Front-End vs Back-End: What's The Difference?

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

There’s more than one way to be a developer, and so many different reasons to get into the development space.

Ironhack - Changing The Future of Tech Education

From those that adore graphic design and want to take their passion a step further, unleashing their visual creations to a webpage's interface, to those who love snooping around in the underbelly of databases, API's or exploring the inner workings of servers; in other words, everything that users don't see. There’s a huge variety of reasons why someone might want to become a Web Developer.

As such, depending on what they prefer to work on, they might specialise either in the front-end or back-end. Although technology is continuously evolving and the relationship between the two terms is ever-changing and difficult to establish, there is still a significant, inherent difference that separates them.

The skills needed for either side often overlap, with versatile, general-purpose programming languages becoming more popular across all areas, but front-end and back-end developers use contrasting sets of skills and apply them in diverse ways, pursuing radically different objectives and priorities. Perspective is everything!

Front-end development: tech with its makeup on

As its name suggests, front-end development encompasses the configuration and design of everything that web surfers see when they use a website or app. It's the visual aspect of the job that tends to attract those developers with a keen interest for graphic design. These developers' task is to create interfaces that users will find as attractive as they do intuitive, making the user experience a much more gratifying one.

As such, developers use three main tools, which are HTML, CSS and JavaScript. The latter has been gaining more and more ground in both front-end and back-end development, displacing other technologies such as JQuery, which is becoming obsolete. Other frameworks have even been created within JavaScript, such as React and Angular, which facilitate the job of a developer and can create components that are later replicated in other areas of the platform they’re building.

Front-end development is often considered exclusively technical, but some areas have a strong graphic design component. Like UX/UI specialists, some front-end developers are proficient in other tools not traditionally used by developers, such as image editing programmes (one example might be Photoshop), or platforms such as Figma or Sketch that allow developers to create prototypes, preview navigation through the platform and test different concepts before finalising the development.

Although UX and UI Design are well-defined areas that should not be confused with front-end development, there’s a significant overlap between both. Software development encompasses endless fields and functions; rather than a hard choice between a handful of defined job titles, developers have an unparalleled freedom to construct their own skill profile and forge their own unique professional path.

As a front-end developer, your job is to use all these technologies and languages to construct the visuals and design of the app or website in question, in order to therefore generate a certain feeling among its users so they find the experience enjoyable and seamless, and want to come back. It's no easy feat.

Back-end development: building the architecture

Developers that choose to specialise in back-end development are often those that prefer to configure databases and work out how to optimise website functions, such as server performance (so that these can adequately handle the workload), or use the external resources like third party APIs. Ultimately, these developers deal with everything that's hidden from view to the users that visit a website or app and provide their data to register or make a purchase from that platform.

Back-end developers use many different programming languages in their day-to-day life, from PHP to Ruby, Python, Java or even JavaScript. Their job is to make sure websites run smoothly and improve their response time. The responsibilities and influence of back-end developers have increased with the WORD of Web3 and the transition from simpler, static webpages and apps to more complex and dynamic websites, which are dependent on more resources and require constant updates. On top of this, they are usually well-versed in both relational databases, such as MySQL or Oracle, and non-relational databases, such as MongoDB.

Full stack development: the best of both worlds!

Can’t choose between front-end and back-end development? You wouldn't be the first one. If you enjoy interface design as much as areas like data management, you could steer your career path towards a job in full stack development. Although there's still some scepticism surrounding these profiles, given that it's considered better to specialise and become an expert in one area or another, the truth is that companies are increasingly investing in full stack developers that have a solid understanding of multiple areas and able to bring value to both the interface to be displayed in the browser and the infrastructure hidden below the surface.

If you possess the skills and abilities as well as the wild curiosity needed to acquire the professional expertise in both back-end and front-end development, you might choose to sign up for the Web Development bootcamp at Ironhack. You'll learn about state-of-the-art technologies used in both front-end development, such as HTML5, Canvas, JavaScript or React, and back-end development; become familiar with Node.js; learn how to configure servers with Express, or databases with MongoDB. All these skills are highly sought-after by tech companies, giving you an edge when you come to accessing the job market and the world of development.

Which one gets your development juices flowing? Front-end or back-end? Or perhaps you want to have your cake and eat it too; could full stack development be your calling?

5 minutes

Choosing the Right Tech Bootcamp: Factors to Consider

Ironhack - 2023-11-29

All Courses

Making the decision to pursue a future with a tech bootcamp is a big decision and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. And you may have taken a bit to even arrive at that decision: is a tech bootcamp right for you? Is it the right moment to commit to the challenge? Are you ready to restart the job hunt? You found the answers to all these questions and are happy with your decision. But now comes an even bigger decision: which bootcamp should you choose? There are tons of options out there and you may feel overwhelmed with all the choices–how can you know which is the right choice? From different modality options to topics to schools themselves, it may seem like the ultimate Sophie’s choice. And that’s why we’ve created this guide: to walk you through the process and help you make the right decision for you. Before we dive right in, however, let’s cover some of the basics of bootcamps and things that all schools should offer (and if they don’t–run!). The Basics of Bootcamps To put it simply, bootcamps are intensive and fast-moving courses that aim to teach students about one very specific topic in such detail that they’re ready to join the job market in just a few months . The exact course length varies significantly based on the tech school and subject, but most take two to three months and demand a heavy time commitment, both inside and outside the classroom. Because they’re designed to allow you to land a job immediately post-graduation, bootcamp students should expect to have lots of projects and hands-on assignments where they’ll produce deliverables that can then be used in their portfolio and interview processes. In addition to the subject taught in the course, students also have access to career support and advisors to help them get ready to enter the workforce. Bootcamps typically don’t require any prerequisite courses and are affordable , removing practically all barriers to tech that exist when only university graduates are considered for certain roles. Sounds simple, right? Well, the concept of bootcamps is quite straightforward, but when it comes to actually choosing the school and course you want to take, you’ll realize it gets a bit more complicated. Choosing a Bootcamp Topic First things first: you’ll need to choose the topic you want to study. In the past, bootcamps focused on general topics such as coding, but as tech begins to infiltrate basically every area of every industry, the options have expanded and you can choose to study data analytics, cybersecurity, machine learning, UX/UI design, and much more. If you’re not sure which topic is right for you, consider the following: Think about your interests : you want a career that you love and that interests you, so it’s very important to see which area is the most appealing to you. Bootcamps are a serious investment in your future and should be taken as such. Research the job market: while job opportunities abound in practically every area of tech, some are more obvious than others and different ones may meet your specific career goals. Take the time to research what the job market in different fields looks like before making a final decision. Investigate career opportunities in the field : some fields’ job trajectories are more straightforward than others and some may have broad paths for you to choose from once you’re in the role. Research exactly what job opportunities you could have and see if you’re interested in that field. There are a lot of different topics out there, but follow these three tips and you’ll be able to find the one that works best for you and your career aspirations. Choosing a Tech School With your topic chosen, it’s time for the next big decision: choosing a tech school. This also may seem straightforward–as long as they teach your chosen topic, it’s fine to pick any, right? We’d like to tell you yes, but there are tons out there, all with different strengths and weaknesses, and dedicating time to finding the right fit for you will benefit you in the long run. When you start checking out some different ones, keep these tips in mind: Read online reviews : the internet is a wonderful place and online reviews are a fantastic way to see what actual people have thought of their experience with the course, helping you picture what your experience with the school would be. Use various review sites to get a balanced view and listen to what people have to say. Review their alumni stories : learning a tech skill is great, but your ultimate goal is to land a job in your chosen field, not just add a new line to your resume. Therefore, checking out their alumni stories and outcomes should be a crucial part of your decision making. If the school doesn’t boast many clear stats on job placements or outcomes, or doesn’t have alumni stories available, be cautious of choosing them. Check out their terms/requirements : we mentioned above that the vast majority of bootcamps have no barriers to entry, but some may suggest having previous knowledge or studies in a chosen field; it’s important to review their requirements before committing to the course. In addition, you must look at their prices, dates, and offerings to get a better idea of if it’s the right fit for you. If you’ve been researching many schools and can’t seem to make a decision, consider reaching out to them and asking to speak to a current student to get a first-hand and current opinion; this can help you better picture how your experience in the course will be. Choosing a Bootcamp Modality You have your topic and your school–you’re done, right? Not so fast: the next step (which is equally as important) is to choose the modality of your bootcamp and here you’ll most likely have two decisions to make: full or part time and in-person or remote . This decision is dependent on you and your personal situation; we can’t tell you which is best for you, but we can suggest you think about the following: Consider how you learn : if you’re in a position where you could choose either option but just aren’t sure, take some time to reflect on how you learn and which modality would be best for you. Do you have trouble focusing when you’re at home? In-person courses may be superior. Or are you going to keep your current job while studying at the bootcamp? A part time course is probably best for you. Review your upcoming responsibilities : bootcamps require a serious time commitment both in and outside class and it’s key to give serious consideration to the time you can commit to the bootcamp, even if it means choosing a part time course over a full time one. Think about the entire picture : each decision has consequences and if you choose an in-person course, you’ll have to factor in commuting time every day while part time courses may eat up your weeknights and weekends. Taking a tech bootcamp is a great investment in your future, but make sure you think about every consequence before making a final decision. Tech bootcamps are flexible and can be customized to meet your needs, but in order to take full advantage of them, you’ll need to be realistic with what you can promise and commit to. Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tech Bootcamp You’ve made the three major decisions by now and that’s a great start. But before you sign on the dotted line, take these into consideration as well: Financing options : although cheaper than traditional forms of education such as a university degree, bootcamps do have a price tag and making sure you’re aware of that and the cost before signing up is essential. Many do offer financing options, such as grants, scholarships, income share agreements, payment plans, and more; if you will need help to pay for it, make sure you review this as well. Career support: your ultimate goal is to land a job in your new field post-graduation and that’s why lots of bootcamps offer personalized career support throughout the entire course (and even after!) to help you land a job. Exactly what they offer, however, will differ from one to another and making sure you’re clear on what you’re getting is a key part of your decision making process. Tech bootcamps are incredible ways to get into tech and we’re happy you’re considering a future in tech with Ironhack. Take some time to consider what we listed above and make sure you’re on the right track and then consider our bootcamps in web development, UX/UI design, data analytics, and cybersecurity : with detailed career support and financing options in addition to part and full time and remote or in-person options, Ironhack is the right choice for any aspiring techie.

