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24 December 2021

What is a Product Manager? Role definition and skills required

Ironhack - Changing The Future of Tech Education

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Global

A product manager plays a critical role in an organization. The manager is in charge of recommending and making an evaluation of a company’s product. As a manager, you are responsible for the blueprint and strategy of that product.

The head of product combines various expertise such as design knowledge, strategy, and customer needs to realize a valuable product. The manager will study the competitive market conditions and create a product based on the customer’s demand.

A product manager guides his/her team and motivates them to achieve their goals and success in selling a product. The manager should understand and coordinate the different abilities of his/her staff. The objective of a manager is to optimize sales and increase profits for a company.

Roles of a Product Manager

The head of product is responsible for the product in its whole life cycle. Two significant roles of a head of product are:

Setting strategy

The head of product should set the product strategy and develop a road map to help implement the vision of the company. A manager does extensive research about the market, the customer, and the problem you plan to solve.

You analyze the available information, including statistics, customer feedback, and research. As a result, you develop a vision that you share with your company.

The manager should then develop a product strategy. It entails the customer base the product will serve and how it will benefit them. Additionally, product strategy establishes the company’s goals for development in its entire life cycle.

During the development of a product, some issues come up that distort the plan and development of the product. A clear product strategy is essential as it acts as a reference to you and your team, allowing you to adjust accordingly. And make intelligent strategic decisions in case unexpected changes crop up.

Defining Releases

A product lead handles product release, which essentially means launching a product. Together with his/her team, the manager turns the product strategy into a working plan against a timeline. It requires planning work phases, identifying risks, and meeting clear expectations.

A successful release requires meticulous coordination of tasks, dates, and people. Customer feedback and evaluation of product progress goals help achieve successful freedom. It is crucial to have a release roadmap to help the team track milestones and dependencies. As a result, the stakeholders are aware of the progress and well informed about the plan.

Essential Skills Required by a Product Manager

The following are the essential competencies required by a head of product for him/her to excel at work:

  • Strategic thinking: As a manager, you need to possess strategic thinking to develop a product vision. Then, it would help if you created a roadmap on how you will achieve it.

  • Empathy: A manager must engage his/her customers and develop a solution to their needs. It takes skills to be able to relate to your customer’s needs.

  • Leadership: As the term dictates, a manager has the leadership qualities to lead a group of teams. A good leader is diplomatic and compassionate and can handle his/her team without being a dictator.

  • Communication: Without a doubt, to be an exceptional manager, you need to possess excellent communication skills. A manager should effectively and pass critical information to different stakeholders, including customers, salespeople, developers, and executives. No information should be lost when giving information across the board.

  • Research: A good manager should be able to understand your customers and market. You should carry out extensive research to not miss out on anything that will help you actualize your product vision and bring customer satisfaction. A great manager then consolidates all the information and shares it with his/her team to reference.

  • Technical: A manager should have basic tech knowldege. You do not have to be at the level of an expert, but you need a handle of the basic technological knowledge. These skills come in handy, especially in making release plans. IronHack has ample programs that can boost your technical expertise.

  • Financial: A manager should analyze several financial elements such as operational costs, pricing, and generated revenue. Part of your team includes the accountants and the salespeople. Working together cohesively and sharing information across the board will help you gain some financial knowledge.

  • Analytical: Data analytics is crucial for product development, especially in strategic planning. Data analytics analyzes raw data to look for trends and metrics on a dataset. A manager should have the tremendous analytical skill to find patterns and understand the metrics. The designs and trends found once data analytics help improves a business’s efficiency and performance.

  • Project management: Developing a product and launching it takes a lot of coordination. A manager coordinates a team that has different personnel from different departments. You need to bring them together cohesively to develop and launch a product. Through IronHack, you can boost your career by learning superior product management expertise.

  • Presentation: A manager is responsible for giving demos and presentations at conferences. Realize you need to provide presentations to your customers, your production team, and the management. Presentations should be concise, engaging, and relevant for your audience. A manager ensures a presentation has passed the information it should give.

Conclusion

At times the managers’ job descriptions may appear to overlap. However, each role adds distinct value to an organization. You offer strategic directions that help in achieving product goals. Moreover, you oversee the efficiency of the tech team. As a product lead, you will also act as the organization’s link to external customers, end-users, and partners.

Product heads can join IronHack’s global tech community to sharpen their technical competencies. Or if you're thinking of a career change, Ironhack can help you develop the required skills on an intensive bootcamp, or studying remotely throughout the year. Find the course that suits you today.

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8 minutes

Metadata Forensics: When Files Can Speak and Reveal the Truth

Juliette Erath - 2023-10-16

Cybersecurity

All Courses

Metadata will be one of these words that is tiptoeing into our daily vocabulary. This is mainly because of the exponential amount of data being generated and stored at every minute of every day. Did you know that the amount of existing data stored on the Internet doubles every two years (yikes! That's a lot of data!). How are we going to sort through all that? And avoid losing time, getting a few headaches, and completely erasing important data? Here is where the usefulness of metadata comes in. What is Metadata Anyways? To clarify, metadata is not to be mixed up with actual content; metadata is not the content itself. Instead, it describes the content of an object or piece of information . To put it simply, it’s "data about data" or " a set of data used to describe and represent an information object" or even "documentation that describes the stored data.” For example, an email has written content or "information" within it, yet the metadata would be the time it was sent, the sender, and the subject. There are three different kinds of metadata that make the system complete and operable: descriptive, structural, and administrative. Descriptive metadata Descriptive metadata is basic information: who, what, when and where. Think of it as a description of a file or a piece of art with the plaque next to it; it’s there to help individuals know what they are looking at and the description changes depending on the contents of the object or information piece. Types of descriptive metadata include: Time and date of creation Program or processes used for the creation of the data Purpose of the data Creator or author of the data Location on a device where the data was created Technical standards used File size Data quality Source of the data Modifications or programs used to modify the file Structural metadata Structural metadata defines how the data should be categorized to fit into a more extensive system of other objects or information sets. Therefore, structural metadata represents what the fields mean , so there can be a relationship established between many files to organize them and use them accordingly. Administrative metadata This is information about the history of the data or object , such as owners, rights, licenses and permissions, which is particularly helpful for information management. Word files, songs, videos and images, for example, all follow an information method regarding origins, creation and uses. What’s the Deal with Metadata? One of the main problems with the exponential growth of data is how it is treated and stored. If the data isn't appropriately descriptive, it makes it significantly harder for users of that data to retrieve or recover it . Description elements need to be accurately representative so that current tools can efficiently and effectively find them for the user. Think about it: we have all been there and quickly saved a file without labeling it properly and then spent hours trying to find it–or maybe even never saw it again. It’s forever lost in the data abyss (oh the heartbreak!). Experts studying description, search, and retrieval information point out that the best solutions to avoid this problem may be creating well-planned and designed metadata information systems tools for users . This would allow optimal information processing stored in computers to be exchanged over the networks, particularly for data available on the internet. Such a resource would mean that electronically stored data can be accessed and retrieved, regardless of format, such as text, image, sound, video, a web page, and more. This would help individuals find the exact information they are searching for–and avoid heartache or heartbreak! Metadata's Role in Forensics Now that we have briefed you on what metadata is and its various forms, are you ready to get your detective hat and magnifying glass out? Because there's an even more specific field of use: forensic metadata. Think of electronic evidence or the bread crumbs that lead to the main culprit or suspect; forensic metadata has the key to cracking a case in various investigations because vital information can be hidden in a tiny file and reveals something major. Forensic metadata in use Metadata allows digital or computer forensic investigators to understand the steps and history of an electronic file; these digital traces are fragile and need to be properly preserved . Think of it like real physical evidence at a crime scene and the level of care required to avoid cross-contamination, missed clues, or tampering with evidence. Metadata must be treated in the same way. Here are examples of some metadata that may be of interest to a criminal investigation: Recovering file names, their extensions, their respective creation, modification and access dates History of executions, failures, number of writes and reads of records File creation, modification, and access information Accessing all information stored within a document Accessing hidden document information Providing collaboration evidence Metadata even serves to help authenticate electronic evidence or help identify when evidence has been falsified or doctored. When carrying out an investigation, a professional needs very versatile tools that are fast and safe to use ; these professionals include security nationals, computer experts, investigation companies and security departments in large companies or corporations. Such tools will assist in facilitating tests and reports with a complete guarantee so when requesting strict access to these files, they already know that it is relevant to their case. We like to take inspiration from Hany Farid , a forensic and computer scientist known as the “ Sherlock Holmes of the Instagram era .” Journalists, courts, intelligence agencies, and the FBI come to him to sort real images from fake ones, as it's becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference. He states that "the ability to manipulate digital content has accelerated." and this acceleration could present a real public threat as public figures can even fall victim to "deep fake" videos or photos. He is striving to carry out his work in many ways, using various new tools, but one initial clue that indicates that an image may have been falsified is the number of times the image has been saved or compressed. Therefore, metadata helps unlock insights into whether the image has been manipulated or not–and this is just the beginning. As you can probably tell, cybersecurity is a huge topic with lots of ground to cover. If you wanna keep on learning more, check out our cybersecurity bootcamp , which you can take either in-person or online and choose from full-time or part-time options. The future of cybersecurity is incredibly bright, with new technologies introduced every day. Are you up for the challenge?

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7 minutes

Machine Learning: What is it?

