Meet Keelan: a full-stack developer and recent graduate of the Professional Diploma in UX Design.
When Keelan decided to learn UX, he didn’t just add some impressive new skills to his repertoire. He completely transformed his career, advancing from full-stack developer to product lead at Buddy, a Malta-based payroll company.
In Keelan’s own words, “Full-stack developer meets UX design is not just a slogan—it’s my new journey!”
Keelan completed the Professional Diploma in UX Design in July 2024 and here’s how studying with the UX Design Institute helped Keelan shift his perspective, refine his approach to product development, and land an exciting new role.
Where it all began: from software development to a curiosity for UX
A full-stack developer by trade, Keelan was already well-versed in the product development process before he studied UX.
But, while he was confident in the technical aspects, he wanted to become more user-centric in his approach—focusing not only on functionality but also on user engagement.
Keen to enhance his skillset and enrich his approach to product development, Keelan began to explore the field of user experience (UX) design.
Choosing a UX design course: why the UX Design Institute stood out for Keelan
When exploring his options for learning UX, there were several factors that drew Keelan to the UX Design Institute.
He explains:
I was drawn to the UX Design Institute’s curriculum because it offers up-to-date, relevant information. Their focus on the latest industry practices and standards truly impressed me.
What truly stood out was that the course is credit-rated by Glasgow Caledonian University. This sets the UX Design Institute apart from many non-rated programs, especially since most hiring managers prioritise credit-rated courses.
For UX newcomers, a university credit-rated qualification can make all the difference when entering the job market. According to the UX Design Institute’s State of Hiring Report, 77% of UX hiring managers look for a UX-specific qualification when hiring new candidates.
If that qualification comes from a reputable provider with a university credit-rating, even better; that’s a universal marker of quality that employers can trust.
You can read more about the advantages of choosing a university credit-rated UX design course here.
Keelan’s experience on the course: discovering a new perspective and building a user-centric mindset
After signing up and getting started, Keelan was impressed by the depth and detail of the curriculum. In his own words:
The course’s attention to detail, particularly in the analysis of the usability tests, was what I found most enjoyable. It amazed me how even the slightest observations can have a big impact on a prototype’s design. In-depth materials from the course, references, and presentations were also made available, and these were very helpful in solidifying the lessons learnt.
Keelan also greatly appreciated the structure and pacing of the course, noting that it was a major advantage that the lectures could be rewatched—and that deadlines for assignments were announced well in advance.
The program has been carefully designed to offer both flexibility and structure, enabling students to study at their own pace while being held accountable by regular yet manageable deadlines. For Keelan, this was essential in terms of helping him plan his workload and complete the practical projects to a high standard.
By the end of the course, Keelan noticed a significant shift in his approach to product development. With its emphasis on user-centricity, the curriculum enabled him to view the product not only from a technical perspective but also from the perspective of the end user—an approach that would prove pivotal in his next career move.
The course emphasised the importance of a user-centric mindset over a purely technical approach, which has been invaluable in my growth as a Product Lead.
It fundamentally changed my perspective, showing me that success isn’t about adding more features but about designing the right ones tailored to users’ needs. Even after the first lecture, I could feel my mindset shifting. Now, I consistently keep the user experience at the forefront of my decision-making process.
From full-stack developer to product lead: Keelan’s promotion just one month after completing the course
Keelan completed the Professional Diploma in UX Design in July 2024. Just one month later, he moved into a Product Lead role at Buddy, a payroll company based in Malta (where he was already working as a full-stack developer).
He credits his rapid career progression to the knowledge, insights, and overall mindset shift he gained from the course, explaining:
Without the knowledge and insights I gained from the UX Design Institute, I may not have had the opportunity to advance to Product Lead. Now, I oversee the product, ensuring our designs not only meet but exceed industry standards, giving us a competitive edge.
My training with the UX Design Institute has been the foundation of my approach, proving invaluable both personally and within the software development industry.
Reflecting on his journey so far—and looking ahead to an exciting future
In just a matter of months, Keelan has taken a huge leap in his career, advancing from full-stack developer to Product Lead.
Reflecting on his journey so far and looking ahead to the future, Keelan writes:
As a full-stack developer, I’ve always been passionate about building robust and scalable applications. After earning the UX design qualification, I’ve taken a step back to take it all in, and I’ve realised how much I’ve grown. Not only from a user experience design perspective but also professionally.
‘Full-stack developer meets UX design’ is not just a slogan—it’s my new journey. I can’t wait to blend my technical expertise with user-centred design principles to craft products that are not only functional, but even more intuitive and engaging for our users.
Keelan’s career transformation just goes to highlight the importance of continuously learning new skills, exploring new perspectives, and finding ways to improve your practice—no matter what field you work in.
We look forward to seeing where Keelan’s journey takes him next, and what additional skills he’ll add to his repertoire in the future. You can find Keelan on LinkedIn to learn more about his exciting professional journey.
Enhance your skillset with the UX Design Institute
Whether you’re a software developer looking to build a more user-centric mindset, or an aspiring UX designer keen to learn essential skills that will launch your career, the UX Design Institute will set you up for success.
With the Professional Diploma in UX Design, you’ll benefit from a flexible, practical, and industry-relevant curriculum that’s up-to-date and university credit-rated. It will equip you with the latest tools, methodologies, and practices that are directly applicable to real-world products and design challenges.
To quote Keelan one last time:
I believe that anyone who wants their product to truly stand out should take this course, whether they plan to pursue a career in UX design or not. The insights you gain are invaluable, reshaping your mindset and reintroducing empathy into the software development process. I would wholeheartedly recommend this course to any of my friends.
Visit the official course page to learn more about how the program works, or book a free call with an education advisor. They’ll help you determine if the course is right for you—with no obligation to commit.
Want to hear from more UX Design Institute graduates who have transformed their careers? Check out the following:
- From graphic design to UX/UI: How Ketan upskilled with the UX Design Institute
- From project management to UX: Jenny Björkman’s career-change
Emily is a professional writer and content strategist with an MSc in Psychology. She has 8+ years of experience in the tech industry, with a focus on UX and design thinking. A regular contributor to top design publications, she also authored a chapter in The UX Careers Handbook. Emily also holds a BA in French and German and is passionate about languages and continuous learning.