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6 minutes

Innovations in Tech Bootcamps: What's New on the Horizon

Ironhack - 2023-11-27

All Courses

You’ve heard us say it and we’ll say it a bunch more times–the future of tech is incredibly bright. And it’s only grown in potential in recent years, thanks to an increase in the popularity of and importance placed on tech bootcamps. And while bootcamps themselves are gaining traction in the industry and becoming an incredibly popular way to get into the tech industry, there’s also a lot going on in the classroom. In this article, we’ll talk about how tech bootcamps came to be, what you can expect from your tech bootcamp, what’s changed in recent years, and what we see happening in the future. The Origins of Tech Bootcamps To understand what’s happening today in bootcamps and what we predict for the future, it’s important to be familiar with bootcamps themselves, where they came from, and why they’ve gained so much traction in recent years. As you probably know already, bootcamps are incredibly intensive, fast-moving courses that aim to teach students marketable skills to fill gaps in the job market immediately after graduation. Bootcamps exist across a wide range of areas, but have become specifically popular in various areas of tech because there is such a large (and continuously increasing) skills gap in the tech industry. Why? Let’s discuss. The tech skills gap You know the tech sector moves incredibly fast and that’s one reason why we’re so passionate about it and always looking for the next opportunity. And while this is due to constant innovation and new developments, which is an overall positive thing for the sector, it has led to the creation of a large skills gap. A skills gap is when there are open positions in the market, but the available candidates do not meet the requirements for the job and therefore aren’t hired; there are tons of open slots in tech companies and even regular companies in other sectors for tech roles, but there simply aren’t enough qualified candidates to meet the need. How is the tech skills gap being created? It’s simple: companies want to keep up with the latest trends in tech and are in search of skilled professionals that meet their needs. But as new technologies are released practically constantly, finding enough people to fill these needs and keep up with tomorrow’s developments has proved to be quite the challenge. Tech bootcamps to fill the skills gap This is exactly where tech bootcamps come into play: they serve as efficient and high-quality ways for aspiring techies to learn the necessary skills to enter the workforce while filling a hole that exists in the job market. And while there are a lot of future techies who are currently in university programs or learning new skills on their own, it’s hard for them to properly prepare for the future workforce when they aren’t sure what skills will be needed when they’re ready to enter the job market. Here’s where tech bootcamps take center stage. Tech bootcamps are innovative and enhanced ways to learn the skills that the job market currently needs so that graduates are uniquely suited to fill these holes in the job market. How? Through the following techniques: Bootcamps focus on the exact skills needed to land a job in tech , teaching students exactly what they need to know and not focusing too much on extra information. The curriculum of bootcamps is expertly designed by tech professionals themselves, with input from hiring managers who know exactly what’s needed. Bootcamps are fast-moving , preparing students to be job-ready in just a few months. In addition to being a great way to land a job in tech, bootcamps also provide the following benefits and advantages for students: Tech bootcamps are affordable , providing students the opportunity to get the education they need to land a job in tech without going into debt. Because they’re conducted over such a short period of time, tech bootcamps allow career changers the opportunity to make the leap into tech without being out of work for too long. For those with tight schedules or other responsibilities, such as other jobs or childcare duties, tech bootcamps offer flexible options, such as part or full time, in addition to in-person or remote courses. Truly focused on filling the skills gap from day one, tech bootcamps also provide students with career counseling and advice so that they’re able to prepare for the job hunt. The Future of Tech Bootcamps The popularity of tech bootcamps has just increased over time and we’re sure it will continue to gain importance as more and more people realize how helpful they are for both aspiring techies and those looking to fill the skills gap. The future of tech is incredibly bright for a number of reasons, but for these in particular: The globalization of tech bootcamps The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic led to the widespread adoption of remote working and learning solutions to deal with the immediate challenge of quarantine obligations and while many have schools and offices have returned to pre-pandemic conditions and are back in person, bootcamps have realized the value of offering remote options to students. On one hand, some students prefer online learning for a variety of reasons; others have disabilities or duties that prevent them from consistently attending in-person courses. The availability of remote courses has allowed entirely new groups of people to participate and therefore be afforded the same opportunity to get into tech as their peers. The other hand, however, has been quite transformative: remote bootcamps have opened the doors to increasing digital literacy and tech prowess across the world, allowing students from every corner of the world the same opportunity to learn about tech and get into the field. In the future, we can expect to see even more bootcamps searching for students from the entire world, welcoming absolutely anyone who wants to learn about tech. A move away from coding When tech bootcamps first came to be, most if not all bootcamps focused solely on teaching their students how to code, preparing them to be the next web developer or software engineer. And while interest in coding is still widespread and lots of bootcamp students are learning how to code through bootcamps, more and more bootcamps are choosing to focus on other areas of tech, such as UX/UI design or cybersecurity. There are many reasons for this, but a main one is that tech is infiltrating every area of every industry; companies don’t just hire web developers to write the code for the site and keep it clear of bugs. They need skilled UX/UI designers to create an inviting and intuitive framework that sets their company apart from the competition while ensuring that their cybersecurity professionals keep their site free of hackers and phishing attacks. Coding bootcamps will continue to attract many interested techies, but we’ll see more and more bootcamps in various topics sprouting up in the future. A focus on artificial intelligence Everyone is talking about it and there’s a reason why: artificial intelligence technologies have absolutely taken the entire world (not just the tech world!) by storm, allowing us to do things we never thought possible. Developers are asking ChatGPT to write code for them and deep learning algorithms are allowing data analysts to process and sort incredibly large amounts of data; these are all great applications of these new developments, but there’s a key here: professionals who know how to use AI technology are sorely needed. These AI tools aren’t just imagined overnight; they take lots of time and effort to both create and maintain and as more and more AI tools are released, even more skilled professionals who know how to make the most of them will be needed. AI tools are fantastic additions to tech, but they won’t replace jobs; on the contrary, they’ll create new jobs while allowing us to reach places of tech that we didn’t think were possible before . As tech schools start creating bootcamps dedicated entirely to AI tools, we can also expect to see more and more AI taught in other courses. The future of tech is incredibly bright and at Ironhack we’re eager to see everything the next generation of techies will accomplish as they use tech bootcamps to get into the industry and begin their journey. If you’re considering a future in tech but don’t know how to get started, consider one of our bootcamps in web development, UX/UI design, cybersecurity, or data analytics and see where your future could take you. We offer career support during the entire course and up to a year post-graduation, giving you the opportunity to prepare yourself for the job hunt and your first role in tech. Now’s the moment to get into tech–don’t let another second pass you by and check out our bootcamps today.

