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May 6, 2023 - 6 minutes

Career Support at Ironhack: What Does it Look Like?

You know getting into tech is the right choice for you, but how do you ensure that you’ll actually find a job after? 

Ironhack - Changing The Future of Tech Education

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We’ll get right to the point: a bootcamp is a significant investment and you’re taking on this investment for a reason: to kickstart your new career in tech. That’s why we offer all our students, whether remote or in-person, access to our career services. But before we dive into Ironhack’s specific offerings and what you can expect before, during, and after your bootcamp, let’s discuss the job market in tech and what a career in tech can entail. 

The Tech Job Market 

We’ve seen the news as well and we know that lots of tech companies experienced layoffs during the end of 2022 and beginning of 2023; this may affect your outlook and make you think: is now really a good time to get into tech? If I’ll just get laid off, then what’s the point? And with the arrival of tools like ChatGPT and other AI-fueled innovations, automation is around the corner, isn’t it? 

It can be easy to get sucked into this hole of negativity, but we’re here to help you see that tech is still an extremely lucrative field that’s growing so fast and new, qualified workers are needed. The unstable economy of the last year due to continued recovery from the pandemic and political unrest led to higher inflation rates and some companies reducing their workforces. We know this can be intimidating; after all, who wants to start a new career and immediately experience job uncertainty?! Not us--and that’s why Ironhack’s career services help you find the right role for you based on both your skills and market needs.

For many of us, the pandemic may seem like a thing from the past, but the reality is that many companies are both still recovering and adapting to new realities; the pandemic caused many companies to rapidly advance with their digital strategies, no longer able to rely on in-person work. This means two things: 

  • More and more companies are looking for all kinds of tech employees to meet their growing digital needs.

  • As more companies prioritized tech strategies, tech developed rapidly and employees need employees skilled in the newest technologies to meet market needs.

Job market advantages from bootcamp learning

You might think that in such an intense moment in tech where everything is advancing rapidly, employers will only want to see applications from workers with years of experience and impressive degrees, but that’s actually the catch: those profiles aren’t catching the eye of recruiters or hiring managers anymore. Here’s why: 

  • Tech is moving at such a fast pace that those fancy degrees or years of experience don’t have anything to do with today’s challenges in tech. Bootcamps are gaining popularity because of their ability to tackle the newest technologies and prepare graduates for entry-level jobs in just a few days. 

  • As digital needs spread across all industries, not just tech, recruiters are specifically looking for profiles with experience in diverse sectors to help them relate more to that particular field. Education or work experience in a different area can set you apart from more experienced tech candidates. 

  • The learning doesn’t stop once you’re in your first tech role; tech is moving at a dizzying speed and employers want workers who are ready to continuously learn and tackle the next challenge when it emerges; by making a career transition and switching to a new field, you’ll show employers that you’re ready to take on the next challenge–whatever it may be. 

Why Tech?

We just told you that the tech job market is expanding rapidly, but that’s not the only advantage: 

  • Salaries: tech jobs are well-paid and that’s a fact. Even entry-level roles boast competitive salaries and, of course, the always visible room for upward mobility.

  • Versatility: coming from a marketing background? How about sales? Or even teaching? No matter where your career change comes from, your previously earned skills and abilities will help you tackle the new problems the tech sector is facing. 

  • Growth: the continuous release of new technologies and constant innovation means that there will always be something new to learn, a new skill to master, and something different on which to focus your energy. 

  • Flexibility: the tech sector is known for flexible hours, remote work possibilities, and overall flexibility when it comes to your work. 

Now that we’ve convinced you that tech is the right choice for you, let’s check out exactly what Ironhack’s Career Services will offer you during and after your tech bootcamp. 

Ironhack’s Career Services 

At Ironhack, we know that your main priority is finding a job after the bootcamp. We fully understand you’ve given up a lot to sign up for a bootcamp and dedicated time, money, and energy to doing your best. And we want to help you; we’ve developed our Career Services for that exact reason. After all, your jump into tech is a big step and part of our commitment to you is ensuring that you’re ready to find that new role. 

Our Career Services is broken down into four areas: Preliminary Discovery, Digital Foundations, Preparation, and Job Hunting. Ready to discover what they offer?

Preliminary Discovery 

We said we’re committed to you and your success and that’s why your job preparation will begin before the bootcamp even begins. That’s right! Before you even turn on your computer to tackle the basics of web development or the main cybersecurity threats facing companies today, you’ll start with some internal reflection, determining exactly what you want to achieve and accomplish after the bootcamp. 

There are two parts to this phase; you will begin by discovering what your goals are and then check out the job market, seeing what your possibilities are and learning what to keep in mind as the journey begins. 

Digital Foundations 

Now that you’ve started your bootcamp journey, it’s time to dive a little deeper into tech and find your niche; you’ll have your first meeting with one of our qualified Career Coaches who are trained to help you break into tech. Here’s what they offer: 

  • All our career coaches have relevant HR experience and offer personalized coaching to meet your specific needs. 

  • They have broad networks that can help you meet both alumni and other tech professionals.

  • They will help you review your CV, portfolio, LinkedIn profile, pitch, and cover letter, keeping in mind the demands of the tech industry.

  • Through offering guidance and advice specific to you, your goals, and your experience, our Career Coaches can help you attract recruiters. 

  • Lastly, they’ll make sure your location preference and language skills are noted, in addition to any soft skills you possess. 

Preparation

All of our bootcamps, regardless of length or topic, boast a Career Week which is, well, exactly what it sounds like! Take a break from the trenches of your studies and get focused on your next big step: your new job. This week-long adventure will allow you to attend seminars, workshops, and webinars and tackle the challenges you’ve been facing on your job hunt. Here’s what you’ll learn during your Career Week: 

  • How to search for jobs

  • How to apply for jobs 

  • How to interview successfully

  • How to specialize in tech 

  • How to present yourself to recruiters 

Job hunting 

The big moment is here! We can’t prepare you any further: you are ready for this. And even though it’s now your time to shine, don’t worry; we’re not leaving you just yet. Our team will continue to help you with one-to-one guidance throughout the interview process and job hunt as a whole, helping you handle specific challenges and practice interviews. They’ll also use their connections to connect you with the right people; at Ironhack, we boast a global network of hiring partners and successful alumni that are eager to help you find your next role. 

Is your future in tech seeming more and more like a reality? We get it; completely switching careers is a big choice and one you can’t make lightly. Finding a job is a key part of your career jump; at Ironhack, we truly want the best for our students and that starts from day one (and before!). 

If our commitment to the job search is something that interests you, Ironhack might be the right choice for you. Check out our available bootcamps and check out job postings; you never know–your next role might be just a few weeks away. 

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6 minutes

10 Milestones in Tech Over the Last 10 Years

Ironhack - 2023-11-21

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We always say that tech moves at a dizzying pace and there’s a reason why: it does! And the last ten years have been no exception, filling our lives with an incredible amount of progress and development. Think back to where you were ten years ago: would you imagine you are where you are now? Multiply this by a hundred and you’ll see how much tech has blown past our expectations in recent years. If we tried to list every tech development in the past decade, it would be impossible–there have been so many and every single day we’re learning about a cool new advancement or tool that’s blowing our mind, facilitating our day to day work, or transforming our daily lives. So instead of keeping you here for an exceedingly long blog post, we’ve chosen ten of (in our opinion) the most transformative developments that have taken place in tech over the last ten years to help you understand the depth of the innovation over the last decade. Ready? Let’s jump right in. 10 Milestones in Tech Over the Last 10 Years Remember, there are a lot more that we could include on this list, but we’ve chosen the ones that we think have had the greatest impact on the world (not just tech!). AI and machine learning advancements (2010s - 2020s) Think about tools like ChatGPT–when it was first released a year ago, the general population was taken aback by its way of mimicking human speech, answering questions, and even telling jokes. While this was a use of artificial intelligence that reached practically every person, the application of new artificial intelligence technologies in the tech world has led to significant advancements in automation, image recognition, natural language processing, and much more. The rise of cloud computing (2010s - 2020s) As technological advancements in artificial intelligence allowed companies to collect more and more data from clients and even competitors, the issue of storing and protecting this information became quite the challenge; in the face of growing cyber threats and the rising costs of maintaining costly physical server centers, the cloud proved to be a high-quality solution that offers customizable, flexible, and cost-efficient storage solutions for practically any company. Blockchain and cryptocurrency (2010s - 2020s) If tech could take over other areas of everyday life, why not finance as well? Blockchain technology, which provided secure and protected ways to conduct business online , allowed for the introduction of new forms of technology, such as Bitcoin and Etherum which not only skyrocketed, but also led to an increased focus on technology-powered finance solutions for everyone. Renewable energy tech (2010s - 2020s) The mistaken belief that technical solutions don’t have a negative effect on the environment went out the window as more and more studies focused on the environment and the potential consequences of using up all non-renewable resources, leading to the introduction of solar and wind power and attention centered on prioritizing sustainability in every part of our lives . UX/UI design, in particular, has taken a stand in taking the environment into account during the design process instead of simply the user experience, figuring out ways to create great user designs without damaging the environment. Space exploration and commercial space (2010s - 2020s) Even two decades ago space exploration and the idea of actually sending everyday people and not skilled and trained astronauts to space for a specific task would have seemed like a fever dream and although it’s still far off, companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic have focused tons of resources and studies on the idea of commercializing space travel and seeing what in the universe could be used to help and advance life on Earth. Cool, right? Facebook acquires WhatsApp 2014 The shift from companies focusing on major tech developments such as computers or laptops and instead focusing on and prioritizing the tools and apps that users use everyday, such as mobile messaging apps, was highlighted by Facebook’s $19 billion acquisition of WhatsApp in 2014. This change brought users to the forefront of what companies were focusing on, emphasizing the importance of the day to day experience that regular people have with tech , not just major companies. Pokémon GO 2016 Although it seemed like a fun and simple game to many, the 2016 introduction of Pokémon Go into the hands of non-tech professionals brought augmented reality technology to everyone, showing how technology had advanced to the point of permitting video game designs to be seen in our everyday surroundings and even allowing us to interact with them. Through bringing the latest advancement in AR technology to the world, more and more people became familiar with tech and what it can offer. Equifax data breach 2017 As we mentioned above, the increased amount of data that companies were able to collect from clients about the personal and identifying information, in addition to their preferences and browsing habits, meant a higher risk for cyberattacks and cyber threats. The 2017 Equifax data breach, which led to the publication of tons of private data, showed everyone, companies and individuals alike, the importance of investing in cybersecurity solutions to protect user data. Introduction of 5G networks 2019 If you look back even ten to fifteen years, you’ll see that tech was limited to giant companies or wealthy individuals who had the time, money, and resources to investigate all that it had to offer. In the past decade, however, tech has become widespread, reaching to almost every corner of the globe and transforming the way every single person lives. No longer limited to just wealthy citizens or countries, tech is a widespread innovation that has changed the entire world and the introduction of 5G networks was no exception; it brought internet connectivity to completely new areas, making technology normal in every area of our lives. COVID-19 pandemic accelerates tech adoption 2020 You definitely remember where you were in March of 2020 when the world shut down: offices were closed, schools sent kids home, and many people weren’t even allowed outside to go for a walk. Thankfully, most of us were familiar enough with technology that the switch to remote work and learning or even remote events was not too difficult; however, imagine if the pandemic had hit before WhatsApp or Zoom was introduced to the world? Tech adoption was rapidly adopted, albeit in a bit of a forced manner, thanks to the pandemic. The past ten years have been an incredible ride and there’s so much more that we didn’t even mention! That’s the beauty of tech and the wonder of the past ten years–there have been so many incredible developments that have brought tech to the hands of everyday people and led to the widespread adoption of these fantastic tools that can help us with our day to day. The best development, however, has been that of the ability for more and more people to get into tech, breaking down previous barriers to entry that prevented many from taking advantage of everything tech has to offer. Because the field moves so fast (just look at what you just read above!), we’ve seen the following trends come to the forefront of the tech industry: Employers are moving away from requiring applicants to have university degrees, favoring instead practical experience, certifications, and bootcamps. Hiring managers are looking for applicants with diverse backgrounds , hoping they’ll bring their previous experience to the table. Bootcamps are seen as legitimate and great ways to get into tech , thanks to their ability to teach what students need to know in an efficient manner in just a short period of time. Bootcamps make tech more accessible t o more groups of people, thanks to their flexible schedules, short durations, remote options, and financing options. For those looking to get into tech, there’s no better way than with one of Ironhack’s bootcamps, which are expertly-designed to teach you what you need to know in just a few months while simultaneously preparing you for the job hunt with interview prep, CV review, and portfolio assistance. If getting into tech is the way you want to spend your next ten years, you’re in the right place! At Ironhack, we offer bootcamps in web development, UX/UI design, data analytics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, DevOPs, and cloud computing: no matter your area of interest, we have something for you. Don’t waste another second and contact us today to find out how you can begin your tech career today and make the next decade of tech all yours.