Ironhack - 2023-06-25

All Courses

You’ve heard about it, but maybe you don’t know exactly what it is. Or you’re familiar with the concept, but want to know exactly what you can do with a career in machine learning. We’ll cover these doubts and much more in the article below. What is Machine Learning? Machine learning is a field of computer science devoted to training computers to learn and make predictions without being explicitly programmed to do so . Instead of relying on static instructions (think massive if-else trees), machine learning algorithms ingest, analyze, and interpret large amounts of training data to build models that can then be used to make predictions. Even if you’re just getting into machine learning, we’re sure that you’ve definitely heard about it before. Let’s demystify the world of machine learning by first answering some commonly asked questions. Is machine learning the same as artificial intelligence? The terms “machine learning” and “artificial intelligence” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they do not mean the same thing: AI is a field of computer science that encompasses the simulation of human intelligence in a large number of ways: natural language processing (ChatGPT), computer vision (Google Lens), and robotics (Boston Dynamics). Machine learning , on the other hand, is an approach to AI that focuses on algorithms that seek to enable computers both to learn from data and to improve their performance over time. Machine learning vs deep learning–are they the same? No, machine learning and deep learning are not the same thing! Deep learning is a subset of machine learning that focuses on creating models using multi-layered neural networks. Exactly what those are is not in the scope of this blog, but you can think of it as a really complex algorithm that requires a lot of data and computational resources to train. Do I need experience in web development to work in machine learning? No! Most people who work in machine learning have no experience in web development. Machine learning is all about developing and using algorithms to produce models that can make decisions and predict outcomes–apart from both web developers and machine learning engineers writing code, the two have very little in common. Should I study data science or machine learning? Well, it all depends on what you want to do! Data science is the application of statistical and scientific methods to gain insights from data---and you can definitely use machine learning algorithms to achieve such ends. Machine learning, on the other hand, is more about techniques that enable computers to make predictions. If you’re into practical applications, study data science; if you’re into theory, study machine learning. Now that we’ve defined machine learning and answered some of your burning questions, let’s dive a little deeper and explore how machine learning affects our daily lives. Real life applications of machine learning While machine learning is theoretical in nature, there are thousands of real, practical applications for machine learning models in use in industry today. We’ve already named some companies and products that use machine learning earlier in this post: OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google Lens, and Boston Dynamics. But these companies and products are not outliers; machine learning techniques can be applied in all kinds of contexts, such as: Healthcare : here’s a real, human impact. Machine learning has been used for diagnosing patients, discovering new drugs, predicting patient outcomes, and improving treatment plans---helping millions of people. Finance : this is the pinnacle of big data! We’ve seen machine learning used for algorithmic trading, fraud detection, risk assessment, and (controversially) credit scoring. Transportation : this is where graph theory is in action. Machine learning algorithms thrive at solving problems surrounding route optimization, demand forecasting, and (you guessed it) autonomous driving. Agriculture : it’s not just about growing crops! While machine learning can help with crop yield prediction, important advances have been made in optimizing resource allocation, detecting diseases in plants and livestock, and even genetically engineering newer, better crops. City planning : Cities use machine learning to understand how cities will grow and execute proper city planning. Sales : lots of companies use machine learning for sales purposes; for example, car companies use machine learning to understand how buyers will behave in the future. Streaming services : music companies and streaming platforms build sophisticated models to personalize the customer experience to match desires and needs. Working in Machine Learning Have we convinced you that machine learning is the best path into tech for you?! That’s fantastic! It might seem like a complex field and, well, you’re right, it is! But there are lots of roles where a machine learning background is useful. Roles in machine learning Many people have preconceptions about what you can do with a machine learning degree or bootcamp under your belt. While machine learning is generally theoretical, the truth is that you’re not confined to doing research for the rest of your life. There are plenty of well-paying, practical roles that you can take on with machine learning in your toolbelt. Let’s go over a few of them: Machine Learning Engineer : bet you didn’t see this one coming! The word engineer implies practical and machine learning engineers develop and deploy machine learning models to do any number of cool and interesting tasks. Data Scientist : data scientists often do exploratory data analysis or hypothesis testing. Pattern recognition and machine learning go hand-in-hand; to that end, data scientists can use machine learning tools to analyze complex data sets, identify patterns, and then predict outcomes much faster than they would otherwise be able to. AI Architect : while still technical, architects also take on a quasi-managerial role. They design and develop the overall strategies and infrastructure for implementing machine learning solutions for an organization. AI Ethicist : here’s where we can find the intersection of machine learning and philosophy. AI ethicists are responsible for addressing issues of fairness, bias, and transparency in AI systems. And those aren’t the only roles available! Machine learning consultants, data engineers, and research scientists all use machine learning skills on a regular basis. In the future, we’ll see almost every role either using machine learning tools (like software engineers using github copilot) or creating tools with machine learning no matter your industry and that’s why machine learning skills are so highly-demanded by hiring managers worldwide. How to get into machine learning There are so many ways to break into machine learning. Different people have different preferred ways of learning, so here’s four ways we think you can gain a foundational knowledge of machine learning, or learn machine learning, if you will: Books : for those of us who learn best by reading, there are plenty of resources available. The two books we recommend for those just learning about machine learning are Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow by Aurelien Geron and Machine Learning for Absolute Beginners by Oliver Theobald. Online Communities : as always, there’s a Reddit community for exactly what we need! Try joining and participating in r/MachineLearning and r/LearnMachineLearning . A quick online search can also put you in touch with like minded individuals who are starting out on their machine learning journey. Bootcamps : There’s no better way to learn than in a safe, structured environment. Ironhack offers exciting bootcamps for roles all over the tech landscape. Supercharge your learning and jump start your career with an Ironhack bootcamp! YouTube : deep in your learning journey and stuck on a specific problem? YouTube and other online videos can help you visually solve a problem or boast your knowledge and share solutions with the community. Is machine learning for me? Alright, we’ve captured your interest! We’re not surprised; machine learning is an incredibly interesting field that has practically limitless potential. What more could you ask for?! If you can answer yes to the following questions, getting into machine learning may be your next career step: Do you like learning about statistics, coding, and new technologies? Are you curious, creative, and want to find new ways to solve problems? Do you grasp new concepts quickly and are passionate about the work you do? Do you like data and want to use it to get answers? You answered yes to all of these questions, right?! We thought so! And you’re in luck: at Ironhack, we've designed our bootcamps so that your dreams can become a reality and you can become the next great machine learning professional. Check out our course offerings today and don’t hesitate! This is your time to shine.

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What is a tech bootcamp?

Ironhack - 2020-06-18

All Courses

Global

Is this a new trend or a chance to upshift your career? You've probably heard the term mentioned more than once and you'll know it's somehow related to technology, development, a career shift, innovation and even design. And you wouldn't be wrong, but what actually is a tech bootcamp? Maybe something to do with camping in the woods? Or perhaps outdoor military-style training? Doesn't it have something to do with learning to programme in your garage? Cold, cold... Why are bootcamps becoming such a popular way of learning? The tech market is undeniably lacking in qualified professionals. So, to tackle this shortage, the education sector has devised a methodology that seeks to teach the key skills needed to satisfy this demand. It's not a question of learning for learning's sake, rather the methodology hones in on what companies are actually looking for in potential candidates. Essentially, that's what defines a bootcamp, a training programme that's known for: Intensive learning (very intensive) Short-term teaching (1-3 months) A focus on acquiring specific practical skills Learning by doing Participants don't need any former qualifications Packing into a few months what would traditionally takes years to learn Culminating in an individual project that you plan and write from scratch The main aim of a bootcamp is to prepare students to tackle and satisfy the real needs of the job market, allowing them to secure the job of their dreams without having to study a university degree or vocational training course. Companies are increasingly recruiting their talent from bootcamps, and it's no happy coincidence... But, where do I start? How do I go about taking my first steps in the tech industry? Let's be honest: the tech world holds an ocean of knowledge and it's not possible (or advisable) to try and learn everything at once, especially if you're just starting out. The best thing to do would be to pick a specific area and delve in deep. At Ironhack , we advocate the fields of study with the highest chances of employability: web development, UX/UI design and data analytics. But how to decide which one is right for you? In order to make this decision, it’s a good idea to conduct an in-depth analysis. Don't limit your choice to your potential chances of finding employment. It's important to find out what really interests, motivates and inspires you. If you want to start out with something simple and do some of your own research on web development, we recommend you take a look at CodeAcademy or Freecodecamp . If you want to have a more practical approach, we can also go on workshops or webinars. At the end of the day, the objective is to discover which field that really inspires you before you start to get your career off the ground. powered by Crowdcast This webinar is an example, we are always launching new content - either from Web Development, UX/UI Design, or Data Analytics. You can take a look at the upcoming webinars here . Why are bootcamps so popular? Bootcamps are a source of hope and offer a new direction for anyone who wants to turn their personal and professional lives around by specialising further or starting a new adventure in the tech industry. If you are determined to accelerate your learning and acquire new digital skills, take a look at the courses we offer . You should know that entrepreneurs are also fascinated by this way of learning, as it allows them to learn everything they need to know quickly and at an intense but efficient pace. Do you want to develop an app but have no clue about coding? Want to design your own marketplace? Need to learn more about a certain subject in order to face the challenges in your professional life? These are just some of the reasons you might want to sign up to a bootcamp. Will I have the same professional opportunities if I choose to do a university degree? In fact, you'll have the same or more specialist skills than someone with a university degree or vocational training qualification, although you should know there is a certain amount of theoretical knowledge that isn't taught at the bootcamp. The technology sector is very receptive to this kind of problem-solving profile and these days employers tend to be less focused on uni qualifications, which makes it easier for you to access the same opportunities on the job market. Ironhack promotes a skills-based employment philosophy that places a premium on professionalism and candidates' skills, a notion that is also increasingly observed by the top companies that approach us in search of talent to grow their teams. Remember: You get back what you put in. Although teachers are there to teach, without putting in some of the work independently, it's impossible to assimilate all the knowledge you need in such a short space of time. If you're looking for talent, Ironhack has a whole network of budding experts. Get in touch! So, can I change my life in 9 weeks? Without a doubt. No one said it would be easy, but it is possible. If you decide to join a bootcamp of this length, bear in mind you'll need to dedicate yourself to full-time study . Each bootcamp includes a practical project that you'll need to submit at the end of the course. In short: You learn a lot, but you'll have to give up a lot of your free time over the subsequent 9 weeks . If you do a bit of digging, you'll find testimonies from former Ironhack students who have gone from being firefighters to developers, from psychologists to UX designers and from architects to data analysts working in companies such as Google, Cabify and Accenture. What about if I have a job I can't give up right now? You can always choose to join one of our part-time bootcamps, which are taught two afternoons a week and on Saturdays. They are designed to help you juggle your personal and professional life whilst still providing you with intensive training. How does that sound? If after everything you've heard you're still thinking about joining a bootcamp, there are three questions you need to ask yourself before you make any final decisions : 1) Are you motivated enough? Remember we're talking about an intense work pace. Motivation will help get you through the difficult moments, pushing you to research, learn, meet deadlines and keep grinding for as long as it takes. teste 2) Are you good at teaching yourself? You'll also need to be able to learn independently. Bootcamp classes are hugely valuable and very comprehensive, but in order to become an expert in such a short space of time, you'll also need to broaden your knowledge on your own, as well as completing all your assignments and a final project. 3) Do you know how to work as part of a team? Bootcamps are not an individual experience. You'll be spending a lot of time with your classmates and it's important to have a team-oriented spirit and be open to collaboration. A bootcamp is not a university degree, nor is it some kind of entertainment . It's much more than that. If after delving into our philosophy you still want to turn your career around, or improve the one you already have and specialise in web development, design or data analytics , get in touch and change your life. This is your chance!

