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It's likely that you're already familiar with ChatGPT , the chatbot powered by artificial intelligence that was developed by OpenAI. ChatGPT was introduced in November 2022 and has since become the talk of the internet. This advanced technology is based on the Generative Pretrained Transformer language model and utilizes deep learning techniques to generate responses that are remarkably similar to those of a human . It’s proving to be sharper than previous chat bots, offering more detailed responses and can remember inputs from the session allowing for a very personalized experience for users . To generate responses, ChatGPT relies on a massive amount of data that has been pre-trained on a diverse range of texts. This enables the chatbot to learn patterns and associations within language, allowing it to make predictions about the words that are most likely to follow any given sequence of words. There are numerous applications for AI-driven chatbots across different industries. ChatGPT has proved useful in the following ways: Business Intelligence: ChatGPT can offer insights into market trends, customer behavior and other valuable data. Customer Support: ChatGPT can be used to provide round-the-clock customer support, enabling customers to receive quick and effective responses to their queries. Education: ChatGPT can be utilized by students to teach and answer questions in an interactive and engaging manner. Entertainment : Chatbots can offer customized recommendations for movies, music, and other forms of entertainment. Legal advice: ChatGPT can help users quickly research legal information and case law and understand that information in more basic terms. Additionally, lawyers can use Chat GPT to provide quick and efficient legal advice to their clients. Recruitment : ChatGPT can be utilized by businesses to automate the recruitment process, thereby saving time and resources. Sales and Marketing: ChatGPT can guide customers through the purchasing process, help to generate leads, qualify prospects, and help close business deals. Travel : ChatGPT can assist travelers in booking flights, hotels, and making other travel arrangements. Although the technology is unbelievably human-like and capable of providing everything from legal advice to business insights, the tool cannot be 100% trusted . Users should keep this in mind before accepting the AI’s responses as accurate. That said, it has proven to be the sharpest of chatbots we’ve encountered and can offer support for data analysts and other tech workers. ChatGPT for Data Analysts ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for data analysts to process, explore, communicate and collaborate on their data-driven insights. ChatGPT is capable of analyzing and processing large amounts of data quickly and efficiently. Through ChatGPT’s language processing capabilities, the program can interpret and understand written queries and provide relevant insights from the data. Here’s a couple things ChatGPT can offer: ChatGPT can help data analysts explore their data and find patterns and even generate relevant visualizations of data. These visuals provide a clear overview of the data, making it easier for analysts to identify trends and insights. ChatGPT can be useful for data analysts to communicate their findings to non-technical stakeholders. By using natural language, the chatbot can help data analysts explain complex data concepts and insights in easy-to-understand terms. ChatGPT can assist data analysts in identifying new and meaningful questions to ask of their data . By using natural language queries, analysts can explore new avenues of inquiry and uncover hidden insights that they may not have considered before. Although ChatGPT is a valuable tool, there are certain limitations that should be taken into account . For instance, there might be biases present in the generated text, or the model may not comprehend certain topics. Data analysts must be aware of these limitations and factor them in while utilizing the model for certain tasks. As long as those limitations are taken into account, then users should be able to utilize the tool successfully and offer more when it comes to data analytics . ChatGPT Prompts for Data Analysts ChatGPT offers a collection of prompts designed to help data analysts improve their skills in data analysis, visualization, and communication . The prompts cover a variety of topics including data cleaning, exploratory data analysis, statistical inference, machine learning, and storytelling with data. These prompts can be customized and expanded to suit the specific data analytics needs of the user and ChatGPT can provide customized responses to each prompt based on the user's data and preferences. Requests for ChatGPT Can you generate a visualization that shows the distribution of [insert metric] across our customer segments? Can you identify any anomalies or outliers in our data? Can you identify which products have the highest correlation with customer retention? What are the most popular search terms on our website? Advice for ChatGPT Tell me the most important part of data analytics. What’s the best way to analyze this kind of data? Give me information about new developments in data analytics. Questions for ChatGPT What are the top trends in [insert industry] over the past [insert time period]? Which demographic group has the highest [insert metric] in our customer data? What factors contribute most to [insert metric] in our sales data? What are the most significant correlations between [insert metric 1] and [insert metric 2] in our data? What is the impact of [insert variable] on [insert metric] in our data? What are the most significant changes in our sales data over the past [insert time period]? The future of data analytics with ChatGPT The revolutionary technology of ChatGPT has everyone from tech workers to high school students buzzing with excitement. Its user-friendly chat layout, fast paced responses, and human-like writing style has shaken the world. Despite offering unreal new possibilities to data analysts, users must remember that: The responses, recommendations and advice provided by ChatGPT should not be understood as factual information. Of course the tool may offer important insights, but as we know, machines are capable of reaching false conclusions. While the functions of ChatGPT are impressive, they do not replace the knowledge that we as humans have. AI technology continues to fall short in a variety of ways, whether that be emotional or simply the experiences we have to offer. It’s recommended to not overly rely on tools like ChatGPT. Overall, ChatGPT offers immense support, but understanding the context of your work, your business, and the intricacies of what you offer may not be able to be offered by ChatGPT. Finally, new technology always comes with fear of computers outperforming us. The goal is to find ways to utilize technologies in ways that make our lives easier, increase our productivity, and allow us to focus on areas that may be more valuable for our businesses. In short, the shift to automation presents tremendous opportunities for employees and workers. ChatGPT can help us streamline busy work and allows us to devote more time to areas that will further develop our organization. For data analysts, ChatGPT is an amazing tool that can facilitate progress and enable more attention on intricate matters . However, as with any emerging technology, it should be utilized prudently and with care until it is fully comprehended. As long as the limitations are taken into account, then users shouldn’t be afraid of what advances AI can offer to the field of tech and data analytics.