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7 minutes

Sustainability in Tech: How Green Practices are Shaping the Industry in 2024

Ironhack - 2023-11-13

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Without a doubt, one of the biggest trends in tech in 2024 is sustainability and it’s evident across practically every area; as the world places an increasingly large importance on tech in every aspect of their life , such as banking, healthcare, and how they interact with others, we’re faced with a question: are we making truly sustainable choices? You might be thinking, “tech is online, right?! It can’t have a negative effect, right?” and this is an extremely common misconception among lots of people, especially because it seems like such a sustainable solution. Why print out pages and pages of notes when you can just open another doc on your computer? Or use large storage solutions instead of the cloud? The tech world does provide a number of innovative and sustainable solutions, don’t get us wrong. But it does have significant impact on the environment, such as these examples : Increasing pollution : all forms of pollution (air, water, heat, and noise) can be heightened by both creating and using different forms of technology. Using non-renewable resources : lots of technology is made with non-renewable resources like metals and other valuable resources, such as coal and water, are used to create energy needed for technology. Increasing waste : lots of electronics have short lifespans and contribute to the growing problem of waste once they’re thrown out; the actual process of creating electronics also creates lots of waste. Disrupting ecosystems and the environment: previously clean and habitable environments have been made unlivable for many animals, thanks to factories or landfills. Introducing new health concerns for humans : technology has made our lives easier, but this has led to more time spent staring at computer screens or being able to do everything online, reducing time spent exercising. Contributing to carbon emissions : factories and power plants, in addition to other forms of technology, release carbon emissions which then contribute to global warming. Seems like it has quite the impact, no? Technology does significantly impact the environment, there’s no doubt about it. But as more and more people have learned about the potential dangers of technology and its impact on the environment, more and more professionals and companies are taking the first step towards identifying potential problems and finding sustainable, environmentally-focused solutions. Before we dive right into green practices in tech, let’s cover sustainable technology itself and why it’s so important. What is Sustainable Technology? To counteract the effects listed above (waste, pollution, and nonrenewable resources, among others), sustainable technology has moved to the forefront of many tech professional’s focuses in recent years. Simply put, sustainable technology isn’t just focused on improving the environmental consequences of technology; it does focus on the environment, but also prioritizes natural resources and economic and social development. The three main areas of sustainable technology include: Substitution : to lessen the impact of using non-renewable resources and non-biodegradable materials constantly, sustainable technology aims to substitute renewable resources and biodegradable materials. Prevention : sustainable technology aims to predict the future impacts that actions could have on the environment through deterioration and contamination and avoid them altogether. Efficiency : some energy must be used and some waste will be created, but ensuring technology is efficiently using resources helps limit the overall environmental impact. Having trouble picturing exactly what sustainable technologies could look like? Don’t worry--we know it’s a relatively new concept for many and one that’s just starting to take off. Here are some of the most typical examples of sustainable technology in action: Public transport : this seems so common that it can’t be counted as sustainable, right? On the contrary, public transport is a form of sustainability that encourages users to reduce their carbon footprint and share transportation with others. In addition, public transportation that runs on time and according to schedule with live updates is more popular among residents; this comes directly from artificial intelligence technology. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage : this sounds complicated, so we’ll make it as straightforward as possible: CCUS technology helps to capture and then make use of the CO2 emitted by industrial activities, limiting the negative effects it has on the environment. LED lights : LED lights have significantly grown in popularity in recent years, thanks to their long lifespan, less frequent need for replacement, and less energy used. LED lights are a great example of a technology that took the necessary steps to improve upon an invention (the lightbulb) that was widely used and would continue to be, creating the ultimate sustainable lighting device. Why should businesses choose sustainable technology? At first glance, committing to sustainable technology may seem like a surefire way to lengthen your business processes or spend more money, and we’re not going to lie: this may happen. But committing to sustainable technology is good for business, we promise: Companies that commit to sustainable technology practices are more likely to be supported by long-term investors , who recognize the importance of protecting the environment. Tech professionals are also realizing the importance of sustainable practices in tech and are looking for companies that share their values . To attract and retain top talent, make sustainability a priority. Learning how to effectively and efficiently use resources is not only beneficial for the environment; it will ultimately help you save time and money in your own processes. Green Practices in Tech Now that you know the dangers that tech can pose to the environment and why businesses need to prioritize sustainable practices, it’s time to dive into some specific green practices in tech that you can expect to see in 2024. There are too many to list here, but we’ve chosen some of the most stellar ones that will help you see how the tech world is really taking sustainability seriously. Environmentally friendly devices As we mentioned above, the creation of tech gadgets and devices can have negative effects on the environment; however, in 2024, we can expect to see manufacturers making a shift towards prioritizing using both recycled and biodegradable materials in their designs. They are also focusing on using out-of-use devices such as old laptops or mobile devices as these recycled materials, which not only encourages recycling, but also reduces waste. By showing consumers and competitors alike that you can commit to sustainability without compromising the integrity, speed, and quality of the device, more and more will be encouraged to take similar steps. Online data centers You’ve heard us talk about the cloud and all that it offers, but some forget to include the importance that sustainability plays on the introduction of the cloud. Prior to the cloud, companies stored their data in large and energy-sucking data centers that were not only difficult to manage, but also were detrimental to the environment around them. With the cloud came the possibility of eliminating these physical storage systems and reducing the carbon footprint of technology--an overall positive. Artificial intelligence It really seems like artificial intelligence can do it all, right? Make sure you add sustainability to that list--thanks to the ability of artificial intelligence to measure and evaluate large amounts of data, professionals can create algorithms used to predict climate patterns, improve environmental practices, and optimize energy grids. The introduction of artificial intelligence has allowed professionals to access incredible amounts of data, which helps get a better overall vision of how things are working and affecting other areas; sustainability practices are better tracked and evaluated with the help of artificial intelligence. Increased international collaboration Two hands are better than one, right? In the case of sustainability, all hands on deck are welcome and with more ideas and distinct perspectives, governments and companies will be able to both share their ideas with others and learn, helping them try things that were previously unheard of. But the sharing of ideas isn’t the only valuable benefit of worldwide collaboration; as sustainable practices become more widestream, common, and practiced, more and more companies and individuals will commit to sustainable practices on their own, which will improve global sustainability overall. UX/UI design For years, designers have been told that they’re designing just for the human and should do everything within their power to make the user experience as great as possible. While this is true, UX/UI designers are starting to prioritize the environment in their designs through practices such as design by nature, which promotes inclusivity while minimizing negative environmental impacts. Through applying sustainable, circular, and regenerative design principles, UX/UI designers can choose both the user and the environment. The future is clear and it’s looking quite green : more and more companies will continue prioritizing sustainable designs and practices and it’s clear it’s the right thing to do. After all, we only have one planet and we’ve found new and innovative ways to transform our previous ideas into more sustainable versions--we can do it again and again. If you’re ready to get started on your tech journey and are looking for the right place to get started, you’re in the right place. At Ironhack, our syllabi consist of the latest trends in the technology sector, preparing our graduates to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Ready to get started? Check out our courses below.

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7 minutes

Tech Bootcamp Graduates' Guide to the Job Search and Interviews

Ironhack - 2023-11-10

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We’ll get right to it: you decide to take a bootcamp to land a job in tech, right? So while you may see a lot of content and time dedicated to choosing the right course and being successful within the course, we wanted to create this helpful guide to breaking down the job search and interview process so that you have a clear idea of what it’s really like after you graduate. It would be nice if graduating from a bootcamp magically landed you the job of your dreams; while bootcamps do prepare you for entering the workforce immediately after graduation, the actuality of landing a job will require hard work and dedication on your part. Luckily for you, bootcamps are specifically designed to make you job-ready in just a few months so before we dive right into the nitty gritty of the job search and interview process, let’s review the concept of bootcamps and precisely how they will prepare you for job success in just a few months. Why are Bootcamps So Effective? Learning a new skill to the point that you’re job ready in just a few months is impossible, right? And especially in tech, a field that requires an intimate knowledge of many tools, not to mention the theoretical frameworks that are so important–it can’t be real. Well, we’re here to tell you that it is, in fact, possible, and even encouraged. Why? Let’s discuss: Bootcamps are specifically designed to teach you everything you need to know to join the workforce: with the help of industry experts and HR professionals, bootcamps are designed with the current job market in mind, aiming to teach students the marketable skills that are so in-demand at that exact point in time. With bootcamps, you can forget about filler courses and unnecessary skills; they focus on preparing you to enter the workforce with the skills you need to reach success. Bootcamps are incredibly interactive and project-based : there’s no 400 person lecture about the foundational background of coding in bootcamps; instead, instructors focus on getting students’ hands dirty in the chosen field of study and preparing deliverables that will be valuable parts of their portfolios during the job hunt. Bootcamps are fast-paced and short-term: tech moves at an incredibly fast pace and it’s important to remember that the tech job market is in need of professionals who possess knowledge of the latest tools and technologies; bootcamps cater to this specific niche and you can rest assured knowing your curriculum will reflect the latest changes in the tech job market. The Job Search for Tech Bootcamp Graduates If you’ve chosen to take a tech bootcamp, it’s because you’re focused on your future and making a career change . This can seem incredibly daunting at first; after all, you’re heading into the unknown, but you’re making an investment in your future and professional life. In this section, we’ll break the entire job search process down, helping you both prepare for it and imagine what awaits you. The most important thing to remember is that your job search doesn’t begin post-graduation; your job search is an integral part of your bootcamp experience from day one . Why? Well, because bootcamps take place over such a short period of time and the job hunt/interview process can be lengthy, it’s best to start as soon as you can. As a tech bootcamp student, your job search will look something like this: Career planning : before you can start making moves towards your final goal of landing your dream tech job, you need to figure out what you want; this means you need to think about your chosen field, the different career paths available, your interests and skills, salary expectations, language skills, geographic preferences, and much more. It seems like a lot of big decisions to make at once, but the more information you have, the easier it will be for you to focus your efforts on finding what you truly want. Remember: you chose a bootcamp to make a career change and take advantage of all the tech sector has to offer–don’t compromise now! Job hunt guidance: what’s a CV? Is it the same as a resume? What about a portfolio–are they necessary? There are a lot of intricacies in the job hunt and during this stage, your career counselors will help break down the process and give you a better idea of what to expect in your chosen area, helping you perfect your CV, portfolio, LinkedIn profile, and pitch so that you’re ready when interviews come around. Job hunt preparation : to get you ready for the real thing, you’ll enjoy an entire week of workshops, webinars, and challenges designed to prepare you for interviews and applications. You’ll also get to chat with industry experts who will give you some crucial tips and update you on the newest updates in tech. The job hunt : it’s time to put everything you’ve learned into practice and dive right into the actual job search. It seems daunting, but you won’t be alone: your Career Coach will be by your side throughout the entire process, available for individual meetings to discuss any problems or blockers that have arisen. And if that wasn’t enough, we’ll also share your profile and CV with our network of Hiring Partners who are looking for their next tech hire and connect you with our widespread network of Ironhack alumni. Continued support : we don’t hand you your diploma and move on to the next cohort; we understand that finding the right job can be challenging and that’s why we offer our Career Support for up to a year post-graduation, ensuring you have the best tools to land your first tech job. While we’re here to help you as much as possible, your success does depend on you – Ironhackers are motivated, driven, and looking to shake things up and we’re here to help you, but you need to work for your success as well. The Interview Process for Tech Bootcamp Graduates Now that you’re clear on how you’ll be supported throughout your job search and how that works as a bootcamp student, let’s dive a bit deeper into the interview process so that you can know what to expect. The tech interview process does differ a bit from other industries , so if this is your first time interviewing for a tech role, pay special attention here: Initial interview : upon receiving your resume and showing interest in what you offer, hiring managers or HR professionals will reach out to you to gauge your interest, go over the basics of the job, and make sure it’s a good fit before recommending you continue with the process. During this interview, you can expect to be informed or asked about the following: Salary expectations Available start date Remote/in-person requirements Your experience Your education Your location/relocation options Interview with potential boss : once HR has established that you match the generic requirements for the role and agree on salary expectations, location, and in-person/remote plan, you will meet or have a call with your potential supervisor, where you’ll dive deeper into the job role and duties and you’ll be able to ask more role-related questions. Technical interview : if everything looks good, your skills will be put to the test! You’ll receive a technical test which evaluates your skills and abilities in your field (this will depend on the role you’re applying for and your field); this will most likely be on your own time, but make sure you meet any deadlines/time requirements. Culture/team interview : the last step before landing a role will probably be a culture fit interview or a chat with the rest of the team to make sure you’re a good fit. If you’ve passed the technical interview, they know you can do the job based on your successful technical interview, but they want to make sure you’ll work well with the rest of the team and fit with the company’s mission and values. We know the job search and interview process, especially in an entirely new field, can be quite daunting and that’s why we’re so proud of our career services and the services they offer our amazing Ironhackers. If you’re thinking about making the move into tech but aren’t sure if you’d be able to land a job post-graduation, consider taking that leap and taking a chance on your future career in tech. Tech is for everyone; it’s a flexible and versatile field that needs all sorts of professionals , regardless of their previous role or education. If you’re on the edge of starting your journey, you’re in the right place. Consider our bootcamps in web development, UX/UI design, data analytics, and cybersecurity, choosing from part or full time courses, in addition to remote or in-person courses. Start your tech career today with Ironhack, working hand in hand with our Career Services from day one to help you get your start in tech.

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7 minutes

DevOps in 2024: Enhancing Software Delivery and Collaboration

Ironhack - 2023-10-31

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In recent years, the field of DevOps continued to transform in the face of new technologies and methodologies which enhanced the software delivery process; the DevOps approach underscores teamwork, automation, and streamlined processes in software development . We know that the DevOps future will also hold enhanced software delivery and greater collaboration. In looking at the various trends across the tech industry, one can be sure that the future of DevOps will be one characterized by increased automation, tighter integration of security practices, and a strong focus on user experience and developer well-being . However, before diving into the future of DevOps, let’s get clear on what DevOps is and how it’s transformed the landscape of software development. What is DevOps? DevOps is a set of practices, principles, and cultural philosophies that work to improve collaboration and communication between software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) teams. The goal of DevOps is to offer an innovative approach to developing software through shortening the system development life cycle, embracing collaboration, and disrupting traditional barriers between software development and IT operations teams. Historically, development and operations teams worked independently of one another, often leading to painful miscommunications, delays in product development, and inefficiencies in the software production cycle. DevOps looks to break down these silos and create a culture of collaboration, transparency, and shared responsibility among developers, operations professionals, and other stakeholders involved in the software delivery process. It’s not only achieved through the incorporation of automation, continuous integration (CI), and continuous delivery (CD) into software production processes , but through a cultural shift within your organization in order to fully achieve a more optimal development process . How has DevOps Developed Over the Years? Beginning years DevOps began in 2007 while engineer Patrick Debois became frustrated while serving as a database admin. He found the friction between developers and system administrators to be a barrier to the success of his project; Debois is considered a member of the agile community, meaning he’s interested in flexible, collaborative, rapid, and continually improving project management approaches . Bridging the gap between development and operations teams became his cause, and thus, DevOps was born. Widespread adoption of DevOps In the late 2000s and early 2010s, there’s a more widespread adoption of the DevOps approach. Numerous tech tools were quickly integrated into DevOps practices thus ensuring that the methodology developed alongside the rapidly transforming tech industry . Improved practices In the 2010s, DevOps practices were transformed . From integrated securitization processes to greater utilization of tech tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams that enhance collaboration and streamline workflows. In recent years, we’ve seen DevOps teams embrace the cloud and serverless computing which has offered DevOps teams scalable and cost-effective development options . Equally, microservices effectively complement cloud-based application architectures through enabling teams to efficiently manage complex applications. Present day DevOps And that brings us to today, where DevOps has greatly evolved since its creation, adapting with the ever-changing tech industry. It has embraced the integration of AI-driven automation, machine learning technologies, and intelligent decision-making . Undoubtedly, these new technologies and data sciences will transform the future for DevOps engineers and the digital terrain for this methodology. In all, the current day situation may leave you wondering, what is the future of devops? Let’s dive in. What is the Future of DevOps? If you’re looking to stay on top of the trends for 2024, then you’re in the right place. First and foremost, DevOps has a good future ahead of itself. It will most likely be characterized by increased automation , more advanced integration of security practices, enhanced collaboration opportunities , and an emphasis on user experiences and developer well-being. In short, these developments will allow organizations to efficiently deliver high-quality software products and respond effectively to the ever evolving demands of the tech industry. Several trends and practices likely to shape the new DevOps landscape include: Automation and AI/ML integration: these will only continue to grow in DevOps in 2024. We’re certain that we’ll encounter greater automation of routine tasks, the implementation of predictive analysis for spotting and addressing issues, and allowing for proactive problem solving. Security integration (DevSecOps): we expect that securitization practices will be integrated even earlier in the DevOps software development lifecycle. With the ever growing onslaught of cyber threats, ensuring that security is a fundamental aspect of every stage of the software delivery process has never been more important. Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and GitOps : these are two practices and principles that will only become more prevalent in 2024. Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices will mature, allowing infrastructure provisioning and configuration changes to be automated, versioned, and tested alongside code application. GitOps principles will become more prevalent in 2024, allowing infrastructure and deployment automation through version-controlled repositories, enabling consistency and traceability for developers. Continuous everything (CE): DevOps is no stranger to continuous integration (CI), continuous delivery (CD), and continuous testing (CT), that said, the concept of “continuous” will likely only expand further in 2024. We’re expecting additional automation in software’s development and deployment lifecycle. Edge computing and Internet of Things (IoT) DevOps: DevOps practices must be flexible in the face of the new and unique challenges of edge computing. With real-time processing and low latency being essential, DevOps engineers must be knowledgeable and prepared to adapt to manage these demands. Equally, as IoT devices become more present, DevOps practices must ensure the seamless integration and continuous delivery for IoT applications. Focus on user experience: DevOps should emphasize user-centric metrics and feedback loops such that development efforts align with customer needs and preferences. This may be achieved through greater emphasis on A/B testing and feature flags, which allow rapid experimentation and feedback-driven feature development. Emphasis on well-being of developers: we’re pleased that conversations surrounding work-life balance, mental health, and professional growth have increased in recent years. We believe that those conversations will continue into 2024 and expect there to be greater emphasis on supporting developers and especially in the remote work settings. Compliance and regulations: in 2024 there will undoubtedly be changes in compliance standards as the tech industry develops; that said, we expect that automation tools will be more greatly utilized in order to ensure that software development adheres to such regulatory requirements. Demand for DevOps in the Future The demand for DevOps professionals and DevOps engineers in the future is expected to remain strong and potentially increase in 2024. This is primarily due to businesses across various sectors turning to DevOps as a methodology and culture that promises a faster and more reliable software delivery process . This is primarily due to: Rapid technological advancements: in order to keep up with emerging technologies, DevOps engineers will be needed to help organizations adopt technologies like machine learning, serverless computing, and microservices architectures. Digital transformation: more and more companies are investing in digital transformation efforts in order to enhance agility and respond quickly to market demands. They require the help from DevOps engineers in developing practices that enable faster software development, testing, and deployment. Security and compliance: with ever changing securitization best practices, DevOps engineers will be required to integrate security into DevOps practices (DevSecOps). DevOps professionals with expertise in security practices are in high demand. Increased complexity: tech environments have become increasingly complex; with the rise of microservices, hybrid cloud setups, and multi-platform applications, DevOps professionals must manage highly complex environments. Organizations need DevOps engineers who can navigate intricacies and ensure the seamless integration of DevOps and practices. Remote and distributed work: With remote work and distributed teams being prevalent in the tech industry, DevOps practices must be robust in ensuring efficient collaboration, version control, and continuous integration. Focus on environmental sustainability: across the tech industry there’s been a greater focus on environmental sustainability. This means that there’s an increased demand for DevOps professionals who can implement eco-friendly practices. It’s more important than ever to stay up-to-date on the latest tech trends and developments across the industry. The field changes rapidly and being prepared for what might come in 2024 will give you and your organization a head start on adapting and embracing these evolving technologies and techniques. Understanding the future of DevOps will optimize your organization’s approach to software development and grant your organization the opportunity to respond efficiently and effectively to the ongoing transformations within the digital terrain. If you’re interested in learning more about DevOps or web development , you’re in good hands! Ironhack offers web development bootcamps which will help you gain the skills and experience to launch your career as a software developer.

