Graduated from the UX/UI Design Bootcamp
Job landed: UX/UI Design Consultant at Akkodys for Mercator Ocean
Coming from a background in ocean science, Guillaume’s journey into UX/UI design was driven by a unique mission: to improve the accessibility of European weather and climate data. As a researcher passionate about tackling climate change, Guillaume saw an opportunity to make an impact in the private sector and joined the UX/UI Design Bootcamp to "hit the floor running" in his new role at Mercator Ocean.
"Design thinking and prototyping are probably the two most important skills I’ve ever learnt."
The decision to dive into UX/UI wasn’t without its uncertainties. Without a clear idea of what UX/UI design entailed, Guillaume was hesitant. However, the discovery of design thinking and hands-on prototyping quickly dissolved these doubts, turning them into excitement for the creative challenges ahead.
The bootcamp itself was an intense, transformative experience. Transitioning from environmental science to a dynamic, fast-paced tech environment was a culture shock, but one that Guillaume embraced wholeheartedly.
"It really helped me to grow and made me learn a lot."
Guillaume faced several challenges during the course, including adapting to a high-energy environment and tackling finer design details, which was outside his comfort zone. But regular breaks and a passion for learning tools like Figma helped him persevere. The practical, hands-on approach to learning kept him motivated and engaged.
Post-bootcamp, Guillaume’s new skills have already opened doors. Beyond starting his new role in January, he has created websites using Shopify and Framer, worked on a business website for a friend, and even plans to design an astrology application. His work now focuses on understanding user needs for accessing public data, preparing reports, updating JavaScript for websites, and collaborating with back-end developers—all essential UX tasks.
"I definitely achieved what I wanted to."
Reflecting on the experience, Guillaume would approach certain challenges differently, particularly in terms of communication styles and learning preferences. He also suggests adding more structured Figma exercises and design-thinking drills to make the learning process even smoother for future students.
To anyone considering the bootcamp, Guillaume offers this advice: "Don't hesitate to take breaks. Also, don't hesitate to ask for help. I tried to do a lot myself to learn, but you are also here to prepare a portfolio, and Chris is great for that."
Today, Guillaume is thrilled to contribute to making public climate data more accessible and impactful. His story is a testament to the power of combining passion with practical skills to create meaningful change.
Explore Guillaume’s portfolio and connect with him on LinkedIn.