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10 minutes

10 Best Tech Companies to Work For in Spain and Why

Juliette Erath - 2023-07-27

All Courses

Madrid

Barcelona

The tech industry is one of the largest employment sectors right now following the shift in many companies to remote work and data storage in the cloud. The best part is that they’re willing to pay for that talent and make sure to keep them happy. So with a little research, you can find the best role and company that matches what you want in a tech job. Here’s a list of some of the best tech companies to work for in Spain, and why! The Spain Tech Scene Information and communication technology (ICT) is considered a best prospect industry sector in Spain. The sector recovered quickly from the COVID pandemic, and governments in certain autonomous regions have taken full advantage of European Union development and recovery funds to attract foreign investment in technology. Spain’s 5G National Plan is going to be a key driver for mobile network and fiber optic network upgrades, something that private sector companies will want to get in on from the beginning, meaning they will be investing heavily in growing their Spain-based workforces. At the same time, Spanish telecoms companies have been consolidating to leverage their weight in the European market. With all the investment and changes, there is high demand for technology talent that is able to continue to adapt with the changing environment. Cybersecurity is a major issue, as are hybrid cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Spain is currently promoting public-private collaboration programs to integrate AI into multiple vertical sectors, creating opportunities for investments from all over the world, and subsequently, for employment. Best Tech Companies Hiring in Spain Ironhack has done some research to identify some of the best-situated companies to consider if you’re thinking of making a career change to tech in Spain. With offices in Madrid and Barcelona, we love working in Spain and want to help you find the perfect employment partner in the lovely Mediterranean country. RavenPack If you’re interested in a tech career in Spain, chances are you love the sun and the balmy, beachy environment of towns like Valencia or Malaga. Ravenpack, based in Marbella, just outside of Malaga with easy access to the international airport, is hiring. The company started with just 70 employees in 2019, and now boasts over 180. Ravenpack has a diverse international team and offers opportunities for continued professional development and growth. The company is research-driven, collecting data from various sources, and using AI and machine learning to aggregate findings and provide its clients with valuable analytical insights. They are backed by a number of powerful investors including Dow Jones and Amazon Web Services, just to name a couple. If you are interested in research and data analytics, this is your company! Cabify Want to make cities better? Consider Cabify. Cabify was founded in 2011 and is considered the first Spanish tech unicorn. The headquarters are located in Madrid, but they have offices across the country, including Barcelona and Malaga. Some of the roles Cabify is looking to fill have titles like Head of Engineering, and Principal Backend Software Engineer, so you can really get to use your technology development skills. Plus, they even have a roll for a tech talent acquisition specialist, meaning tech workers are in high demand at Cabify! Besides being an awesome company, Cabify also offers some great employee benefits. The company is remote work friendly, and all employees can telework at least two days per week. Once you’ve spent enough time with the company, you can go 100% remote. Employees can also choose different compensation packages, which may include restaurant coupons, transportation cards, medical insurance, or childcare. Finally, the company is fully invested in its employees and wants them to continue learning and improving. They offer internal training and tech events in the office. Wallapop Wallapop is the main Spanish online marketplace, much like Craigslist or Etsy. It allows people to sell goods or services online. The company seeks to offer the best street trade experience to all users around the world. The company actively contributes to sustainable trade through the sale of second-hand or used items. At the same time, they help connect people seeking goods or services with vendors to grow local economies. One of the things that sets Wallapop apart from other online selling platforms is that they treat all products and services equally. You can truly find or sell just about anything. Based out of Barcelona, Wallapop operates in Spain and Italy. Powered by technical innovation and continuous improvement, they are backed by top investors and were recently voted one of the ‘Top 100 Future Unicorns.’ Wallapop is actively seeking Product Team developers, and DevOps Engineers in both Barcelona and Madrid. The Wallapop team has a great social media presence that can give you a better idea of what it’s like working there. Typeform Another Barcelona based technology startup, Typeform, revolutionized web forms, and the company is growing at a tremendous pace. The company’s exponential growth means if you get a job with Typeform now, chances are you’ll be at a senior level within a few years. Typeform has a very generous benefits package. They offer employees health insurance, financial and retirement planning services, 401K plans, paid vacation time off, social events, free lunches and snacks, and of course professional development. Typeform values empathy, and is constantly thinking of how to improve customers’ user experiences. They are also a remote-first company, and they like to outfit their employees with cool swag, and budgets for home-office setup. Calling all early birds and night owls! Typeform lets you work when you’re at your best. Google Google shows up frequently on our top 10 lists because it is just such a great tech company to work for. The company has its main Spain offices in Madrid, in the trendy Embajadores neighborhood, and they also have some remote opportunities. The Google campus in Madrid is also a startup incubator, so you’ll be surrounded by lots of digital creatives, and get to network with the newest startup founders and employees. The campus cultivates a culture of fun combined with serious ideation for tech possibilities and growth. Google is proud of its employee longevity and growth. They help people grow within the company to retain top talent. They also employ a “no heroes” policy, meaning that there are sufficient processes in place so that no single person is working overtime to fix bugs or help clients. The company also provides immense levels of support to its employees. As manager Shawn Hurley put it, “Google is the first place I’ve been that is really serious about work-life balance… This is a team of naturally high achievers, but we need to enjoy our life outside the office too”. If you’re a high achiever who likes to play hard as well, Google Madrid is going to be a great fit for you. Spotahome Renting a house or an apartment can be a serious pain, especially if you aren’t physically located where you want to rent. Spotahome seeks to transform that experience by sending professional spotters to check out rentals before you get there. Following a holiday rental model, Spotahome can help you find a home for stays of 30 days minimum, perfect for digital nomads who are constantly on the go. They eliminate communication and language barriers between local landlords and foreign tenants. Based in Madrid, they have been highlighted in publications like El Confidencial, TicBeat, and Telva. Spotahome has four core values: they feel you, they’re sincere, they adapt to win, and they seek to create a better tomorrow. They boast a flexible, open culture, with full remote options and flexible work schedules. Spotahome offers employees optional health insurance and gym membership opportunities, and even offers stock options. When you join Spotahome you’ll also get extensive training so you never have to feel like you’re flying solo. Workato Workato is all about tech stack integrations. They help build complex workflows across organizations using their low-code platform. The whole idea is to take code and make it user friendly so stack integrations don’t require a lot of coding knowledge. They are focused on fast, simple integrations, and were even mentioned as a part of the Cloud 100 sponsored by Bessamer, Forbes, and Salesforce. They are a company on the cutting edge of cloud technologies. As far as benefits go, the company offers flexible working arrangements so employees don’t burn out. They have a hybrid remote model, and provide every employee with the best available technology. They have an employee assistance program, offer health insurance, provide referral bonuses, and offer stock options. They are invested in their employees’ long-term professional development, and to that end set aside training programs and budgets for continued learning. Their Spain headquarters in Barcelona will have you chilling at the beach while you simplify tech stacks. Gympass Gympass is a corporate wellness platform that offers organizations access to the best fitness centers and applications with flexible plans for employees. If you want to combine your tech education with the world of fitness, Gympass may be the perfect place for you. Founded in 2012 in New York City, the company has grown exponentially and now has offices in Madrid, and other locations across the globe. For starters, Gympass offers its employees and their families access to the platform for free. Get personal training, access to in-person fitness programs, sleep and meditation guidance, mental health support, nutrition resources, and more. The company offers employees cash incentives based on company and individual success, and an equity program for top performers. They have a hybrid work structure, and provide workers with a home office stipend. They also give all employees 25 days of paid leave annually, and you get your birthday off! BackMarket BackMarket is another tech-based marketplace focused on reselling technological gadgets that have been reset. They use a proven system to ensure that the product speculations are communicating adequately with the buyer, and guarantee 100% functionality. Before joining the community, each vendor goes through a rigorous selection process. Technical teams physically go to device reseller locations to ensure their products meet the market place’s high quality standards. BackMarket began with just three founders in 2014 and has since grown to over 600 employees. Their Spain offices are in Barcelona, so add them to the list of trendy tech startups on the Mediterranean hub. Working with BackMarket means you’ll be contributing to the elimination of thousands of tons of electronic waste. They offer attractive salaries, company equity, health insurance, meal tickets, relocation packages and support, and lots of internal tech skill development events. Help the earth when you join BackMarket. Domestika Domestika, is an online course platform, but with a quality that sets them apart from other websites who let creators make their own courses. Domestika empowers creators, providing the support to produce and launch professionally produced courses, while nurturing the community they started out as. Domestika also has a job board for creatives! Initially based in Spain, a lot of their employees are still in Madrid and Barcelona, though, like many other companies, they've opened the door to remote roles, too. Domestika is a great fit for people who are passionate about online education, particularly on the creative side. They often have open roles in many tech areas, from programming to UX/UI, in several countries or remotely. A big element of the workplace culture in Domestika is their community spirit: being spread across several hubs and backed by an online community of millions, their creative perspective and originality feeds on collaboration and open communication. How to Land Your First Tech Job Landing a job at great companies like these in Spain is definitely achievable. All you need is a little knowledge and some practical experience. Most companies in tech aren’t too worried about whether you have a Master’s from Harvard or a Ph.D. They want to know that you are able to learn and adapt to a fast-paced environment. A degree from a legacy brick-and-mortar school isn’t going to cut it. Ironhack teaches the skills that these companies are looking for, and we know how to get you ready for the job so you can hit the ground running! So if you see yourself strolling through, for example, Madrid’s Google campus on your way to a user interview, or joining Glovo’s rockstar development team, check out Ironhack bootcamps . Nothing is more important for getting one of these gigs than practical experience and a vast network within the industry. You’ve got this!