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7 minutes

Artificial Intelligence Breakthroughs: A Look Ahead to 2024

Ironhack - 2023-10-14

Outcomes

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a transformative force in our world, reshaping industries, economies, and our daily lives. As we approach 2024, the AI landscape is poised for significant breakthroughs that promise to further accelerate its integration into society. So strap in as we explore what AI is, its evolving role in society, and predictions for its future. Understanding Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence, often abbreviated as AI, refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans . AI systems are designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and problem-solving. These systems are powered by advanced algorithms and massive datasets, enabling them to analyze, predict, and adapt to various situations. Before we get into the latest advancements, let's first understand the key components that make AI function and the process that brings AI to life. Machine learning algorithms At the heart of AI development are machine learning algorithms. These are the building blocks that enable AI systems to learn from data, make predictions, and adapt to new information. Here’s a brief overview of the primary types of machine learning algorithms: Supervised learning: this approach trains the AI system on labeled data. By providing the input and the desired output, the algorithm learns to map inputs to outputs, making predictions based on patterns it discovers during training. An example of this is spam email classification, where the algorithm learns a pattern from labeled examples to decide which messages to filter out. Unsupervised learning: this approach involves teaching AI systems on unlabeled data, with the goal of the algorithm being to discover hidden patterns or structures within the data. Clustering and dimensionality reduction are common tasks in unsupervised learning. Reinforcement learning: this approach works to train AI agents to make sequences of decisions in an environment to maximize a reward. These agents learn through trial and error, making decisions and receiving feedback to improve their performance. Reinforcement learning is crucial in developing autonomous systems such as self-driving cars and game-playing AI. Semi-supervised learning: this approach combines elements of both supervised and unsupervised learning. It uses a small amount of labeled data and a large amount of unlabeled data to train the AI system. This approach is particularly useful when obtaining labeled data is expensive or time-consuming. Deep learning: this approach is a subset of machine learning that focuses on neural networks with multiple layers (deep neural networks). These networks can learn complex representations from data, enabling them to excel in tasks like image and speech recognition. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) and examples of deep learning architectures. Data collection and preprocessing To create robust AI systems, high-quality data is essential, leading to more accurate and highly developed algorithms. The process typically involves the following: Data collection: gathering a diverse and representative dataset is crucial. For image recognition, this might involve collecting thousands of images with various objects and backgrounds. Data labeling: annotating data with the correct output is necessary for supervised learning algorithms. This looks like labeling audio clips with transcriptions or matching images with their corresponding objects. Data preprocessing: making data ready for training is often compulsory, and may include normalization, data cleaning, and feature extraction. Training and model development Once data is collected and preprocessed, the AI model is trained through the following processes: Model selection: choosing an appropriate machine learning model or neural network architecture for the task at hand. Training loop: iteratively presenting the data to the model, adjusting model parameters, and evaluating its performance on a validation dataset. Hyperparameter tuning: fine-tuning hyperparameters, such as learning rates or network infrastructures, to refine the model’s performance. Regularization: applying techniques like dropout or L1/L2 regularization to prevent overfitting, where the model performs well on the training data but poorly on new, unseen data. Optimization: using algorithms like stochastic gradient descent (SGD) to adjust the model’s parameters for better performance. Inference and deployment Once the AI model is trained, it’s ready for deployment. Inference is the process of using the trained model to make predictions on new or unfamiliar data. These phases involve: Scalability: ensuring that the AI system can handle large volumes of data and make predictions quickly and efficiently. Real-time inference: developing AI systems with the ability with the capacity for real-time inference. This is a hefty requirement for infrastructures that control autonomous vehicles, as decisions must be made within milliseconds. Monitoring and maintenance: continuously monitoring the AI system’s performance, considering user-feedback, and making updates as necessary is vital for the consistency and reliability of the application. How AI is Evolving in Society Now that we have a grasp of the basic AI development process, it’s time to delve into the recent strides made by AI. From revolutionizing transportation to reshaping the landscape of healthcare, let’s explore the tangible ways in which AI is already exerting its influence: Deep learning: inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, this subset of machine learning has led to several remarkable breakthroughs. Utilizing models such as CNNs and RNNs, image and speech recognition has achieved human-level performance. Natural language processing (NLP): driven by the development of transformer-based models, NLP has seen notable progress. BERT, a family of language models introduced in 2018, has revolutionized NLP by understanding the context of words in a sentence, leading to significant improvements in search engines and language understanding. In 2022, OpenAI’s Chat GPT-3, with 175 billion parameters, demonstrated groundbreaking capabilities in generating human-like text. Healthcare: tuned AI algorithms can compare patient data to vast datasets, helping to detect diseases like cancer and diabetes at early stages. The same types of algorithms can identify potential drug candidates and improve overall patient outcomes. Climate change: improved climate change models, created by machine analyzing vast datasets of historical climate data, has resulted in more accurate predictions of future climate trends. This advancement is invaluable for policymakers and scientists striving to make more informed decisions about climate action. Finance and investment: AI-powered trading algorithms execute trades at lightning speed, leveraging data and real-time information to identify profitable opportunities. These algorithms outperform human traders in terms of speed and analysis, making financial markets more lucrative. Autonomous systems: self-directed cars and drones are becoming more reliable; Tesla’s autopilot system, with AI at its core, inches closer and closer to fully autonomous driving. These modes of transportation have the capacity to react instantaneously, eliminating human errors and increasing efficiency. Is AI the Future? Predictions for AI in 2024 As we look ahead to 2024, it’s clear that the age of AI and our human future will become increasingly intertwined. AI is poised for even more extraordinary breakthroughs , reshaping both our technological and physical worlds. While we don’t have a crystal ball, here are some predictions for the future of AI: AI bias mitigation: addressing bias in AI will become a top priority. Advanced techniques, including fairness-aware machine learning algorithms and diverse dataset collection, will be employed to reduce and, if possible, fully eliminate any biases of AI in the future. AI regulation: implementing technology-related law has always been a game of catch up, but as governments and regulatory bodies take note of growing AI risks, they’re expected to take action. This will look like creating more stringent regulations to address algorithm transparency, job displacement, and the inherent unpredictability of AI’s future. AI-assisted creativity: generating art, music, and literature are just the beginning of AI’s role as a creative partner. It’s expected that AI designs and sounds will become completely indistinguishable from human creations, challenging the boundaries of imagination and sparking discussions that question the definition of art and human expression. Additionally, existing notions of artistic ownership, copyrights, and royalties will evolve as AI systems become routine collaborators. AI-quantum computing: harnessing the power of quantum bits or qubits will turbocharge AI’s problem-solving prowess. This synergy will fuel breakthroughs in healthcare, materials science, finance, and cryptography, as quantum computing empowers AI to tackle complex challenges at unprecedented speeds. AI-powered education: utilizing data around individual students' learning styles and needs, AI-driven education platforms will be on the rise. These platforms will offer tailored informational content, quizzes, and recommendations that simulate a one-on-one learning experience. In addition, the growth of virtual reality (VR) offers the possibility for fully immersive educational explorations; historical events, scientific phenomena, and complex concepts can be made into interactive digital worlds for students to study. AI-infused work: possessing the ability to wield AI tools will become an indispensable skill across several industries beyond the tech sphere. Whether it’s retailers using AI for inventory management or real estate agents leveraging AI to analyze property and homebuyer data, those who know how to command AI tools will stand out as competitive candidates within their field, and be more attractive to forward-thinking companies. AI career opportunities: growing awareness of AI and its value has sky-rockted the demand for AI professionals. Companies will actively seek AI experts, including data scientists, machine learning engineers, and AI developers, to spearhead AI initiates and create future AI tools. Additionally, it’s expected that there will be a greater demand for AI-ethicists, who will play a crucial role in guaranteeing that AI technologies are developed according to ethical standards and are safeguarded against bias. As we stand on the cusp of 2024, the trajectory of AI is undeniably upward, with breakthroughs waiting to be unlocked and horizons waiting to be expanded. The question isn’t whether AI is part of your future, but rather how you can be a part of shaping its future . If you’re eager to be at the forefront of this technological revolution, there’s no better time to take action. Check out our bootcamps and become a catalyst for change in the world of artificial intelligence.

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10 minutes

The Future-Proof Skillset: How Tech is Evolving in 2024

Ironhack - 2023-10-01

Outcomes

Another year is around the corner and at Ironhack, we’re getting ready to make the most of it, looking at what the future holds and what we can expect from 2024. As you know, tech is one of the most fast-moving industries and is constantly outdoing itself. In fact, it moves so fast that most university graduates, starting the job search upon graduation, struggle to boast a resume that has the skills for which hiring managers are looking. Later in this article we’ll dive into trends in each specific sector in which we focus (web development, UX/UI design, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud computing, DevOps, and artificial intelligence), but before that, let’s tackle another emerging trend: an increased trust and importance placed on bootcamps. The Future of Tech Bootcamps As technology continues to advance at a dizzying pace and it gets increasingly harder to keep up with the latest trends in tech, bootcamps will gain more and more traction. Why? It’s quite simple: Bootcamps are flexible: everyone has other responsibilities and things to plan around–from childcare to jobs, bootcamps allow you to maintain your other duties while attending a bootcamp, offering part-time and remote options that can be tailored to exactly what you need. Bootcamps are short-term: especially for those considering a career change, the idea of committing to a four-year degree is basically impossible and would require you to give up your job or sell away your soul–neither a good choice! But because bootcamps teach you what you need to know over just a few short months, you can maintain your other responsibilities or commit to just the bootcamp, knowing you’ll land a job post-graduation. Bootcamps are inclusive : bootcamps have been breaking down barriers in tech for years and will continue to do so as they gain more popularity; because bootcamps don’t require an incredibly large financial investment and are offered remotely across the world, entering the tech workforce is becoming a feasible option for many, many more groups of people that were previously barred from entering because of their physical location, socioeconomic status, or other responsibilities. How to Future-Proof Your Skills Preparing for the current job market, however, isn’t the only responsibility you have. Tech is a sector that will continuously evolve and you’ll need to stay up-to-date on future-proofing your skills, even after you land your first job in tech. It might sound intimidating, but it’s completely doable and something that will help your overall career progression, widen your job opportunities, and make you a more attractive candidate. Stay up-to-date on trends Alright, this one is pretty straightforward--staying up-to-date on trends in tech is absolutely crucial to your professional development. If you don’t know what the newest tool is, how will you add it to your resume? As you see more and more people talking about a trending topic, consider learning what you can about it and seeing if it will be a valuable addition to your CV. Not everything will be, but periodically check to see what job offers are demanding to make sure your resume is competitive. Embrace continuous learning Tech moves so fast and that means the skills you had when you were originally hired may not be enough anymore. This doesn’t mean you’re going to be replaced by robots, however; in fact, most technological innovations lead to even more jobs being created as skilled professionals are needed to build, operate, and superview these new inventions. Dedicate a specific amount of time to refreshing your knowledge or a certain programming language or software system to guarantee your resume reflects the needs of the market. Work on your personal branding When you apply for a job, you’re selling yourself and your abilities to the company. What can you offer the company? What sets you apart from the competition? What can you bring to the table? Hiring managers want to see clear answers to these questions and making your value obvious through a well-written resume or a descriptive portfolio with clear examples of your work will help communicate your value to the company. Make sure you update your resume, website, and LinkedIn with everything you’ll need to show potential employers why you’re the best choice for a role. Create a career plan Knowing trends in the tech industry is just one part of creating a future-proof skillset; you need to decide where you want your career to go. This could include moving into a new area, learning a specific new skill to land you a certain job, or much more; to future-proof your career, you’ll need to ensure that you know where you want to end up! With this goal clearly set, it will be easier for you to navigate the career ladder and make the best decisions for your future goals. Trends in Tech 2024 Although there are general skills that will be present across the entire sector, the exact ones to focus on will depend heavily on your chosen field and desired outcome. Do you want to continue advancing as a fullstack developer? Or move from a cyber analyst to an ethical hacker? Below, we’ve broken down each sector and trends to keep an eye on. 2024 trends in web development Web development is a broad field and one that involves much, much more than just knowing how to code. And while adding a new programming language to your toolbox a few years ago might have been enough, the future of web development is incredibly advanced and will include: Increased pressure on user-friendly experiences : with more and more competition out there, users that aren’t happy with the speed, layout, or functioning of a website will simply turn to another. This means that web developers will have to prioritize user-friendly experiences, ensuring that users both stay on the page long enough to purchase the product/service and return, becoming loyal customers. A shift towards minimalism : users are bombarded with so much information constantly, from personalized ads to an incredible range of options. This has led to a shift in the opposite direction, prioritizing minimalist designs over busy and information-heavy web pages. 2024 trends in UX/UI design UX and UI designers alike face similar challenges to those of web developers, trying to draw users in, capture their attention, and make them come back for more. In the future, however, the focus of UX/UI design will shift towards: Prioritizing accessibility : accessibility will come to the forefront of most designs, with designers ensuring that everyone, regardless of their specific situation or disability, has an equal and comparable experience to the average user. This will require more work and patience when designing, but will ultimately expand the client pool and website’s reach. Bringing sustainability to the center of conversation : lots of people think that internet designs have zero impact on the environment; however, the true impact that internet usage has has come to light in recent years and will continue to gain importance. Future designers will need to show employers that they prioritize sustainability in their designs, convincing clients of the need to do the same. 2024 trends in data analytics Data-backed decisions are the best ones and there’s really no room for debate there. And as there continues to be more and more emphasis placed on artificial intelligence’s role with data processing, we can expect to see the following: More accurate future predictions : as artificial intelligence tools are fed with more and more data, data professionals will be able to make even more accurate predictions for the future, allowing better business decisions to be made. In addition, more professionals will be needed to sort through possible outcomes and bring them to the company’s attention. An increased focus on data privacy : we are collecting more data than ever before and in this data lies people’s personal information, such as their names, address, preferences, and ID numbers. As we collect more and more data to provide hyper-personalized experiences, data privacy regulations, both locally and internationally, will continue to expand and become an absolute necessity. 2024 trends in cybersecurity Cybersecurity is a relatively new field, especially in the tech field, but it’s one that is gaining importance every single day. We put so much of our information, data, and lives online and if it’s not protected, the effects could be quite severe. In the future, we can expect to see: More realistic threats, thanks to artificial intelligence advances : gone are the days of obviously fake phishing attempts and scams; advances in NLP and AI have led to increasingly realistic cyber threats that truly sound like a real person. Cyber professionals will have to work more creatively to combat these new cyberattacks. Stricter security measures : zero-trust security is a model that assumes all users, no matter where they are or what device they’re on, are unknown and therefore not to be trusted. This might be annoying; after all, no one wants to have to use two-factor authentication every time they log in, but it will further protect people from cyberattacks and hacks. 2024 trends in cloud computing With the incredible amount of data companies collect and analyze, physical servers are no longer a reality and pose a significant security threat if hacked. That’s why we can expect to see the following trends in cloud computing: Multi/hybrid cloud : the exact needs of companies vary significantly from one to the next and multi-cloud solutions that offer clients the opportunity to combine their cloud storage to include on-site, private, and public options will make it more accessible and attractive for all. Data encryption : the importance of data privacy is at an all-time high and as the amount of data increases, the protections placed on this data and the cloud servers will also become a priority. 2024 trends in DevOps Tech teams aren’t just limited to a few people anymore; these teams consist of many different members with different responsibilities, all working to achieve the same outcome. In 2024, DevOps will continue to gain importance with: The introduction of microservices: this process of splitting up the software development architecture into small pieces helps people tackle individual tasks at the same time, all the while checking for issues during the development process, instead of at the end. A new emphasis on automation : dull, repetitive tasks will be assigned to artificial intelligence tools that can handle these responsibilities, freeing up humans for more creative pursuits and ensuring results are free of human error. 2024 trends in artificial intelligence Lots of the aforementioned areas of tech will be heavily influenced by artificial intelligence in 2024, but that doesn’t mean the field of AI won’t advance on its own. In fact, we can look out for the following: A focus on ethics in AI : the use of AI tools brings an important question to the table: what does an ethical use of AI actually consist of? Is it possible? AI professionals will have to balance ethics and progress in 2024 as the field continues to advance. Even more personalization : with the vast amounts of data that AI tools are able to easily process, users will grow accustomed to incredibly personalized user experiences and expect it in basically every aspect of their digital lives. As you can see, there’s an incredible future awaiting tech in 2024 and if you’re ready to jump into tech and become part of that future, you’re in the right place. At Ironhack, our bootcamps are expertly designed to help you learn what you need to know to land that first tech role. Check out our available courses, pick the one that best fits your career plan, and get ready for an incredible journey.

