Designlab vs. CareerFoundry: Which UX Bootcamp is Right for You?
Introduction
Picking the right UX bootcamp can be overwhelming. With so many options, how do you know which one is actually worth your time and money? Designlab and CareerFoundry are two of the most popular UX design bootcamps, but they have key differences that can make one a better fit for you than the other.
In this guide, I’ll break down everything—from curriculum and mentorship to job guarantees and real student feedback—so you can make an informed decision and invest in the right course for your career.
1. Quick Comparison: Designlab vs. CareerFoundry
2. Learning Experience & Curriculum
Both bootcamps provide structured learning, but their approach is slightly different:
- Designlab is hands-on and heavily project-based, making it ideal if you want to build a strong UX and UI portfolio. The curriculum includes wireframing, prototyping, and user research but also puts an emphasis on visual design and interaction design.
- CareerFoundry leans more towards a job-focused approach, offering personalized career coaching to help you land a UX job faster. While still project-based, it places a heavier emphasis on job preparation.
If you love learning by doing and want strong UI skills, Designlab might be a better choice. If you prefer a structured career path with more job search support, CareerFoundry could be the way to go.
3. Mentorship & Community
Both programs offer 1:1 mentorship, which is a game-changer for feedback and industry insights. However, there are slight differences:
- Designlab students often rave about their detailed mentor feedback on projects, which helps refine design thinking.
- CareerFoundry also provides strong mentorship but integrates more career coaching, including mock interviews and job application guidance.
If deep project feedback matters most, Designlab wins. If career guidance and networking are your priorities, CareerFoundry edges ahead.
4. Job Support & Career Services
Landing a UX job after graduation is the ultimate goal, and both bootcamps offer job guarantees—but they come with conditions:
- Designlab offers a job guarantee, but you must meet eligibility criteria (like completing all assignments and applying to jobs consistently).
- CareerFoundry provides dedicated career coaching, resume reviews, and networking support. They also offer a job guarantee under specific conditions.
Both schools have alumni success stories, but CareerFoundry’s job-focused approach may give you an edge in the hiring process.
5. Pricing & Payment Options
Both bootcamps cost around $7,700–$7,900, but they offer different payment plans:
- Designlab (affiliate link): Pay in full (~$7,749) or use a monthly installment plan.
- CareerFoundry (affiliate link): Pay in full (~$7,900) or finance it with payment plans.
Neither is cheap, but consider whether the added career coaching (CareerFoundry) or stronger design projects (Designlab) aligns with your career goals.
6. Who Should Choose Designlab?
✅ You want deep mentorship and project-based learning.✅ You’re interested in both UX and UI design.✅ You prefer a more structured learning experience with strong visual design training.
7. Who Should Choose CareerFoundry?
✅ You want strong job placement support and career coaching.✅ You prefer a job-focused curriculum that’s more flexible.✅ You’re looking for a dedicated career coach to help with networking.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for hands-on, project-based learning with a strong UI/UX focus, Designlab might be your best bet.
But if you need career coaching, job support, and a structured path to employment, CareerFoundry may be a better investment.
At the end of the day, both programs are great—it just depends on your personal learning style and career goals.
Next Steps
👉 Want to check them out for yourself? Here are the official pages:
- Designlab UX Academy (affiliate link)
- CareerFoundry UX Course (affiliate link)