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6 minutes

The Perfect LinkedIn Profile for an Machine Learning Professional

Ironhack - 2023-11-26

All Courses

We all know that social networks have taken over the globe and our lives in so many ways and thanks to them, we are more and more connected both personally and professionally. LinkedIn provides a space for those who want to share their career profile, get hired for a job, and details about their professional life in particular. One of the jobs that is projected to increase by 22% in the next decade is machine learning engineer and as it grows, it’s important that those interested in landing a machine learning job know how to stand out to be hired for the position that’s right for them . LinkedIn: Why Does it Matter? Finding the right job isn’t always easy; however, LinkedIn highly facilitates the process and cuts down the time that it takes to track down and speak to the right people. Let’s take a look at how LinkedIn assists their users: Contacts and networking: the amount of profiles for both job candidates and companies is staggering and since everything is so interconnected, it’s simple to shoot off a message to a hiring manager, recruiter, or the company itself. Plus, there are an unlimited number of peers and mentors in your field waiting to meet you. Research: any questions you may have about a company, a potential career path, or professional contact can most certainly be found and answered on LinkedIn . It’s a true wealth of knowledge for anything professional. Employment: the most obvious of the reasons behind the importance of Linkedin is that it is your entryway to a new job since an unlimited number of companies are searching for the next employee to hire. They may reach out to you or you can always apply for a position they have available . You never know when a hiring manager may send you a message. Personal branding: designing a profile with so many customizable options, LinkedIn users have the opportunity to create their own statement and personal brand for others to see. You have the opportunity to show yourself off to everyone and there’s a lot of power behind that , especially when you take into account that LinkedIn profiles are almost always the first page that appears on Google searches for people’s names . It’s crucial to remember that your LinkedIn profile has a huge impact on your career path overall and in the next section, you’ll learn how to curate and enhance your profile for companies that want to hire new employees in general. Tips and Tricks for All LinkedIn Profiles All LinkedIn profiles have a variety of customizable fields that allow you to design your personal brand and whether you’re a project manager or a machine learning engineer, your pictures, position, and headline on your profile are crucial to being discovered and respected. First impressions Prior to clicking onto your profile and learning more about you, users will immediately see your name, your headline, and a small picture and this is the first impression that they will have of you. When making that first impression, there are a few items to keep in mind: Bubble/profile picture This picture is an essential part of your profile because it shows so much about you to the hiring manager and recruiter. You want to appear as professional as possible in this picture; how can you project professionalism in just a small picture? Try these tips: Show your face: your profile presents your personal brand, so you and your face in particular need to be in the picture as the main character. Show an expression that you think best represents you . Make them high quality: hiring managers and recruiters want to see that you care about your job and what better way to show that than with a high quality picture? A high quality camera or camera phone make for great devices to capture the right shot. Hire a photographer or a friend: it may seem like a waste of money, but hiring a professional photographer can make a big difference in the overall quality of the shot. They know how to direct their subjects and capture the perfect picture. If the price is a barrier, you can always ask a friend with a nice camera. Keep the background simple: if you are using a picture that has a background, make sure that it doesn’t distract from the main event: you . The environment should also be either neutral or related to your job in some way. Headline With 220 characters at your disposal , you have a brief sentence or two to show who you are and what you do. Keep the following in mind when writing your brief headline description: Make them direct and concise: there’s no need to expand more than a combination of four or five of the following details: your job title, expertise, hard skills, certifications, affiliations, location, accomplishments, and/or personal values. Don’t overload your headline with too many details. Project confidence: hiring managers and recruiters want their employees to believe in themselves and their abilities, so add a line that shows your conviction . Share your why: your purpose is a big part of your professional life and connecting your motivation with your career boasts your values and beliefs. The objective here is to lure them in with your headline and profile picture and make them click and read more about you in your profile. LinkedIn Profiles for Machine Learning Professionals They’re here and wanting to discover more about you, so now that you have unlimited space, brag and boast about yourself and all your experiences. Summary The summary is the meat and potatoes of your LinkedIn profile and it is where you develop more of your values, identity, and worth. The questions that you should answer include the following: What is your machine learning engineer journey? What do you want to accomplish in your career? What is your ‘ why’ for machine learning? What makes you wake up to go to work in the morning? What machine learning passion projects do you want to work on? Where does your machine learning expertise lie? You have 2600 characters to ensure that hiring managers and recruiters know your goals and what you truly want, so make them count! Educational experience Although there are many ways to create a strong foundation to become a machine learning engineer, taking a machine learning course is now essential for those who want to break into the field . No matter what your career looks like, your educational experience can show so much of what you can bring to a company and in the case of machine learning jobs, professionals need to beef up their expertise and skills with certifications and bootcamps that prove the drive and passion they have for machine learning. Work experience Machine learning engineer jobs are a recent career option, so many won’t have work experience in the field. And we understand; it can feel scary to start applying for jobs in a position you may not have had before. Nevertheless, your work experience is valuable for hiring managers and recruiters because it shows them all the valuable skills and abilities in your tool belt . You can still land the job you want without having the experience thanks to those hard and soft transferable skills you’ve accumulated over the years as well as reskilling. Accomplishments and projects With all your experience and effort, you must have reached great heights and achieved some great feats and as we previously mentioned, this is the time to strut your stuff . List the achievements of which you are truly proud and don’t forget to mention the projects on which you’ve collaborated. Those projects make for further insight into your interests, work ethic, and grit for hiring managers and recruiters. Extra tips Skills LinkedIn allows their users to list hard and soft skills that they have garnered from their experiences and for machine learning professionals, the following hard skills stand out: Programming languages such as Python Machine learning frameworks and libraries Deep learning Data analysis and visualization Cloud platforms Model deployment In addition to the hard skills, include these soft skills: Adaptability Creative thinking Project management Organization Continuous learning Analytical thinking Endorsements and recommendations You boasting your feats is one thing, but hearing it from your coworkers, mentors, and bosses is another. Leaving endorsements and recommendations on your page is a fantastic feature on LinkedIn and although it may feel uncomfortable, asking your professional peers to leave one is 100% worth it. Have them tailor it to machine learning by referring to some of the skills listed above . Share posts Just like on other social networking sites, you can share and upload posts to your page and on LinkedIn it can be beneficial to your profile to keep contacts updated on your current projects and career movement. It also shows people what you support and believe in as a professional. Social networking in a professional way may feel new and different, but LinkedIn is exciting and fun once you get the hang of it . With its focus on networking and professions, you have access to so many features; the world is your oyster . Because machine learning engineering is going to grow, you have the opportunity to make the change now and try one of our newest bootcamps: Data Science and Machine Learning. This bootcamp will set you up for success in becoming a machine learning engineer. Check it out below.

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6 minutes

How to Learn a New Programming Language

Ironhack - 2023-11-23

Web Development

As you’re probably well aware by now, pursuing a career in any area of tech means you’re on a continuous learning journey , constantly looking for new ways to enrich your skill set and new tools to add to your repertoire. And in web development, there’s certainly no exception: there are a plethora of programming languages out there, each with unique characteristics and uses, that serve as a great option for your next challenge. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of learning a new programming language , give our tips and tricks to mastering the learning process, and suggest some of the best programming languages to learn; before that, however, let’s review what programming languages are and their importance in the world of tech. What are Programming Languages? To put it simply, programming languages are those the set of rules that programmers input into a computer so that it does what the programmer wants. In the same way that humans can verbally instruct others to do what they need, computers understand and produce the intended outcome , thanks to the programming languages. However, there are a vast number of programming languages that differ in the following areas: Learning curve : programming languages vary significantly when it comes to ease of learning; some are intuitive and easy to pick up on while others require lots of practice and study. General purpose vs. special purpose : the specific programming language you need to use will depend on what you’re doing; general purpose programming languages can be used for a wide range of tasks while special purpose programming languages are exactly that–-for a specific task. Imperative vs. declarative : programming languages aren’t all designed to execute specific commands, imperative programming languages work this way, but declarative ones simply give the computer a goal and let it figure it out on its own. High-level vs. low-level : there’s a programming language out there for everyone and finding the right one requires a bit of patience and research; if you have little to no experience with coding, a low-level language is the right place to start because the computer handles most of the nitty gritty while high-level languages require more programming knowledge from the user. We could go on and on because there are many differences between programming languages and it’s quite easy to get a bit lost. So when you sit down to learn a new programming language, how can you know which is right? Is there even a right answer? Well, there may not be one correct answer, but we can help narrow down your options. Which programming language should I learn? Answering this question may be even harder than learning the language itself! With so many options and lots of similarities and small differences, making the right choice can seem impossible. So if you’re lost, take a look at our guide below: Identify your needs : whether you’re learning on your own for fun or for a specific project at work, you need to ensure your programming language choice meets your needs or those of your team. Think about your end goal, the complexity of your project, and what this programming language knowledge will ultimately be used for–this will help narrow down your options. Research learning methods : if you find an obscure programming language that seems to meet all your needs but you aren’t sure you’ll be able to actually learn it because of the few resources out there, it’s probably not the best choice. As you’re starting off or choosing the most common programming languages to learn this probably won’t be a problem, but make sure you find a learning method that works for you and that’s readily available. Explore other resources : lots of the common programming languages are open-source, meaning they boast large online communities that can help you troubleshoot or get help if you get stuck. More specialized languages, however, may not have this help available, resulting in roadblocks. Research the cost and other requirements : some programming languages require licensing or you have to pay other fees; research this beforehand to ensure you are able to meet any requirements. How to Learn a New Programming Language Now that the first step is out of the way and you know what you want to learn, let’s dive right into the good stuff: how to learn a new programming language. Learning a new programming language is totally possible on your own or with some help on the side, as long as you have the right motivation: Find your purpose Like we mentioned above, it’s important to carefully choose the language you want to learn based on the project you have to complete, but that’s not the only reason: learning a new programming language is a serious commitment and one that will take lots of time and dedication; if you aren’t truly interested and invested in the process, it will be nearly impossible to learn. A large part of learning a programming language is practicing it and if you pick a language that’s a bit obscure or only used in very specific cases, you may struggle with practicing it over and over again. That’s why it’s crucial to evaluate your purpose for learning beforehand and make sure that inspiration fuels your learning process. Take on the basics We get it–you want to dive right into the good stuff, focusing on what’s going to let you start coding as soon as possible, but dedicating time to the theoretical aspects of coding and essential foundational knowledge is an absolute necessity. Even if you already know other programming languages, take your time with the basic and beginner steps of this programming language to ensure that you have the foundational knowledge needed for success as you become more and more advanced. Get to practice Don’t worry–it won’t take long before you’re getting your hands dirty and practicing. Even if you’re feeling great after reviewing the foundational knowledge, the actual action of coding is quite different than reading about it and you’ll need to put what you’ve learned into action through practicing. This is where having a clear purpose and outcome comes in handy; you can practice on your project so that you’re seeing real-world applications of what you’re learning. If you don’t have something to get started on, however, don’t worry: there are tons of exercises and resources online that can give you prompts to help you get practicing. Consider coding by hand We know, we know: why would you code by hand?! It sounds like a complete waste of time considering you’ll never code by hand in the real world, but it will allow you to go slower and better understand each step of what you’re doing. Just like how taking notes in a lecture by hand helps you retain more of the information, you’ll have a higher understanding of each part of the code by writing it out by hand. In addition, some companies conduct their technical interviews through on-paper coding exercises and this serves as great interview practice for once you’re ready to start applying! Dedicate time to debugging Coding isn’t just watching magic happen from your code writing skills; bugs are inevitable and knowing how to both check for them and remove them from your code without undoing everything you’ve already done is a key part of the life of a web developer. If you practice debugging while you’re learning, you’ll be better suited to handle problems that arise once you’re on the job. Set realistic goals Learning to code can be a tiring and long process and it will be easy to get distracted or lose focus. To combat this, try to set goals to help you check in with your progress throughout your learning journey so that you’re able to check off accomplishments and see what else is left. Make these goals measurable and attainable and let them assist your learning process, but not dominate it. If you have a large end goal, such as landing a new job or completing a new project, this can serve as extra motivation when it comes to those moments when you feel stuck or unmotivated. The coding journey can seem long and arduous, but it’s one that’s definitely worth it in the long run. After all, if you prioritize your learning journey and really commit to learning this new programming language, you’ll be well on your way to promotions, new job opportunities, and an overall better understanding of web development. At Ironhack, we know that learning a new programming language can seem like an impossible task and that’s why our bootcamps are designed with the student in mind, bringing together the perfect combination of foundational and practical knowledge to help you become an expert in coding in just a few months and land that first tech job. If you’re interested in becoming a web developer, what are you waiting for?! Check out our Web Development Bootcamp today and take the first steps towards making your dream a reality.

