Decoding Your Career Path in Tech with CareerFoundry

CareerFoundry helps people pursue careers in tech by providing online courses and programs that consistently produce in-demand tech professionals. Through its immersive, self-paced training in UX design, UI design, web development, and data analytics, CareerFoundry has given thousands of career-changers access to rewarding tech careers across the globe.

Put another way, if you’re looking to start a career in tech, CareerFoundry can be your way into the industry. But before enrolling in a program, it is vital to evaluate which tech career path is right for you.

Which Tech Career Is Right for You?

Misconceptions hound the tech industry, discouraging others from starting a tech career. Some think you need to be a genius to break into tech, while others believe relevant experience is a must to achieve your career goals. Another misconception is that technology jobs are monotonous, not fun, and very taxing.

While the tech industry can truly be demanding, it opens up paths to diverse roles suitable for analytic and creative professionals. In this article, we’ll outline some career paths you can pursue by enrolling at CareerFoundry.

1. UX Designer

When it comes to creating websites, apps, and other products, UX design can make or break how well users receive them. For example, a website that is too slow to load or has dead links can discourage visitors from exploring further or even making a purchase.

As advocates for the end-users and brands, UX designers have a more holistic role beyond aesthetic design. In particular, they map out consumers’ overall experience from varying interaction points. For this reason, UX designers need to be forward-thinkers, anticipating problems and formulating solutions that exceed the customer’s expectations.

With these responsibilities in mind, UX designers receive hefty compensation packages for their work, especially from top hiring companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and IBM. The average pay for UX designers in the United States is around $75,373 per year.

Learn UX Design at CareerFoundry

CareerFoundry brings you one step closer to becoming a UX designer with its UX Design Program. The self-paced course is spread over five to 10 months, depending on your chosen schedule. It hones your knowledge and skills in design thinking, design frameworks, wireframing, and prototyping, among others. You also get to explore usability testing and learn the basics of HTML and other native platforms.

Among the many aspiring tech talents who transitioned into UX design via CareerFoundry is Susanna Johnson.

CareerFoundry UX Design Alumni: Susanna Johnson

Susanna’s experience is mainly in the education sector, working in the US and overseas. However, due to the shift caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, she was forced to take administrative and program management roles in school—a not-so-exciting endeavor for Susanna.

She says, “I was looking for something to transition into. Something that would really fit me creatively and also analytically.” After coming across UX design through her research, she became interested in the field. But it was not until she got frustrated with a website’s UX design that she started considering switching careers to make positive changes that will benefit others.

“I was working in a library in Colorado and helping adult students complete their high school diploma,” Susanna shares. “They were taking an online [GED] program, but the design was terrible. The students could not understand how to work on it.”

With many bootcamps to choose from, Susanna decided to take CareerFoundry’s Intro to UX Design course. This allowed her to test the program and see if she had the skills to become a UX designer. She shares, “I loved it. I would finish work and jump in my [UX Design] classes immediately.”

She continued her UX design journey and fully immersed herself in the program, which helped her build a solid foundation of skills and knowledge. Susanna also credits her great experience to her mentor and tutor.

Susanna adds, “I think everyone [went] through highs and lows during the program, which can be a real struggle because it’s hard to change careers, especially when you’re not in your 20s. But my mentor really encouraged me a lot, and he also was consistent in helping me along the way.”

Since finishing the UX Design Program, Susanna has been working as a UX specialist for a small company that outsources corporate services. Her role includes conducting usability studies, testing, reporting, and directly working with clients.

She says, “I work for a small company, but my job has a huge set of challenges as well, which I really like. They really value learning and development. [My knowledge of UX design] is built on what I learned from CareerFoundry, but [I know] there’s more to it. It’s a journey.”

Thanks to CareerFoundry’s immersive training, she’s now in a company that resonates with her core values. And if she can do it, you can, too. She shares, “Your previous experience [in any field] is a huge asset. Do not look at it as if you’re starting from zero. Check what skills you can bring and let CareerFoundry help you round those out [in addition to building your] hard skills in UX design.”

2. UI Designer

The user interface, often known as UI, is the area where the product and the user interact. For example, the UI design of a website or an app is the layer that contains buttons, texts, and images.

As a UI designer, it is your task to integrate on-brand elements that optimize the user experience. You can create a more dynamic interaction with voice user interface (VUI) design and augmented reality (AR) user interface design.

