Unprecedented rise in User Experience jobs sparks launch of new continuing education program at York University

TORONTO, April 2, 2019 /CNW/ - With User Experience (UX) jobs set to double in the next few years¹, there is expected to be a significant talent shortage of UX Designers with the technical and cross-functional job skills required for sustained career success. In response to this need, the York University School of Continuing Studies is launching a new Certificate in User Experience (UX) Design. Emphasizing real-world project work, with a schedule designed to allow working professionals to balance their commitments, the program aims to revolutionize the way people prepare for a career in UX design starting September, 2019.

Alisha Kassam, Senior Designer, Shopify (Instructor. Certificate in UX Design) (CNW Group/York University School of Continuing Studies)

Created with guidance by a team of UX design industry leaders and influencers, the Certificate in User Experience (UX) Design is being built using design thinking processes and methodologies, ensuring the curriculum will practice what it preaches. Students will gain deep expertise in all stages of the UX design process, as well as opportunities to build a portfolio of project work in collaboration with real companies. This innovative approach to continuing education is critical in training qualified applicants for the upcoming boom in specialized UX design jobs.

"York University's Certificate in UX Design blends critical theory with real-world projects and case studies to provide students with a practical, well-rounded education," says Alisha Kassam, Senior Designer at Shopify and course instructor. "The part-time blended format makes it accessible for working professionals to develop a strong foundation in design practice, while developing the cross-functional skills needed to level up their careers."

The Certificate in User Experience (UX) Design is designed to enhance the careers of professionals with experience in a variety of creative and business fields, including graphic and web design, web development, consulting and business strategy. Graduates will leave the program with a thorough understanding of user experience design best practices, methodologies and systems, and will be well equipped to enter the UX design field with the skills they need to succeed in their next role and beyond. Built on a blended online and in-class model, which only requires students to attend class on 8 weekend days, the program is conveniently accessible to students across Canada.

York University has reimagined the traditional approach to continuing education, offering students an unparalleled opportunity to become the highly skilled, cross-functional hires demanded by today's evolving job market. The future of work will require top companies and decision makers to make significant investments in upskilling the Canadian workforce to effectively adapt to changes in technology, artificial intelligence and automation. Current studies show that, in the coming years, cross-functional (or soft) skills will overtake technical skills in priority when employers are seeking qualified job applicants². The Certificate in User Experience (UX) Design is the latest in a series of new programs at York launched with intention to support working professionals in adjusting to these changes in an accelerated and accessible way.

"The future of work is vastly different than anything we've seen before," explains Tracey Taylor-O'Reilly, Assistant Vice-President, Continuing Studies. "With changes in technology shaping what employers are looking for when they hire, the need to close the impending skills gap is critical. Our graduates leave our programs with the deep skills they need to excel in their job functions, as well as the broader skills to collaborate across teams and affect lasting change within their organizations".

Enrolment is now open for the Certificate in User Experience (UX) Design with the first session starting September 2019.

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^1	Burning Glass Technologies
^2	The Future of Jobs and Skills (2016). World Economic Forum.

For full program information, visit The York University School of Continuing Studies website.

About the York University School of Continuing Studies

The York University School of Continuing Studies provides meaningful continuing education opportunities which combine theory with practical application. Our programs are designed to develop well-rounded professionals that employers value, with both the deep discipline-based knowledge and the broad cross-functional skills required to communicate and be effective within a multidisciplinary team. With innovative programs designed to prepare graduates to thrive in emerging careers, York University is preparing Canada's labour force for the future of work.

SOURCE York University School of Continuing Studies

For further information: Christine Brooks-Cappadocia, Director, Marketing & Enrolment Management, School of Continuing Studies, York University, 416.736.5449, [e-mail]