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7 minutes

Things Only Web Developers Will Understand

Ironhack - 2023-11-18

Web Development

You’re well on your way to becoming a skilled web developer, but even early on in the job you’ve discovered that there are certain things that other people just don’t get. And while they seem quite straightforward to you, you find that even other members of the team are asking questions that don’t make sense or make you doubt if they truly understand what it’s like to be a web developer. It can be frustrating--we get it! But before you get too down, remember that there are a lot of people out there who go through the same daily struggles as web developers and totally get where you’re coming from. In fact, that’s why we’ve dedicated this article to helping you relate with other web developers and take a sigh of relief: it’s not just you! A Day in the Life of a Web Developer Before we head right into things that only web developers understand, let’s explore web development a bit further, explain the most common roles in the field, and dissect the daily life of web developers. What is web development? As we’re sure you know, web development is the field of creating, building, maintaining, and optimizing websites and applications, incorporating practically every aspect of the entire process. With the field itself, this means every aspect, such as web design, web programming, web publishing, web optimization, and database management, among others. Because the field of web development is so broad and takes on lots of responsibilities, the roles you may see or consider for yourself in web development are varied: Front end developer : one of the most common roles on a web development team is a front end developer, whose main responsibilities lie with the client side of the website, ensuring the client experience is as positive as possible through intuitive, dynamic, and easy-to-use designs Back end developer : another frequently seen role is a back end developer, who manages the server side, or the back end, of the website, creating, writing, and debugging the code that lets the website run as intended. Fullstack developer : for those that simply can’t decide between the front and back ends, fullstack development is a combination of both, typically used on smaller teams that don’t have the bandwidth to employ two separate professionals. Graphic designer: a well-written and dynamic website is useless if users can’t navigate it easily and aren’t drawn to the site’s design and look and feel. UX designers or graphic designers are responsible for the overall feel and design of the website. Quality tester: as we mentioned above, the website needs to be fast, dynamic, and attractive to potential clients and quality testers are responsible for flagging any potential issues with the site, such as slow loading times, bugs, or non-responsive links/pages. Project manager : such a large team means there’s many moving parts that are simultaneously working on the same project; to ensure that problems are flagged as soon as they emerge and not too late, project managers oversee the day-to-day of the entire team. Your specific responsibilities will vary based on your particular role and daily tasks, but web developers can expect to incorporate the following into their day-to-day on the job: Writing code : this one is pretty obvious! Web developers are known for their ability to write code, but it’s not just any code: this code needs to be clean (meaning free of bugs) and efficient (meaning it moves fast). The exact programming language used will depend on your company, knowledge, and needs at that moment, but web developers are typically proficient in a few and have experience with the HTML and CSS frameworks. Team meetings : as we mentioned above, web development teams are quite varied and everyone has different roles and responsibilities. To ensure that the project is moving at the correct speed and will meet deadlines, daily team meetings are an absolute necessity and help tackle any roadblocks while guaranteeing everyone is on the same page. Testing : even the best web developers sometimes see bugs in their code and that’s totally fine; that’s why the testing stage is such an essential part of the web development day-to-day. Testing and trying out your designs helps you identify any possible issues, in addition to ensuring that the product is flawless once it’s released to users. Monitoring live products : the job of a web developer doesn’t end once a product is launched to users; in fact, web developers must continue to monitor and evaluate the results from their previous projects to ensure that there are no issues and optimize processes when needed. Things Only Web Developers Will Understand With a clear understanding of what web developers do on a daily basis and the different roles that exist within the field of web development, let’s dive right into the things that only web developers will understand and what we can do to tackle some of these common misconceptions. When people assume you know all the programming languages There are tons of programming languages out there and many developers frequently face others assuming they just know them all! But as you know, programming languages are quite varied and to truly master one, it takes lots of time, practice, and dedication, meaning even the best programmers only use a couple at one time. Our tip: if someone says this, take the chance to explain to them that it’s simply not possible to know every single programming language out there because they’re all detailed and as a professional, you prefer to focus on just a few and master them, instead of spreading yourself thin across many. When people conflate front and back end development responsibilities As a front end developer, you might have people ask you about back end responsibilities (or vice versa!) and there’s nothing more frustrating than someone showing a complete lack of understanding of what you do. This issue is more commonplace than one might imagine, given that fullstack developers exist and do take on the responsibilities of both of these roles. Our tip: if someone asks you to do something out of your skill set or knowledge, kindly remind them that your expertise lies in your specific area of knowledge and point them in the right direction. It may get tedious to do this over and over again, but keep in mind it comes from a place of ignorance, not of malice! When someone says, “ Can’t ChatGPT do that for you?” Artificial intelligence tools are incredible and we’re lucky to live in a time where they’re just taking off and we’re discovering everything they can do to help us. This doesn’t mean, however, that they’re suited to take on any challenge or capable of writing detailed code that’s specific to our exact project needs, checking it for problems, and maintaining it over time. Our tip: people are excited about ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence tools because what they can accomplish is truly awesome. So before you get too frustrated with these repeated comments, focus on what AI tools can do to help you and your daily workload and don’t let these kinds of comments get to you. When someone assumes something is a simple fix Have you ever worked so hard on creating what you think is incredible, clean, and efficient code only to be faced with bugs and other challenges from the rest of your team? Probably, because it’s a normal part of the job for the vast majority of web developers; what’s most frustrating, however, is people assuming that fixing these issues is simple and requires little time when in reality, you’ll have to painstakingly review your code to find the bug and fix it. Our tip: you and only you know how to properly do your job and while it can be frustrating to have your hard work and responsibilities minimized to simple, take it as a compliment: you make it look so easy that they see it as a simple fix! You can also take the time to explain the intricacies of reviewing and debugging code to ensure it doesn’t happen again in the future. The life of a web developer is incredible--you’ll consistently be challenged throughout your career, always ready to take on the next challenge and master whatever comes your way. But we understand that it also comes with its frustrations and requires a good deal of patience, especially when dealing with those who don’t truly understand what being a web developer is all about. While it can seem impossible, we’re here to tell you some good news: it’s truly not! Becoming a web developer in 2024 is all about facing unknown challenges and setting yourself up for success in a field that’s growing exponentially. And at Ironhack, our Web Development Bootcamp is specifically designed to teach you what you need to know to reach success in this awesome tech-filled world. If you’re considering taking the next step towards starting your web development career, you’re in the right place--check out our bootcamp below and don’t let another day pass!