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5 minutes

Remote or In-Person Bootcamps: Pros & Cons

Juliette Erath - 2022-10-31

Remote

All Courses

All education is good education and there are multiple ways to learn whatever you want through every possible medium, but when it comes to tech classes, there’s one burning question: are online or in-person bootcamps better? Let’s take a deep dive into the pros and cons of taking remote or in-person tech bootcamps so you can find an answer, make your choice, and get started on your tech journey. Remote Tech Bootcamps: Pros and Cons The advantages of remote bootcamps Pro: remote bootcamps boast flexibility and can be adjusted to your schedule. If convenience and flexibility are top priorities, then there’s no doubt that a remote bootcamp is perfect for you. Online bootcamps let you set your own pace so you can study the way that works best for you while getting the same quality education as an in-person course; on top of that, you can study and attend lectures from home, a cafe, a park, or wherever you want. And if you can’t make a class in real time, don’t stress out. Recordings are available online so you can watch lectures at a more convenient time. Pro: remote bootcamps get you ready for the increasingly remote corporate world Right now, working remotely is the way to go! Over the last few years, remote work has gained popularity around the world and workers are loving the change. Remote bootcamps give you a leg up by preparing you for the online business world, teaching you priceless skills like collaborating with team members in other parts of the globe, using Slack to communicate smoothly, and running efficient and productive online meetings. The disadvantages of remote bootcamps Con: remote bootcamps can trigger FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) Our campuses are always buzzing with awesome activities (ask the survivors of our Water Balloon Wars!) so it’s the perfect environment for social butterflies. Remote students are always welcome to join the main events, but you’ll find that outside of the main Ironhack events (Like our Friday Ironbeers), you won’t have much interaction with your classmates or teachers. Pro/con: remote bootcamps keep you in your comfort zone Whether this is a pro or con depends on you; if you’re someone who works best in your comfort zone, then maybe you should stay comfortable so you can learn more efficiently. On the other hand, maybe you need a little push to help you adapt to new surroundings and meet new people, helping you to grow and thrive. Either way, the decision is up to you. In-person Tech Bootcamps: Pros and Cons The advantages of in-person bootcamps Pro: In-person bootcamps offer an unparalleled community One of the pros of in-person bootcamps is connecting with your community. There’s always something happening on campus; at Ironhack, there’s rarely a dull moment. Attending classes in-person lets you spend time with your classmates (on and off campus), interact with teachers and staff, and participate in more on-campus activities. Pro: In-person bootcamps get you work ready Learning how to navigate the wild world of commuting and work in an office-like environment every day is guaranteed to prepare you for the in-person business world. If you decide that working in an office is perfect for you, then adapting to a new daily routine will be no sweat. The disadvantages of in-person bootcamps Con: In-person bootcamps require commutes That dreaded commute. Depending on where you live, it can be a blessing or a curse. As a commuting student, you’ll enter a magical world filled with traffic jams, packed trains, delayed trains, missed buses, no buses, and much more. The possibilities are endless! Now, there are ways to turn this con into a bit of a pro. You can always use that commute time to read, study, meditate, or listen to podcasts (ideal if you’re driving). If you can’t avoid the commute, embrace it! Pro/con: In-person bootcamps get you out of your comfort zone Yes, it bears repeating–whether this is a pro or con is entirely up to you. If you’re looking for a way to meet more people and expand your network, then getting out there and making some friends might be a great idea. But if you’re the indoor type, commuting and in-person classes may be more than you’re willing to take on. And don’t worry: you can meet people and make connections online as well. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and make the choice that’s right for you. Choosing Between Remote and In-person Bootcamps So which option is perfect for you? Before you throw your hat into either ring, here are a few more things to consider for both remote and in-person bootcamps: Remote bootcamps: Frequently remove the stress of feeling scrutinized. If a student has a question or needs clarification on an issue, they can message the instructor or a classmate to ask privately without the pressure of feeling singled out. May require more discipline than in-person classes. It’s easy to get distracted in front of a computer screen, especially with phone alerts, social media, and more, so you must have great time management skills and ensure you’re able to focus on your coursework. Tend to be far more accessible than in-person classes. If there’s internet, you can access your coursework and attend lectures using multiple apps like Google Meet and Zoom. They also offer more flexibility to those with other responsibilities, such as childcare or jobs. In-person bootcamps: Often have set times and schedules so they don’t offer students much flexibility. In-person classes and lectures are rarely recorded–if you miss a lecture and can’t reach a fellow classmate for notes, you may be out of luck. Require a commute . On top of class time, you’ll also need to factor in time (and money) spent on travel and preparation. This means that in some cases, online classes may be the more budget-friendly option. Offer more in-person interaction between students and teachers, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get to know your teachers with remote classes! On the contrary, online classes let you touch base with your teachers at any time, so you can always ask for help or feedback. Still not sure which option is best for you? No worries, that’s what we’re here for! The Ironhack Admissions team is more than happy to provide you with personal guidance to help you find the best option to fit you and your career goals.

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6 minutes

Going Abroad for Your Tech Career: Pros and Cons

Juliette Erath - 2023-07-24

Global

The decision to go abroad at any point in your life is a major one, let alone choosing to go abroad for your career or education! The chance to spend time abroad is an incredible one that lots of people take advantage of when they’re studying in university or even after. But as a techie, you’re in a unique situation: tech is universal and it’s needed absolutely everywhere. Yes, everywhere! But heading abroad to work in tech isn’t the only way to use technology in your favor and gain a new experience: if you’re not in the tech industry yet or simply looking to upskill your existing tech knowledge, studying tech courses abroad is also a fantastic option. In this article, we’ll cover moving abroad for both studying and working, and, even though we’re sure you know them all, we’ll highlight some of the biggest benefits that working or studying abroad can bring you. Going Abroad: Why? You’ve heard about their experiences from your friends and family and maybe even had the chance to spend some time abroad yourself. So you know: time abroad helps you broaden your horizons , familiarizing yourself with new cultures and people. And you may even pick up some language skills along the way! Sounds nice, right? It is, but going abroad offers even more benefits: You’ll have the chance to not only get to know your chosen destination, but also its surroundings : with just a few exceptions, most cities are located near others that are maybe just too far to justify a trip right now. But if you’re already close by, it’s totally worth a quick trip, which can introduce you to yet another place, expanding your horizons even further. You’ll learn more : you’ve heard the stories about college students going abroad to party and while that definitely happens, we’re referring to your personal growth here. Going abroad can be a challenge at first and you’ll be faced with struggles you may not have faced previously: can you read another alphabet? Or search for an apartment on your own? New challenges mean more opportunities to learn– about yourself. You’ll expand your skill set : many go abroad to finetune their language skills, but that’s just one skill you can bring back from your time abroad. People from other cultures have different expectations about workplace behavior, learning methods, and practically everything else. Spending time abroad can make your resume even more attractive to potential employers. Although these reasons seem pretty great–and they are–let’s not forget that your situation depends heavily on your personal circumstances and if you’re heading abroad to study or work. Going Abroad to Work in Tech: Pros and Cons Maybe your employer has brought up the idea of you transferring to an office abroad. Or you’re just looking for a change of pace and are considering making that move abroad. No matter your situation, there are definitely pros and cons to consider. Pros of going abroad for tech jobs Let’s explore some of the great things that await you abroad in a tech role. New opportunities Depending on where you live, you could be limited in your career growth or general opportunities; other countries or regions could have job offers that fit more closely with your interests. You could also have the chance to learn new skills that aren’t commonly taught in your home country. Expanded network You never know when you’ll meet the next important person in your life and the same goes for the tech world. Working abroad can help you make connections that otherwise would’ve been impossible and help you build bridges across cultures (and maybe even oceans!) to expand your network. And who knows, maybe someone you meet while abroad might help you land a job in the future. Cons of going abroad for tech jobs Not everything is perfect, though, and we have to make sure you’re aware of some of the cons of working in tech abroad. Immigration challenges To combat high unemployment at home, lots of countries have rather strict immigration policies when it comes to foreign nationals working in their country. When you start thinking about working abroad, make sure you explore realistic visa opportunities and familiarize yourself with any possible limitations that might arise. Cultural differences What if your new country of residence has a completely different way of handling conflict? Or has strict guidelines on what is appropriate for the workplace and what isn’t? And if the new country is way more relaxed than yours, leading you to feel uncomfortable at work? Understanding and accepting cultural differences in the workplace is harder than it seems and can be quite the challenge at first. Going Abroad to Study Tech: Pros and Cons Your university might have a really cool study abroad program for future techies, or you’re looking for the best place to study a bootcamp and get into the tech field. No matter your situation, make sure you consider the following: Pros of going abroad to study tech If you’re considering heading abroad to study tech, you’ll benefit from an: Improved resume Whether you’re planning on staying for good in your new country or heading home once the travel bug has left your system, your resume will benefit from two major areas of working abroad: one, potential employers recognize the challenges that come from working abroad in a new culture and will value your experience. Second, you will learn invaluable skills such as cross-cultural communication, effective problem resolution, and teamwork, which will also help strengthen your resume. Expanded skill set If you choose to head abroad to a place where you’ve been studying the native language, you might be able to advance rapidly in your skills, adding something new to your resume. And even if foreign language skills aren’t your greatest strength, cultural experience and an openness to different cultures is something that looks fantastic on your resume. Cons of going abroad to study tech Complicated at-home requirements Lots of university programs have strict curriculum guidelines for their tech students, meaning that you may delay graduation by heading abroad. But if you’re totally set on the chance to study abroad, make sure you plan out your courses ahead of time to guarantee you’re still graduating on track. Tough adjustments Especially for those who have never been abroad before, the move might be all the change they need–no need for tough classes, new tech concepts, and a whole new style of learning. If you’re concerned about settling in while jumping into your tech curriculum, try to arrive before your program begins so that you can adjust at your own pace, without the pressure of classes immediately. We can sum it all up here: if you head abroad to either study or work in tech, it will definitely be worth it and make your resume stick out a bit more . But it will come with its challenges–being prepared for these difficulties can make your adjustment much easier. At Ironhack, we offer tech bootcamps in seven cities across the world, offering you lots of chances to improve your cultural skills and get into the awesome tech market. If this sounds like the right fit for you, what are you waiting for?! Send in your application today.

