The document outlines a strategic approach for successfully transitioning into a new career through a bootcamp experience. Key recommendations include assessing one's current situation, leveraging community support, networking, and actively engaging in the course material. It emphasizes the importance of documenting progress, updating online profiles, and seeking job opportunities as one builds relevant skills.

1. HOW TO HACK THE
BOOTCAMP EXPERIENCE
(10 WEEKS+)
KYRA PERALTE
Lead UX Instructor + Maker + Entrepreneur

2. STRATEGY IS
EVERYTHING

3. END GOALS

4. BEFORE YOU REGISTER, TAKE AN ASSESSMENT OF YOUR CURRENT SITUATION
What is your current work situation? What skills can be leveraged in your next role?
Why do you want to change careers? How do you plan to make the switch?
Before you register, take an
assessment of your current
situation by answering these
questions

5. BEFORE YOU REGISTER, TAKE AN ASSESSMENT OF YOUR CURRENT SITUATION
What is your current work situation? What skills can be leveraged in your next role?
Why do you want to change careers? How do you plan to make the switch?
• What is your current work
situation?
• What skills can be leveraged in
your next role?
• Why do you want to change
careers?
• How do you plan to make the
switch?

6. BEFORE YOU REGISTER, TAKE AN ASSESSMENT OF YOUR CURRENT SITUATION
What is your current work situation? What skills can be leveraged in your next role?
Why do you want to change careers? How do you plan to make the switch?
No one succeeds by themselves.
Look around you and identify the
people that can help you navigate the
journey of making a career change.
Make a list.

7. #SOSLIST
On your list include
• mentors
• advisers
• sponsors
• friends and family
• and anyone you trust to
give advice on your
strengths and
weaknesses

8. Talk is not cheap

9. BEFORE registering for the course,
• Reach out to your network list to explain
your aspirations
• Hear them out and take notes
• Learn how they can help you -even if
only through moral support

10. Sorry to bother you

11. NOW THAT YOU’VE
STARTED THE COURSE
Follow up with everyone on your list. Here’s how to do that:
• Schedule personal reminders on your calendar.
• Write out sample verbiage you’d like to communicate to them during
the meeting and practice it beforehand if you need to. For example: “I
started GA and it’s ridiculously awesome. My instructor is
knowledgeable and competent in his/her work and I’m learning about
some really cool stuff like how to perform user research and create
prototypes.”
AFTER FIRMING UP the meetings, create an AGENDA WITH 3 THINGS
IN MIND

12. AGENDA
1. What I’ve learned so far (Share with them what
you’ve learned and/or practiced in class.)
2. How that has changed/validated my end goal
(Share how you feel challenged and/or
encouraged in making a successful career
transition.)
3. What potential opportunities I feel prepared for
(Share what types of opportunities you feel
more prepared for or are working towards.)

13. Make friends

14. • Network (Classmates are part of your new network
too)
• Attend meetups (UX Researchers, UX Designers etc)
• Participate in class discussions in person and online.
• Join hackathons for more experience and exposure
to people in the space you’re seeking to enter.
HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS

15. Do more than required

16. You will get out what you put in so
complete ALL homework assignments
and more
Seek quality feedback on your work
Document everything

17. Followup
Work
Followup
Work
Rinse, Wash,
Repeat

18. “Look Ma! No hands.”

19. NOW THAT YOU’VE
STARTED THE COURSE
Follow up with your network list and SHOW THEM YOUR WORK!
Tell them your end goals and ask them to keep you in mind for potential
opportunities. You’re basically letting them know how committed you are
to making the switch.
Around week 5 or 6 do this

20. WHO’S DOING IT?

21. WEEK 6
Find people that are doing what you
want to do or working in places you
want to work and talk to them. Go
prepared with thoughtful questions to
ask about their gig. 🌟

22. Update your look - online
Weeks 7, 8, 9

23. Tweak your online profile
by updating your
LinkedIN, social media
accounts and creating
an online portfolio
🌟
Weeks 7, 8, 9

24. Weeks 9,10
• Interview for jobs
• Join networks and seek
mentors
• Volunteer work to
increase experience
• Follow up with networks
until you land or finish
your project

25. Start looking at job descriptions and seeing how your
improved skill set measures up. Start applying, if you feel
confident, so that you can get feedback from the industry.
Find volunteer opportunities to increase your experience
level.
Note: Follow up with your network to show them your final
work 2 -3 weeks post course.
🌟
Weeks 9, 10

26. Enjoy the
journey
• Keep a positive attitude
• Look for ways to create
opportunity
• Help others along the way