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7 minutes

The Perfect LinkedIn Profile for a Cloud Computing Professional

Ironhack - 2023-11-16

All Courses

Are you finally ready to fully utilize that LinkedIn profile? It may seem like a daunting task considering how many people are on the platform, but learning how to create the perfect LinkedIn profile will help you grow your professional network. LinkedIn connections may come easily, but truly connecting with individuals who can help you land your dream job is a much more intensive task. In order to catch the eye of potential clients, network with fellow cloud computing professionals, or simply flaunt your projects and personal work, you’ll need a strong profile. That said, Ironhack has a number of tips to help you create the perfect LinkedIn profile for a cloud computing professional. Why Use LinkedIn? LinkedIn is a powerful professional networking platform that offers users the opportunity to stay updated on industry trends, explore job opportunities, and to grow their professional network. The platform is structured such that users post, expand their visibility, and receive valuable feedback from peers and clients. Here are a few other benefits of the platform: Networking : LinkedIn offers the platform for one to connect with peers, colleagues, and industry experts, expanding your possibility to access these “hidden job markets” and increase your collaborations and partnership opportunities. Visibility : a well-designed LinkedIn profile displays your skills, experience, and achievements. It operates as an online resume, allowing you to publicize your expertise in a given field or files. Knowledge sharing: LinkedIn facilitates knowledge sharing through hosting various groups and forums for discussion on industry trends, insights, and asking questions. Participating in these discussions helps users stay up-to-date on the latest industry developments and learn from the experiences of others. Job opportunities: ultimately, many companies use LinkedIn to recruit talent. Having a strong presence on the platform increases your chances of being discovered by recruiters and allows you to get a sense of the job opportunities that exist. You can also actively search for job postings and apply directly through the platform. Helpful Hints for All LinkedIn Profiles Now that you’re convinced that creating a quality LinkedIn profile is necessary, let’s delve into the specific steps to do just that. Here are a few helpful hints to improve any LinkedIn profile: Professional profile picture: use a high-quality, professional-looking headshot as your profile picture. A clear and friendly image helps make a great first impression. Compelling headline: the headline is a 220 character tagline designed to capture the attention of potential clients or fellow professionals in the industry. Write a descriptive and concise headline that exhibits your expertise. For example, “Cloud Computing Specialist, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, DevOps Enthusiast.” Detailed summary: craft a compelling summary that outlines your skills, experience, and career aspirations. Use keywords related to your industry in order to be easily discoverable by recruiters and peers. Work experience: include all your experience, including roles, responsibilities, and achievements. Focus on projects and accomplishments related to your field or the industries where you aspire to work. Skills and certifications: include both hard and soft skills, focus specifically on skills that are relevant to the fields you’re looking to be associated with, and ask your colleagues and clients to endorse those skills in order to improve your profile. In addition, include your educational background and any relevant certifications you may possess in order to increase your profile’s credibility. Stay active: remember to regularly update your profile with new skills, experiences, and achievements. Engage with your connections by congratulating them on their achievements or sharing thoughtful comments on their posts. The Perfect LinkedIn Profile for Cloud Computing Professionals In the realm of cloud computing, for many, your LinkedIn profile is the initial point of contact for job recruiters and other cloud computing professionals. So how should your cloud computing LinkedIn profile look? We’re happy to offer some advice! Cloud profile picture Your LinkedIn profile picture, for better or for worse, is the first image that anyone viewing your profile will encounter. That said, it’s crucial to have a professional profile picture that resonates with your expertise in cloud computing . This could be a professional headshot, an image of you engaged in your work environment, or even a photo of your involvement in cloud-related activities. The photo should reflect your unique perspective and visually convey your professional brand . To ensure a strong profile picture, consider these guidelines: Prioritize clarity : select a high-resolution image where your face is clearly visible. Avoid using filters or background that might distract viewers from your professional demeanor. Showcase your expertise: if you’re a cloud computing professional, make it known. For example, include subtle indicators of cloud technologies in the background of the photo, communicating your connection to the industry. Highlight your professionalism : avoid using photos that are taken in non-professional settings or that might be deemed inappropriate in a professional context. Compelling headline Your LinkedIn headline, limited to 220 characters, plays a pivotal role in your profile. It should encapsulate your role, expertise, and what differentiates you, catering to potential employers or clients. Follow the following helpful hints in order to create a headline that resonates: Specify your role : begin with your current job title or position, providing a broad overview of your expertise. Communicate your unique values: following your title, include a brief description of the value you bring to an organization. Try to display your diverse talents in order to highlight your adaptability and versatility as a cloud computing professional. Avoid technical jargon : while expertise is necessary, avoid using overly technical language that may alienate those unfamiliar with industry specific terms. You want to bring in a broader audience with your headline. Keep it fresh: there are millions of generic headlines online that you can easily replicate, but folks viewing your profile will immediately clock those cliches. It's important to craft a headline that feels fresh, authentic, and that genuinely reflects your unique capabilities. Certifications Certifications play a crucial role in showing off your expertise. Employers highly value professionals with certifications that validate their knowledge. Displaying these certifications of your cloud computing LinkedIn profile serves as tangible proof of your skills. For cloud computing professionals, notable certifications include: Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certifications Microsoft Azure Certifications Google Cloud Certifications Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) Certified Cloud Technology Professional (CCTP) Remember, if you possess multiple certifications, display the ones that best match your career goals and enhance your credibility in the cloud computing industry. Projects Beyond your education and specific work experience, it is more and more helpful to exhibit specific projects and hands-on experiences that highlight your expertise and motivation in the field of cloud computing. These could be projects like cloud migration, or optimizing cloud infrastructure for better scalability, performance, and cost-efficiency. Be clear about the roadblocks faced while carrying out these projects and how you surpassed those challenges. Use language that demonstrates your confidence, initiative, and expertise like, “developed,” “led,” and “created,” as opposed to flat language like, “did,” or “made.” When adding projects to your profile, make sure you highlight your contributions and quantify your achievements using data . This not only demonstrates your success, but also provides data-backed evidence to support your capabilities. Summary Writing a compelling LinkedIn professional summary is important in emphasizing your expertise and attracting relevant opportunities . Your summary should be written in your voice and showcase your personality: Clearly state your areas of expertise within cloud computing. Whether it’s cloud architecture, cybersecurity, data analytics, or specific cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, be specific about what you excel in. Share achievements and projects t hat not only publicize your successes, but your resilience in the face of challenges or the numerical impact you made on a project or organization. Emphasize what sets you apart from other cloud computing professionals. Whether it’s a unique skill, a pacific certification, or a niche area of expertise, make your unique selling point (USP) very clear to individuals viewing your profile. Demonstrate continuous learning , the tech industry is ever-evolving, thus, showcasing your commitment to staying updated via certifications, training programs, and other ongoing education efforts is huge to potential employers. Proofread and edit: it may seem basic, but not enough folks proofread! Ensure that your summary is free from grammatical errors and typos. Recommendations and endorsements Recommendations and endorsements on LinkedIn provide social proof of your skills and expertise. This is especially important for cloud computing professionals, as our knowledge is so important to our success in the field: Specificity is key, the more you offer specific examples relating to your skills, achievements, and the impact you directly made, the more credible your profile is. Request recommendations from supervisors and clients , it may seem daunting, but it’s what will set you apart. Recommendations from supervisors, managers, or clients speak volumes to your work ethic, leadership skills, and how you’ve personally contributed to the success of projects. Demonstrate your soft skills and work ethic through endorsements of our soft skills like communication, problem solving, and adaptability. These qualities are ever more valuable in the collaborative world of cloud computing. Regularly review and update your endorsed skills such that they align with your current expertise. Remove outdated skills and add new ones that you’ve acquired through learning or professional experience. If you want to brush up on your cloud computing knowledge, or are interested in jumpstarting a career in the industry, then you’re in the right place. Ironhack offers bootcamps in web development and data analytics that will give you the skills you need to stand out on LinkedIn, the knowledge to nail the interview process , and confidence to secure yourself the cloud computing job of your dreams.

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7 minutes

Learn Artificial Intelligence with Ironhack’s New Bootcamp

Ellen Merryweather - 2023-11-14

All Courses

We’ve always got our fingers on the pulse of the tech industry, paying close attention to the roles companies are struggling to fill and the skills needed by tomorrow’s aspiring tech professionals. And like everyone else in the world, we’ve heard the buzz around Artificial Intelligence. That’s why we’re bringing you an all-new Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp ! In just 9 weeks you can learn the skills you need to launch your tech career with AI. Fill your portfolio with projects that recruiters will love, and get the career support you need to join one of tech’s fastest growing niches. Why Learn AI? Tech is always evolving, that’s no secret. When choosing your path into the tech industry, you want to know that the skills you're learning are actually in demand. And the numbers don't lie; AI is on the rise! According to LinkedIn's AI Skills Index data, "the skills required for many jobs have changed by a staggering 25% since 2015, with that number expected to reach at least 65% by 2030 due to the rapid development of new technologies like AI." Tech professionals around the world are growing their skill sets to meet the new need. According to LinkedIn, only 3 in every 1000 members could be considered AI professionals in 2016. In 2022, that number increased to 17 in every 1000. By joining their ranks you're setting yourself up for a bright future in an ever-growing field. AI skills aren’t just in demand, they’re needed across a huge variety of industries. Everything from small startups to giant corporations are crying out for skilled AI professionals. This means you’re opening the doors to hundreds of possible career opportunities. The AI career path AI skills can complement almost any role in the tech industry, from digital marketing to web development and UX/UI design. As the technology grows, so do the dedicated job roles required for companies to properly wield it. At entry level, you could land a job as an AI Engineer or Prompt Engineer. This could lead to further opportunities as you grow in your new career path, like Computer Vision Engineer, NLP Engineer or MLOps Engineer, and many more. What’s in the Bootcamp? The Ironhack Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp is an immersive experience. Here are some key things to keep in mind: Duration : 9 weeks Location : Remote Format : Live online classes, hands-on collaborative projects, and asynchronous individual learning Price : €8,000 €6,800* *As one of our AI Bootcamp early-adopters, you’ll save 15% off tuition fees. Made for beginners If this is your first foray into tech, don’t panic! Our bootcamps are designed with beginners in mind. You’ll have access to online prework before the bootcamp starts, which will give you fundamental training in core concepts like Python and statistics. You’ll also learn the history, current state of play of AI as well as get to know its key players The prework ensures that everyone, regardless of their background, is able to hit the ground running and succeed. The AI skills companies are looking for In 9 weeks, you’ll learn everything you need to kickstart your career in AI. Our comprehensive curriculum covers: Python programming Machine learning fundamentals APIs Prompt engineering Neural networks and deep learning Natural language processing Computer vision MLOps and cloud computing Building and deploying AI-driven solutions Unlike other remote tech courses, you’ll receive live online classes with your instructor, to get your questions asked and answered in real time. Career Services Our approach focuses on not just landing you a job, but finding a job that's aligned with your long-term goals. With our Career Services , you’ll gain a better understanding of the tech job market, get resume, portfolio, and pitch support, and personalized guidance with your Career Coach. Financing options We’re proud to offer a variety of financing options to help you fund your education, including payment plans, loans, and bursaries. Money should never be a blocker to education. If you’ve got the will and the drive, we can help you find the means. On average, 70% of our students use financing options to help pay for their bootcamp, so you’re in good company! Speak to your Admissions Advisor to see which is best for you, depending on your eligibility and location. How to Get Started If you’re interested in starting your AI journey with us, check out our Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp . If that’s not quite what you’re looking for, we’re also launching new courses in: DevOps and Cloud Computing Data Science and Machine Learning We’ll see you in class!