Female technology (FemTech), has historically been viewed as a niche market. Many FemTech startups struggled to get their first rounds of funding with investors skeptical of how much success they could attain. But over the years, FemTech founders have quashed the doubts. And it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. With 50% of the population as your target audience, you have a lot of people to market to. As such, FemTech has now exploded with many new cutting-edge startups emerging. With increasing popularity, the global market for FemTech is forecast to reach $60 bn by 2027 . With such big bucks on the table, FemTech is increasingly grabbing the attention of venture capitalists, and we expect they will continue to disrupt the women’s health market in 2023 and beyond. In this article, we will explore what FemTech is, how the scene is thriving in Berlin, and share some of our favorite FemTechs from Berlin that you need to watch in 2023. What is FemTech? If you're not familiar with the term FemTech, that's understandable. It's a relatively new term, coined in 2016. The early femtech pioneer Ida Tin was the first person to use the terms and while she is Danish-born, her FemTech is based here in Berlin. It's called Clue – maybe you’ve heard of it. Today the term's scope has grown quite a bit. It is now used to refer to the rapidly growing number of startups and companies that focus on women's health through conducting research, designing innovative products, and supporting women. According to PitchBook , in 2022, FemTech startups raised over $2 billion, a massive increase from the $476.8 million raised in 2019. And that increase in interest and investment is all happening while we have been experiencing some economic downturn and uncertainty in the market, making it all the more impressive. In 2023, we foresee investment to continue. Startups focusing on plugging societal gaps are growing in number and attracting global attention. And FemTechs in Berlin and across the world are using technology to address many of the health disparities that women face. Today, FemTechs use their innovation and creativity to provide support for everything from reproductive health needs to fertility, menstrual tracking, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. In addition, may focus on finding treatments for diseases that are more prevalent in women (such as Alzheimer's, certain types of cancer, and autoimmune diseases). The work these FemTechs are doing is of great importance to women everywhere. Many diseases affect women differently or more than men but traditional medicine has used men as test subjects when developing treatments and drugs leaving women on the sidelines. This new wave of women's health technology could bring about significant change to women's health and help women across the globe live happier and healthier lives. The FemTech scene in Berlin Within the past five years, the FemTech space in Berlin has been booming  – and that was only exacerbated by the pandemic. As more and more women become aware of the importance of monitoring their health and having access to solutions designed specifically for the biological female anatomy, the FemTech startup scene in Berlin has grown. In 2023 there will be no shortage of opportunities to network and establish a presence in the Berlin FemTech world. From Berlin Geekettes to the FEMTEC career platform there are lots of local initiatives and groups gathering in the city where anyone interested in FemTech is welcomed with open arms. In addition, you could also look at WeHubs and Womenize ! And we are only scratching the surface here. In Berlin, there are over 170 initiatives dedicated to supporting women in tech and media. Ironhack recently held a women in tech event here at our Berlin Campus and is hoping to hold more similar events in the future. Follow us on Eventbrite to stay up-to-date on all our local events. Berlin has fostered a creative and welcoming environment for women in tech which is why so many incredible FemTech founders have chosen the city for their startup location. There are numerous awards such as the Berlin Women Entrepreneurs of the Year Award launched that honor women who act as role models for female entrepreneurship. There are also incubation funding programs such as the Berliner Startup Stipendium, which for the first time had a Women in Tech focus in 2021. Top FemTech startups in Berlin to watch FemTechs in Berlin are some of the most exciting startups on the scene right now. Want to see who's leading the charge? Here are five of our favorite cutting-edge FemTech startups from Berlin that are revolutionizing women's health. 1.Clue You can’t talk about FemTechs in Berlin without mentioning Clue. One of the largest and most successful FemTechs in Europe, Clue has opened the doors for and inspired many other female tech founders. Clue has been on the FemTech scene for a while and was founded in 2012. Over 10 years it has seen enormous success and grown to 12 million users across over 180 countries. Clue is a female health app that assists women to track their menstrual and fertility cycles. It was one of the first of its kind in the FemTech space and has grown to success due to its ability to provide accurate predictions for periods and fertile windows. In its 10 years of operations, it has secured over $47.8 million in funding, which has demonstrated to many venture capitalists that there is an increasing demand for femtech solutions in the market. 2. inne The pandemic had a lot of Berliners trapped in their apartments and some of the highly motivated ones used this time to make their startup ideas come to fruition. It was in this environment that the Berlin-based start-up inne was born. inne is a FemTech product that lets women track their cycles with lab-grade accuracy. Its product focuses on contraception and birth control but is also used by women who want to get pregnant. Its at-home fertility monitoring system is impressive. Created with the input of highly skilled technicians, scientists, and designers, quality was at the center of its vision. The mini-hormone lab can be used in any bathroom and makes fertility tracking simple for women. All the women need to do is moisten a test strip for the hand-held inne reader with their saliva for about 30 seconds every day. The device works by measuring the progesterone level in the user’s saliva with the same level of accuracy that would be produced in a "real" lab. 3. theblood theblood is an innovative FemTech startup that helps women understand their health. Six out of ten women feel exhausted during menstruation and have no clue why. theblood uses menstrual blood to analyze and track key parameters of your health to help women develop greater knowledge and awareness of their health. Each woman gets an individualized health report that helps her know her body and cycle better. The Berlin startup has received support from the Grace Accelerator for female entrepreneurship and the Berlin Startup Stipend, and is completing a program with the Berlin Innovation Agency. They are currently seeking funding and looking to do a second round of testing menstrual blood samples from product testers before they go to market. 