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8 minutes

Tech Entrepreneurship: Transforming Ideas from Concept to Startup

Ironhack - 2023-09-19

Outcomes

One of the most enticing qualities of entering the tech sector is the ability to make it what you will ; you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of careers and opportunities. After all, as the tech sector expands rapidly, every single area is looking to hire more and more skilled tech professionals. But if the 9 to 5 lifestyle isn’t what you’re looking for and you’re full of innovative and creative ideas, considering the entrepreneurial lifestyle may be your best bet. As an entrepreneur, you’ll have a unique ability: letting your ideas come to life and having full control over your career, work, and hours. But as with anything, it will come with some challenges and that’s why we’ve created this post, to help you discover exactly what being an entrepreneur entails and how to bring your ideas to life in a startup. Ready? Let’s dive right in. Entrepreneurship: What to Expect Entrepreneurs make up an interesting part of the business world: they’ve identified a hole in the market where the world is missing a product or service . And instead of working with a major company to fill this need, they go off on their own, creating their own company and developing the product themselves. While it seems quite simple, entrepreneurship can pose a challenge and is for a specific group of people that boast the following qualities: Goal-driven : entrepreneurs need to have a clear goal in mind and be driven by this goal, allowing them to reach success and make decisions with the good of the business as a priority. Determined and persevering : starting a company from zero is a serious undertaking and there will be struggles; entrepreneurs need to be prepared for tough days and not lose sight of their goal. Decisive : entrepreneurs must take the first step and be ready to make tough decisions, leading both the company and its employees to success. Those who don’t work well under pressure may struggle as an entrepreneur. Flexible and creative : things won’t go as planned as an entrepreneur–we can guarantee that! That’s why you’ll need to be ready to go with the flow, making adjustments as necessary and coming up with creative solutions for unforeseen problems. Passionate : in those hard moments, your passion will need to be the reason you do what you do, encouraging you to keep moving forward and sticking to your goal. Before we get into the different roles that entrepreneurs play in startups, let’s cover the main types of entrepreneurship from which you can choose. Social entrepreneurship Entrepreneurs who start a social entrepreneurship have a community-centered mission, looking to address social inequality, environmental concerns, or economic development. In this case, entrepreneurs are driven by their passion and truly seeing improvements around them, unlike other kinds of entrepreneurs that may be profit-driven. Scalable startup entrepreneurship If you dream big, this may be the right choice for you. These entrepreneurs are full of innovative, profit-making ideas that focus on filling the gap that currently exists in the market and grow from there, becoming a profitable and larger company in a short period of time. With these big goals on the table, startups are a favorite of venture capitalists because when properly developed, they can create large profits in a short period of time. Small business entrepreneurship Once again focusing more on the goal of the business instead of simply making large profits quickly, small business entrepreneurs exist to fill a need, such as your local dry cleaners or nail salon. These typically don’t aim to expand to new locations or are interested in franchisement; they are focused more on their goal. Large company entrepreneurship This is the opposite of small company entrepreneurship; large company entrepreneurs want to grow rapidly and expand their offering through new products, services, or locations. Instead of capitalizing on a hole in the market, large company entrepreneurship uses an existing business model to make money. Innovation entrepreneurship This is where the most traditional definition of entrepreneurship comes into play; innovative entrepreneurs have identified a market need and created their company with the goal of filling this hole. This type of entrepreneur tends to be incredibly creative and motivated, bringing their idea from zero to actually on the market. Who can be an entrepreneur? The easy answer is anyone. And while this probably doesn’t help actually answer your question, it is the truth. However, we can sort most entrepreneurs into five categories: the innovators, hustlers, imitators, researchers, and buyers. The innovating entrepreneur : these are the entrepreneurs you see in the news; they’re the ones creating new products and services and filling market needs. They’re very passionate about their idea and benefit from leading their product’s development, making all the big decisions. The hustling entrepreneur : as the name suggests, hustler entrepreneurs are ready to get to work and do what it takes to lift their business off the ground, even if it means long hours and days. They typically start small, and grow their business as they reach success. The imitating entrepreneur : instead of creating their own business ideas, imitating entrepreneurs take an existing business model or idea and expand upon it, either improving it or moving in a completely different direction to fill a market need. The researching entrepreneur : for the more cautious and slow-moving entrepreneur, researchers tend to spend lots of time preparing their business plan before getting started, preparing for any possible issue. This could mean that they miss out on business opportunities, especially if they’re trying to stand out from the competition or fill a current hole in the market. The buying entrepreneur : with a healthy bank account behind them, buying entrepreneurs choose to invest in lucrative opportunities that are set to enter the market quickly and make fast profits. Now that you have a clear understanding of the different kinds of entrepreneurial ventures and entrepreneurs, it’s time to dive into the good stuff: how to get your idea off the ground and become an entrepreneur yourself. No matter which you choose, carefully read through the process and make the right decision for yourself. Concept to Startup So you have your great idea: it’s either something that doesn't currently exist in the market or to provide an alternative to an existing product or service. Where do you go from here? How do you actually take that first step towards making your idea a reality? Follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way to success: Dissect your idea You have your idea, but are you totally sure that it will be viable? Is it different enough than what’s already offered so that you will attract an audience and make a profit? To find answers to these questions, try conducting market research and contacting your desired audience to see how it’s received through surveys, competitor analysis, and focus groups. And if you’re eager to get even more feedback, creating a minimum viable product to test with customers is a great way to gauge interest. During this stage, it’s important to be open to change and negative feedback; it’s completely possible that things don’t work out as you’ve imagined. Instead of getting discouraged, be grateful for the opportunity to finetune things before you invest too much time and money into the product. Work on your business plan With your idea fully fleshed out, it’s time to get to work on the business plan. Within your business plan, make sure you include: Executive summary Market analysis Product/service description Marketing plan Organization map Financial plan Risks and challenges It might seem tedious, especially if you’re eager to get started, but ensuring your business plan is well written will save you time later on and provide a strong foundation for your company. Build a MVP or prototype You’re probably eager to release your product/service to the market and see how it does–and that’s totally fair. But before you spend lots of time and money on developing a product that may not be well-received in the market, creating a MVP or prototype is a good first step. This simplified version of what you plan to offer can help you gauge interest and collect helpful feedback for when you actually start releasing your full product. Find funding Between loans, venture capital, grants, and investors, you have lots of ways to find funding for your idea. And with a solidly built business plan, it’ll be easier to prove the profitability of your company to potential sponsors, helping you reach the market fast. Take time to reach out to possible financing sources, allowing you to evaluate who aligns best with your brand and can provide you with the money you need to get off the ground. Construct your company With a business plan, MVP, and funding behind you, it’s time to start thinking about the help you’ll need. When building your team, evaluate different personalities and skills and weigh the benefits and drawbacks of hiring full-time employees, freelancers, or contractors. We can’t tell you which is right for you, but make sure you’re open and honest with potential candidates about the status of your company and offer them fair compensation for their work. Create your brand You know the importance of branding--potential customers that can identify your company are more likely to return and become loyal clients. And in order for you to gain more clients, you’ll need to get your company name out there through marketing, smart website design, and social media. Make sure your style and images are the same through all channels, creating a cohesive and trustworthy image of your brand. Get your idea out there! You’re ready to get going and release your product/service to the world. Creating a detailed and well-developed marketing strategy can make this step easier and smoother, allowing you to start making a name for yourself. And while you may be absolutely thrilled about launching your startup, make sure you take it slow and steady and keep realistic expectations. You’ll most likely need a bit of time to gain notoriety and turn profits; don’t become disappointed if things don’t work out perfectly immediately. Good things take time! Tech Startups There’s a reason why the majority of startups that we hear about are tech-related: there are so many great ways technology can help us! So if you’re ready to take the first step towards bringing your tech idea off the ground, expanding the market as we know it, you’re in the right place. At Ironhack, we’re dedicated to creating the next generation of business-minded techies who are full of creativity and passion. If you’re interested in seeing where a tech career in web development, data analytics, UX/UI design, or cybersecurity could take you, check out our bootcamps and choose the one that most interests you. From there, the sky's the limit.

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8 minutes

Tech Skills for All: Overcoming Barriers in Diverse Learning Environments

Ironhack - 2023-09-06

Outcomes

If you want to teach someone how to code, you just have to sit them in front of a computer and help them get the hang of it, right? While that might seem like an effective way to teach someone, it’s probably not going to be effective for the vast majority of students. Some learn best by learning theory first, before diving into the practical; others prefer to learn by doing and get their hands wet right away. And there are a lot of other ways that students learn best and it ultimately depends heavily on their individual situation. The responsibility of creating an inclusive and friendly learning environment doesn’t just lay with the teacher; the entire institution must commit to removing any barriers to tech education and students must be active players in maintaining a friendly and open classroom. There are quite a few barriers to tech education that exist and in this article, we’ll cover some of the most common ones, unmask why they’ve become an issue in tech, and suggest some ways to overcome these barriers. What is a Barrier to Education? Before we head right into the nitty gritty, it’s best to first define what barriers to education are, where they come from, and give you some examples so that you’re able to identify any you might see. Once we’re clear on how barriers to education look, we can talk about tech barriers specifically. Education is a fundamental human right; everyone should have access to fair, affordable, and inclusive education from a young age. However, this isn’t a given around the entire world, due to these common barriers to education: Finances: you might assume that this section will talk about how education is too expensive and therefore excludes some people; while this is certainly true and we also need to take into account affording clean clothes for schools and materials, in addition to hiring quality teachers, some children aren’t afforded the chance to go to school because they must work from a young age to help make ends meet. Instructors : students need skilled and trained instructors to help them not only learn the necessary material, but also develop soft skills. When students are being taught by under qualified instructors, their education will reflect that and it creates a cycle within the community that is nearly impossible to break. Resources : students need a lot more than just a pencil and notebook to learn; they need high-quality and updated learning materials, in addition to a safe and healthy environment in which to learn. Many students don’t have proper classrooms and have to walk to school, which can be difficult with inclement weather. Accessibility : in schools with limited resources, students with disabilities or accessibility concerns are frequently left behind and don’t have the tools they need to succeed. Society : many are still weighed down by societal expectations, such as gender-specific industries or the assumptions that girls will stop studying and get married at a certain age. This can prove to be both a physical and mental barrier to education and have serious effects on gender diversity in the workplace. Now that you know what barriers to education are, let’s get a bit more tech specific and discuss how the tech sector is directly impacted by barriers to education. Barriers to tech education The tech sector has grown exponentially in recent years and this has led to one thing in particular: an increasing demand for skilled tech professionals. It’s a profitable and interesting sector, so why is there such a large skills gap? Why are there so many open positions in tech? Well, the aforementioned barriers to education and even more exist in tech, creating a large hole between those who could learn tech skills and the ways to actually learn those in-demand skills. Let’s discuss: A lack of tech resources : teachers can do everything they can to promote technology in the classroom, but if students aren’t exposed to computers and advanced programs, it will seem like more of a faraway dream than a reality. A lack of focus : because technology is always advancing, institutions must commit to not only teaching the in-demand tech skills of the day, but also working to stay up to date with any new developments to not waste time teaching outdated or no longer used skills. A lack of accessibility : students both learn differently and have diverse needs in the classroom, especially when it comes to learning about tech. Students must have what they need to reach success, which can be quite the challenge. To ensure that barriers to tech education are overcome , the different learning environments in tech need to be understood and clear to all. Diverse Learning Environments in Tech A diverse learning environment in tech is one where the lesson content is viewed from more than one cultural perspective , in addition to centering both the learner and the instructor. For a classroom to have a diverse learning environment, however, it needs to not only have different cultural perspectives, but also promote and enrich these differences during lessons, encouraging students to think outside their normal cultural constraints. Why are diverse learning environments important? Diverse learning environments should be prioritized because: They help students think outside the box : when diverse perspectives are seated at the table, the solution and product will reflect the diversity of these voices, making the final product or decision one that benefits a larger group. They help students expand their worldview : knowing how to deal with cultural differences and disagreements is an extremely valuable soft skill that employers highly value, and will be needed once students enter the workforce. They foster an inclusive environment : every student should feel welcome in the classroom, regardless of their background or culture. Classrooms where students feel free to be themselves will benefit from more perspective and experiences coming together. Examples of diverse learning environments Diverse learning environments don’t just refer to someone’s culture or gender; in fact, diverse learning environments can take on many forms: Racial diversity : a student’s race is a large part of their identity and can affect how they interact with others, in addition to how they’re viewed by others in society. Keep this at the forefront of your lesson plans when creating your curriculum. Ethical diversity : even students that look alike will come to class with vastly different backgrounds and cultural experiences; this will influence how they talk, act, react, deal with problems, and expect to be treated. Don’t make assumptions based on someone’s culture and work to create a classroom where all cultures and backgrounds are cherished and welcome. Language diversity : a course may be offered in English and all students signed up do speak English, but if there are second language learners or people who aren’t familiar with tech-specific jargon, it’s essential to provide subtitles on videos or make an effort to use familiar words so that all students are on the same page. Religious diversity : religious diversity means a lot more than what someone believes, it can affect the days a student can attend class, how they dress, how they interact with other students, and what they can eat. Instructors should reach out to understand any religious requirements students have and actively work to come up with solutions if any problems arise. Accessible diversity : some disabilities are visible to the naked eye and others may not be; some students may be vocal about necessary adjustments such as a special keyboard, closed captioning, or hearing aids but others may not be comfortable sharing that information to the whole class. Ensure your classroom is one that incorporates anything and everything to make students feel like an integral and needed part of the class and ensures an equal and comparable learning experience for all. Economic diversity : some students may have access to high-speed WiFi and state of the art computers; others may not have broadband at home and can only use public computers. Keep this in mind while assigning homework and outside projects, respecting the socioeconomic diversity of your class. Gender diversity : gender identity is an incredibly personal and intrinsic part of the human experience; to ensure that all students feel welcome and safe, make asking for preferred pronouns and enforcing correct language from everyone the norm. There are a lot of differences that can arise in the classroom, due to diverse learning environments. But that’s a plus and something that can help us improve the overall educational system. To break down these barriers in the tech world, we can follow these tips and tricks. Overcoming barriers in diverse learning environments Don’t let the above points get you down: diversity is something that should be cherished and welcomed because it’s incredibly valuable and contributes to higher efficiency, better final products, and a more inclusive society. And to foster innovation and inclusion in the classroom, we can: Get to know each and every student : sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what a student needs right off the bat and creating a space where you make an effort to get to know each student helps reinforce the feeling that they’re appreciated, welcome, and important. If you’re seeing some reluctance from your students about sharing what they need, try offering an anonymous form or feedback box. Practice what you preach : your students will follow your lead and creating a safe classroom is possible if you’re willing to start difficult conversations and take action when necessary. It’s not easy or fun, but your students will follow your lead. Be flexible : some students will need adjustment or concessions to fit their specific learning experience and that’s totally fine. In fact, it’s a great way to ensure that everyone makes the most of their learning experience; take the time to understand how your students learn and incorporate what you’ve learned into your classroom routine. Admit when you’re wrong or need help : knowing how to make adjustments and welcome every single kind of educational diversity simply isn’t realistic and don’t worry, we don’t expect you to be an expert! However, be open to making mistakes, correcting yourself if you do slip up, and working with students to incorporate feedback and changes as needed. Barriers to learning certainly exist, and especially in a sector like tech. But no challenges are unsurpassable and can be handled with a bit of dedication and effort. At Ironhack, we’re focused on creating inclusive and diverse classrooms , with options like full or part time or remote/in-person courses to ensure that everyone can learn the necessary skills to launch a career in tech. To discover what your tech future could look like, take a look at our four bootcamps (web development, UX/UI design, data analytics, and cybersecurity) to see which is the right fit and reach out to our Admissions team with any questions or concerns. We can’t wait to see you in class and work together to create a more diverse and inclusive tech sector.