UI design is a great career path for creative professionals who want to focus on the aesthetic aspect of digital products. According to PayScale, entry-level UI designers earn an average annual salary of $65,713.

The most sought-after user interface designers are creative problem solvers, with excellent collaborative and communication skills. Companies also seek UI designers who are fluent in using various web and mobile app builders and are knowledgeable in wireframing and prototyping.

Learn UI Design at CareerFoundry

You can equip yourself with the right tools and knowledge when you enroll in CareerFoundry’s UI Design Program. The program takes five to nine months to complete, depending on whether you study part-time or full-time.

From learning design principles and processes, responsive grids, and responsive frameworks to creating mobile applications for iOS and Android, you’ll get regular communication with a mentor, a seasoned UI design expert. The program’s curriculum also allows students to apply what they learn on projects that mimic real-world challenges.

CareerFoundry’s UI Design Program comes at the affordable price of $7,900. But is it worth it? According to Aaron Peace, a musician-turned-UI designer for a tech company that offers global IT solutions, the program is worth every penny.

CareerFoundry UI Design Alumni: Aaron Peace

Aaron’s drive to be a great provider for his growing family prompted him to look for a more stable career. This journey led him to jump from one job to another, selling real estate properties, cars, and insurance packages. He was also working as an Uber and Lyft driver, as well as a musician in a church band.

Aware of how hot tech jobs are, he tried to learn to code but later realized that it was not for him. He shares, “I got into JavaScript and functions, and I [realized that] I didn’t want to do this. I understood the basics of code and the purpose of it, but it’s just not my thing.”

He had another brush with tech when one of his passengers introduced UX and UI design. “And I was like: ‘What is that?’ I had no clue. He [told me to visit design platforms like] Dribbble and Behance and see what I think. That started the process of trying to find a school that I liked, [which was] CareerFoundry.”

All the research Aaron did gave him all the insights he needed to cement his interest in UI design and begin his career-change journey.

With COVID-19 prompting lockdowns, Aaron grabbed it as an opportunity to complete his training at CareerFoundry. Aaron reflects that his choice to pursue UI design reminded him of his passion for music. The program allowed him to explore how he could still use his artistic abilities in tech and have a chance to lead a better life.

He credits CareerFoundry’s team in helping him finish the program strong. Aaron says, “I didn’t meet a single person at CareerFoundry that wasn’t transparent, available, and really genuinely cared about my success. It was completely refreshing.”

Aaron now works as a UX/UI designer for an IT solutions company.

3. Web Developer

Web development is an expansive field that can be divided into three specializations: frontend, backend, and full-stack web development.

Frontend developers translate design elements from the client-side into codes. Backend developers create and maintain the server-side where the whole website is built on. Any commands and requests from the frontend are processed on the backend that stores the database and apps.

Finally, the hybrid developers—full-stack developers—are well versed in frontend and backend analytics tools and programming languages. With their diverse programming skills, full-stack developers can create backend applications, maintain databases, and design and develop APIs, among other tasks. Whichever you specialize in, expect to earn a significant amount.

According to PayScale, front end developers earn $76, 512 per year. Backend developers make an average annual salary of $87,009, and full-stack developers receive an annual salary of $79,521, on average.

Learn Web Development at CareerFoundry

If you’re seeking an analytic role that lets you solve problems with innovative solutions, check out CareerFoundry’s Full-Stack Web Development Program. In three to seven months, you’ll develop proficiency in JavaScript, Node.js, MongoDB, and React. You’ll also be trained on building progressive web apps and native mobile apps—a huge plus for your portfolio.

CareerFoundry Web Development Alumni: Teresa Loafman

After working as an opera singer and a music teacher, Teresa Loafman was on the lookout for a more stable career that offered room for career growth. However, going back to college was not an option for her. So, she considered enrolling in a bootcamp to get the tech training she needed.

After enrolling in free coding courses, Teresa decided to join CareerFoundry’s Full-Stack Web Development Program. Its part-time schedule worked in Teresa’s favor, as it allowed her to juggle her studies and busy lifestyle. And, like Aaron, Teresa also felt the full support of CareerFoundry’s team. Teresa adds, “I never felt rushed. I could speak with my mentor or my tutor and get further help with something I was struggling with.”

“[CareerFoundry] gives you a really good foundation in figuring out how to continue into your next step. And it gives you the tools to continue learning and growing that will eventually lead you to a job that you want to do.”

Teresa now works for a religious organization as a web developer. She explains, “We manage three different websites and are building two more websites for the ministry, which is a great learning experience.”