4. Branayama branayama is a Berlin-based startup that designed “A bra that elevates motherhood.” Many FemTechs focus on menstruation, so branayama is quite a unique startup with no one else in the market offering a similar product. Another cool thing about branayama is that rather than going down the venture capital path, it crowdfunded its initial funding through Kickstarter. Later in 2021 branayama received a Berlin Founders Fund grant from Silicon Allee. Its sustainable nursing bra that replaces nursing pads meets a demand that is clearly there and serves a market that is often overlooked – new mothers. 5. XbyX XbyX is a Berlin-based FemTech platform that serves women over 40. It helps menopausal women navigate this change in their life with greater ease and fewer symptoms. Their latest round of Seed funding was completed on the 25th of January 2023, while the total of the funding has not been disclosed it is in the seven figures and reflects investor confidence in their innovative approach. The platform's approach to easing menopause is to offer women plant-based products that reduce common symptoms of perimenopause, menopause, and hormone imbalance. This is also supported by educational content on the platform and a strong online community where women can discuss healthy aging. Get ready to start your tech career in Berlin Are you a woman ready to kickstart your career in tech? Sign up for one of our bootcamps and learn the skills that FemTechs in Berlin are searching for. Our tech school offers a range of immersive courses from UX/UI Design to Cybersecurity that are delivered in formats tailored to your needs: online or on campus, full-time or part-time. Apply today .

“Gratitude is a noble and worthy wage for generous souls.” - William Shakespeare Where Shakespeare saw the best pay in the appreciation of his work as a playwright, other professionals may be driven by their company's mission, love for their work, or connection to their team. The buzz around social engagement and ecological transition jobs in recent years shows that many people want their work to be useful to society first and foremost as these jobs are often less well paid, especially when working for NGOs or similar organizations. Yet, don't we say "making a living?" This expression proves that work should also be remunerative. Thanks to that, we can enjoy leisure activities, provide for ourselves and our loved ones, and more. So, should you aim for a better job or a better pay? Let's discuss! Lucky You: You Landed Two Job Offers That’s it: you've got two job offers from which to choose. One is quite literally your dream job : you'd be working with the tech you know and on an exciting project. The company is working to fight climate change. Your contribution would be decisive to achieve this noble mission. But since the company is a non-profit and not very profitable, you are offered a lower salary. The other offer is much more attractive financially. Of course, you would be in advertising, which is less socially useful. But this job would keep you financially secure and that’s priceless. In this situation, especially if you have gotten along with the people who interviewed you, it’s normal to hesitate. Which job should you take? Follow our guide here. Why to Take the Job With the Best Salary Are you still unsure?  Here are a few good reasons to choose the role with a higher salary: With a better salary, you will have more purchasing power: this doesn't necessarily mean you have to spend it all, but if you're currently struggling to make ends meet, you'll be able to put some extra money in your pocket. Do you want to change apartments or maybe need some money for a new project? You know what to do. More money will help you save some: not everyone has this reflex: however, it is very useful! You will have a financial safety mattress in case of a hard blow You can back up a loan if you want to buy an apartment or if you have some construction to do You have something to invest in; some investments are very attractive You are less vulnerable to economic fluctuations : with an inflation rate of 5.2% in December 2022, the crisis is here. Other benefits probably came with your attractive salary : this could be health insurance or transportation costs. You should consider the salary as a package: the more generous it is, the more interesting the offer is. If these benefits are a good fit for you, that's another reason to accept this job. Why Take the Job You Like More At the same time, your heart is swinging because the other job is really interesting. Here are some good reasons to accept a lower-paying offer that’s intriguing to you: You are passionate about the company's mission : according to Confucius, choose a job you like and you’ll never feel like working again. This is your chance! You will see and measure your usefulness to society on a daily basis. If this is one of your main drivers, you should go for it. You have really clicked with your future colleagues or your future boss . They are great people to work with. That's a strong signal. Your assignments will allow you to use all your skills acquired in training and go even further. You know that you are going to learn a lot and be properly trained. It is worthwhile to lower your salary a little to grow professionally; besides, this job could be a springboard to another, better-paid job later. You will be eager to explain to your loved ones what you are doing ! And they will be proud of you too. Jordane Lelong chose passion over money when studying with Ironhack. She was an event manager, passionate about music and travel. She didn't like school much, except for computer science and English. To be on the safe side, she chose a master's degree in international business because there were job opportunities in this field. After a few years, not convinced she liked her job, Jordane enrolled in Ironhack’s UX/UI bootcamp to refocus her skills. Just after finishing her studies, she found a job she liked. “ I didn't think I would find a job so quickly ,” she explains. “ Ironhack has a very good reputation in the UX world and companies are impressed to see the work we manage to do in 9 weeks. I felt confident talking about my background and I wasn't ashamed at all when I walked out even though I didn't have a specialized profile. ” Do you want to follow Jordane’s example? Learn more about our UX/UI Designer Bootcamp , Web Development Bootcamp , Data Analytics Bootcamp , or Cybersecurity Bootcamp . 