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6 minutes

Inclusivity in Tech: Fostering Diversity and Equality in the Classroom

Ironhack - 2023-09-03

Outcomes

When it comes to inclusive classrooms, we’d all like to think we’re the industry leaders, boasting diversity in everything that we do. But the reality is that it’s not quite the case and truly fostering diversity, inclusion, and equality in the classroom requires an effort that’s deeply rooted in a commitment to bettering the world . And the tech sector, an industry that had low levels of diversity for so long, is in dire need of professionals looking to make a strong promise to diversity. The classroom is an essential place to start diversity efforts, showing all students that they’re welcome and belong. But even before that, how can we ensure that all students have the tools they need to be able to even step foot in the classroom? After all, if not every student has an equal opportunity to even start learning about tech, a diverse classroom will be impossible. In this post, we’ll explore some barriers to tech education that many groups face, in addition to tips to improving diversity and inclusion efforts in the classroom. Barriers to Tech Education People who want to learn tech can just sign up for a class, right? It may seem this simple to some people, but the reality is that many people are unable to even access basic tech classes, which then ensures that they can never advance in the field. Let’s cover some of the most frequent barriers to tech education that we witness: A lack of resources: this is quite obvious; if students aren’t exposed to technology, they won’t be interested in learning more, let alone pursuing it professionally. And for those who do get some technology knowledge in school, if they only see outdated machines or programs, they might doubt the importance of technology today and in the future. Other schools may have limited computers, weak WiFi connections, or budget constraints that don’t allow for a thorough tech education. Limited instructor knowledge : have you ever had someone try to teach you something that you just know they’re not an expert in? Unfortunately, this is common in areas with low resources; teachers are forced to lead classes in subjects they aren’t experts in and aren’t passionate about and this is frequently transmitted to the students. Institutional barriers : many schools don’t place the same importance on technology classes that they do math or English, meaning students don’t realize that technology is an incredibly important skill that could be quite beneficial later on. Other schools simply don’t have the bandwidth to take on an additional subject. Assumptions about the tech sector : it just takes one comment about how girls have no place in tech for a little girl to completely close off to tech; misconceptions about the industry communicated to students can completely change a person’s mindset when it comes to tech. A test-heavy dependence : as education has advanced in recent years, we’ve learned that there are many ways to learn and some students simply don’t test as well as others, despite having the same knowledge. Students who struggle with tests might be deterred by an excessive amount of tests or strict evaluation policies. Resistance to change : tech is becoming increasingly important and many people are reluctant to truly embrace it; while understandable, this resistance to change can limit the development and education of students. These general barriers can limit the tech education opportunities that students have and ultimately lead them to choose a different career path. To ensure that all students have the chance to truly explore tech and decide if they want to pursue a career in it, institutions should keep these following tips and tricks in mind: Ensure that technology offerings work for all students Low-income students may not have the broadband power they need at home to complete technology-focused assignments, resulting in them falling behind and losing interest in the subject. Before assigning at-home work that requires tools and resources that some may not have, familiarize yourself with all students’ situations and offer solutions or help when needed . And for students with disabilities who may not be able to work a computer for whatever reason, ensure teachers are familiar with accessibility options and work to provide a comparable and equal experience for all. Keep affordability at the forefront of lesson planning There might be an ultra-expensive program that would be a great resource for your students and the majority of them have no problem affording it. However, the financial barrier to tech is a major one and putting financial barriers in place can completely exclude some students from your lesson and ultimately make them feel like they’re not welcome. Keep affordability at the front of your mind at all times and make an effort to make adjustments for specific students if their circumstances require other solutions. Promote the use of technology in daily life Students react positively to tools and resources that they can see helping them in their daily life–they want to know that what they’re learning will be beneficial to their lives, no matter their specific circumstances. Bringing technology to the forefront of everything you do and showing how it can be beneficial to society can help spark an interest in technology that will propel them to keep learning. But how can we promote diversity and inclusion in the classroom, once the student is in the classroom? This takes dedication and a true passion for achieving a diverse and inclusive classroom, but it is possible. Diversity and Equality in the Classroom Diverse and inclusive classrooms are completely realistic and many efforts have been made in recent years to guarantee it. But if you’re unsure on where to start or how to deal with certain situations, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive right in. Create a place where everyone belongs : this seems obvious, but it’s easier said than done. Creating a classroom where all students feel welcome and cherished can be challenging, so follow these tips: Review names and preferred pronouns frequently at the beginning of the course, practicing the correct pronunciation of people’s names to avoid any microaggressions. Ask students to create a bio on a shared platform where they can share their photo and basic information, creating a place where everyone can review this information. Be attentive to student needs : some disabilities are visible and students talk about them easily; others may be hidden and students are reluctant to share them openly. To make sure you’re fully aware of student needs: Create a survey for them to take home or fill out online where they can privately share anything that is essential for their learning process. Keep a feedback box or online survey available for the entirety of the course so that students can anonymously communicate any problems or concerns with you. Promote teamwork and collaboration : you may have students that have never interacted with people from other cultures and to encourage cultural exchange and diversity, make teamwork and group projects an essential part of your course: Avoid letting students choose their own groups (this can lead to students picking people similar to themselves or others feeling left out) and instead pair or group students based on their varied backgrounds, encouraging this inclusive principle. Encourage a culture where students use each other for resources and answers, letting them see each other as tech professionals and boosting each other up. Ensure your classroom is accessible : an accessible experience is comparable and equal to that of the “regular” experience and classrooms that aren’t creating an equal and inclusive experience for all simply aren’t effective: Take the feedback from your initial student surveys into account and incorporate what you’ve learned into your course: offering captions or subtitles for second language learners could be incredibly helpful and accessible PDFs with image descriptions include visually impaired students. Listen to your students and watch for areas where someone might be struggling, reaching out and making the necessary adjustments as required. Remember that the technology sector has a history of being non-inclusive : we’re working towards becoming more inclusive but there’s still a lot to be done to repair the years and years of being non-inclusive: Don’t assume that everyone has the same knowledge and be patient with those just starting out; they deserve the same opportunities and may have had limited resources in the past. Boast flexibility to make all feel welcome, such as allowing students to have their cameras off during remote classes or study from different places if they have other responsibilities. Creating an inclusive and diverse classroom where all feel welcome is totally possible, but it will require hard work, patience, and adjustments when necessary . And if you’re looking to get started in tech in a diverse and inclusive environment where all are welcome, different backgrounds are cherished, and you’ll feel supported, there’s no better place than Ironhack. At Ironhack, we boast diverse students in our Web Development, UX/UI Design, Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity Bootcamps, thanks to our flexible part and full time options, financing plans, career support, and no previous tech knowledge required. Interested? We’d love to see you in class. Apply today and help us make the tech sector more diverse and inclusive.

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7 minutes

The Future of Tech Education: Trends and Innovations in International Bootcamps

Ironhack - 2023-08-30

Outcomes

The future is here and there’s never been a better time to get into tech, taking advantage of the surplus of available tech jobs and rapidly advancing technologies. But tech isn’t the only thing that’s moving fast; education and tech education specifically are advancing at a dizzying speed and we can see certain trends on the horizon. We’re confident in making this bold statement: the biggest trend in tech education is bootcamps . What are bootcamps? Why are they valuable? Are they really the future of tech education? We think so and we’ll tell you why in this post. And later, we’re going to dive into other tech education trends that you can expect to see in coming years. The Beauty of Bootcamps Okay, let’s get right to the point: bootcamps are intensive and fast-paced courses that take place over the course of just a few weeks or months and aim to teach you the skills that are necessary to you landing a job in tech. And why have they gained so much attention and fame in recent years? Well: Because the tech industry is evolving so fast, it’s hard for employers to find candidates that have the right skills for the current market needs. University graduates, for example, are up-to-date on the skills from when they began their studies four or five years prior, not when they graduate. By learning the skills that hiring managers are looking for at that moment, bootcamp graduates are uniquely suited to fill the gaps in the tech hiring field. Bootcamps focus on the exact skills that are needed, providing their students with the necessary foundational knowledge and practical skills that are in-demand. They eliminate the filler and extra, time-consuming topics that university graduates might have to learn, ensuring that bootcamp graduates enter the job market as soon as possible. In a world where everyone has a million things going on at once, bootcamps offer a flexible and fast way to switch careers , allowing students to study while they work or maintain other responsibilities. The vast majority of bootcamp students choose to take a bootcamp for this precise reason; without such an option, learning an entire new skill and preparing to get a job in a new field would be financially impossible or too time-consuming. The majority of bootcamps don’t expect students to come in with any tech knowledge at all! This means that the door is wide open to practically everyone and ensures that all students begin the bootcamp on the same foot . Lots of institutions offer pre-work or special assistance before the course even begins, providing that essential foundational knowledge so they can get right to the good stuff once the bootcamp starts. Bootcamps are designed with the student in mind, offering the possibility of financing options, part-time or full-time classes, and even remote or in-person courses. While these may seem unnecessary to some, the option to take a bootcamp at night or from home might be a deciding factor for students. Many also offer career assistance from the very beginning, helping students finetune their resumes and practice their interviewing skills. Bootcamps: the future of tech education Bootcamps are the future of tech education and there’s no argument about it. In fact, more and more employers are looking to hire bootcamp graduates because of their drive, passion, and hunger for knowledge. In coming years, we will see tech bootcamps continue to expand and grow in popularity–we’re sure of it. Let’s discuss why. Tech bootcamps help you get a job Listen, we get the doubt: how can a few months of intensive classes prepare you to work alongside tech professionals with years of experience? It’s simple; tech bootcamps teach those important and in-demand skills that current tech professionals haven’t yet been exposed to! As a bootcamp, you’ll be taught what you need to fill very specific gaps in the tech market and then advance from there, ready to move up and on. Tech bootcamps don’t require previous tech experience You don’t need to have studied tech for years and years to join the tech field–we promise! In fact, bootcamps are designed for those who have little to no experience in tech; the curriculum is carefully designed to teach students the essential foundational knowledge needed for success and then develop the most marketable tech skills through hands-on, practical experience. And since most bootcamps boast small classes and teaching assistants, you’ll be able to have any questions answered. Tech bootcamps work with students, not against Whether you need to take part-time classes to stay at your current job and pay for your course or you simply prefer learning from the comfort of your own home, tech bootcamps offer lots of options so that you’re able to do what’s right for you. These scheduling options, in addition to financing and career assistance, help students access bootcamps and achieve their goals post-bootcamp. Trends and Innovations in Tech Bootcamps Now that we’ve covered the basics of bootcamps and why they’ve become so popular, let’s get right to the nitty gritty: what we can expect to see in the future from tech bootcamps. Remote/hybrid bootcamps Remote learning became a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s here to stay. Why? Because we’ve seen that it’s an incredibly valuable learning method that, in addition to providing a pandemic-safe way of instruction, makes learning accessible to even more people: In-person classes may be impossible for those who have childcare responsibilities or other familial duties that prevent them from attending classes for eight hours a day. Remote bootcamps eliminate geographical restrictions, opening the door to people who simply don’t have a local bootcamp that offers the topic they’d like to study. By removing an in-person requirement, bootcamps can accept a wider and more diverse range of students, enriching the learning experience for all. For those with erratic or non-traditional schedules, remote bootcamps offer the opportunity to study when they can, be that in the middle of the day or here and there when they have free time. Artificial intelligence You may have heard about the risks of using ChatGPT in the classroom, but the truth is that when properly used, artificial intelligence technologies can provide students with a completely new and transformative way to learn: The rise of augmented/virtual reality has given the opportunity to completely shift how we learn, offering students the ability to quite literally picture situations and learn in new ways. Instructors can use virtual reality to simulate situations where students have to find the right solution for the problem. ChatGPT can help students with common troubleshooting issues, freeing up instructors for more pressing questions. Accessibility Remote options are just one way that tech bootcamps are improving overall accessibility; as more and more people gain access to tech knowledge, the entire world will benefit and innovation will skyrocket: The increase of accessibility awareness in society means that accessibility is on the forefront of most tech classes and students are becoming continuously more informed about why accessibility is so key. The option to attend class from home makes learning accessible for those who cannot physically attend class due to social anxiety, disabilities, or other reasons. As computers and other tech tools become more inclusive, people with a wide range of disabilities, such as cognitive, hearing, visual, educational, or physical disabilities will be able to access the same education and tools that everyone else can. Diversity You know that diversity and inclusion is always our main goal, but bootcamps are on the forefront of providing diverse groups the opportunity to jump into tech, which is so crucial because: The more diverse your table is, the better solutions you’ll create. People draw on their own experiences when it comes time to brainstorm and share and with an increased focus on diversity, bootcamps are able to include more and more groups in crucial conversations. Learning from other classmates is an essential part of the bootcamp experience; only courses that work to achieve high levels of diversity will give students the best possible experience. Because bootcamps are so flexible and can be customized to fit the needs of students, they’re more likely to attract diverse groups of people and those who maybe weren’t previously able to enter the tech field, meaning a whole new group of people will be soon reflected in company decisions. The tech industry is booming and bootcamps are right there with them. After all, is there a better way to learn?! We don’t think so and we’d love to be with you on your journey towards a tech role with our bootcamps in web development, UX/UI design, data analytics, or cybersecurity. No matter what topic you choose, tech bootcamps are the future and you can expect to see lots of cool stuff happening in the near future. Are you in?