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Front-End vs. Back-End: What’s The Difference?

Ironhack - 2020-06-23

Web Development

All Courses

From those that adore graphic design and want to take their passion a step further, unleashing their visual creations to a webpage's interface, to those who love snooping around in the underbelly of databases, API's or exploring the inner workings of servers; in other words, everything that users don't see. There’s a huge variety of reasons why someone might want to become a Web Developer. As such, depending on what they prefer to work on, they might specialise either in the front-end or back-end. Although technology is continuously evolving and the relationship between the two terms is ever-changing and difficult to establish, there is still a significant, inherent difference that separates them. The skills needed for either side often overlap, with versatile, general-purpose programming languages becoming more popular across all areas, but front-end and back-end developers use contrasting sets of skills and apply them in diverse ways, pursuing radically different objectives and priorities. Perspective is everything! Front-end development: tech with its makeup on As its name suggests, front-end development encompasses the configuration and design of everything that web surfers see when they use a website or app. It's the visual aspect of the job that tends to attract those developers with a keen interest for graphic design. These developers' task is to create interfaces that users will find as attractive as they do intuitive, making the user experience a much more gratifying one. As such, developers use three main tools, which are HTML, CSS and JavaScript . The latter has been gaining more and more ground in both front-end and back-end development, displacing other technologies such as JQuery, which is becoming obsolete. Other frameworks have even been created within JavaScript , such as React and Angular , which facilitate the job of a developer and can create components that are later replicated in other areas of the platform they’re building. Front-end development is often considered exclusively technical, but some areas have a strong graphic design component. Like UX/UI specialists, some front-end developers are proficient in other tools not traditionally used by developers, such as image editing programmes (one example might be Photoshop), or platforms such as Figma or Sketch that allow developers to create prototypes, preview navigation through the platform and test different concepts before finalising the development. Although UX and UI Design are well-defined areas that should not be confused with front-end development, there’s a significant overlap between both. Software development encompasses endless fields and functions; rather than a hard choice between a handful of defined job titles, developers have an unparalleled freedom to construct their own skill profile and forge their own unique professional path. As a front-end developer, your job is to use all these technologies and languages to construct the visuals and design of the app or website in question, in order to therefore generate a certain feeling among its users so they find the experience enjoyable and seamless, and want to come back. It's no easy feat. Back-end development: building the architecture Developers that choose to specialise in back-end development are often those that prefer to configure databases and work out how to optimise website functions, such as server performance (so that these can adequately handle the workload), or use the external resources like third party APIs. Ultimately, these developers deal with everything that's hidden from view to the users that visit a website or app and provide their data to register or make a purchase from that platform. Back-end developers use many different programming languages in their day-to-day life, from PHP to Ruby, Python, Java or even JavaScript. Their job is to make sure websites run smoothly and improve their response time. The responsibilities and influence of back-end developers have increased with the WORD of Web3 and the transition from simpler, static webpages and apps to more complex and dynamic websites, which are dependent on more resources and require constant updates. On top of this, they are usually well-versed in both relational databases, such as MySQL or Oracle, and non-relational databases, such as MongoDB. Full stack development: the best of both worlds! Can’t choose between front-end and back-end development? You wouldn't be the first one. If you enjoy interface design as much as areas like data management, you could steer your career path towards a job in full stack development. Although there's still some scepticism surrounding these profiles, given that it's considered better to specialise and become an expert in one area or another, the truth is that companies are increasingly investing in full stack developers that have a solid understanding of multiple areas and able to bring value to both the interface to be displayed in the browser and the infrastructure hidden below the surface. If you possess the skills and abilities as well as the wild curiosity needed to acquire the professional expertise in both back-end and front-end development, you might choose to sign up for the Web Development bootcamp at Ironhack. You'll learn about state-of-the-art technologies used in both front-end development, such as HTML5, Canvas, JavaScript or React, and back-end development; become familiar with Node.js; learn how to configure servers with Express, or databases with MongoDB. All these skills are highly sought-after by tech companies, giving you an edge when you come to accessing the job market and the world of development. Which one gets your development juices flowing? Front-end or back-end? Or perhaps you want to have your cake and eat it too; could full stack development be your calling?

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7 minutes

The 3 C's of Cloud Computing

Ironhack - 2023-06-15

All Courses

Over the past several years, the “cloud” went from being a buzzword to being the standard. In today’s day and age, the expectation is that information will be readily available anywhere, whether that be your personal data such as photos and messages or your favorite media, such as movies and tv shows. Instead of having to wait for DVDs to be sent to our houses, we can now watch practically anything we want anywhere, anytime, all thanks to the power of the cloud. But, do you know what the cloud actually is? Let’s find out! What is Cloud Computing? Here’s a cloud computing definition for you: cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of computer resources over the internet . In most cases, cloud computing features a pay-as-you-go model, which means that you only pay for the amount of compute resources that you use. Cloud computing enables customers (students, developers, companies) to access services such as storage and compute power without the need to buy and maintain their own servers. As a consequence of the customer not having to manage their own computer resources, customers are able to work from any location and deliver their product to anywhere and everywhere with ease. The advantages of cloud computing cannot be understated. We know what you’re probably thinking: what are the drawbacks to cloud computing? Since cloud computing offers all these great benefits, there must be at least some disadvantages, whether it be the cost, difficulty of use, or something else entirely. Well, that’s partially correct—there are some disadvantages to cloud computing, but they have nothing to do with cost or ease-of-use! In fact, for the vast majority of cases, it’s significantly cheaper to use the cloud than it would be to purchase and maintain servers on-site. Furthermore, cloud providers usually offer various pre-configured servers that make it super easy to get started with product deployment. When it comes to the cloud, there are three major drawbacks: control, security, and internet-reliance. Control : you pay to use computer resources, but since you don’t own the system, you have no control over things such as system updates, scheduled downtime, or pre-set defaults. Security : when you use the cloud, you’re sending all your precious data over the internet to a third party system. Make sure that all your data is always encrypted at rest and in transit! Internet-Reliance : you don’t own the system and the only way you can access the servers holding your data or hosting your website are through the internet. Without internet access, you have no way of managing resources. These considerations are very real—it’s tempting to always have complete control and access to your cloud computer, but it’s probably not something you truly need. Consider that corporations of all sizes, whether it be small startups or multi-billion dollar juggernauts, all use cloud computing even if they can’t have complete control and access to the systems they pay a lot of money to use. If all these companies, some in industries that have strict legal requirements regarding data handling and privacy, are able to use cloud compute resources, then you can too. Cost, Convenience, and Control Otherwise known as the 3 C’s of cloud computing, cost, convenience, and control define the cloud computing services landscape. When customers shop for a computing platform, they’re searching for a solution that minimizes costs and maximizes convenience and control. Let’s break these three considerations down. Cost In general, one of the best benefits of cloud computing is the cost-savings . This is true whether you’re a single developer working on a personal project or whether you’re a massive company working on a global platform—but costs may matter to the two of you for different reasons. A brief lesson on corporate budgeting: there are two kinds of costs: capital expenditures and operational expenditures. Capital expenditures : large purchases of fixed assets to be used long-term Operational expenditures : the costs to run the business on a day-to-day In general, managers and executives don’t want to be associated with large costs (buying more servers for the data center) and so they have a large incentive to instead pay for things over time (pay-as-you-go compute services). By sheer coincidence, it would most likely be cheaper for a company to pay for cloud compute services anyways! And if you’re someone working on a personal project, it will probably always be cheaper to use the cloud than to buy your own server, especially with all the free options offered by services such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. Convenience What’s more convenient than on-demand?! Don’t know how to set-up a development-ready computing environment from scratch? Cloud services providers have tons of pre-configured options that you can use so that you can focus on your product and not on managing the underlying infrastructure. Are you launching a product soon and are expecting a large number of visitors to your website? Don’t worry, most cloud services providers are able to scale the amount of compute power dedicated to you when required without any action needed to be taken on your part whatsoever! Are you expanding to a new market? Cloud services providers offer services in different geographical zones that encompass the entire globe. With small configuration changes, you’ll be able to serve your product to people anywhere in the world at lightning speed. Control Most of the time, people want to have as much control over their infrastructure resources as possible. With cloud computing, you don’t have as much control as you would if you had a physical server room—it’s not possible to walk up to the cloud and plug in a computer like you could do with an on-site server. Plus, if your internet connection is down, then you have no control over your cloud services at all! How do cloud services providers deal with these two issues? Control Spectrum Most of the time, you don’t need as much control as you may think you do. While it may be fun to tweak the infrastructure to be exactly how you want it, there are established industry standards that will most likely work for you out-of-the-box. But, that’s not to say that cloud service providers don’t offer products for people who want complete control (or no control) over their infra resources. In general, there are three types of cloud computing: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) : basic building blocks of IT, but on the cloud. Infrastructure engineers are expected to build and manage the infrastructure to create the solution that will best support the company’s goals. Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) : no need to manage underlying resources! Develop and deploy your application on the cloud and the cloud service provider will take care of capacity planning and software updates for the underlying infrastructure. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) : no need to care about the underlying resources or services! All you have to think about is how you’ll use the software to achieve your objectives. Internet Connectivity What are cloud services providers’ answer to the internet connectivity problem? In truth, they don’t need one: if your internet is down and your infrastructure was located in-house, then none of your customers would be able to reach your services! What would you prefer, to not be able to control your services for a few minutes or for your customers to not be able to use your services for a few minutes? For the vast majority of cases, it’s much better that the customers stay satisfied with the product at the cost of a little control. What’s next? Now that we’ve gone over all the benefits of cloud computing, you’re probably dying to get started working on the cloud. The great thing is that the cloud is finally mainstream—you can get started today! And, if you’re interested in working in the tech industry and creating cool cloud-powered products, then we think that there’s no better place to start than Ironhack’s bootcamps. We offer bootcamps for just about every role in tech, and there’s never been a better time to join the industry. Let’s learn to make the most of the cloud; we can’t wait to see you in class!