💡Not too sure which training to choose yet? Try our free Javascript course or our free UX Design modules to help make up your mind! Better Job or Better Pay: Why Choose? Ultimately, why should you choose between being well paid and enjoying what you do? The definition of Ikigai , a Japanese concept, is to find your dream job at the intersection of what you love to do , what you are good at, what society needs, and what you can get paid for. To say that you have to be poorly paid to like your job or that all well-paid jobs are detestable is a counter-productive and even dangerous shortcut. A good salary is part of the job recognition: it makes you happy. If you couldn't love your job and be well paid, you would never be truly satisfied! Maybe you haven't yet managed to combine money, passion and purpose at work... That doesn't mean you won't succeed eventually! So don't give up: someday, you’ll find a job where you will be paid very well for doing what you love . And guess what? Ironhack’s bootcamps were designed to help you do just that. At the end of Pretty Woman , Richard Gere argues with his crooked henchman Philip. He yells at him, regretting having “ paid him a lot of money for years to do precisely what he loved to do. ” Cliche? Dubious pop culture reference? Okay, we'll leave this to you. But still: at Ironhack , we believe that a loved job with a great pay is within everyone’s reach. It doesn’t just happen in movies.

The performance review: sometimes dreaded, sometimes botched, it is generally neither a pleasure for the manager nor for the employee. On Forbes, you’ll read that they are " pointless and insulting ." Does it really have to be this way? On the contrary, this sometimes complicated exercise is supposed to be beneficial for everyone. If it’s well-prepared, it should provide constructive feedback to both the manager and employee, set the major objectives for the following months, and motivate you. The key is to prepare it very well. Here is a step-by-step guide to be relaxed on the big day and make the most of this moment with your manager. What the Performance Review Is Not During the performance review, a manager evaluates the overall performance of an employee in their job, suggests areas for improvement, offers a raise if agreed, and sets objectives for the next couple of months. Performance reviews can also be called performance appraisals or performance evaluations. It is not: A meeting dedicated to training only A preliminary dismissal meeting: if you are going to be fired, it should not done in this meeting The only time in the year when you receive feedback Of course, it is the most formal time to be evaluated. But the performance review should really be a summary of what you have heard during the year. Are you finding out about all your areas of improvement during this meeting? Clearly, there was something missing from your daily interactions with your supervisor. Performance Review: What to Expect The process depends on the company and the manager who leads it. However, you can expect to see the following points: An overall work review Your manager gives an overall review of your work over the last few months. They may start by asking you if you have reached your objectives and what stats prove it. Some congratulations you on your good work At this stage, good managers tell you what you have done well . They congratulate you on your successes and skills . Most of the time, your colleagues have evaluated you. In that case, your supervisor summarizes the positive comments about you. How motivating! If your boss is planning to give you a raise or a bonus to congratulate you for your good results, they may bring up the subject at that time. Prioritizing your areas for improvement Your boss will also point out your areas for improvement . Everyone has some! If your manager knows how to do it in a tactful way, they will comment factually on your work, not on you as a person. They will tell you how to improve concretely : through training? By asking colleagues for help? By looking for solutions yourself? By being more rigorous? Together, you will set KPIs to know at what pace you are improving. It's best if those targets are SMART : S - Specific: it's clear what should be done and by whom. M - Measurable: there are KPIs for success. A - Achievable: what's an objective for if it's not reachable? R - Relevant: it makes sense with the global mission. T - Time bound: there is a set timeline for completion. Setting your next objectives The next step is exciting: you will learn all about your new goals for the coming months. Don't hesitate to discuss them and give your opinion so that they are motivating and realistic. Your boss may also ask you what you want to work on first, if it is useful to the company, of course. So, this is your moment to align your desires and your mission. Perhaps you can even talk about your evolution in the company, if you have new ambitions. If you want to talk about your salary and you haven't done so yet, this might be a good time to bring up the subject. Giving constructive feedback to your manager The best interviews end with honest feedback to your manager on their strengths and areas for improvement. If there are issues to be raised, you can bring them up using non-violent communication and ask how you can work better together. You may be surprised by the power of open-ended questions asked with an open mind. How to Prepare for Your Next Performance Review Here is what you can prepare for your next performance review: Gather some feedback Ask for reviews from several colleagues: those on your team and other teams, supervisors, peers, and maybe even someone you manage. It would be great to have 3 to 5. Write 3 to 5 objective feedback points about your manager with examples to illustrate them. Review your work from these last few months Create a list of your top 3 to 5 recent successes. Collect the numbers on how well you have achieved your goals. If you have not achieved all of them, think about the reasons for that. Maybe it’s not just on you? Find an example of a project where you went the extra mile. Point out the most useful skill you’ve learned recently and how. Looking ahead Be ready to share your favorite subjects and training organizations to learn something new. Make sure you can pitch your desire for professional development within the company. The Right Mindset Now you have all the keys in hand to prepare for your performance review. Remember that your state of mind as well as your attitude will also make a difference; remain open to feedback and give yours in an objective and benevolent manner. Try to find solutions instead of shutting yourself up like a defensive oyster. A performance review is a balancing act, it's true. This being said, it can be motivating and enjoyable if everyone comes in with an open discussion and building spirit. Good luck!

