look over them for free. That's what I did and I ended up getting a job pretty easily. There are a lot of people willing to help and guide newbies like us. Good luck!
I'm doing self study but still am intrigued by people's experiences in bootcamps. Thanks for being so honest! First critical review I've heard of CF.
Yes ofc honestly my friends I made at at CF feel the same way and one txtd me to see how they should write an email asking for a refund. I stopped the program!
@@kelsosworld oh wow! I'm glad you were able to make the right decision for you. Good luck with your UX journey :)
i am so happy to finally see a critical review of CF. I've been trying to decide between bootcamps and this really helps with perspective!!
Who’d you go with? I’m between CF and another currently.
I'm a current CF student, and I agree with most of what you're saying. I've spent so much time re-doing parts of my design because we weren't taught the basics of UI in the beginning. I'm not even interested in being a UI designer (I'm currently a product designer who does more UX research/strategy in my role), but having the foundation of design principles from the very beginning would have been helpful.
As for tutors and mentors, I dont think having a tutor was necessary - I was able to get much better feedback from my mentor even though she didnt "grade" my assignments. And yes, in order to put the Intro project on my portfolio, I would have to completely re-do it since its nowhere complete or professional looking.
All this to say, I will finish the program this Dec and I already have a product design job. I personally needed the structure and accountability to learn UX, and I dont think I would have been as successful if I was completely self-taught given the way I learn and my short attention span haha. I strongly encourge people to do additional work outside of whichever bootcamp you choose, and to find design mentors in your area to build relationships and network.
Hi Kelso, I've enrolled in the same CF course but a couple of months before you and I must admit that I have, or used to have, the same opinion. I'm in a 9-5 job, I've always felt I need the theory before the practice and I notice I spent a lot of time searching info for myself. And this is something I was thinking from day 1. However, I should say that despite it not being what I expected, it is "changing" the way I used to approach a task, which it could prove to be useful in the end. I don't have a background in design but I've always been attracted by it and so far I've always find tons of info about the principles, but nothing about the application of those. What I realize is that there are no rules, but a "balance" between elements. I should start thinking what elements I want to be the core of my design, and shape the other needed elements around them, where the principles could help pointing at the right path but, since it's not real science, there is a wide margin of possibilities. About the CF course in particular, I think their objective is to disrupt the classical "learn the rule - apply the rule" and their trying to make us think and decide without too many advice, as if they don't want to "imprint" anything that later on could become like a cage we can't go away. For example, imagine they start telling us "the buttons must have this size, the text box should be put here, the title there..." and so on...I'm sure this would become my first thought in the future and I would probably stick to it so much that anytime I could "change" these rules, the design would look too unfamiliar to me that I will probably start having my pattern and my design could be boring (maybe useful, but too standard). I think they could add much more tips or suggestions, that's for sure. There's so much I can found everywhere that I would be happy to see some more into the lessons.
Another point I think has its advantages is: since I don't have experience in design, my project will be full of flaws, mistakes, ugly stuff. This means, higher chance to spot mistakes and things to improve. If a design is already quite good, it would often been difficult to think of a different layout, options, order, colors...or at least it was for me. I was a little bit annoyed by having to go back again to my Figma file (I agree, they should update the suggested software) and to push myself to modify things, when I've just submitted the new version! The designs would surely be better if I had more "rules" to follow, and it would be more difficult to me to learn and to push myself to change and change and change my designs. Despite all my efforts, I find myself affected by the Impostor syndrome in the 24 hours after I changed the design of my project.
As for the UI, since there's a specialization course available after the immersion course, I hope to find those missing advice about UI but I can tell you only after I submit my last 3 exercises.
In any case, this are my opinions as a Devil's advocate. I don't know how other courses teach about UX. In my case, I've been taking this as a trial because it's really difficult, and mentally stressful, for me to be forced to learn in a way that often goes against (my) logic.
Hi Rene, I was wondering what your experiences were in the UI immersion?
Thank you for your honest feedback! This really helped me on my decision.
Finally an honest review ,thanks
I changed careers with CareerFoundry and the course is first-rate. There's a basic misunderstanding of UX vs UI here. UX groundwork must first be laid. UI comes later in the course and in the UI specialty course. That "very detailed research" you speak of is what you should be concentrating on at this point. Some UXers never do UI -if the company you work for has a separate department for it). If you get further on in the immersion course you will learn design principles, and it gets much more detailed in the UI specialty (exactly what you are looking for). It sounds as if you just want to be a graphic designer, and not a UXer. Just remember that UI without researched backed UX means you are designing on a hunch, and won't serve your users well. Good luck on your journey.
I think you're the first person I stumbled upon that had a critical review of Careerfoundry! CF was one of the bootcamps I was choosing to enroll in, I ended up going with Designlab instead and I really like it so far! I'm currently taking the foundations course where they teach you the basics of UX/UI and even give guides and tutorials for Figma (or Sketch if you use Mac!). Do you plan on finding other bootcamps or going completely self learn? The latter is great too, I've done a bit of self learn before deciding to dive into a bootcamp!
Yes thats why I had to share because the program is not it!! and ooh that sounds better than CF already haha honestly Im in a phase of uncertainty right now but I know quitting CF was the right move. Good luck on your UX journey!
Did you decide what was a better boot camp? I'm deciding between Springboard, DesignLab and Avocademy
Hi Kelso, thank you for your honest review. This is very useful information. I thought about enrolling to one of these bootcamps, but wonder if worth the price. I have some website design experience, so the UI side shouldn't be too challenging to me (I hope). Like the posts before me, I am going with the self-learning route, learning to mastering tools like figma and XD. I am also thinking about taking the google UX course, which is much more affordable. Good luck to you on your UX journey, and to everyone learning UX/UI as well.