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8 minutes

Freelancing: How to Get Started

Ironhack - 2022-10-07

Careers

All Courses

In the tech world, freelancing is more normal than you might think. Some startups in the technology sector are financed by major banks or businesses, but a lot of them are a little more scrappy. When starting out with a new idea and new technology, getting backing from big finance isn’t always easy, but businesses still need top talent to achieve that financing and grow. That’s where freelancers come into play. Hiring a full-fledged employee is extremely expensive .  Hiring a freelancer that you can have on-call when needed can be an excellent way to grow the business without making lasting investments. And honestly, it’s win-win. Freelancers can make their own schedules and decide their own rates, while businesses don’t have to get tied down with any one service provider. Plus, when it comes to tech, freelancers are location independent! Companies can cut costs by outsourcing work to freelancers working from their own home offices. And freelancers in most countries can discount their working expenses from their income taxes. Everyone wins! How to Start Freelancing Getting started with freelancing can seem scary, but it shouldn’t be. First, if you’re armed with a skillset that you know brings value, you should have no problems. When you decide to invest in your technological skills, you’re directly investing in your freedom. The word “freelancer” spells it out for you – you’ll be free . To set your hours. To set your price. To take on the projects that invigorate you, and say no to the ones that don’t. You will be your own boss both inside and outside of the office. That all being said, there are a few things you’ll want to check out before you head out as your own boss. First, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the legal scene both where you are physically located, and where you want to have clients. With telework becoming more popular, the lines are increasingly blurred, and you’ll want to be sure you are on the right side of the law, without being taken advantage of as well. Then, you’ll need to think about how you want to market yourself, and where. In the following sections, we’ll give you some practical tips to get started on your freelance career. Check the legal requirements Different countries have different rules and tax systems for freelancers. This gets even more complicated when it comes to issuing invoices across state lines. Start with your local self-employment guidelines. Will you need a tax consultant? Depending on where you are located, the requirements to meet your fiscal obligations may differ. Rules may even change across cities or states within the same country. We suggest you go to your local business regulatory agency to understand the steps you will need to take to get set up with your individual tax number and any regulatory norms you will need to follow. Even if you're not a digital nomad, find out what you need to be self-employed. Build your personal brand As a freelancer, you’re going to have to market yourself. While it may feel awkward at first, nobody is going to sell your services for you. Get used to making your personal brand the center of all your communications so you are constantly moving your business possibilities forward. As a technology sector freelancer, you’ll be up against a lot of competition. Creating a compelling online presence is going to be critical to your professional growth. We suggest you invest in a personal website, and social media, enhanced with an excellent content management system if you can. This is what will really set you apart. Learning about search engine optimization (SEO) won’t hurt either if you don’t want to outsource your content management. If your budget doesn’t allow for the full website monty, that’s okay though! LinkedIn is a great place to start maximizing your profile. LinkedIn’s Marketplace is an excellent tool for freelancers to sell their products or services, and even more so for freelancers working in the tech industry. The LinkedIn Marketplace is perfect for connecting freelancers with companies seeking talent on a project basis. Here are a few best practices to maximize your LinkedIn profile: Use your real name! You want to be searchable. Upload a professional profile image. Make sure your introduction section is detailed and well-written. Join groups. Publish consistently. Share your expertise. Get public recommendations. Use your LinkedIn profile to promote your freelance services without investing in advertising! Research your rates Setting your rate may be one of the toughest aspects of freelancing. It’s great to set your own price, but with great power comes great responsibility. You need to learn how to gauge how much work will be required for a project, how much time it will take, and how much you value your own time. At this stage be sure not to undervalue yourself . If you invest in your education and professional development, don’t be afraid to pass those expenses on. You’re bringing value to your clients, so be sure to reflect that when coming up with your quotes. Another consideration when it comes to deciding your rate is how you want to bill. As a tech industry freelancer, you are going to be given a variety of different jobs that you can parse out as you choose. In some cases, for example if the scope of work isn’t entirely clear, it may make sense to provide an hourly rate and use a timetracker like Toggl to track your hours. In other situations where the deliverables are more cut and dry, you may choose to give rates for an entire project, or break it down into milestones. The important thing is to be clear from the outset and maintain clear communication with your client throughout the process. They won’t want to get stuck with an unanticipated bill, and you won’t want to get paid less than what you deserve for your hard work. Pick a platform Once you’ve decided how you want to bill, and what your rates are, you’ll need to consider how you’re going to land your gigs. There are a variety of freelance platforms out there like Upwork and Fiverr which can help you to get started and build your reputation. For tech workers, sites like Toptal , Guru and Freelancer are especially useful. Another excellent resource is Gun.io — it is geared specifically for companies from startups to Fortune 500s to deliver them exceptional software engineers. It will be important to ensure that your personal brand is consistent across the various platforms that you present yourself on. There is nothing wrong with signing up for multiple platforms, as long as you maintain your core brand and values. Changing your profile across platforms could cause confusion for potential clients, so clarity is key as you build your profiles. Tips For Being a Successful Freelancer If you are thinking about going freelance, we fully support you. It can be a great move that helps you find freedom in your tech career. But freedom can be hard to manage. As a freelancer, you’ll be in full control of your time and income, so you may be tempted to burn the midnight oil constantly to see your revenue rise. Be careful! You don’t want to burn yourself out. With your professional freedom, you’ll need to be sure to set realistic boundaries. Give yourself a schedule and try to stick to it. You may have clients from all over the world, and you may find yourself working across different time zones, which is great. However, you will need to remember that you are your boss, and you don’t want to exploit yourself. Schedule meetings when it is realistically feasible for you, and be sure to schedule time for exercise and rest as well. The freelance rabbit hole can become very deep very quickly, so be careful to set boundaries. Also, consider looking into your local self-employed government perks! When it comes to work-life balance, freelancers tend to have lots of resources to pull from. Gyms, restaurants, and community centers generally want to support small, local businesses, so be sure to check with your chamber of commerce to see what kinds of benefits you can get in your neighborhood as a freelancer. Learn which clients to impress and which ones to drop When you’re starting out as a freelancer, you may have to take on some clients that would be considered low-hanging fruit. You may need to do a little pro bono work for references, and to build your portfolio. But don’t let this phase last too long. While it is great when you’re getting started, remember that you are running your own business. You need to stick to your rates and if they go up because your time is becoming scarce (which it surely will!), then you need to communicate that with your clients. It’s never an easy conversation when you have to let a client know that your rates are going up. But it is necessary and the best clients will understand and stick with you. It is a sign that your work is top-quality and you are in high demand. Sure you’ll want to keep legacy rates for your aunt’s best friend, but in general tough love is better for you and your clients. You’ll ensure that the quality of your work remains high, and ultimately, your clients and potential clients will recognize and respect the value you bring them. If you’re ready to get started with your freelance tech career, the BEST first step is to listen to our Podcast highlighting Clémence de Robert’s experience becoming a freelancer after completing her Ironhack bootcamp! This episode is everything you need to know in order to transition into a freelancing lifestyle. The team discusses how to find contracts, set rates, manage time, and much more. Bootcamps are a great way to get ahead with in-demand technology skills, which are changing constantly. They help you stay on top with the expertise that will keep your freelance career competitive. Once you have a few under your belt, you’ll get to start raising your price, and really have the freedom that comes with freelancing. Check out our upcoming bootcamps now!

