Designation Spotlight: From Cubicle to Designer

"Your current situation is not your final destination" is much easier said than done. There's a sense of uncertainty and uneasiness when you decide to launch into a new UX/UI design career—particularly if you're new to design—but for Janina, taking the plunge was totally worth it.

Watch the full #LifeAtDesignation Interview with Designation alumni, Janina Boyle, who is currently a junior designer at Clique Studios in Chicago.

What did you do before Designation?

I was teaching and doing government work; [mainly] public service, which was basically working in a cubicle, so it was not the most creative or fun job for me to be in. I knew there was something else I wanted to be doing than that every day.

Why did you choose Designation?

I remember looking at the website and was really nervous thinking, "I don't have that design background," but after getting more information, I saw that there was a chance I could actually make this transition, so that was really exciting.

What was your cohort like?

Definitely a lot of artists; there was a former pastry chef, someone who had worked in tech before, a sculptor, a few fine arts people, graphic designers. We had a good mix, but they were all awesome.

What was the day-to-day like?

It did not feel like a bootcamp for me. It felt like an internship. You're working with clients, you feel like you're part of your own agency in a way; you're interacting with project managers; you're getting real-life projects that are actually out there getting produced. It didn't feel like school or pretend; it was real life, real intense.

What skills do I need to start?

A willingness to learn. Having that drive. I don't think you can be successful if it's not something you have a passion for. Designation is going to give you what you need to learn, but they're not going to learn it for you. I didn't have an art, UX or UI background, but none of that mattered because I learned it all through Designation.

Was it all worth it?

It was scary to take that plunge; [it] was something that was unknown, but it was worth it in the end, and I feel like Designation made me the designer I am today. There's no way I would have had that opportunity to transition and be so happy as a designer. Just that chance to be a designer, [Designation] gave me that.

This content was sponsored by Designation.

Want to learn more about Designation? Read what alumni have to say on SwitchUp.