She also mentions that becoming a web developer exposed her to different challenges that she enjoys tackling. She finds herself constantly learning tools and concepts on the go, which makes her new career all the more exciting.

“It was a total risk paying for that program and just hoping for the best. But it was probably the best decision I’ve ever made,” Teresa says.

4. Data Analyst

Data is at the core of every successful business, giving vital insights on consumers, market trends, and strategic solutions. It’s a fact that is recognized by many organizations—big and small—including Amazon, Facebook, and Spotify. These companies are known to leverage data analytics in developing products loved by many.

However, harnessing data to a company’s advantage requires the expertise of skillful data analysts. Fortunately, the rigorous five to eight months of training provided by technology industry experts in CareerFoundry’s Data Analytics Program can make you one.

Learn Data Analytics at CareerFoundry

CareerFoundry’s Data Analytics program covers a wide range of topics and concepts, including data visualization, data ethics, big data, and data mining. During the program, you will master the art of storytelling, a crucial skill to have to effectively communicate your analysis and ideas to stakeholders.

Of course, you will also learn the fundamental programming languages in data analytics: Python and SQL. All that for only $6,555 when paid up front.

With a strong core skill set, data analysts can expect to earn an average annual salary of $62,559. Among the top companies that hire data analysts are Target, Meta, and Liberty Mutual Insurance, paying between $118,000 to $132,579 a year.

CareerFoundry Data Analytics Alumni: Joe Feuille

Joe Feuille’s pursuit of a data analytics career started with cheese.

Newly assigned as a team leader at Whole Foods’ lowest-performing Specialty Department in El Paso, Texas, Joe was tasked to turn his team around within six months. Obsessed with analyzing the department’s sales numbers, Joe realized that one of their cheese products—Fromage d’Affinois—was not selling well at all. In fact, they were only able to sell one slice per wheel.

Joe shares, “The wheel comes with a sticker that indicates the portion sizes. And that’s a problem because those stickers meant you had a $15 piece of cheese. No one in El Paso is going to just grab a $15 piece of cheese like that out of the case.”

After analyzing the buying patterns of customers on other products, data showed that their customers are less likely to spend on a slice of cheese that is worth over $8. This led Joe to sell the cheese in portions worth $6 to $8, a smart decision that eventually boosted their sales within a month. Beating the six-month deadline, the amazing turnaround even caught the attention of the Whole Foods region’s VP.

Joe’s realization that he has a knack for data analytics motivated him to venture into a different career path. And that’s when he decided to enroll in CareerFoundry’s Data Analytics Program.

“I chose CareerFoundry for a few reasons,” he says. “I like their dual-mentorship model where they’ve got a career specialist who helps you with finding a job later down the road, but they also have a data tutor and a data mentor who they partner you with. You have two separate people who you get to bounce ideas off.”

He also recognized CareerFoundry’s flexible payment terms, which helped him, especially during the pandemic.

Joe adds, “[The Data Analytics Program] was very much tied to real-world applications. I really enjoyed the coding examples and learning SQL and Python.” For his capstone project, he explains: “I had to figure out a way to write a Python code where it would access all of the variables I needed through Spotify’s API and pull them into one place.”

It was this project that got him hired as a data analyst at the University of Texas. Joe shares, “My boss knew that I could handle the complexity of what we were dealing with. [O]ne of the things that my boss said was, ‘What I appreciated most about your Spotify project is how you brought your artistic sensibility into your data presentation, which engineers don’t pay attention to.’”

On the job, Joe helps estimate research grant budgets based on the data provided. Joe’s acquired skills and knowledge at CareerFoundry helped him succeed in his job and bring positive results to the university.

He says, “It’s because of CareerFoundry that I know how to do things like that. I was really impressed by CareerFoundry’s ability to prepare me to be a data analyst the day I started the job.”

Get a Strong Head Start in Your Tech Career

If you’re still unsure which tech career is right for you, you can explore your options by taking introductory courses in UX design, UI design, front end web development, and data analytics. At CareerFoundry, you are given a month to learn the fundamentals of your chosen discipline, get a peek of the career path you want to pursue, and experience what it’s like to be a CareerFoundry student.

During the introductory phase, you can expect to spend between 15 and 20 hours per week on your studies. You will also have access to the CareerFoundry community of learners, mentors, and tutors with whom you can connect and share insights.

Join the many career changers across the globe and unlock your full potential in tech when you enroll with CareerFoundry.