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7 minutes

Navigating a Global Classroom: Embracing Diversity in a Tech-Driven World

Ironhack - 2023-08-06

All Courses

The opportunity to go abroad to study is quite the tempting one. After all, who doesn’t want to make new friends, maybe learn a new language, and make some unforgettable memories? And while going abroad to study brings a lot of benefits, there are a good amount of unforeseen challenges that come from studying in a new place. What if the new place’s dress code is completely different? Or their way of greeting each other is extremely informal to you? These might seem minor, but when you add up a whole bunch of cultural differences, it can create quite the challenge. That’s why we’ve created this guide: we want to give you the necessary tips and tricks to embracing diversity in your global and international classroom, permitting you to take full advantage of said diversity–while being respectful. The Different Kinds of Diversity You May Encounter When you hear the word “diversity,” you may think uniquely of racial or ethnic diversity–and with good reason; it’s one of the most frequent reasons we use the word diversity. But the truth is that diversity can come in many different forms and all can have an effect on the way we act and, of course, our classroom. Let’s check out the seven main kinds of diversity: Cultural diversity : cultural diversity is quite common and refers to the ethnicity of people and the customs/norms they’ve learned from their specific culture, which affect how they act and can differ significantly from other cultures. Racial diversity : racial diversity is based on physical traits and is one of the most highlighted kinds of diversity because it’s something that can be noticed by sight. Religious diversity : religious diversity refers to both religious beliefs and the lack thereof. Age diversity : age diversity includes both people of different ages and generations. Gender diversity : gender diversity includes both differences between male and female employees, and also employees that are trans, non-binary, or have a changing gender identity. Sexual orientation diversity : frequently conflated with gender diversity, sexual orientation is completely different, and refers to the sexual orientation of people, not their gender identity. Disability diversity : disability diversity refers to people with all kinds of disability, such as physical, mental, visual, or hearing. The general understanding when it comes to diversity is that it is something that should be celebrated; however, that’s easier said than done. Finding a way to mesh all sorts of different students into one classroom where people of different cultural backgrounds, ages, or disabilities can learn in the same way is nearly impossible. But creating a welcoming and diverse classroom in tech, however, is doable. Why is diversity important? No matter where you grew up or your personal experiences, we’re sure you had a moment where you realized that someone else has had a completely different experience than you. And this is precisely why diversity is so important, especially in the classroom: Diversity contributes to better decision-making : if you’re just thinking about things from your perspective, you’re probably going to miss including the perspective of other groups that could be valuable customers for your company. Diversity improves individual and personal growth , pushing people to think about things in new ways and further develop their empathy. Diversity improves overall performance –yes, research shows that diverse teams outperform non-diverse groups, thanks to their ability to use more varied experiences and skills to reach their goals. Diversity helps companies create services that meet the needs of diverse communities , therefore better serving the public and expanding their customers. We could go on and on but here’s the key: diversity, especially in the classroom, is absolutely essential. Let’s dive right into creating space for and encouraging diversity in the classroom and how we can use diversity to enhance learning. Diversity in the Classroom As you know, working towards creating a diverse classroom can yield lots of benefits for all students--but how can you do it as both an educator or a student? Follow these steps: Take the time to get to know all students : as we mentioned above, some kinds of diversity are visible to the naked eye, but others aren’t. To ensure that all students are being heard and their needs are met, taking the time to talk to and understand where each student comes from can help you interact and bond with them later on. As students begin to feel that they’re in a safe and comfortable environment, they’ll be more likely to share their personal experiences, enriching the overall classroom. Maintain your connections throughout the entire course/semester : part of creating a welcoming and inviting space is ensuring that students feel that they are valued because of who they are, not because of what makes them different. If you only engage with diverse students when it’s needed for a lesson or to get something out of them, or worse, to tokenize them, it will have the opposite effect. Remember to respect people’s differences and appreciate them, without making this diversity the entire identity of this person. Set clear guidelines for the classroom : both instructors and students can take the initiative to set rules for the semester, establishing ground rules about what kind of language/treatment isn’t acceptable and having a zero tolerance policy for any sort of hostility. Ensure that people’s diversities are taken into account : if you have people with physical diversities, try to limit the amount of movement you require in classes; if you have people who are speaking their second language, make sure you talk clearly and offer any extra assistance if needed. Creating inclusive and safe environments means taking people’s diversities into account before class to ensure that there are no issues. If you follow these steps, creating an inclusive and safe classroom is totally possible. And thankfully, tech is becoming one of the most diverse sectors, meaning your students will benefit from diverse classrooms when they work in diverse tech companies. Diversity in Tech Tech companies need diverse teams and there’s simply no argument against it. In order to create products and services that truly serve the public, diverse voices have to have a seat at the table. An added focus on diversity in the technology sector will lead to: Better products and services : we’re not saying men can never create well-working products for women, but it’s true that products and services designed by the people who will be using them will reflect the true needs of that group. Expanded candidate pools : companies that require candidates to live in expensive cities or have certain degrees eliminate entire groups of people right off the back; by introducing inclusive practices into their hiring process, companies can open their doors up to so many candidates that had been previously ignored. Better problem-solving abilities : have you ever been completely stumped over a problem, only to ask a colleague and friend and be presented with a great solution? Well, this happens frequently and it’s actually pretty normal. In fact, teams with diverse members are more likely to overcome challenges and have better overall performances. Alright, we’ve convinced you: guaranteeing diversity in tech is definitely necessary . And there’s no better way to encourage diversity in tech than with bootcamps. Don’t believe us? Here’s what you need to know. Bootcamps & Diversity A huge barrier to reaching full inclusion and diversity in the tech sector is access. For a long time, tech roles were exclusively for those who had advanced degrees in tech fields, could complete internships, and lived in expensive cities. This severely limited the groups of people that could get into the field; today, however, the introduction of bootcamps has led to an entirely new group of people with access to the field. Here’s what bootcamps offer everyone: Financing options : bootcamps are much more affordable than long, four year degrees, not to mention some even allow you to study part-time and keep your current job. And for the cost that it does entail, lots offer financing options such as scholarships, government grants, income share agreements, and payment plans. Flexible schedules : lots of people, especially parents, have at-home responsibilities such as childcare or familial duties, which might limit their abilities to attend a long program during the day. However, lots of bootcamps are offered remotely and part-time, giving people the option to fit in classes around their preexisting responsibilities. Career services : bootcamps are designed with one cause in mind: landing you a job as soon as possible following graduation. The vast majority of bootcamps offer career services, which can help you finetune your interviewing skills, work on your applications, and edit your CV. Updated and accurate curriculum : bootcamps don’t exist to waste your time; they exist to teach you exactly what you need to know to succeed in your chosen field. That’s why they’re so intensive and short–your curriculum is constantly updated and refreshed to ensure you’re studying exactly what hiring managers are looking for. The tech industry has started to even out in recent years, thanks in part to the introduction of bootcamps and an enthused effort to prioritize diversity and inclusion efforts across the board. But there’s still a lot to be done and the change begins with each and every one of us. Are you up for the challenge? Then we’ll see you in class.

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5 minutes

A Team Full of Ironhackers: Mediaquery

Ellen Merryweather - 2023-08-04

Global

When our Ironhackers land tech jobs, they end up in all industries in all sorts of different companies. Occasionally they end up on the same team, which is always great to see. But Mediaquery, a full service tech agency from Miami, went one step further by practically filling their development team with Ironhackers! Who Are Mediaquery? Hailing from Miami, Mediaquery support and drive their clients forward by offering a host of services, including software development, website design, data visualization, cloud based strategy, branding, and much more. Basically, anything a thriving company needs. Mediaquery is the brainchild of founders Olivier Carissimo, a tech expert, and Florent Garcia, a designer with an eye for aesthetic perfection. Combining these two disciplines created an agency where developers and creatives work hand in hand in a collaborative environment where everyone wins. Why Do Mediaquery Love Ironhack? With more than X Ironhackers onboard, it’s safe to say that Mediaquery trust Ironhackers to get the job done. We got to chat with Olivier and Florent to find out why… What first attracted you to Ironhack as your solution for fresh talent? Olivier: We hired our first Ironhacker through Indeed, and he told us about Ironhack and invited us to participate in an Ironhack Career Fair to hire our next employee. We realized the hiring process was greatly accelerated via this “speed dating” style. Florent : [The Career Fair] allowed us to quickly compare talents with the same base skills. The rapid-fire interview format helped us identify standout individuals who would be the best fit for Mediaquery. This was our initial point of entry with Ironhack. Additionally, we value that Ironhack’s training programs stay current with the latest tech stacks, aligning well with our company. How do you like having so many Ironhackers on your team? What impact has it had? Olivier: Ironhackers are already curated, trained tech people. At entry level, they are ready to go to the next level and turn into real tech professionals within less than a year. Mediaquery helps them have their first real tech experience. Florent : Hiring individuals from the same cohort has been beneficial because they already have a working dynamic. They were drawn to work together on projects, so we gain a head start in building a team. They are familiar with each other’s strengths and are supportive, as they were during the program. It’s advantageous to have people who complement each other and can rely on each other when facing challenges. Although they have more to learn upon joining, their shared experiences and teamwork make the integration process smoother. How do your Ironhacker teammates find their first few days/weeks on the job? Olivier: They find a high level of camaraderie as they start working with their peers, and see it as a continuation of the Ironhack training program, the difference being that they’re working on real life problem solving and contributing to real business problems. Ironhackers find a nice, comfortable, focused engineering environment where they can progress and fulfill their passion of building tech. Florent : They quickly realize the difference between class projects and real-life projects. They transition from working on abstract projects with limited impact to contributing to software and platforms used by real users. The level of responsibility they experience from the beginning is evident. On a personal level, the shared experience of going through Ironhack, whether in the same class or not, facilitates the integration of newcomers into the team. Existing employees (previous Ironhackers) understand what they’re going through and provide natural onboarding support. This makes it easier for new team members to adapt and thrive at Mediaquery. Why do Ironhackers Love Mediaquery? We’re always happy when our hiring partners are happy! But we also wanted to know how our graduates were getting on… We spoke to Paulina Sanchez ( UX/UI Design Bootcamp , Miami Campus) and Eduardo Beyra ( Web Development Bootcamp , Ironhack Remote). Did your Ironhack bootcamp set you up for success on the job? Paulina : My bootcamp did set me up for success in my job. During my days at Ironhack I learned a lot of design skills, rules, and helpful tips and techniques that make designing easier. There’s still a lot to learn as I continue my career journey but I’d say Ironhack is a great starting point for the basics needed to begin a successful career. Eduardo : Yes. I walked away with knowledge on the basics of web development, and the understanding that a big component of future success is to be open to continuous learning along the way. This prepared me in more ways than one to meet challenges on the job which were outside the scope of the curriculum. Would you recommend Ironhack to anyone else trying to break into tech? Paulina : I would recommend Ironhack for anyone breaking into tech. Even now I encourage others and even some of my friends to pursue Ironhack for their tech interests. I think Ironhack opens up a lot of doors for opportunity as you gain the knowledge for your field as well as a community of friends and mentors who can meet with you and help set you on the right track towards growth. The community is so helpful, you can reach out to anyone with a question and they’re so eager to help you because they’ve been in your shoes before. Eduardo : Absolutely. As a career-changer from an industry outside of tech, Ironhack was a great way to hit the ground running. How have you enjoyed your time working with Mediaquery? Paulina : I’ve enjoyed every second I’ve worked at Mediaquery since the day I started six months ago. Everyone here is so kind and helpful and everyone in their own way has contributed to my growth and guided me to be a better designer each day. There’s still so much for me to learn but I know that at Mediaquery I have access to a community of people who not only appreciate the work I do but challenge me and push me as well. Because of that, I’m excited to continue my journey into the UX/UI field and I’m excited to see how much I’ll have changed throughout the years as I continue my journey here. Eduardo : Mediaquery is an incredible place to work. The only limit to what you can achieve is yourself. I've had the opportunity to work on amazing projects with real world impact, on a collaborative team that looks out for each other. I couldn't have hoped for better. Looking to Hire or Get Hired? This is an awesome win-win story. A company in need of tech talent that drives their mission forwards filled their team with passionate individuals. And a new generation of career changers found a tech company that trusts their ability to rock the job. Everybody is happy! But this doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a conscious effort on our part to design a curriculum and foster an environment that sets Ironhackers up for success. We focus on listening to the needs of the market and designing our curriculum around the skills that companies are looking for. We instill a sense of confidence in our students by showing them how much they already know, and by giving them the opportunity to meet companies that love hiring career changers. So, if you’re looking to hire tech talent , or you’re a career changer ready to break into tech , Ironhack has got your back!