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8 minutes

Effective Collaboration in DevOps: Bridging the Gap between Teams

Ironhack - 2023-08-22

Outcomes

We’ve all been there: forced to work with that one colleague that refuses to listen, work as a team, or hear others’ opinions. Or sometimes teamwork issues arise in a different situation, like when different teams have to come together to work on a common goal. No matter the reason why , teamwork and collaboration are essential skills to master, especially in web development. Why? Well, DevOps, or a combination of development and operations, is becoming an increasingly common practice in the field, thanks to its ability to maximize efficiency and use the strengths of everyone involved to work faster and better together. It seems simple, right? Taking advantage of individual skills to contribute to the common goal of the team seems straightforward, but is hard to actually implement when working with a large group or different groups. DevOps works to bridge this gap between various groups, achieving superior communication and collaboration ; before we dive into DevOps and how it can help your organization, let’s cover some of the challenges of working across teams and certain situations you might face. Ready? Let’s dive in. DevOps and Teamwork As we mentioned earlier, DevOps seeks to optimize teamwork across different groups. The best thing about this methodology, however, is that it’s relatively new and malleable , meaning it can be molded to fit your teams’ exact needs. There are five main points that make up the DevOps process: Continuous integration : why wait until you’re done building something to test if it works? A crucial part of the DevOps methodology is continuously integrating new tools to ensure everything is working smoothly and correcting errors as they appear, instead of when it’s too late to fix. Continuous delivery : once code is written or developed, it’s immediately sent to be tested to check for bugs and issues and correct said problems if they exist. Infrastructure as code (IaC) : through managing infrastructure as code, IaC makes it easier and quicker to deploy new infrastructure. Developers learn what’s working and can repeat that throughout the rest of the project. Automated testing & development : to free up team members’ valuable time, automating testing and development feedback can alert the team of possible issues without monopolizing their time. Monitoring and feedback loops : you can create the perfect design in your opinion, but your users are the ones who need to like it and choose to engage with it. That’s why getting user opinions and comments throughout the entire development process, not just once the product is finished, can help you create an altogether better product. The benefits of DevOps Organizations that choose to employ the DevOps methodology in their projects can expect to see many benefits, including the following. Better and faster deliverables We’re sure that, at some point, you’ve reached the end of a project only to discover you were missing a crucial element early on. It’s time to throw out everything you did and start at the beginning–again. If you use DevOps practices, however, you will be checking the quality of your code and designs as you finish them , ensuring they’re working and what the client wants during the entire project lifespan, helping you fix errors before they impact other areas of the project. Not only does this make for a faster process, but also helps create better final products. Improved teamwork Teamwork and collaboration are essential parts of the DevOps methodology; however, these two skills can be tough to improve and nurture if you’re always working with the same group of people. Learning how other people work, think, and react to problems will help your overall teamwork skills, in addition to making future collaborations easier and more straightforward. Better reputation No one wants the reputation of creating low quality products that constantly require updates or improvements. DevOps help improve your overall company reputation by improving the products you’re releasing, ensuring they’re ready to enter the market and reliable. The Challenges of Teamwork in Tech Teamwork makes the dream work! Well, that’s what you’ve heard for years; while this saying is inspirational and does highlight the fact that teamwork can help certain situations, actually implementing proper teamwork principles across various teams, such as a web development team and a web design team, can be quite the challenge. Here are some of the most common challenges you’ll find when working on team in tech: Security and permissions : your team might have full access to the necessary information to complete the project, but the team you’re partnering with doesn’t. They ask you for complete access, but that could take a while to grant or compromise your organization’s security. The DevOps solution: evaluate the information that the other team truly needs to have to properly execute their role and ensure they have access to it. However, if it’s something that they don’t need to access, don’t compromise your organization’s security by giving it to them just because. Unclear roles and leadership : when two or more teams come together, two possible problems arise. First, it may be unclear who is leading the project and the leaders of the teams need to decide who will be the point person on this specific project to streamline communication and progress. Second, with a large group working together, it’s possible that roles could overlap or be unnecessary; make sure you clearly define what people’s roles are and avoid any overlap. The DevOps solution: clearly define the project leader and the go-to person for questions or concerns about specific issues. This will help people get help in the right places and make sure everyone understands their role, the structure of the project, and what they’re bringing to the team on an individual level. Clashing personalities : your team is probably quite used to each other and fully understands how each member thinks, reacts, and works. But when you introduce a whole new group into the mix, personalities could clash and feelings could get hurt. The DevOps solution: raise this matter to the entire team before you get to work, making sure they’re aware that there are new people with whom they’ll be working who may have different opinions or ways of handling processes. Then review the process of what to do in case of disagreements or problems so that solutions are easily reached without interrupting others. A lack of interest in the task : the team you’re working with may be totally uninterested in what they have to do to help your team; after all, they typically work in a completely different area and may not be thrilled to be put on a new project with a completely separate team. The DevOps solution: highlight the importance of each team member and establish the role they play, explaining why it’s necessary for the overall success of the project. Be empathetic towards the members of the other team, helping them adjust and finding an area in which they’re interested in to really let their abilities shine. We could go on and on; there are lots of things that could arise when different teams come together to work on a common goal. But that’s exactly what DevOps seeks to do: improve this teamwork between different groups, producing a superior final product. Implementing DevOps with Your Team We’ve convinced you! DevOps is a great way to bridge the gap between different teams and foster a collaborative mindset across your company. But what’s the first step you can take? How can you begin to incorporate the DevOps methodology into your next project? Here’s what you need to know: Evaluate what your team is currently doing : to identify areas of improvement and how the DevOps methodology could improve your processes, you need to first evaluate how your team currently works, flagging any problem areas. Once you fully understand how DevOps can help your team, you can customize DevOps practices to your needs and ensure you make the most of it. Focus on quality communication : proper teamwork is impossible without good communication between team members. Make sure every member of the team has a clear answer to the following questions: Who do I go to in case of an issue? What is the overall goal of the project? What is the desired timeline of the project? What is my specific role in the project? Who is the project leader? Create a DevOps culture : easy, right? Well, this can be quite the challenge for many teams, but it begins with highlighting the need for constant communication and feedback, checking finished work as quickly as possible. Above all else, make sure your team: Understands completely how and why the DevOps methodology is useful Is ready for a challenge and understands they might be making mistakes at first Knows how to communicate with the entire team Is committed to making DevOps work for your company Teamwork does make the dream work and establishing DevOps practices at your organization could make a difference in the quality of products you produce and the speed at which they’re released. So the next time you begin a project, consider DevOps and what it could do for you. And if you’re interested in gaining the skills needed to be on a team that uses DevOps, Ironhack’s bootcamps in web development, UX/UI design, data analytics, and cybersecurity are designed to help you enter the world of tech as soon as possible. We hope to see you in class!

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7 minutes

Natural Language Processing (NLP) Fundamentals: Understanding Text Analysis and Language Generation

Ironhack - 2023-07-30

Outcomes

Have you ever thought how practically magical it is that your phone can anticipate what you’re going to say next? Or that you can ask ChatGPT to complete a wide range of prompts and it’s ready for the challenge? While it does seem like magic every once in a while, the truth is a bit different: it’s natural language processing , or NLP, that is making that happen behind the scenes. If you’re not an NLP expert yet, don’t worry: it’s a relatively new branch of computer science that has developed rapidly over recent years. And this article is the perfect place for you to be. We’ll cover the basics of NLP, sharing everything you need to become an expert–including some of our tips and tracks to mastering NLP tools on your own. What is Natural Language Processing? As we mentioned above, natural language processing is a branch of computer science and artificial intelligence that has one main goal: reaching a point where computers can understand the spoken and written word in a human-like fashion . While this might sound easy enough on paper, consider some of the intricacies of human speech, such as slang, metaphors, irony, sarcasm, and tone of voice, not to mention dialects or accents. Natural language processing and natural language generation (NLG) are frequently used together, in addition to natural language understanding (NLU). The difference is key: NLP understands the input, NLU processes the information and decides how to respond, NLG responds. As you can imagine, this is quite the challenge. NLP brings together computational linguistics (the rule-based modeling of human language), statistics, machine learning, and deep learning models. And while we can teach computers to understand the conventional dictionary definitions of human language, the following are quite the challenge: Words that change meaning depending on context : in all languages, not just English, there are words that change meaning depending on their context. Teaching a computer to understand what can be more than twenty different meanings and tones from just one word is difficult. Errors: very few people (if any!) can speak perfectly, with no grammatical or pronunciation errors. Understanding slight variations is quite the ask. Ambiguity : depending on tone of voice, body language, or word choice, a sentence could meet totally different things; humans would use these indicators to understand the true meaning, computers cannot. Colloquialisms and slang : different regions and even people use the same word to mean different things and if you cross the globe, the language might technically be the same, but use similar words with opposite meanings. Less spoken languages : computers learn by being fed and processing large quantities of data and even with languages such as English or Spanish that are widely spoken across the world, by both native and non-native speakers, there is still a need for more and more data to become more accurate. For languages with very few speakers, reaching NLP levels is almost impossible. There are tons of examples of the challenges NLP faces, but we want to head into the good stuff. Let’s dive right into how scientists teach NLP to begin to understand human language. How does natural language processing work? You understand the challenges above and are probably thinking well, that’s it, then! There’s no way to teach a computer to truly understand human language. And for a while, that was the accepted thought. But just as translation and automated translations have drastically improved over recent years, scientists have found ways to teach computers to better understand human language : Speech recognition : this converts voice data into text data and is needed for any tool that will receive spoken words as its commands or data, such as Google Home or Alexa. Computers undergoing speech recognition training will train on lots of different kinds of people: speakers who slur, others who mumble, others who use incorrect grammar. Part of speech tagging : as we mentioned above, lots of words can have multiple meanings and even multiple parts of speech. Working with a computer to identify the part of speech of a word in a specific sentence helps differentiate between different uses. Word sense disambiguation : feeding a computer lots of data with words in different settings with different contexts can help it differentiate between different meanings. Named entity recognition: this helps computers understand when the name of a person or country is mentioned; of course, as new names become popular, this becomes increasingly challenging. Sentiment analysis : possibly the most challenging for a computer, sentiment analysis tries to understand elements like attitudes, emotions, sarcasm, confusion, and anger from the text. The five phases of natural language processing To ensure that computers are learning the aforementioned manners of better understanding human language, these five kinds of analysis are the most commonly used in NLP innovation: Lexical analysis : text or audio are separated into words and are analyzed, taking into account all of the complications we mentioned earlier. Syntactic analysis : grammar rules are used to analyze the content as a whole and not individual words. Semantic analysis : taking into consideration context, logical sentence structure, and grammar, semantic analysis defines the meaning of the sentence. Discourse analysis : separate from semantic analysis, discourse analysis centers on the motivation behind a text, which demands a further and complex understanding of the text. Pragmatic analysis : lastly, outside factors such as the time of the text or surrounding factors such as history and surroundings are used to provide an even deeper understanding of the text. Applications of Natural Language Processing We know that the idea of a computer that can understand the full range of human emotions seems a bit far-fetched–and as of right now, it is. But NLP is growing in popularity and many companies are investing a lot of time and resources into being the first to develop a truly revolutionary tool. And on the way to success, they’ve launched lots of cool things that surround us in our daily lives: Spam detection : you’re thankful for your computer’s spam detection–it helps you keep that inbox clutter-free. But how does it work? Well, through NLP: it scans incoming emails for clues that it could be spam or a phishing attempt, using data from the past emails it was fed to determine what’s spam and what’s not. Common indicators of spam are misspellings, intense language, or grammatical errors: NLP is typically able to pick up on these. Machine translation : you probably used Google Translate to get through your middle school Spanish classes and while it’s good for translating simple words, translation goes much farther than simply swapping out words with their counterpart in another language. For machines to be truly capable of quality translation, they’ll need to learn to understand the entire context to match the emotion, meaning, and outcome. Scientists and NLP are working to improve machine translation, but there’s still a long way to go. Chatbots : when you head to a website and a chat pops up, or you want to reach a company’s customer service, chatbots are at work. These tools have been programmed with information about what clients are looking for, how to respond, and how to adapt their answers based on the client input. This technology has become commonplace over recent years and will continue to be so; the future of chatbots will involve them being able to answer questions outside of what they’ve been fed and respond even more accurately to human emotions. Learning Natural Language Processing You’ve seen the light–natural language processing is the future and it’s time for you to prioritize learning about NLP so that you’re ready to take on the future of tech. But how can you do this? Is it even possible? Of course it is! Just like with anything, there are loads of ways to learn it. But when it comes to NLP, there’s one important thing to keep in mind: it’s a relatively new subject, meaning there aren’t a ton of quality resources out there. If you’re serious about it, we recommend: Familiarizing yourself with NLP online : the challenges we mentioned above are just some of the ones that scientists working with NLP face and you must be up for the challenge. Before you dive right in and buy a course to become the next NLP expert, explore job opportunities, career paths, and possible outcomes of becoming an NLP professional to ensure it’s the right choice for you. Check out research papers or publications from tech companies to make sure you’re reading quality information. Take a course : from short YouTube courses to two month bootcamps, there are lots of ways to learn about NLPs. But before you make a decision, consider how you learn best: do you need structure? Do you benefit from lots of independence? If you want a structured course with a syllabus, a bootcamp may be the right choice for you; if you’re looking to have fun and just learn a little, online videos may be just what you need. Check out some books : there’s truly no better way to learn a complicated subject like NLP than from reading theory. Because so much more goes into NLPs than other areas in tech, like a full understanding of the English language, starting your NLP journey with some expert theory can help you build a strong foundation. Deciding to venture into a new area of tech and meet new needs head on is a brave choice and one that will definitely pay off in the future. But every new techie needs a solid education under their belt and Ironhack’s bootcamps are designed to provide just that: exactly what you need to land that first job in tech. Interested? We can’t wait to see you in class.

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Some key job responsibilities of a tech lead include: Establishing project specifications and technical direction Creating a framework of technical standards and procedures Overseeing software quality and system modifications Guiding team members with troubleshooting technical issues Analyzing existing operations to identify risks and redundancies Conducting comprehensive assessments to develop solutions In other words, as a tech lead, you’re basically setting the technical direction of the project and clearing the way of any programming hurdles that may arise, whether it be closing technical knowledge gaps, finding answers to product questions, or streamlining existing operations. As a tech lead, you'll engineer, guide, and implement technical solutions and improvements with the help of your software development team. You can get your hands dirty and do some coding once in a while, but that isn’t your main job responsibility. So, if you’re someone who enjoys both the technical and interpersonal aspects of software development, a tech lead may be the job for you. With Whom do Tech Leads Work? Together with team leads and product owners, tech leads play a leadership role in a software or engineering department; each leader focuses on a different aspect of the production process. A product owner will focus on overall product development and a team lead will focus on people development; a tech lead focuses on technical development. Together, they set the project’s direction and guide the team members to ensure the project’s deliverables are fulfilled. Some essential members of the software development team include: Product Owner : leads product development to fulfill client’s requirements Team Lead/ Engineering Manager: guides team through development process Project Manager: oversees the development, organization, and delivery of a product Software Developer : designs and develops software to fit the users’ needs Quality Assurance Engineer: confirms developed solution fits specifications Software Tester: executes tests to ensure solutions fit performance and security demands UX/UI Designer: designs features to enhance customer experience and interaction A software team works together to ensure the smooth delivery of a product;as a tech lead, you must be able to balance priorities, communicate clear goals, and make apt decisions , all while taking into account your team’s capabilities and the product’s deliverables. Since each position on the team has some involvement in the technical operation, you must make sure that each team member has a handle on their portion of the software development process to ensure the delivered product meets the client’s expectations. What Skills Do Tech Leads Need? A tech lead can be considered a leader, developer, and architect all in one, which defines their essential skill set: As a leader , they supervise team members, delegate tasks, issue feedback, evaluate risks, and resolve conflicts. As a developer , they apply programming tools, utilize design patterns, perform automated testing, and refactor code. As an architect , they perform technical assessments, oversee development lifecycles, direct release management, and adhere to federal regulations. As you can see, tech leads must not only have the technical expertise to develop products, but have the people skills to lead teams as well. Some crucial skills of a tech lead include: Communication and leadership Project and crisis management Software architecture and systems testing Technical guidance and decision-making skills Quality assurance Problem solving and innovation Ownership and vision How Can I Become a Tech Lead? You can develop these skills by gaining professional experience along with taking technical and leadership courses. A tech lead isn’t an entry level role; starting off, tech leads often have 5+ years of experience in the field and a bachelor’s degree. But remember, a tech lead also isn’t just a senior software engineer: just focusing on programming knowledge is not going to get you there, you need to build interpersonal skills as well. So, how can you do that? Well: You can apply some professional approaches , such as supporting coworkers, providing technical advice, suggesting new initiatives, creating innovative solutions, and requesting performance-based feedback, to show your resourcefulness while developing new skills. You can use some administrative tools , such as a strengths and weaknesses chart, a professional development plan, and a goal breakdown, to guide your learning and development while focusing on the professional skills you need to reinforce. With a proper plan of attack, you can be well on your way to becoming a tech lead. As you know, the job title has the term “lead” in it, which means it’s considered a senior role – but still a great target position. Since tech leads are considered to be both technical experts and competent supervisors, you’ll need a decent amount of experience first. Our Web Development Bootcamp is a great first step that you can take to establish the essential hard and soft skills needed to form a strong foundation in web development that you can build on with professional experience. Web development has boundless possibilities, with a tech lead being one of them. We can’t wait to see where you go next!