We’re sure you’ve heard of ChatGPT by now and there’s a reason why: this artificial intelligence powered chatbot was created by OpenAI and based on the Generative Pretrained Transformer language model, using deep learning techniques to provide users with human-like answers to the text they enter. Launched in late November 2022, ChatGPT has taken the internet by storm, prompting lots of conversations about the future of similar AI-powered tools. ChatGPT is posed to revolutionize the world in various ways: Customer service: ChatGPT could provide customers with personalized and accurate information regarding their order, request, and more. Research : ChatGPT could give users the exact information they need incredibly quickly. Idea creation : ChatGPT could give creators ideas for pieces of artwork, recipes, birthday presents, and more. Parents : ChatGPT could write a chore schedule, plan vacations, and give parenting tips. Coding : ChatGPT could help developers with its knowledge of languages such as Python, JavaScript, Ruby, and others. Just like with any new tool and especially one that’s so revolutionary, there are some drawbacks and it’s important to recognize them; ChatGPT’s factual accuracy isn’t 100% and the tool sometimes can’t handle all potential users at the same time. But we’re intrigued by its uses and how it can benefit us and more specifically, web developers . Here’s some aspects that set ChatGPT apart from similar tools: It remembers previous inputs from the same session, allowing it to become increasingly personalized as the session progresses. It can try to remove harmful or deceitful answers, adding in modern perceptions of historical events. Its answers are detailed and human-like. Let’s dive into some of its uses in web development. ChatGPT for Web Development One of the most known uses of ChatGPT is writing code and its expertise in programming languages . In addition to its knowledge of programming languages, it can help with debugging, summarizing information, and problem solving. Ths radical tool can write code and build a website with just one request, especially skilled from the backend. Of course, there are some functionalities that still require human knowledge, but this is just the beginning. Different from other versions of GPT previously released, ChatGPT can admit mistakes, answer conversationally, answer follow-up questions using information previously entered during the session, challenge inaccuracies, and control the answers it gives. You’ve probably seen some doomsday comments on the internet, predicting the erasure of web developers, but the truth is there’s nothing to be concerned about. In fact, the development of highly-skilled AI tools will actually benefit web developers. Here’s why: At least for now, ChatGPT’s coding abilities are limited to basic code and can’t handle the complex coding that, for example, bank applications or websites require. This means that ChatGPT will be able to take care of the basic coding that software developers could do in their sleep and instead focus their time and energy on more complicated tasks. Due to the fact that ChatGPT’s code is based on code that it’s previously seen, it can’t promise code that’s bug-free, safe, easy to maintain, and well-documented. Web developers don’t just code; they have to build the structure of a program, apply changes, take requests into consideration, and generate exactly what is needed. A future where ChatGPT can do all of this is quite far off. ChatGPT may lead to the creation of new roles , such as AI experts. Even as it expands and improves, ChatGPT will become a skill and tool for web developers to master, allowing them to focus more on more complex tasks. ChatGPT Prompts for Web Development If you’re looking to harness ChatGPT’s power and use it to your advantage, you’re in the right place. Let’s sort our prompts into a few categories: requests, advice, and questions. Requests for ChatGPT Create a website for a local festival using JavaScript. Continue writing this code (enter code). Search this code for bugs (enter code). Find mistakes in this code (enter code). Give me 5 reasons to use JavaScript. Advice for ChatGPT Tell me the most important part of web development. What’s the best code for this kind of website? Give me ideas about website design. Questions for ChatGPT What are the best practices for web design? How do I (insert design aspect here)? How can I correct this code’s bugs? What factors should I consider when writing code with Python? The future of web development with ChatGPT ChatGPT’s groundbreaking technology has led to quite the reaction from the world. While it can seem powerful and able to take on practically anything, we have to keep in mind the following: ChatGPT outputs should be limited to guidance and advice and not be taken as fact. If you ask ChatGPT to write code for you, use it as a reference, not something to copy and paste into your work. Even if you see practically anyone enjoying ChatGPT on the internet, the tool’s incredibly powerful range means that in professional settings, it should be used strictly by experts who know what they are doing. ChatGPT is capable of handling the basics, but that doesn’t mean that knowledge is beneath you or not important; new programmers might be tempted to use ChatGPT for the basics, but web development builds on previous knowledge and abusing this could create a serious knowledge gap. Remember that even as the technology expands and develops, it will never be able to think for itself, understand complex human emotions, comprehend your personal experiences and situations, or understand your business context. ChatGPT is an incredible tool for web developers that will allow for more advancement and time spent on complex issues, but just like any new technology, should be used within reason and cautiously until it is fully understood. So if you’re interested in diving into web development, don’t be scared! Your job is here to stay.