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7 minutes

Learn DevOps and Cloud Computing with Ironhack’s New Bootcamp

Ellen Merryweather - 2023-11-14

All Courses

We’ve always got our fingers on the pulse of the tech industry, paying close attention to the roles companies are struggling to fill and the skills needed by tomorrow’s aspiring tech professionals. DevOps and Cloud Computing aren’t exactly new. What is new is the dramatic rise in companies adopting a DevOps mindset, running their operations in the cloud, and crying out for professionals to help them do all of that at scale. That’s why we’re bringing you an all-new DevOps and Cloud Computing Bootcamp! In just 9 weeks you can learn the skills you need to launch your tech career with DevOps and Cloud. Fill your portfolio with projects that recruiters will love, and get the career support you need to join one of tech’s fastest growing niches. Why Learn DevOps and Cloud Computing? The DevOps revolution has truly begun, with a drastic increase in the number of organizations adopting a DevOps culture. This means jobs, jobs, and more jobs! According to GitLab's 2023 Global DevSecOps Survey, 56% of organizations in 2023 are using DevOps or DevSecOps methodologies globally, up from 47% in 2022. Cloud is also on many company’s minds, with 71% running a quarter or more of their applications in the cloud. The number of roles for professionals with these skills are growing faster than the talent pool can rise to meet the demand, and we don’t see that trend going anywhere fast. Future proof your skill set, and get ready for a world of opportunities. The DevOps and Cloud career path Entry level roles include Cloud Developer and Cloud Support Associate. As you grow in your career, you could land a job as a DevOps Engineer, Cloud Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer, DevSecOps/Cloud Security Engineer, or System/Network Engineer. These roles can be found everywhere from startups to Fortune 500 companies, who are all adopting DevOps at record speed due to changing business models and increased competition. You can also find opportunities at cloud service providers, like Amazon Web Services, and cloud computing platforms like Cisco Meraki and Oracle. With this skill set you could find yourself working in practically any industry, and blending your passions with your career. Start working in retail, FinTech, telecommunications, entertainment, MedTech, and many others. What’s in the Bootcamp? The Ironhack DevOps and Cloud Computing Bootcamp is an immersive experience. Here are some key things to keep in mind: Duration : 9 weeks Location : Remote Format : Live online classes, hands-on collaborative projects, and asynchronous individual learning Price : €8,000 €6,800* *As one of our DevOps and Cloud Computing Bootcamp early-adopters, you’ll save 15% off tuition fees. Made for beginners If this is your first foray into tech, don’t panic! Our bootcamps are designed with beginners in mind. You’ll have access to online prework before the bootcamp starts, which will give you fundamental training in core skills such as Linux & scripting, networks, Python, and Git. The prework ensures that everyone, regardless of their background, is able to hit the ground running and succeed. The DevOps and Cloud Computing skills companies are looking for In 9 weeks, you’ll learn everything you need to kickstart your career in DevOps. Our comprehensive curriculum covers: Distributed systems design and monitoring Distributed cloud systems Docker containers Managing containerized applications Infrastructure as Code Kubernetes and scaling deployments Career Services Our approach focuses on not just landing you a job, but finding a job that's aligned with your long-term goals. With our Career Services , you’ll gain a better understanding of the tech job market, get resume, portfolio, and pitch support, and personalized guidance with your Career Coach. Financing options We’re proud to offer a variety of financing options to help you fund your education, including payment plans, loans, and bursaries. Money should never be a blocker to education. If you’ve got the will and the drive, we can help you find the means. On average, 70% of our students use financing options to help pay for their bootcamp, so you’re in good company! Speak to your Admissions Advisor to see which is best for you, depending on your eligibility and location. How to Get Started If you’re interested in starting your AI journey with us, check out our DevOps and Cloud Computing Bootcamp. If that’s not quite what you’re looking for, we’re also launching new courses in: Artificial Intelligence Data Science and Machine Learning We’ll see you in class!

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7 minutes

Learn Data Science and Machine Learning with Ironhack’s New Bootcamp

Ellen Merryweather - 2023-11-14

All Courses

We’ve always got our fingers on the pulse of the tech industry, paying close attention to the roles companies are struggling to fill and the skills needed by tomorrow’s aspiring tech professionals. It’s no secret that companies around the world are crying out for Data Science and Machine Learning professionals. In true Ironhack fashion, we’re meeting the need by bringing you an all-new Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp ! In 9 weeks you can learn the skills you need to launch your career in tech. Fill your portfolio with projects that recruiters will love, and get the career support you need to join one of tech’s fastest growing niches. Why Learn Data Science and Machine Learning? If you’re looking for a career path with lasting power look no further than Data Science and Machine Learning, as there are few industries today that don't rely on them. With these skills you can work anywhere from government agencies and car manufacturers, to high fashion houses and music streaming platforms. The possibilities really are limitless! As the technology grows so does demand for new skills, including Azure Machine Learning (281% growth), AI Art Generation (239%), Amazon EMR (227%) and Midjourney (218%), according to Udemy's Q1 2023 Workplace Learning Index. Our new bootcamp can put you on the path to becoming an NLP Engineer, currently the most in-demand specialization in the data world. The Data Science and ML career path These skills can complement a number of other roles in tech, but you can also specialize and land a job as a Data Scientist or AI Engineer. As you grow in your career you can expect opportunities like Computer Vision Engineer, ML Engineer, NLP Engineer, or MLOps Engineer, and many more. What’s in the Bootcamp? The Ironhack Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp is an immersive experience. Here are some key things to keep in mind: Duration : 9 weeks Location : Remote Format : Live online classes, hands-on collaborative projects, and asynchronous individual learning Price : €8,000 €6,800* *As one of our AI Bootcamp early-adopters, you’ll save 15% off tuition fees. Made for beginners If this is your first foray into tech, don’t panic! Our bootcamps are designed with beginners in mind. You’ll have access to online prework before the bootcamp starts, which will give you a headstart by learning core knowledge and skills such as Python, statistics, and math foundations. The prework ensures that everyone, regardless of their background, is able to hit the ground running and succeed. The Data Science and ML skills companies are looking for In 9 weeks, you’ll learn everything you need to kickstart your career. Our comprehensive curriculum covers: Data wrangling Exploratory data analysis Machine learning foundations Supervised and unsupervised learning Deep learning MLOps and cloud computing At the midpoint of the bootcamp you’ll also be given the opportunity to specialize in either Natural Language Processing or Computer Vision, learning advanced topics in your chosen track. Unlike other remote tech courses, you’ll receive live online classes with your instructor, to get your questions asked and answered in real time. Career Services Our approach focuses on not just landing you a job, but finding a job that's aligned with your long-term goals. With our Career Services , you’ll gain a better understanding of the tech job market, get resume, portfolio, and pitch support, and personalized guidance with your Career Coach. Financing options We’re proud to offer a variety of financing options to help you fund your education, including payment plans, loans, and bursaries. Money should never be a blocker to education. If you’ve got the will and the drive, we can help you find the means. On average, 70% of our students use financing options to help pay for their bootcamp, so you’re in good company! Speak to your Admissions Advisor to see which is best for you, depending on your eligibility and location. How to Get Started If you’re interested in starting your AI journey with us, check out our Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp . If that’s not quite what you’re looking for, we’re also launching new courses in: DevOps and Cloud Computing Artificial Intelligence We’ll see you in class!

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7 minutes

Why You Should Learn How to Code if You're an Entrepreneur

Juliette Erath - 2023-11-12

Web Development

Here’s the deal: you would like to start an outbound marketing campaign by sending your customers a monthly newsletter. But how can you add a newsletter signup form to your website? Or one of the pages on your website is down, but you don’t know what the problem is, let alone how to get it fixed ASAP. And have had a great idea for a new app–a brand new platform for your customers to interact with you and shop or book appointments: how much will it cost to build and how long would it take? Let’s not forget you also need to implement a new SEO strategy across your site, but don’t know the best way to implement and use keywords to maximize organic visits. They may seem across the board and varied, but the answer to many common questions like these lies in coding . Top Skills for Entrepreneurs Coding is an incredibly useful skill to have in the digital age, for a variety of reasons and specifically for entrepreneurs. It lets you perform and understand a range of tasks, aiding you in making faster decisions and perhaps tackling certain issues hands-on by yourself. Coding is a useful asset, regardless of whether you run a software company, an e-commerce store, or a brick-and-mortar store. So here’s the key: if your business has a website or any kind of online presence, it would be especially useful to learn how to code. Why coding? Whether you need to understand how an interactive web page functions and is built or wish to develop your own programs, apps, or video games, coding provides you with the knowledge and skills to do it. Simply by knowing major coding languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Ruby (and their functions!), you’ll be empowered to make decisions that will improve your business . Some businesses rely on coding more heavily than others; apps, for example, are built entirely on code. But almost all businesses require some degree of coding, whether for internal processes or public, external activities, and in particular when it comes to online marketing. Building Relations With Your Team and Evaluating Resources Outsourcing tasks such as building an app or developing a website can be very costly, so understanding how to do this yourself is an invaluable skill to have. It will not only let you perform these tasks independently, but it will also help you understand developers, tech teams, and the struggles they may encounter. Plus, any entrepreneur that knows how to code will be able to provide better guidance to their employees. Understanding how coding works helps you to plan, set deadlines, and be aware of each step in a given project. Additionally, l earning how to code empowers entrepreneurs when it comes to sourcing new employees or freelancers with which to work: understanding their background, programming qualifications, and experience will ensure you are better equipped to find the right people for the task at hand, which will ultimately serve your business well. Cost effective Upskilling yourself can also help you save costs as you will be able to share some of the workload yourself; whether it is adjusting a feature in an app, uploading a new form to your website, or testing if a piece of existing code is working correctly, you will be able to tackle both large and small tasks independently and resolve issues that could otherwise take days or weeks to fix if outsourced. Coding skills are also beneficial in simply estimating the costs of a project, whether that’s building an online shop or ensuring that your website is optimized both for desktop and mobile, such as making sure it runs properly across all browsers and devices. The cost of such tasks is easier to assess when you possess some coding skills and knowledge yourself. Better decision making All entrepreneurs have to make decisions daily; many are the CEO or hold another other leadership position, regularly making calls and decisions. Understanding the processes and steps involved in computer coding means entrepreneurs have greater insights into the technical side of any business, be it working with particular software, building an app, updating the website, or branching into a new business area . For faster planning and more creative output, coding is a highly useful skill to have. Boost your creativity and critical thinking Although coding is straightforward and relatively easy to learn, putting it into practice does require a lot of focus and planning, not to mention creativity. Challenges can arise during the coding process, no matter which programming language you are using, and can sometimes require you to think outside the box. Practicing these skills uses logical thinking alongside problem-solving skills, thus helping you stay sharp and on the ball. Learn How to Code With all the benefits it brings, coding is a relatively easy skill to acquire . Starting with the basics, you can quickly gain an understanding of the processes involved in programming and the various languages that are available to you. Each coding language has its own unique traits and functions and the more you know, the more potential you will have to develop your business. Entrepreneurs with coding skills are generally more aware of the opportunities available to them , both in terms of running business day-to-day and innovative new avenues that could be captured. Coding bootcamps Once you understand the fundamentals, it’s easy to build on that knowledge and add to your coding skills as needed. But as with any kind of training and development, it does take an investment, speaking both time-wise and financially. The benefits far outweigh the costs, however, for anyone in entrepreneurship, and a leader with coding knowledge can greatly strengthen the potential behind any start-up or established business. You can get started and learn how to code with our Web Development Bootcamp , which will help you get the ball rolling with the necessary knowledge and skills within three months. Ready? Let’s get started.