  • 7 minutes

    Google Bard: What it Means for You

    Ironhack - 2023-06-02

    Data Analytics

    Everyone’s heard of ChatGPT, but that’s certainly not the only option when it comes to free, publicly-available, generative large language models . If you work in tech, we think you should heavily consider using Google Bard, especially now that they’ve updated the platform to be able to generate code. But, that’s not the only thing it can do—the Google Bard AI directly integrates with many other Google services, allowing you to directly export code to Colab, export a summary to Docs, or even send a request to gmail. How to Get Access to Google Bard First things first! Before you can use Google Bard, you need to meet just three basic requirements: Have a personal Google account Be 18 years or older Use Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or Edgium If you meet all three requirements, then just navigate to https:/bard.google.com and click “Sign in” in the top right corner. Earlier this year, there used to be a waitlist in order to use Bard, but we haven’t encountered any waitlist in recent tries. With that said, if you do end up on the waitlist, don’t worry; in our experience you’ll be granted access in the next 2-3 days. If you don’t meet all the requirements, there’s still a chance you can use Google Bard. Let’s go over solutions in order: If you don’t already have a personal Google account ( where have you been?! ), you can make one right now by clicking this link . If you’re not 18 years or older, then unfortunately you’re out of luck. You can’t use Google Bard with a Google account managed by Family Link or with a Google Workspace for Education account designated as under the age of 18. This is a strict requirement, and they don’t make any exceptions. If you don’t normally use a Chromium-powered browser (or Safari), Google will deny you access to Bard. Like Microsoft with their AI-powered Bing, these companies want you to use their own software to gain access to “experimental” features. Fortunately, browsers are super easy to download and, when in doubt, download Firefox. What is Google Bard? Now that you know how to access Bard, we’re sure the next big question on your mind is: “What does Bard stand for, Google ?” Well, we’re here to answer all questions, no matter how big or small. Google doesn’t usually publicize why it names products the why it does, and this time is no different--but we’ll take a crack at it anyways. A bard is an old English word for a poet or storyteller---someone who creates art with language. Since Google Bard is a generative large language model , the name “Bard” is a play on the fact that this is software that creates responses using natural language. Google Bard vs ChatGPT There’s two big players in the generative language model space: ChatGPT by OpenAI and Bard by Google. But hold up, we know what you’re thinking—what about AI-powered Microsoft Bing? Isn’t that another chatbot that’s super similar to Google Bard? Yes, you’re right, they are similar, but, AI-powered Microsoft Bing actually uses ChatGPT 4.0. Google Bard and ChatGPT have a lot in common: they’re both generative large language models and can be used to do similar things from simple chatbot-like tasks to more complex tasks like generating code. Here’s how the two products match up head-to-head: Bard: Was created by Google Uses the Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMBDA) Sources dataset from Common Crawl, articles, books, Wikipedia, and real-time searches Is free ChatGPT: Was created bv OpenAI Uses the Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (GPT) Model Sources dataset from Common Crawl, articles, books, Wikipedia, and real-time searches (only available on GPT-4, which is paid). GPT-3.5 is free, but users must pay a subscription to use GPT-4 While Bard was released after ChatGPT, Google has a lot of experience with natural language processing from work associated with improving Google Search and Google Assistant. In fact, Google Research invented and open-sourced the neural network architecture that’s used by many language models, including GPT 3.5 and GPT 4. How to Use Google Bard AI Now that we know all about what Google Bard is and where we can access it, we should probably tackle the question, “ Well , how do I use Google Bard ?!” You’re in luck! There’s no right or wrong way to use products like Bard. It’s a language model that’s built to have human-like conversations; if you can give it a task in words, it can probably do it (or at least help you accomplish it yourself). But, we know that’s really broad—it’s probably easier to understand if we split the things that Bard can do into three categories: explanatory, conversational, and creative. We’ll give a brief explanation of each category as well as an example question or task along with a snippet of Bard’s answer. Explanatory : Bard can explain all kinds of things from giving the definition of a word to answering challenging and open-ended questions about life or the universe. Q: “Who painted the Mona Lisa?” A: “The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci, an Italian polymath of the High Renaissance who was active as a painter, draftsman, engineer, scientist, theorist, sculptor and architect.” Conversational : Bard can engage in a conversation with you on practically any subject. It’ll remember your responses and be able to impress you with how it can handle complex topics thoughtfully. Q: “You are a web developer who was teleported to the 18th century. What's the first thing you would do?” A: “[The] first thing I would do is try to find a way to communicate with people from my own time…” Creative : Bard can create poems, narratives, musical pieces, emails, and even code. Q: “Write a haiku about desert sunsets.” A: “Sunset blazes red, Ashes of day fade to night, Desert sky aglow.” As you can see, Bard can do basically anything you ask of it—but it does have several limitations. Let’s discuss: For starters, Bard does not fact-check itself when giving answers. We cannot overstate this enough: generative AI should never be used as a source of truth . For example, in the “creative” section above, we showed Bard’s answer to the prompt, “Write a haiku about desert sunsets.” In the answer (and feel free to check for yourself), Bard gives us a poem with three lines of 5, then 7, then 5 syllables. This is great! It’s indeed a haiku; however, that was not Bard’s initial answer. This is what we originally received: Sunlight fades to red, The desert sky ablaze with color, A perfect end to day. If you count the syllables in this poem, we have 5, then 9, then 6 syllables in the lines, which is not what we asked for! Ouch, a Google Bard error. Only after we informed Bard that the second and third lines had too many syllables did it come back with a poem in the correct format. Recent Updates As we’ve already mentioned, Bard can do basically anything you ask. Obviously, it’ll do some things better than others—but it’ll always try its best. And, Google is continuously updating Bard so that it’s able to do more things. Here are a few notable changes: Bard can now generate code in languages such as C++, Go, Java, and Python When generating Python code, you’re able to export the code directly to Google Colab Bard can export content directly to Google Docs and Gmail Bard can cite sources directly in the response Bard can display images What’s Next? Bard is Google’s most recent product release and we think it’s also one of the coolest project’s in the company’s history. Google has been working on generative large language models for decades now, and it’s great to finally see and interact with a product that’s the culmination of so much time, effort, and care. If you’re interested in working in the tech industry and creating awesome products that help make the world a better place, then we think you would be a perfect fit for one of 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. Want to learn how to make the most of ChatGPT, Google Bard, or other generative language models? We can’t wait to see you in class!

  • 10 Best Tech Companies To Work For And Why

    Ironhack - 2022-02-04

    Careers

    Global

    [This article was updated for 2022.] It's a dream for many people to work in a renowned tech company. Thousands of tech enthusiasts seek to get their foot in these companies as they are known to offer excellent perks and professional growth opportunities. Equally, their reach attracts talent from different parts of the world. You don’t need a full Computer Science degree to get hired by these companies, though. Bootcamp alumni have a unique combination of skills and assets and the value they bring into the workplace increases exponentially for years– which is why companies are now turning their attention towards bootcamps. While tech companies have very different products and look for a variety of profiles, some paths in technology and computer science are growing in demand . Let’s look at some of the top tech companies that invest in talent in the competitive tech world. 1. HubSpot Renowned among digital marketing companies, HubSpot offers a wholesome platform of sales, marketing, customer service, and CRM software to cater to small and large businesses alike. HubSpot values its employees' input the same way they value their customers. Many employees express the company's willingness to assist and work with skilled people while also providing opportunities for career growth. If you can comfortably work under strict deadlines and high expectations, HubSpot is an excellent organization to help you achieve your career goals. Great for: startup-lovers with an interest or experience in digital marketing. 2. NVIDIA All employees who show dedication and hard work to advance their careers in tech will receive abundant rewards securing employment at NVIDIA. Influencing changes in the tech world and working on trailblazing technology are some of the reasons most people desire to work at NVIDIA. Plus, most employees enjoy the work environment and the organization’s strong emphasis on performing tasks as a team. At NVIDIA, you may need to put in some extra hours, especially when you join the company and seek to advance. There’s high competition, and it therefore helps when you show initiative and commitment in the respective roles. Great for: lovers of all things visual, especially in the gaming and CGI spaces . 3. Salesforce Companies like Salesforce provide businesses with marketing tools and customer management strategies. Employees appreciate its culture of excellent benefits, programs, and events that make their contributions valued. The only downside is that programs and events don't always make employees feel valued. Some employees complain of long work hours regardless of position within the company. Great for: data-nerds, who believe in empowering teams through data and smoother workflows . 4. DocuSign While there are emerging competitors in the market, DocuSign is a trusted company that allows you to sign documents electronically. DocuSign have a notable competitive edge since they manage to offer benefits to employees. More employees appreciate the positive morale and work/balance that’s the foundation of the company's culture. With a high Glassdoor rating, the company invests in all its employees to succeed long term. However, some employees state that DocuSign has a confusing onboarding process where management makes hasty changes. Great for: people who highly value a company that invests and believes in its employees. 5. Shopify Shopify is a dedicated company that helps businesses sell multiple products online. It has a good Glassdoor rating compared to other tech companies as a loyal employer. Overall, the company has a commendable employee culture, and they provide good benefits and promote employee events. Even so, some employees feel the company needs to value their input and involve them more in decision-making. Great for: those looking to break into the exciting world of eCommerce, it doesn’t get better than Shopify! 6. Google Google is the most sought-after firm by jobseekers. The search company continues to excel in providing better employee benefits. Working in a tech giant like Google gives you a chance to interact with the brightest talent pool in the world. And to stand apart from the competitors, Google offers attractive benefits to employees that most companies won't match owing to their vast budget. The only challenge of working at Google is having incredibly high expectations concerning loyalty and performance. Other challenges include the unfair competitive hierarchy that limits advancement potential. Great for: impact-chasers who want the work they do to improve the lives of millions (literally!) . 7. Facebook/Meta As the leading social media company, Facebook/Meta aims to create a healthy work environment by treating its employees as assets. Aside from having a superior facility design, the organization has attractive perks for its employees—from 401 contributions to pizza parties. That said, you might have to sacrifice your time as most company positions entail long working hours and a competitive atmosphere. Great for: problem-solvers and future-thinkers, who aren’t afraid to tackle world-changing topics like data use and the future of the Metaverse . 8. LinkedIn LinkedIn has become a valuable tool to connect colleagues professionally, providing businesses with a unique social media podium. The company is making great strides in keeping employees valued and appreciated with a commendable rating. LinkedIn is the best company in the tech world due to its leadership role. Plus, employees state that the company promotes a healthy work culture. Additionally, employees receive many attractive benefits and team-building events that foster teamwork. Great for: anyone passionate about building the future of work, in all of its new forms! 9. Adobe Adobe is famous for its collaborative design interface that allows for superb graphics. The company treats its staff well. The organization offers competitive benefits and focuses on cultivating a healthy work culture based on rewarding commitment and loyalty. However, some employees feel that the company has a lot of bureaucracy that hinders meaningful progress. Advancement openings seem to target the selected few, and employees can sometimes feel like they’re stuck in one position for an extended period. Great for: creatives and visionaries who get excited about what people can make when you hand them the right tools . 10. Microsoft Working for Microsoft is a great achievement as the tech firm is renowned worldwide. It creates most of the computer operating systems that exist today. Microsoft stays dedicated to manufacturing innovative products to solve the industry’s pain points. Employee retention is essential to maintain that edge, where the comprehensive benefits package fosters innovation. Employees also enjoy working in a competitive environment with the most skilled personnel globally. Great for: anyone with a deep love of tech, and the impact this tech giant has had on the industry– and anyone who is even more excited about the future it could build… How To Land Your First Tech Job Working for a prominent company is an achievable, yet challenging goal, if you’re trying to break into the tech industry. But you can land a job in tech even if you’re new to the field. Multiply your odds by getting an education that will help shape your profile into one that tech recruiters are looking for. Bootcamps are about so much more than just learning the core technical skills you need; they show that you’re a dedicated, self-motivated learner with a diverse professional background, which is precisely what tech industry hiring managers are looking for. Piqued your interest? Take a look at our Bootcamps and kickstart your career in tech!

  • 5 minutes

    How to Begin a Career in Cybersecurity Without Previous Knowledge

    Juliette Erath - 2023-12-14

    Cybersecurity

    We’ve all felt the effects of when companies don’t make cybersecurity a priority. You might even have had to bear the brunt when companies don’t invest in their cybersecurity yourself: personal data gets leaked, sensitive information is spread across the web, and life savings can be lost if you give the wrong company your bank details. You’re probably sick of this happening and we get it. That’s why it’s time to become a cyber warrior and kickstart your career in cybersecurity – even if you don’t have any previous knowledge. Cybersecurity may seem complicated to those on the outside, mostly because it comes with a dictionary’s worth of jargon. But anyone with a little technical knowledge and the desire to learn can launch themselves into this exciting career path. But that begs the question…how do you go about getting a cybersecurity job when you’ve got no experience? Before we answer that burning question, let’s first break down exactly what cybersecurity is. What is Cybersecurity? First things first: let’s truly understand what cybersecurity is, as it’s never been more important than it is today. With many companies shifting to a remote/hybrid working model and the vast expansion of the online space, there is an increasing need for businesses to invest in IT security and protect themselves from threats such as hacking, data compromise, and identity theft. Technology is getting smarter, but that means that hackers and cybercriminals are too. The range of cybercrimes is widening rapidly, but some of the most common are: Cyber-extortion : demanding money in exchange for not hacking, damaging, or deleting information Ransomware attacks : locking or limiting access to data in exchange for money Identity fraud : pretending to be you to gain access to your personal information IOT hacking : accessing or manipulating IoT devices and servers Malware : software designed to steal or copy a person’s information Phishing scams : sending fraudulent emails, pretending to be someone else to gain bank or personal information What Does a Career Path in Cybersecurity Look Like? With a growing demand for trained professionals, the cybersecurity industry has a lot to offer prospective employees. Salaries in this field tend to be lucrative and there is ample opportunity for career growth and development. The demand for roles in this area is also set to increase rapidly over the coming years and decades . As such, there has never been a better time to explore cybersecurity and explore the various career options out there for cybersecurity newcomers. There are many areas for specialization and advancement which you’ll be able to branch into, depending on your skills, experience, and career goals. And as the digital world is always changing, new areas that we can’t even imagine today will inevitably reveal themselves! Take a look at some positions, depending on your experience level: Entry-level positions include roles such as Cybersecurity Specialist or Technician, IT auditor, and Incident Responder (anyone interested in cybersecurity for beginners should research these roles as a starting point!) Mid-level positions include Cybersecurity Consultant and Penetration tester Advanced level positions include Cybersecurity Engineer and Managerial positions There are various roles available at each level when it comes to IT security, with plenty of scope for development further down the road; the demand for training in cybersecurity is rapidly on the rise, meaning you may like to branch into this area in a company for which you already work, or that you are looking to pivot completely into a new career. What Does it Take to Break into Cybersecurity? The first thing you need to tackle when it comes to cybersecurity is the basics of IT systems and networks ; for example, the different types of available networks and their protocols. Once you are familiar with the fundamentals, you can dive into the basics of networking traffic, security, and communication principles. Learning how to create and analyze network servers is also important when it comes to cybersecurity for beginners, while data decryption and encryption are also useful, along with topics such as backup processes and data recovery. Discovering how to prevent hacks is also a crucial subject when it comes to cybersecurity for beginners. As technology advances and the online space grows, there are greater opportunities for cyber attacks and hacks to occur, especially when it comes to mobile payments, e-commerce, and cloud computing. Machine learning, social media, and the vast array of apps that many of us use on a daily basis make it easier for criminals to find ways to hack systems to steal data and financial information. The risk for businesses is especially high and this is where cybersecurity professionals come into play : building and maintaining secure systems is essential for most organizations and businesses in the modern world, and expertise in this area is heavily in demand. Breaking into cybersecurity through a bootcamp Courses or bootcamps in cybersecurity for beginners will prepare you for roles such as incident responder, forensics analyst, and cybersecurity analyst, among others. Over time and depending on the size of the company you work for, you may have the chance to branch into a management role, taking control over a cybersecurity team. Similarly, you may choose to specialize in a single area of cybersecurity in networking, software development, systems engineering, or risk analysis. Breaking into cybersecurity with no previous experience Cybersecurity is an exciting and ever-changing career path, with high stakes and high rewards. The demand for professionals in this field is extremely high; there are many opportunities available for anyone interested in developing a career in IT security. But, as with any job, getting started can feel like a huge wall to climb if you don’t have any previous experience. But don’t worry: regardless of your background and previous experience, transitioning to a job in cybersecurity is very achievable with some foundational training, thanks to the recent rise of cybersecurity. The best place to start is with a cybersecurity bootcamp for beginners that covers the basics and the main areas of IT security and data protection. With Ironhack's Cybersecurity Bootcamp, you don’t only get the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience that you need to succeed in your first cybersecurity role; but we’ll actually support you in finding that role. Our Careers Services and Outcomes Team are rockstars at getting you job-ready, helping you figure out the messy middle of job hunting. Why not check it out for yourself?!