Thank you good luck! Figma is super easy to learn and fun to use you’ll get it easily!
Did you do the Google Coursera UX Design course? ANd if so - how was it?
sorry to hear about your experience, current a CF student and a lot of the point you made and information i feel has been put in the course now but i totally agree what you said about going back. although its a bootcamp i think you really have to do lots of your own research otherwise i think your designs will end up really basic. I think in regards to the tutor it depends who you get and maybe you didnt get the best of people
Thank you for the review! I’m also trying to switch careers and been thinking about a bootcamp for some time. I’m starting to think it’s not worth the price. I might spend a few months mastering tools such as Illustrator and Figma and then find some online resources so I can self-learn UX. I reckon for for that amount of money I could hire a mentor full time 😂
Youre welcome!! Yes figma is actually my fave tool now to even just make slides. Check out adp list there are free mentors!
These reviews are much appreciated because I don't fully trust sponsored reviews.
Thank you so much for sharing your perspective! I am in the middle of choosing a Bootcamp and could honestly use your advice. If you were to select another Bootcamp what would you lean towards? I notice other bootcamps like springboard are titled “UX/UI” so they may have more emphasis on the design aspect? I definitely want a well rounded experience with the Bootcamp I choose and am seeking accountability through the structure of a course. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Hi Kelso!! I recently moved to SF from Australia and thought I might take this advantage of living in SF and enroll one of those UX design bootcamps and transition into UX... I have completed few short UX design courses online and was thinking of bootcamp as I felt the need to learn more but I was not sure if its worth the money! But thank you for your honest feedback and I am going to self-learn as you can find so many free resources online these days! :) :) good luck with your UX design path!
Oh how exciting ! Good luck
My tutor told me o learn on youTube, then why am I paying almost $7000 for?
lol tell me you are joking..omg this is crazy!!!
Hello Kelso @kelsosworld Thank you so much for you honest opinion!! This is so helpful, I think I have a similar learning style like yours, I would like to know if you were able to find a more suitable bootcamp at the end? Thank you again!
Where are you now on your UX/UI journey? Thanks for the review 🙌
I think they listened to your concerns. They've added UI and figma to the UX course.
I think reviews like this are important. One thing to keep in mind if you’re looking for a reason to attend/not attend Career Foundry is YOU have to pick a boot camp based off YOUR learning style. If you don’t like having to do your own research the programs may not be for you. If you like all the products and resources laid out for you like traditional schooling this program is not for you. Picking a boot camp that suits your learning style will allow you to get the most from whatever program you choose.
Thank you for this! I'm currently debating...CareerFoundry vs Designlab. So enlightening! What did you end up doing???
what did you end up with? I'm between the two too
@@MuiMuiJiy520 I actually decided not to go into ux design, at least for now. You know, with all the oversaturation of ux designers. Did you decide?
Hi! I'm in your boat too but I didn't even get as far as you did. I actually went in with the intention of being aUser Researcher but was open to learning the UX Design process as a whole bc I think it's important to know both. I'm on the verge of canceling so I can get a full refund. I just felt like I got a bad start to the program and I feel I'm not getting the support that they advertise. Feels like this program is for you to "Complete tasks but figure it out on your own". Mind you, I have dabbled with some intro UX content on coursera and IxDF, etc. and it feels on CF you are just getting the same or if not less but you are paying thousands of dollars because it comes with mentorship and tutorship. It just so happened it was coincidentally one of the most hectic weeks for me personally, which affected me starting off on the right foot. I reached out to an advisor with my timeline concerns and it took them 5 DAYS to respond to me. I wanted reassurance or to reset my timeline or pause and restart but they offered no options other than "catch up at some point in the future and if you need an extension e.g. a year from now, you can PURCHASE ONE" (???). No one wants to start week 1 and bc of life occurrences see that they're already behind and go to the slack channel and see everyone in your cohort is ahead 5 assignments ahead of you. Even as per the curriculum, they say reach out if you need guidance but I had a question for another assignment and my tutor STILL hasn't responded. Secondly, my assigned mentor's availability was not matching well with me and its not like you have access frequently. He was sweet but I could not understand him well since he was not based in the US. The fact that this is the support I get now, I can only see this feeling disastrous later. I reached out to to request a cancellation and sure enough they responded within HOURS. LOL.
Sounds like you want to be a UI-designer (who also does some testing from time to time)... UX-design is just a method. As you might know, its more about information structure and research than typography and color etc.. I'm no big fan of bootcamps... but maybe you just choose the wrong course?
she clearly said they misguide her. they suppose to teach her ui fundamentals but they didnt
Thanks for sharing!
Hi! Did you switch to another course in the end or self study? Hope it went well either way :) I'm also considering to quit my bootcamp, with another company though, for similar reasons to you plus monthly hefty fees and deceiving timeline
Thank you that was very helpful
Hi Kelsi. thank you for the video- very helpful. I am looking into a UX Bootcamp and came across your video. I am still researching various providers and wanted to know if you can recommend any that does teach UI design and is more hands on.
Welcome to the education game. The entire thing is a bit of a racket (because all learning is self-learning)
give us an update pls?
I also withdrew from CF without a refund. Did you request for a refund? Thanks for sharing your honest opinion.
So what was the end result here? Did you get your refund are you still pursuing UX design bootcamps?
i agree with you. there is more to ux design
Did they refund you in the end? Honestly I feel like it's a must when you are not happy to continue with the course?
yea they refunded me because I quit the course!
@Kelso Hi, i would like to ask you more question and getting more information regarding UX DESIGN course with CF because i m in a situation where i find it difficult to decide which bootcamp to go for, if u won't mind i would like to ask you direct via email or in any form u may prefer..Regards and Greeting from Germany