Preparing for that big talk with your boss can be quite stressful: what will they say? Will they say yes? And what if they say no? We’ve all been there and if you think it’s the right time for you, it’s essential that you follow our tips and tricks, prepare your argument and, most importantly, manage your expectations . Let’s dive in. Why should you ask for a raise? Although we’d all like bigger paychecks just because, raises are something that are earned and can be due to a variety of reasons. If your responsibilities have changed and expanded or your performance has improved , those are solid reasons to ask for a raise. And if things have stayed the same, don’t worry; standard salary increases are 3%-5% annually. Now here’s the big question: why do you want a raise? When you head into that meeting with your boss, it’s crucial that you have a clear answer to that question. Even if your rent has gone up or you found out a coworker makes more than you, try to approach the topic with performance-based evidence and communicate the value you bring to the organization. How much should you ask for? Again, it’s important to be prepared before you ask for a raise and have a specific number in mind. For example, while you might be nervous about getting underpaid or asking for too much, what truly matters is your evidence and reasoning. You want to make sure that your request is well-received; that will come from a well-backed proposal. We mentioned that normal annual raises are between the 3%-5% range; this doesn't mean that’s what you have to request. If you were hired for a certain role and are now traveling more than anticipated, taking on more responsibilities, or delivering a strong performance, you can make an argument for a larger raise. When to Ask Your Boss for a Raise First things first: does your company have a standard practice for raises? If so, it’s crucial to respect those and ask for raises within those time periods. If it doesn’t, some moments are better than others. Check out these tips: Don’t choose a time when everyone is stressed : not only are emotions high and patience short during stressed periods, but it’s more likely that your request will be lost in the madness and forgotten. If certain weeks or months are more stressful than others, choose your time carefully. Do choose a time when your boss is pleased with your work : if you’ve been having a rough few weeks or just got back from vacation, it may not be the best time to ask for a raise. Do consider the company’s standing : even if you’re the world’s best employee, a rough quarter might mean that the company simply doesn’t have the funds to give you a raise at that moment. It’s best to wait until the company is in a more stable position. How to Ask Your Boss for a Raise Now’s the moment; it’s time to ask your boss for a raise. Remember to keep your cool and follow these steps: Ensure that you give yourself time to prepare f or the request and time for your boss to get back to you. Most salary decisions aren’t made by just your boss; they’ll need to talk to HR and possibly their supervisor to give you a decision. They also may need to review your performance-based evidence before giving you an answer. Just like with your work, take time to prepare your proposal. Numbers make the best argument and by using data points that support your argument, your boss will be more likely to agree. Know your worth but remain professional and respectful . Lots of bosses don’t make salary increase decisions on their own, but instead have to discuss with another team. Keep your proposal to the following: Your accomplishments within both your entire time at the company and since you received your last raise. Data that backs up your argument that it’s time for a raise. Industry data that shows a competitive salary for your role. The benefits your company will have from your raise. After that meeting Alright, you did it! Your meeting is over and more likely than not your boss will tell you they need to think about it and confer with other colleagues. What now? Well, it’s a good idea to put your request in writing , especially if your original meeting was in-person; this helps you not only have a written record of your request, but makes it easier for your boss to share your argument as you would like it to be made with others. The waiting game can be tough, so consider adding a note to your boss during your conversation or your written follow-up, asking when an appropriate time to follow up would be. It’s important to be respectful of your boss’ time while simultaneously ensuring your work is being properly compensated. What to do if your boss says no We’ve all been there and if you haven’t yet, it will probably happen at some point. It can seem like a personal attack or review, but there are lots of reasons why your boss could say no and not all are related to your performance. Try not to take it personally and instead come at it from a realistic perspective: ask why and take the feedback as constructively as possible . And most importantly, collect a few action items for the future: Understand why your boss rejected your request Ask when would be a better time to ask for a raise Ask what can be done to improve your performance Keep a good attitude and continue to work hard These points, of course, must be balanced with knowing your worth. If you are being paid lower than the industry average or less than similarly-skilled and tasked colleagues, it’s important to place value on your skills . Looking for another job is an option if you are not being treated fairly. It can seem like quite the daunting task, but if you prepare yourself properly, you’ll be up for the challenge.