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6 minutes

Breaking Down the Web Developer Job Description

Ironhack - 2023-11-01

Web Development

You’ve probably read through quite a few job descriptions by now on your search for the perfect web developer job; it can be quite the challenge to break down all the exciting descriptions and lists of benefits to see what the job actually requires and what you’ll be doing every day. Sure, free coffee and fruit sound lovely, but what programming language knowledge does the role demand? Is the role fully remote, hybrid, or is in-person attendance required? Do the experience levels and salary range fit what you can offer? Navigating through job descriptions, especially at the beginning of your career or when you’re making your first job change, can pose quite the challenge. And that’s why we’ve created this guide: to help you make sense of web development job applications and read between the lines: is this the right role for you? Are you right for the role ? Let’s dive right in. What is a Job Description? A job description is just a summary of the role, right? Well, not quite. A decade ago this might have been true, but the reality is that with so many available roles out there, companies are trying to go above and beyond in their job postings to capture your attention and ensure you apply for the role. And why are job descriptions so important? Let’s discuss: The last thing a company wants is to go through the lengthy recruitment, hiring, and onboarding process to end up with a candidate who isn’t the right fit. Job descriptions help outline the important characteristics that the right candidate should have , ensuring that the hiring managers are (mostly) receiving applications from those who meet the requirements. The job description helps figure out where a new hire’s training should be focused, saving time from training them on the things they already know and instead centering on the areas where they’ll need more help, streamlining the onboarding process. With an accurate and well-defined job description, tracking the performance of the new hire will be easier and more straightforward; you’ll have a clear list of their responsibilities so that you’re able to see where they’re falling short and what they need to add to their duties. In the case of hiring the wrong candidate, this can serve as a protection and clear evidence that an employee isn’t fulfilling the role they signed on to do. Accurate and truthful job descriptions, including salary expectations and benefits, help create a sense of trust with candidates, even those who you don’t end up choosing, and build a good reputation for your company . The last thing you want is for word to get around that your job descriptions are inaccurate–this will deter qualified applicants from applying in the future. Job descriptions usually consist of the following: Company description : first and foremost, companies provide a short description of who they are, what they do, and why they’re looking for a new employee to fill this role. In this section, you can expect to learn about the industry in which the company works, their location, and their mission and values. Role description : with a clear picture of what the company does, the next section outlines the job itself and what the company is looking for with the new hire. Here you can find the job title and basic summary of the responsibilities you’d have if hired. Job responsibilities : sometimes the job title and brief summary isn’t enough to help you understand what you’ll have to do in the role and this next section will help define, in more detail, the exact duties you’ll be tasked with so that you can decide if it’s the right fit. Job requirements: this is a major section–under the job requirement section, you’ll find the non-negotiables of the job, such as specific experience levels, industry knowledge, programming languages, and more. In this section, you may also find crucial information regarding in-person/remote policies, so make sure your goals line up with the company’s requirements before applying. Note that skills listed under this section are largely non-negotiable and should be treated as such; focus your energy on job postings where you meet the requirements of this section. Job preferences : in a fast-moving world like that of tech, hiring managers don’t expect their applicants to meet every single requirement they have; the job preferences section exists to show other skills or qualities they’d like you to have, but don’t require for the job. These are frequently things you could learn on-the-job as well, so don’t be afraid to apply even if you don’t possess these preferences. Job conditions : in this section, you’ll find out what the job offers you , such as the salary range, remote working options, vacation days, benefits, and any other perks you can expect from this job. Pay close attention here–this is where the company tries to sell themselves to you and can be very telling about the experience you’ll have in the role. Web Development Job Descriptions As we move into web development job descriptions and the specific qualities you’ll need to land your ideal web development role, let’s take a look at each section and how it relates specifically to web development. Company description If you’re looking for your first role in web development, you may be under the impression that your options are limited to only tech companies; however, those with experience in the field know that web development is growing daily and companies in basically every industry are in search of skilled web developers . This means that you could choose to work in practically any sector, finding one that interests you beyond just your duties as a web developer. Take the time to read company descriptions carefully and make sure their values and mission align with yours, in addition to the industry as a whole. Role description This might be the most important section! Web developer roles can vary significantly and finding a role that fits your interests means you’ll have to sort through different postings to find one that fits your profile ; for example, a job title might just say “Web Developer” but upon reading the role description, you’ll find that the company is in need of a front-end developer or Scrum Master, helping you decide if you’re the right fit. Job responsibilities Here, you’ll get a more in-depth explanation of what your day-to-day would look like, helping you imagine having this job. You can expect to see specifics mentioned here, such as working with one or two programs or programming languages, which can give you a hint as to if this job aligns with what you bring to the table. Job requirements All hiring managers search for candidates with a set of skills that they already have and those that they could learn in the future, if they don’t already possess it. In this section, you’ll find the hard requirements for the job, which are usually hard skills or years of experience that are needed for the role. While you can apply if you don’t meet all of them, we recommend spending your time applying for jobs that do fit your skills as to not waste your time, nor the hiring manager's. Job preferences This area is more flexible and as it lists the things they’d like a candidate to have, they are not requirements. In web development, hiring managers usually look for candidates with knowledge across the board of web development; this could mean a front-end developer with knowledge of the back end or great people skills. If you find that you have some of the skills or qualities listed in the job preference section, highlight these in your application or during interviews to set yourself apart from other candidates. Job conditions As you start out in a field or are looking to make a career shift, it can be tempting to take just any role that’s offered to get your feet wet. While this is understandable and a good way to get into the field, carefully read through the job condition section of a job posting for any red flags or things in which you are not interested, such as 5 day in-office requirements or salaries below the normal pay range. You won’t find out the full benefit offering or salary until you’re offered a role, but the hiring process can be lengthy and intensive for both you and the hiring manager, so if you know from the beginning that it isn’t a good fit, don’t waste anyone’s time and focus instead on finding a web development role that is right for you. At Ironhack, we fully understand that the job hunt is a daunting and intimidating process with lots of unknowns; we also know it can be hard to prepare yourself properly for a career shift. That’s why our expertly designed Web Development Bootcamp is such a popular option for those looking to get into web development or learn a new web development skill: check out our offerings today and don’t let another day go by. Your future in web development is calling.

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6 minutes

Competition in Web Development: How Has AI Changed it?

