Teaching

I teach aspiring and established design professionals, helping them build their skills and confidence.

Path Unbound

As an instructor for Path Unbound, I work 1:1 with design professionals on portfolio development and foundational product and visual design skills. Path Unbound is a globally focused design school founded and led by women.

Nielsen Norman

I mentor UX professionals through Nielsen Norman Group’s mentorship program, helping them navigate career challenges and develop their leadership capabilities.

General Assembly

I have been a part-time instructor at General Assembly since 2018 and have had the privilege of contributing to the growth and development of aspiring design professionals via courses and workshops (both in person and live online) focusing on user experience, visual design, and essential design tools. I’m deeply grateful to have had an impact on the professional journeys of my students and humbled to share some of the feedback I’ve been fortunate to receive from them.

“Maria was amazing. Couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. She guided us through the class with such ease. I love that she has so much experience in the field and felt I was learning from a master and practitioner, not just an instructor.”
“She’s absolutely wonderful and down-to-earth. I always felt her support and care for her students during the class and how realistic she was. It was nice to hear her insight and giving us real world examples and exercises to do.”
“Maria Nicholas is a guru on UX design. Theory and practical experience is a great combination.”
“You’re a champion and a superstar of education. Thank you for teaching us so much and for keeping us engaged even at 10pm. You’re truly an inspiration and I learned a lot from you.”
“Maria is really great and her skills and expertise really shine through her lessons. You can tell that she prepares ahead of time and cares to make sure information is up to date with the industry.”
“Maria, thank you so much. You’re an insanely awesome teacher. It really felt like a united crew, and you also kept us laughing! So glad I decided to take this course.”
“She is brilliant and encouraging and I would love to take any course she teaches.”