“Sometimes, data is the pill that we take to calm our insecurity about what we intuitively know.” She’s Chief Marketing Officer at one of the tech unicorns that have revolutionized video streaming: Netflix. Bozoma Saint John is an advocate of intuition for tech innovation. This valuable piece of advice can be applied not only to marketing , but also to design , product , web development and even, let's be crazy, data itself! A Tech Culture of Leaning On Data to Make Decisions In her early experiences, Bozoma’s superiors quickly made it clear that to get her ideas across, she would need to rely on data . " Anchor the idea in the data ," her boss kept telling her as a mantra. According to him, this would help her predict whether or not her marketing actions would work and then see if they actually were successful. This method, starting with a data set to formulate a hypothesis and test it, is very common in both tech and beyond. UX Researcher, UX Designer, Product Manager, and  Growth Marketer jobs rely primarily on observable KPIs to make decisions and refine them . Bozoma took that advice too. She picked a lot of her ideas right there, in the data. Sometimes, she would spot a pattern she would follow. It worked fine for a while. Does a data-based-strategy often trigger innovation? The CMO quickly noticed the limitations of drawing only creative insights from data . Indeed, data analyzes things we do know. It’s not designed to innovate and build disruptive products. Bozoma even speaks of “ the endless weight of data that keeps us bound so we can’t move forward in the future because we’re so tied to the past. ” The example the young woman chooses is eloquent: if Henry Ford had asked for the most popular means of transportation of his time instead of creating the Ford T, he would have tried to boost the speed of horses. For Bozoma,  “ ideas are made off of electricity. They come sharp. They are nonlinear. I kind of feel they are like day dreams. So, with the data, they do not really take off. Intuition gets you there .” Leaving Room for Intuition Makes You Far More Innovative When she was just starting out in advertising in the early 2000s, Bozoma took part in a creative brief for Pepsi. All the partners had a data-driven approach. She remembers: “ At the time, I was an assistant. Spike had everybody in the office, coming up with ideas. They looked at billboard charts, analyzed the sales .” She explains that thanks to her inexperience, she came up with  a genius idea . Since she didn't yet trust herself to interpret the data correctly, she drew inspiration from what she knew: MTV. “ There had been a hip-hop Hopera movie commercial called ‘Carmen’. I loved it. It starred Beyoncé. This was a disruptive idea. Who really mixes Opera and Hip Hop? It was magical. So, I put up my vote on Beyoncé. Now, of course, everybody would tell you to go all in. At the time, nobody was betting on her. My boss at Spike trusted me anyway. Pepsi made a memorable, successful campaign .” It is likely that if the campaign had been driven by the competitors' numbers, it would have made less noise because it would have been offbeat, less creative, or unoriginal . What About Other Tech Jobs? What do these learnings teach us about other tech professions? Well,  it tells us that the most innovative products are built from intuition. It also means truly disruptive ideas rarely come from a data set and that the boldest innovations are most often a small glimmer of wisdom in the mind of someone who doesn't yet know why it should be invented - but knows it should be done. Don't make Bozoma say what it didn't say. Analyzing past performance and creating predictive patterns is still useful . What the Netflix CMO is simply saying is that sometimes, taking a step back and listening to your intuition can be a gamechanger. Even if that intuition contradicts some numbers. Even if what you propose seems crazy. Even when you can't explain it. “Ideas come from our intuition. You can’t really quite quantify this. Sometimes, you can’t even describe it”. Most tech companies use data to make every decision. These days, they don’t have the internal competence sometimes, as employees no longer use their intuition on a day-to-day basis. And if they do, they’re not taken seriously, in a context where numbers are king. "Anchor the idea in the data… " To some extent, this advice provides an interesting methodological anchor. But today, recruiters are also looking for Mad skills, like creativity and intuition! How to Train Your Intuition To work on this highly sought after soft skill, Bozoma says to start small. She has been using her intuition like a muscle every day for over 20 years : no wonder she is able to connect with it. “ Every day, I am charged with looking at campaigns that are 15 seconds long, 60 seconds long, 90 seconds long, that will encourage you to watch something that's much longer. Every day. And so, I have to use my intuition to understand whether or not something is going to make you cry immediately, is it going to make you laugh. And I feel like if I feel that, perhaps you do too. ” To reconnect with your intuition, it seems that you need to clear your mind and make room for it. Bozoma advocates that “ we decrease the dosage of our data. And that we increase the implementation of our intuition ." “ You’ll feel great when you're able to prove to yourself that the power of your intuition is actually accurate, ” she concludes with a smile.