Ironhack - 2023-10-27

Web Development

Regardless of how you feel about artificial intelligence, you can’t deny that it’s significantly transformed the web development market. Many in your field have likely integrated AI into their workflows already and while these innovations are impressive, web developers with little to no knowledge of AI might feel overwhelmed. To avoid misconceptions, let’s dive into AI’s impact on web development instead of trusting rumors. How AI Is Used in Web Development The AI race introduced the most sophisticated, disruptive large language models (LLMs) and natural language processing (NLP) systems that we know of. They comprehend and mimic human language almost perfectly, allowing you to generate images, write full-length articles, summarize books, and research topics just by inputting prompts. AI has already impacted various industries and web development is no exception. Many professionals are worried about how more consumers are using AI-driven site builders instead of hiring them. And at this rate, they might end up running out of work. Although AI presents risks , some of the rumors are baseless and outrageous. And most web developers who believe them merely misunderstand artificial and machine learning models. AI won’t replace you, but the competition will leave you behind if you don’t adapt. Let’s review the ways AI assists professionals and non-professionals in building websites : Content creation Sophisticated LLMs like GPT 3.5 and 4, Llama, and BERT can produce a coherent, grammatically correct 1,000-word article in under 20 seconds. They use NLP to understand requests and pull information from their datasets and you could even train them to mimic your preferred tone and writing style by including sample text in your prompt. That said, proper grammar doesn’t automatically make a good article. It must provide helpful information, capture the reader’s attention, and guide them through different sections ; unfortunately, AI chatbots can’t do that yet. They often produce generic content because they’re limited to their datasets—they lack critical thinking and creativity. Image generation Text-to-image generators significantly improved during the AI race. Sophisticated models like DALL-E, Muse, Imagen, and Stable Diffusion can produce natural-looking, lifelike images within seconds. Their output becomes indistinguishable from human art after a few touch-ups. With basic graphic designing skills, you can quickly correct skewed elements, poor orientation, and unnatural poses, among other errors. Take these AI-generated images of dream homes . At a glance, most would assume they’re regular designs by artists, architects, and designers. Warning: Only take inspiration from AI art when designing. Copyright laws don’t apply to AI-generated images—you should neither claim ownership of them nor publish them commercially. Coding and programming Advanced AI models can write code snippets for websites, apps, and mobile games, among other platforms. They’ll produce code snippets based on your stated elements and you could also refractor and simplify the code snippets that misuse multiple conflicting styles. Just note that AI only pulls codes from third parties . You’ll often end up with generic codes that have already been used in several templates and layouts. Data research AI helps cut your research time. Instead of going through dozens of journals, articles, and news reports individually, use AI chatbots to highlight their focal points. Sophisticated NLP models can analyze, interpret, and paraphrase text. Feed your preferred chatbot a chunk of text, 3,000 words at most, then ask it to organize the most crucial sections in bullet points. However, Andrew Pierce, the CEO at LLC Attorney , warns users that AI doesn’t always provide factual information. He says, “Make sure you double-check AI-generated content for inaccuracies before publishing them. AI merely presents information from its datasets. Since it lacks fact-checking processes, you might receive incorrect, misleading, or harmful output at times.” How AI Is Impacting the Web Development Industry The proliferation of AI-driven web development tools comes with several positive and negative impacts on the industry. AI Is lowering the barriers to entry for web developers AI lowered the barriers to entry for aspiring web developers. AI can write, refractor, and simplify codes for various online entities, including websites. With correct prompts, even ChatGPT could write an entire site’s code; all users have to do is fine-tune the snippets before launching and hosting their domains. Although the proliferation of new programmers is exciting, too many newbies neglect proper coding lessons and solely rely on chatbots. AI-generated code is almost always imperfect. Yes, it gives you a decent starting point, but your career will progress further if you actually study programming languages . Site builders are adopting AI Almost every site builder uses AI nowadays. They’ve adopted LLMs that automatically generate text, text-to-image generators that help with visuals, and easy-to-use editors. Even newbies with no tech experience can utilize these systems. It’s great that AI makes site builders more accessible, but developers should also help users understand the limitations of these systems . Otherwise, they’ll carelessly use AI content on their sites. AI-generated art Is used carelessly More site owners are relying on AI images nowadays. They use text-to-image generators to create visuals for their websites, articles, emails, social media profiles, and ad campaigns. Using AI images costs far less than hiring graphic designers, after all. But Javier Muniz, the CTO at LLC Attorney , discourages site owners and web developers from publishing AI images online. He says, “Although you can take inspiration from AI art, publishing them for editorial and commercial purposes might violate certain copyright laws. Again, AI only scrapes elements from its datasets—you can’t claim ownership of its output. If you happen to use AI art that bears semblance to another person’s work, you’d get into legal trouble.” Generic content floods SERPs The rise of ChatGPT led to an influx of AI-generated content. Students, content creators, and site owners abuse AI chatbots to generate thousands of words without actually writing anything. Try pasting some articles online onto AI text detectors. You’ll find that many of them are almost entirely written by AI. Note: Granted, detectors aren’t always accurate, but they at least do a decent job spotting suspicious content. Ryan Hammill, the co-founder and executive director of the Ancient Language Institute , encourages writers to use AI responsibly. He says, “It’s tempting to publish AI content. But considering the low-quality, inaccurate fluff they contain, claiming ownership of them will inadvertently hurt your reputation. You can use AI for fact-checking, proofreading, and editing. However, only publish and submit articles you wrote and researched yourself.” Web developers are growing anxious Web developers fear that AI will eventually steal their jobs. No human can compete with the speed at which AI models generate content, code snippets, and images—it’s humanly impossible. That said, most of these fears stem from misunderstandings. Yes, AI is ridiculously fast, but skilled professionals are more capable of providing custom sites suited to the client’s needs and demands . On the contrary, AI relies on pre-made templates and layouts. Some professionals resort to low-ball offers With the accessibility of site builders, many clients feel they can haggle for lower rates with web developers. They’re under the impression that AI can do everything programmers do, hence the discounted fees. This misconception couldn’t be further from the truth. Not only does AI scrape content and image elements from third parties, but it lacks the creativity and critical thinking to accomplish complex projects . At best, AI chatbots can only build generic three-page websites. Anthony Martin, the founder and CEO of Choice Mutual , discourages web developers from engaging with low-balling clients. He says, “Accepting low-ball gigs merely perpetuates lower industry fees. As a skilled, trained professional, you should understand the worth of your services—they’re not something newbies can imitate just by using some AI tool.” The importance of professional web development is overlooked Too many people underestimate web development nowadays. Although AI hastens specific processes, automating entire projects will leave you with buggy sites loaded with errors. Remember: site building goes beyond creating web pages. You must create engaging copy, create attention-grabbing visuals, organize content properly, and test for malfunctioning code. Otherwise, your site won’t convey your brand’s message to visitors. Instead of using AI to take shortcuts, learn web development properly . Sign up for intensive bootcamps that’ll equip you with the necessary skills to build, launch, and maintain a professional website. How Can Web Developers Compete With AI? Overall, rest assured that AI won’t replace humans entirely . It merely automates rote work—tasks that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity will still need skilled professionals. What you should worry about, however, are tech-savvy individuals who can already maximize AI’s web development capabilities. AI is evolving at a rapid pace; its impact on the web development industry will only grow, and stubbornly relying on legacy systems might impede your career growth. Start testing various AI tools that suit your business model. Research how the purpose, core functions, variations, nuances, and limitations of AI affect web development. Work tools alone won’t produce quality output unless you use them properly. Also, upskill on online bootcamp sites like Ironhack to learn new web development techniques. Ensure that you can bring out the full potential of your new systems.

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Juliette Erath - 2023-07-08
Outcomes
For those who enjoy innovation, a career in technology might be exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you want to develop products for companies or design new-age video consoles, there are many roles for creative people in technology–even ones that don’t involve math or extreme computer knowledge! In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best creative jobs for those who want to pursue a career in tech, but aren’t totally sold on the technical side. Creative Jobs in Tech Creative jobs are specific tech roles that require specialized skills and creativity, combined with technical know-how. Creative roles in areas such as graphic design and digital marketing support companies in creating essential solutions that allow their projects or business to succeed in the competitive marketplace, ensuring their products reach the eyes and ears of diverse audiences. Here are some of the creative jobs that you can find in the dynamic tech industry: Work as a graphic designer As a UX/UI designer, you can create computer programs that help develop and design the art and images many businesses use to promote their products and ideas. Graphic designers can partner with different organizations and companies, provided they have the right skill set that gives them an edge. Alternatively, they can offer their freelance services to clients. Work as a videogame designer Videogame designers utilize their skills to assist at different stages in video console and game development. This includes areas such as animation, graphic design, story creation, computer coding, and much more. They frequently work with other talented designers to create virtual games that cater to their target audience. Work as a social media manager By working as a social media manager, your primary role would be to promote the company's products and services via multiple social media platforms. Social media managers create targeted social media posts, update the company's pages, and create effective marketing campaigns intended to increase the company's revenue and interest. Work as a digital marketer As a professional digital marketer, your primary role is to develop effective marketing campaigns. These promotional efforts have the goal of enhancing consumer interest and brand awareness. Digital marketers make the most of the company's social media pages, creating promotions, blog posts, and digital content to market the brand more effectively. Work as a web developer Web developers use their programming skills and computer coding expertise to create websites for individuals and businesses. As you know, companies use websites to showcase their services and goods using online stores, blogs, and more. For this purpose, web developers create websites with an interactive user interface to allow easy navigation as potential customers browse their pages. Like graphic designers, this job requires some level of creativity to stand apart from the competition and to find innovative solutions to problems. Work as an animation expert Animation experts are creative professionals who use art to create vivid images. Based on their talent in art and design, digital animators will maximize the use of multiple computer softwares to design animations for businesses, including television, film, and even video consoles. They can also partner with private companies or offer freelance services to video producers. Animators require creativity and artistic vision to excel in their jobs. Work as a copywriter If you want to pursue a career in copywriting, it's essential to hone your writing and communication skills. Expert copywriters use their writing skills to create targeted promotional content for a variety of companies. Their primary responsibilities include creating blog posts, commercial dialogue, social media posts, newsletters, marketing emails and more. Likewise, copywriters can work for companies that offer marketing services, where they can offer their services freelance to individuals. Work as a digital producer A career as a digital producer is quite rewarding; it includes the creation of digital material for organizations and companies, including videos and advertisements. Digital producers come up with concepts, cost estimates, and campaign ideas—leading other creatives to deliver targeted content. Assuming you plan to pursue a career in digital production, you need to enhance your communications skills and know-how of related computer software. Work as a brand manager Another job you can consider in the tech field is working as a brand manager. Their primary role is to maintain the public image of different businesses and companies as they seek to promote their products and services. On a typical workday, brand managers monitor the market trends and analyze competitors' positions to create impactful campaigns. Work as a market analyst Marketing analysts support businesses to determine marketing decisions, including what to sell, which customers to target, and the different prices of products or services. In addition, they create multiple customer surveys and questionnaires; these initiatives help analyze the current market trends, which is essential when creating marketing campaigns or strategies. Work as a UX designer As a UX designer (user experience), you can use your UX/UI design skills to create user-friendly products for your target audience. For instance, if an organization wants to create a mobile app, a UX designer can help analyze the benefits of the specific product and how customers can access the solution with ease. Due to the dynamic setting in tech jobs, you can have a platform to express your skills in a competitive market, no matter what your skills are! For an individual who has a knack for innovative ideas, a career in any of the mentioned fields can broaden your technical know-how in the long run. Don't limit yourself! Attention to detail and a willingness to learn are coveted skills in the tech world. Don’t be afraid and start researching which role seems like the best fit for you and apply! And if you are looking to take on a more traditional role in tech, our bootcamps are the right place for you. Check them out below–we can’t wait to see your application!
5 minutes
What Is a Tech Lead?
Juliette Erath - 2023-06-17
Careers
Web Development
Interested in being your software team’s go-to for technical questions? Dream of becoming a leader in your department? Excited about utilizing new technologies to guide innovation within your department? If these all sound familiar, then tech lead could be the perfect role for you. In this article, we’ll break down the responsibilities and requirements of a tech lead to figure out if it’s the right fit for you. What Is a Tech Lead? By looking at the term “tech lead,” we can gather two things: they work in both a technical capacity and a leadership position. So then, what does a tech lead do? A technical lead – or tech lead for short – oversees the technical aspects of a software team by making architectural and design decisions, guiding team members in technical matters, and supervising system modifications. 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
Ironhack - 2021-05-04
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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