  • Data Analytics Is Changing The World - Here’s Why You Should Care

    Marta Aguilar - 2023-07-05

    Data Analytics

    All Courses

    People who love data really love data. But if you’re someone who always hated math class as a kid, it can be really hard to understand where they’re coming from. How does a bunch of numbers get anyone’s blood pumping? Spoiler alert: data is the undercurrent of pretty much everything we do online. Every time you check the weather, see a movie or show recommendations, track a run on your smartwatch, or book a hotel for your next vacation, data is behind it all. If you’re here, you’re probably curious about data and its various uses. In this article, we’re going to be looking at the biggest impacts that data has on our world and the #1 reason why you should fall completely in love with it. Data Creates the Perfect User Experience This is one data innovation that you’re probably aware of already, as it’s one that fits seamlessly into our day to day lives. But because it’s so seamless, you may be taking it for granted (that’s actually a sign of truly great innovation–you don’t even notice that it’s happening!). So let’s take a second to really appreciate the magnitude of the impact that data has on our cultural tastes. If you’ve used Spotify/Apple Music to find your new favorite to sing on long road trips, the album that’ll get you through your next heartbreak, and the band that you’ll someday travel halfway across the country to see live in concert, you’ve got data to thank for it. Spotify has invested heavily in training machine learning algorithms to personalize the experience for its 406 million global users. That’s a huge impact. But this isn’t just limited to music. Streaming services use huge amounts of customer data to test, personalize experiences, and make big business decisions. Netflix is particularly famous for this, running constant A/B tests to provide users with the best possible experience–and to keep us all binging and chilling. Let’s say you love Ryan Reynolds and you’ve watched a lot of his movies. Netflix knows that little nugget of data about you and will make sure that any movie with Ryan Reynolds features him prominently in the preview, thus encouraging you to watch. Companies like Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, and HBO don’t just use data to build their platform’s user experience. They take the usage data from their streaming services to make important production decisions, looking at things like content abandonment rates, keyword searches, and even which scenes were rewound and rewatched. This information is then used to influence which shows get made or canceled. With the shows created by these streaming/production companies sitting at the forefront of the cultural zeitgeist, big data truly is a global tastemaker! Data is Saving the Planet Data doesn’t just tell Netflix whether to bring Squid Games back for Season 2. It’s also being used in new ways in sustainability and wildlife conservation: GPS tagging and camera traps are able to collect real-time information on the movements of some of the world’s most critically endangered animals, empowering conservation groups with the information needed to potentially save the species. Data scientists are able to track migration, population growth/decline, and identify risks that may threaten an endangered species. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior uncovered a problem in the early 2000s whilst attempting to track animal movements in Panama. The thick canopy of the trees could not be penetrated by GPS signal, so they set up a series of radio towers that would allow them to collect the data they needed, but soon found that the sheer amount of information received would overwhelm their current systems. They created Movebank , a software that could safely store and manage real-time global animal movement data. Today, researchers around the world rely on Movebank to provide answers to big-picture questions in conservation science, with over 3.2 billion animal locations leading to almost 7,000 research studies. From monitoring the speed at which polar ice caps melt to the areas most at-risk from illegal poachers, data helps us to understand the state of our world and may provide the insights that help us to save it. Data Helps Save Lives Ever since the world went digital, big data has been used by the medical industry to improve research and patient outcomes. But it has historically been expensive, slow, and inaccessible for non-data experts. Data impacts the medical field in three different ways: Medical research: data is used to help researchers in labs, leading to breakthroughs in how we understand and treat diseases. Hospital operations : hospitals use data much like any other businesses do to monitor staffing, supplies, waiting room time, and insurance claim data. Patient outcomes : data can be used to improve the treatment of individual patients, as well as answering big-picture questions. One of the biggest game changers in recent years for data in medicine was the boom of wearable tech. Patients are able to have their heart rate constantly monitored in a way that doesn't feel annoying or intrusive and medical providers are able to collect a huge amount of data on their day-to-day heart health. By collecting huge amounts of data and gaining a holistic view of a patient’s (or group of patient’s) health, medical professionals are able to give recommendations for preventive care and stop diseases. For example, a doctor who notices that many patients who have sedentary jobs and concerning VO2 max levels can recommend introducing more cardio into their exercise routines. However, this kind of information is highly sensitive and healthcare institutions are rapidly understanding the need for heightened data security. In-house data solutions must be bolstered by top-notch security protocols, including two-factor authentication and routine audits. The ethics of how this data is stored and shared is also a hot topic that the industry constantly grapples with, leaving a need for data experts to guide this ongoing conversation. Data Runs the Business World The old saying goes money makes the world go round . While there’s certainly still plenty of truth to that, what really makes the world go round (namely the business world!) is data . There simply aren’t enough hours in the day to list all of the ways that companies in every corner of the world rely on data and each company has their own unique data sets. But we can of course make a few sweeping generalizations: Customer demographics inform marketing and advertising decisions Product usage data informs UI decisions and helps teams build better digital experiences Big data helps Big Tech launch new features, improve existing products, and launch entirely new innovations Data helps entrepreneurs identify problems to solve and needs to fill Because the business world loves cliches, we’ve got another for you. “Without data, you’re just another person with an opinion,” said W. Edwards Deming in 1982, and it’s still true today. As a professional in any industry, you need data to make the right decisions and get people to back your ideas. It’s the closest thing to the objective truth as we can get and you’ll need it on your side, no matter which capacity you’re working in. Let’s say you’re a UI designer and you’re fighting with an important stakeholder over how big the logo needs to be on the first fold of your homepage. If that stakeholder is the CEO, their authority trumps yours. So you bring out the big guns…results of an A/B test which shows that your version of the homepage design works better within the overall user journey. Alternatively, let’s say you’re in advertising. You and your team have been asked to run a summer campaign for an important client and no one can quite agree on which direction to go in. You need a quick win to turn around a slow quarter, so you go back and look at which previous campaigns knocked it out of the park. You use the data to design a fantastic campaign and convince the rest of the team that it’s the right way to go. While data has often been attributed to the tech industry and giant corporations, there’s actually no limits to who data can help. Data Analytics is an Exciting and Stable Career Path Exciting and stable aren’t usually two words that go together but they’re absolutely the right ones to describe a career in data. A career in data is exciting because data is being used in new ways every da y; the smallest pockets of information are capable of unleashing insights that can change the world. Companies can use data to impact the lives of millions, from saving rare species from extinction to creating breakthroughs in medical science. A career in data is also stable, because data isn’t going anywhere anytime soon . Every single company, even those outside of the tech industry, rely on data every day and there’s no shortage of need for professionals who know how to manage and analyze it. Data is also global, not restricted to any one corner of the world. No matter where you are, there will be a need, a use, and a demand for data. Even if you’re not looking to work specifically as a Data Scientist or Data Analyst, chances are data can be helpful in your day to day work. And maybe the data sets you use won’t change the world on their own, but you’ll be future-proofing your skill set and opening up brand new career doors. You might not change the world, but you can change your world. If you’re interested in diving into the data world, we’d be happy to have you at Ironhack! Our Data Analytics Bootcamp is designed to teach you what you need to know to enter the workforce as a data professional. Check out the course information today and let us know if you have any questions–we can’t wait to see your application!

  • 5 minutes

    What Does a Career in Web3 Look Like?

    Ironhack - 2022-11-11

    Careers

    The internet is evolving, and fast. On the web as we currently know it, information is stored on servers, which we can read on our computers. Today, we're moving towards a new type of internet called Web3; where data is decentralized and stored in many different places. From small startups to tech giants, a growing number of companies are investing in Web3, blockchain, and cryptocurrency — and are looking to hire skilled professionals to drive these exciting new technologies forward. But what does a career in Web3 actually entail? And how do you get started? In this blog post, we’ll explore what a career in Web3 really looks like: From what kind of jobs are available, to the skills you need to break into this emerging and innovative field. Let’s dive in! H2: What Kind of Jobs Are There in Web3? Web3 is an emerging space, with the scope for some really exciting and specialized roles in the future. But there are also multiple well-established entry-level Web3 roles; which include tech disciplines like software engineering, web development, community management, data analytics, and design. To give you a sense of what’s out there, we’ve pulled some examples of existing roles from a Web3 job board . Backend engineer @ Kodex UX/UI product designer @ Obol Data Analyst @ P2P.org What Kind of Companies Are Investing in Web3? The next generation of internet technology is happening right now. New, innovative companies are populating the space to create pioneering products and services that will change how we interact with the web. According to 101 Blockchain , the The web3 market could reach a total value of almost $81.5 billion by 2030 — making it a lucrative investment for companies across multiple industries, including finance , healthcare , and government services . Web3 companies are mostly startups, but there are also blockchain projects within larger companies (such as IBM and Twitter ). Most of these companies are working on infrastructure or tools for decentralized systems like Ethereum. Some examples of web3-specific companies include: ConsenSys ; a company offering consulting services, as well as development teams, focused on building applications on Ethereum's platform; and Melonport ; a Swiss startup who aim to create an autonomous community where individuals can manage their digital assets without intermediaries. Among the growing number of companies foraying into Web3 are tech giants like Twitter and Instagram , as well as FinTech companies in the crypto currency space (like PayPal and Alchamy ). Is Web3 Hard to Get Into? As a newcomer to Web3, you’ll be joining thousands of talented professionals seeking to help shape this new technological landscape. But before you do, you might be wondering how hard it is to break into the space. So, is Web3 hard to get into? Well, yes and no. As a new space, there are far fewer ‘guarantees’ than you’ll find in other digital discplines. It’s still unclear what long-term career progression looks like in Web3, as the workforce is technically still being formed. As so many Web3 and blockchain products are still being built, the baseline requirements for entry-level Web3 professionals can vary massively depending on the industry. On the plus side, joining Web3 as one of the early professional cohorts makes the Web3 job market a lot less competitive than other tech disciplines. You’ll be up against fewer candidates for Web3 roles, which means a higher chance of finding a job quickly and more leverage to negotiate a higher salary. Learning Web3 skills also demonstrates a commitment to staking your claim in this rapidly-growing space — which is bound to give you the edge you need when it comes to landing your first role. What Skills Will Web3 Professionals Need? Web3 is a complex and multidiscplinary field which requires a lot of problem-solving and analytics. Entry-level Web3 professionals are expected to be proficient in a wide range of technical skills, including: Front-end development. This includes frontend programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript — as well as object-oriented programming, DOM manipulation, version control, and ReactJS. Back-end technologies. You’ll need to know how to create a MERN stack application, set up a NoSQL server, and use ExpressJS, NodeJS to create and deploy robust applications. Blockchain and cryptography. Web3 professionals need to be well-versed in the blockchain trilemma and how hash functions, digital signatures and proof of work and proof of stake consensus mechanisms function in practice. Etherium, smart contracts, and token standards. You’ll a working knowledge of smart contract development, Solidity and the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) through writing and testing smart contracts. Decentralized applications (dApp) development and tooling . Understanding how to develop and deploy dApps using front-end libraries such as ethers.js and web3.js. For complete beginners, this list might seem overwhelming — and even intimidating. Worry not! Beginner-friendly courses like IronHack’s soon to be launched Web3 bootcamp will see you learn all the skills needed to forge a career in Web3 — as well as benefitting from tailored career support to help you land your first role. Sign up now to be the first to hear when spaces are available! What Makes a Good Career? Web3 isn’t just a hyped-up buzzword: It’s already a well-established space with limitless potential to transform the way we use the web, forever. With a growing number of big tech companies recognizing the value of Web3, it’s safe to say the field is here to stay — and the demand for forward-thinking Web3 professionals is only set to climb. Web3 might be fertile ground for a new career opportunities, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right career path for you. High salaries, remote work, interesting projects, a future-proofed career, and other compelling factors might all sound good on paper — but in order to do the job day in day out, you need to feel passionate about the work. In the absence of a crystal ball, you might be wondering how to figure out what career path is right for you. We’ve come up with a resource to help you along your way, with our Career Vision Planner . Check it out!

  • Learn the basics of data analytics: Intro to SQL

    Ironhack - 2021-07-26

    Data Analytics

    All Courses

    Data is all around us, and it's kind of crazy to imagine what it must have been like to store it all manually in filing cabinets before the digital age came in to make it all easier for us. Luckily, now we have databases (YAY!), but wait, how do we pull the information we need or want from these databases with as little fuss as possible? Drumroll, please… Enter, SQL! But before we dive into SQL and why it's handy... What is Data Analytics? Data analytics is growing more and more in popularity as more businesses move to gathering and storing all their data online, so it's a pretty big deal, especially in the world of business, or governance etc. As you are most probably aware, data is being collected all the time, yet in its raw form, this data will leave you scratching your head because it won't make sense. This is where data analytics comes in: it allows companies to pull out, edit and add specific data they are searching for . This helps such companies or organisations to draw insights and make the most informed decisions for their next strategic move. Data analysts are much sought after because they are able to organise and categorise this data to make it interpretable and therefore usable, and they speak SQL. Btw in case you were wondering, data analysis and data science are two different fields . Data science is more multidisciplinary as it combines statistics, scientific methods, artificial intelligence (AI) and more to extract value from data. Plus they use a range of tools like  smartphones, sensors, websites and more to interpret data. How is data analysis used in the real world? Generally speaking, data analysis can be used infinitely depending on what information is being looked for, yet more specifically, it's used to make better, faster and business decisions to reduce overall business costs and develop new and innovative products and services. For example, it could predict future sales or purchasing behaviours, security purposes as it helps to protect against fraud, analyse the effectiveness of marketing campaigns or increase supply chain efficiency. First steps into SQL: What is it and what is it for? SQL stands for Structured Query Language and is pronounced as Sequel. This is the language used in data analysis to communicate with data ! Three key things to know about SQL Suppose you're in sales, marketing, business etc. SQL is probably the one coding language you should learn as most companies have an online presence and are collecting data. So the more you know how to communicate this data, the better you can pull and analyse and the better you are at your job! If this is you, you can pop into our webinar to learn the basics of Data Analytics ! SQL languages have syntax variations . Different companies follow different databases sets, they are only slight variations, but it is essential to be aware of them. SQL only communicates with relational databases . So any database with a tabular organisation (with rows and columns). This leads us to our next point. SQL and RDBMS RDBMS stands for Relational Database Management System. This drastically helps to organise data so that it can easily be extracted and analysed. Let us break it down even further so you really know what it means. It's a system that manages data organised in tables and the relations between them. Let's break it down again. When we talk about systems we mean RDBMS can store many different kinds of data for many different kinds of applications in one place .  For example, if we are talking about a sale, there is a table or dataset for the sale information, one for customer information and the other for the sales item or inventory; therefore, there is a relation between these data sets. Key benefits of RDBMS: System : can store many styles of data for multiple applications Manager : stores, indexes, keep safes, backups Data : all data can be stored but mostly numbers and strings Tables : organised in columns and rows Relationation : patterns between different values in columns and tables are linked together. So, why RDBMS? Because it’s an effective and reliable way to store information as the basis for online transaction processing systems, and these are systems that keep businesses running. RDBMS are applied in corporate administration and accounting, banking and insurance systems, government data, point of service (POS) and E-commerce systems, and the list goes on. And of course, all the data gathered in these systems are used in the analytics environment to generate insights, but you first need to access such data. And how do we do that?...Through SQL, which speaks to RDBMS! Some key terms in SQL A SQL query allows you to query (investigate) a specific piece of information. Tables Tables are the database objects that hold the data in the relational databases . SQL can be applied to programs like Python or even a simple excel spreadsheet. In SQL lingo, a Column is a field, and a Row is a record, and finally, there is an entity that is the smallest unit that contains a meaningful set of data. An entity is also known as the dataset object . With SQL, the best way to learn is by giving it a go! Yet, here are some quick terms to get you familiar with the lingo. Select, from and where If you are looking to query something, the term "select" always comes first and is eventually followed by "from" . The "where" term allows you to filter out rows that you do now want to have in your search results. Here is a quick example of what it could look like if we were to be using a student database: Select: “*’” or the specific field eg. (student_name_dateofbirth) From: (table name) e.g Student Where: date of birth = (select max ( date of birth) from student) By the way, aside from the equal "=" sign you can use does not equal to "<>" or is greater than "<" ; the list goes on, and you change this based on what you are looking for. When you want to merge two or more tables or datasets, you can use the "join" statement that puts two different tables together side by side based on a shared value; the term joins usually appears after from but before the where statement. For example; From table_1 join table_2 Union Finally, we will mention one more! The “union” term matches columns from top to bottom . This union statement usually sits between two select statements . The union can only occur on columns with the exact same column names and columns that have the same data type. To continue learning more about the basics of Data Analytics and SQL , watch our webinar below: powered by Crowdcast All in all, getting into data analytics can be super interesting and satisfying once you get the hang of it, it's like going on treasure hunts! And if you’re really interested in becoming a serious data analyst pro, want to build your career or seriously widen your job prospects look no further than our insightful Data Analytics Bootcamp!

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