My Next Step in Digital Media Design

When I left my job in March, I knew it was time to take a breather and reflect on what lay ahead. I spent time with friends and family, explored the Las Vegas area, and caught up on home DIY projects. Once I was ready, I turned my attention to the fact that the economy was going through a rough patch, with countless LinkedIn posts about job layoffs. I found myself uncertain about the timeline for my return to the workforce.

To maintain a sense of structure and productivity, I established a daily routine that mimicked my work-from-home days. I'd roll out of bed, get dressed, and dive into my computer to refine my portfolio, job hunt, and acquire new skills. However, I wanted to set a clear objective, something more concrete where I could establish an end goal date.

That's when I started exploring certificate programs in UX design in April. I had previously completed a design-focused graduate certificate at UCLA, which led to my career transition in graphic design. While I didn't want to make another transition into UX design, I recognized the value of delving deeper into the subject and sharpening my proficiency with tools like Figma.

Harvard Extension School

During my search, I stumbled upon the Digital Design Media master's program offered by Harvard University's Extension School. As I delved deeper into its details, I realized it perfectly aligned with my current career stage and aspirations for growth. Unlike exclusively UX-centered programs, this one encompassed a broader spectrum of digital design areas, capturing my interest and enthusiasm.

Here's the catch: to secure admission into the program, I needed to complete two prerequisites that leaned toward computer science and coding. Until recently, I only had a basic grasp of HTML and CSS, but it wasn't something I could proudly showcase on my resume or LinkedIn profile.

After taking a few days to really think about it, I began using online resources like Codecademy and a few other platforms to teach myself HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. After a month of dedicated learning, I finally felt confident enough to enroll in the first prerequisite, with the second one scheduled for this fall.

While the official admission decision won't arrive until later this year, I'm excited to have a new goal to work towards in tandem with my job search and other personal goals. It's an opportunity for growth and development, and I can't wait to see what the future holds.