Yesterday I had my work evaluation, November last year I had to write an extensive report about my intentions, my goals, my planning etc. so yesterday I had to meet up with my unit manager to discuss my report and his comments on what I had written. It was an extremely nice chat especially when he handed over an envelope with a letter. He explained to me that he wanted to give it to me in person this time because last year the letter had been sent to me through regular mail. I still had no idea what he was on about. Then he mentioned that I must have noticed something on my payslip in December. I said I didn’t because I had filled out several expenses claims which were reimbursed.
I read the letter that he had given me and to my surprise I found out that I had -again- received a pay rise, the second time in about a year. This was -among other things- due to the fact that I have taken up a study in October last year. I have been working as a UX designer for some time now but I’ve never taken a course or got any certificates to prove my knowledge about the subject. Basically I have been doing UX as part of any assignment so far as there was no specific education for this at the time. Plus it had always been part of the design process anyway just not as extensive as it is nowadays. So I already had some knowledge because of my work experience over the last 10 years.
UX design is booming at the moment, just like webdesign became booming about 15 years ago. Back then the issue was the same, there was no education and everything I’ve learned I’ve learned through self-study and hands-on experience. But I guess I was a lot more aware of my skills when I was younger, I never had to give anything any thought, I just did what was expected so I learned new skills along the way and had no doubts I could deliver whenever I had to. I was successful and confident. I guess when you get older all of that starts to fade a little so I took on the courses in order to see what level of knowledge I have, to gain more confidence and to learn whatever I still have to learn.
So far I’ve been doing really well, I already have my first certificate in and I’m currently taking the second course out of a total of nine. I’m truly enjoying the subjects especially the current one which is about the principles of designing for humans. I’ve learned so much already about psychology and physical facts, the way a user reads the information presented on screen or how information is moving from short-term memory to long-term memory and what the eye perceives information-wise. It’s all very interesting! I’ve noticed that I also enjoy studying, something I didn’t expect when I started the first course. Yes it’s hard to study and work at the same time but it’s so extremely rewarding.
Whilst talking with my unit manager I told him I was even thinking about getting another degree. He asked me if it was necessary and if I really needed it in order to get assignments in and to my surprise I had to answer that question with a ‘no’. So far I had two different assignments both for the local government where I was rejected because of my level of education which is fine but I don’t have any diploma’s. Let me rephrase that, I do have a diploma… but because I have been gaining experience through work, my level of knowledge has become way higher than my original education. I have a bachelor degree but my level of knowledge is equal to a masters degree (which I don’t have).
It has never stopped me before to get to where I wanted to be. So after he asked me that question I was thinking that perhaps I’d better spend my time on my jewellery designs instead of trying to get another degree which will take another three years. I’ve been getting assignments in over the last six years without a problem. Taking on the study was a wise thing to do but it’s sufficient for now. I’m happy I made the choice and that I’m getting the certificates I need, in order to become more confident. The study will be finished in about nine months and when it does, I will have more spare time again to work on my other skills that make me happy: my jewellery designs. Something cool to look forward to!