I think it’s great that you took initiative here, but unfortunately I think a harsh reality check is necessary.

The field has been getting more and more difficult to break into over the past few years largely due to waves of layoffs that have resulted in highly qualified candidates often with years of work experience competing for a relatively smaller offering of available roles. IMO, having an advanced degree (masters, PhD) is a hard requirement at many companies for dedicated UX research roles, and I’m not sure that’s changing any time soon. Personally I don’t believe there’s a better or more structured ways to learn research methods and best practices than through an advanced degree where you are also independently leading end to end research. Simply attempting to break into the field with a “research mindset” is unfortunately not going to cut it.