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8 minutes

Coding Bootcamp Dos and Don'ts

Ironhack - 2023-07-31

Web Development

All Courses

Making the decision to attend a coding bootcamp is quite the commitment. And while that first big choice is out of the way, you’re not done yet: completing the bootcamp is not for the faint of heart but as you know, anything worth doing requires some effort. At Ironhack, we’ve designed our bootcamps with the specific goal of teaching you everything you need to know to land a job in tech after your bootcamp and enjoy yourself along the way. However, there are still a few things to keep in mind during your bootcamp to ensure it goes smoothly. What kind of preparation should you do? How do you start preparing yourself for the job search? We’ll cover the answers to these questions and much more in this article but before we dive right in, let’s go over the basics of bootcamps and why they’ve become such a popular choice for those looking to get into tech. What is a Bootcamp? No, it’s not military training where you’ll be expected to run miles and miles–tech bootcamps are intensive, short-term programs that have one goal in mind: teaching you a very specific skill so that you’re prepared to enter the workforce as soon as you graduate . You’ve probably seen quite a few ads for them over the years and they’ve definitely grown in popularity; these days, bootcamps cover a wide range of subjects. The need for tech professionals is growing rapidly and universities simply can’t keep with the speed of tech. Here’s what sets bootcamps apart from other kinds of courses: As we mentioned, bootcamps are quite short, held over a few weeks or months, allowing students to transform their careers in a very short period of time. Bootcamps usually champion flexibility and offer in-person or remote options, in addition to full and part time selections. Instead of providing students with tons of background information like long university courses do, bootcamps focus on the marketable skills that employers are currently looking for. They constantly update their curriculum, looking to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies to make their graduates attractive candidates for tech jobs. Is a bootcamp right for me? Deciding to study at a bootcamp is an incredibly personal decision. You need to evaluate not only what you want to achieve from your studies, but also what it will mean for your future and present while you’re studying. If you’re not sure, try to answer these questions: Why are you interested in taking a bootcamp? This one seems quite straightforward, but bootcamps are an investment of both your time and money and you should have a clear answer to this question in your head. Do you want to switch careers? Do you need to have a more lucrative role? Or maybe you already work in tech and want to reskill, jumping into a new field? Having a clear answer to this question can help inspire you when you’re in a tough moment. Are you prepared for a full career change? This question is especially pertinent for those making a complete career change. Bootcamps prepare you to enter the job market, but typically at an entry-level or junior role, meaning you could be giving up the years of seniority you’ve earned in your current role. Make sure you research the tech sector thoroughly, ensuring it will be a good fit. Are you ready to work hard? As we mentioned, bootcamps are incredibly intensive and fast-moving, meaning you’ll need to dedicate lots of time (even outside of class) to your studies. Due to their fast pace and complicated content, bootcamps demand your full attention and effort–is this something to which you can commit? With these questions answered, you’ll be able to decide if a bootcamp is the right fit for you. And if it is, you’re ready to move on to our next section: coding bootcamp dos and don’ts. Coding Bootcamps Dos and Don’ts What should you do on day one of your bootcamp? How about before? And during? Oh no, and after?! Don’t worry; here’s your guide: DO complete any assigned prework We get it--no one wants to do work before their course even starts! But many bootcamps assign prework for an important reason: ensuring that all students enter the course on the same foot. What does this mean? Well, bootcamp students come from a wide range of backgrounds and experience level and since the bootcamp moves at such a fast pace, guaranteeing that students have the foundational knowledge needed for success helps everyone start off on the same page and leave the good stuff for the actual course. Ironhack’s tip: take the prework seriously. Not all bootcamps offer prework so if you’re not ready to commit to extra work before the course starts, don’t choose a bootcamp that has it. And if you’re unsure of the value, trust us: it’s worth it. DON’T overextend yourself during the bootcamp Even if you’re the world’s best multitasker, try to take the bootcamp during a time when you have fewer personal or professional responsibilities. As we mentioned above, bootcamps are quite intensive and require work both inside and outside of class, even when you’re spending 8+ hours a day in class. Before the course even begins, take a good look at your schedule and responsibilities, understanding that your social life might need to take a bit of a break during the course. Ironhack’s tip: create a schedule of your weekends/nights during the bootcamp and make sure you have enough time to dedicate to the course. Knowing when you might have less time to study can help you get ahead in the weeks prior. DO start your job search early on We’ve said it so many times: bootcamps are short! And lots of tech companies have rather lengthy interview processes, wanting you to speak to various team members, complete tests, and review other candidates before making an offer. If you wait until the end of your course, you may end up being without work for a bit after graduation; it may seem premature to start looking for jobs before you’ve completed the bootcamp, but preparing your portfolio and CV and brushing up on your interview skills as you take the course can help you get one step ahead. Ironhack’s tip: take advantage of your bootcamp’s career services, working with career coaches to improve your CV or pitch. There’s no such thing as too much practice when it comes to interviewing–take advantage of every opportunity! DON’T underestimate your other responsibilities For both those who can focus solely on the bootcamp and take a full-time course and those that need to take it part-time to continue studying or working, review your other responsibilities, such as child care or familial duties, and see if they fit in your schedule. It’s easy to underestimate non-work or school responsibilities, but they do add up and can complicate your study schedule if you don’t properly plan. Ironhack’s tip: just like we mentioned above! Writing down your responsibilities and finding time to fit them into your schedule can help you visualize your life during the bootcamp and plan for everything you’ll have to do. DO plan financially ahead of time Does taking a full-time bootcamp mean you’re quitting your current job? Or need to find childcare during the day? It may not seem like a major concern at first, but financial stress can add lots of pressure to an already intense situation; seriously consider your finances and make sure you’re in a place where paying for a bootcamp and not working for a bit is financially feasible. And when you’re choosing which bootcamp you want to take, make sure you consider financing options, such as scholarships, government grants, income share agreements, and payment plans. Ironhack’s tip: just like you write out your responsibilities during the bootcamp, try to create a mock budget and see if a bootcamp is financially viable. If it isn't, see if you can make any adjustments to help get you there and consider third party scholarship options. DON’T pick an area that you’re not interested in Tech bootcamps cover practically every field, from UX/UI design to coding and everything in between. Taking a bootcamp is your attempt to enter that field professionally, so make sure it’s something in which you’re truly interested! Almost all tech fields are in desperate need of skilled employees, so don’t let other people tell you the best field; the best field is the one that truly interests you and about which you’re passionate. Remember, you’ll be working in this field for years to come and your passion will fuel your success. Ironhack’s tip: check out free online videos or courses about the topics you’re considering, seeing which one sparks an interest in your mind. When you’ve narrowed it down to a few, take a look at job opportunities in that specific field and make sure you find options that align with your goals. DO connect with others in class Your classmates and instructors are probably some of the first contacts you’ll make in the tech industry–use them! The vast majority of bootcamps boast skilled professionals as instructors and these individuals can help you make connections with potential jobs and can serve as great mentors during your bootcamp. And years later, if you’ve remained in contact on LinkedIn, they could even help you land a new job. When it comes to your classmates, they will also be invaluable resources to help you solve a tough problem, practice your interviewing skills, and keep up with the tech industry. Ironhack’s tip: connect with your classmates and instructor(s) from day one and become a point of reference for them as well, offering help when you can and being a good classmate. Attend any sort of networking or social events that your bootcamp offers, even virtual ones, and work to create solid connections. Whew! That’s a lot to keep in mind. Bootcamps are a big undertaking, but at the end of the day, your success will depend on your efforts and what you put into it. So if you’re feeling inspired and are ready to take that next leap, what are you waiting for?! Ironhack’s bootcamps offer everything you need to reach success–we can’t wait to see you in class.

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