It feels like everyone is talking about ChatGPT . If you’ve tried to check it out and found yourself locked out because too many people are using it…you’re not the only one! When we finally managed to find time in ChatGPT’s very busy social life, we wanted to ask it a few burning questions. How exactly does this technology work? What does it know about the current and future state of tech? And what does it have to say about bootcamps? First of all, tell us what ChatGPT is and how does it work? ChatGPT is a large language generation model developed by OpenAI, based on the transformer architecture. It uses deep learning techniques, specifically a type of neural network called a Transformer, to generate human-like text responses to input prompts. The model is trained on a large dataset of text, which includes diverse types of writing such as news articles, conversation dialogues, and other texts. During training, the model is exposed to many examples of input and their corresponding outputs, and it gradually learns patterns and relationships between the input and output. When the model receives an input prompt, it processes the input through multiple layers of the network and generates a probability distribution over all possible outputs. The model then selects the output with the highest probability as its response. Overall, ChatGPT works by using statistical methods to generate text based on patterns it has learned from its training data, and it does not have the ability to reason, understand, or make decisions in the way that a human would. Tell us about the tech sector: What are the most exciting aspects of working in tech? Working in the tech industry can be an exciting and rewarding experience, offering many opportunities for personal and professional growth. Here are some of the most exciting aspects of working in tech: Innovation and creativity: The tech industry is constantly evolving and changing, providing opportunities for individuals to innovate and create new solutions to complex problems. Variety of work: Tech encompasses a wide range of fields, from software development and data science to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. This means that there is a wide range of roles and opportunities for individuals to choose from and explore. High demand for skills: The tech industry is growing rapidly, and there is a high demand for professionals with the right skills. This can result in job security, competitive salaries, and opportunities for advancement. Collaboration and teamwork: Many tech roles involve working in teams, providing opportunities for individuals to collaborate with others and learn from one another. Impact: Technology has the potential to positively impact society in numerous ways, and working in tech can provide opportunities to make a difference and help improve people's lives. Constant learning: The tech industry is constantly evolving, and there are always new technologies and techniques to learn. This can provide opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. These are just a few of the many exciting aspects of working in tech. The field offers a dynamic and challenging environment, and is a great choice for those who enjoy solving complex problems, working with new technologies, and continuously learning and growing. What do you think are the most in-demand skills in tech? The most in-demand skills in tech can vary depending on the industry and current market conditions, but here are some of the skills that are consistently sought after: Cloud Computing: Cloud computing has become increasingly popular in recent years, and skills related to cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform are in high demand. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML are growing areas of technology with applications across many industries, and skills in these areas are highly sought after. Web Development: Web development skills, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React, remain in high demand as the majority of businesses have a web presence and need developers to build, maintain, and upgrade their websites. Cybersecurity: As cyber attacks become increasingly common, there is a growing need for professionals with skills in cybersecurity, including network and information security, threat intelligence, and digital forensics. Data Science: Data science is a field that involves using statistical methods, programming, and data visualization to extract insights from data. Skills in data science, including Python programming and SQL, are highly sought after by companies in a variety of industries. Full-Stack Development: Full-stack development involves working with both the front-end and back-end components of web development. Full-stack developers who are familiar with multiple programming languages and have experience with databases, server-side technologies, and front-end frameworks are in high demand. These are just a few of the most in-demand skills in tech, and the list can vary depending on regional and industry trends. To remain competitive in the tech job market, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and to continuously improve and expand your skills. Why should someone consider gaining tech skills? Gaining tech skills can offer many benefits, both professionally and personally. Here are some reasons why someone might consider gaining tech skills: Job opportunities: The tech industry is growing rapidly, and there is a high demand for professionals with tech skills. This can result in job security, competitive salaries, and opportunities for advancement. Career growth: Tech skills are in high demand, and individuals with these skills are often in a strong position to advance their careers and take on more challenging and higher-paying roles. Entrepreneurial opportunities: Tech skills can also be valuable for individuals looking to start their own businesses or become entrepreneurs, as technology plays a crucial role in many startups and innovative businesses. Problem-solving skills: Tech skills can help individuals develop valuable problem-solving skills that are useful not just in tech, but in many other industries as well. Adaptability: The tech industry is constantly evolving, and individuals with tech skills are often better equipped to adapt to changes and new technologies. Personal development: Learning new tech skills can be a rewarding personal experience, providing individuals with the opportunity to challenge themselves, expand their knowledge, and build their confidence. These are just a few of the many benefits of gaining tech skills. Whether you are looking to advance your career, start your own business, or simply learn something new, tech skills can provide valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. Why choose a tech bootcamp over a university degree? Tech bootcamps and university degrees are two different paths to a career in technology, and choosing between them can depend on a variety of factors. Here are some reasons why someone might choose a tech bootcamp over a university degree: Speed: Tech bootcamps are typically shorter in duration, lasting anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, compared to the several years required to earn a university degree. This can make them a more appealing option for those who want to quickly transition into a tech career. Cost: Tech bootcamps are often less expensive than university degrees, especially considering the shorter duration. This can make them a more accessible option for those who are seeking to retrain or change careers, but are unable to invest the time and money required for a traditional university education. Practical skills: Tech bootcamps focus on teaching practical skills that are in high demand in the tech industry, such as coding, web development, and data science. They aim to equip students with the skills needed to immediately begin working in their chosen field. Flexibility: Many tech bootcamps offer flexible scheduling options, including part-time, online, and evening courses, making them a good choice for those who are unable to commit to a full-time program. Networking opportunities: Tech bootcamps often offer opportunities to network with industry professionals and alumni, which can be valuable in finding job opportunities or making connections in the field. It's important to note that university degrees and tech bootcamps have different strengths and weaknesses, and choosing between them will depend on individual circumstances, goals, and preferences. For example, a university degree may provide a more well-rounded education, with a greater focus on theory and a wider range of course offerings, while a tech bootcamp may provide a more focused and intensive learning experience that is more directly applicable to a career in technology. How is the UK tech market compared to other European markets? The UK tech market is one of the largest and most developed in Europe, and is considered to be a leader in several key areas, including fintech, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Compared to other European markets, the UK tech market has several unique advantages, including: Access to capital: The UK has a well-developed venture capital market, and there is significant investment available for tech startups and growing businesses. Talent pool: The UK has a large and highly skilled talent pool, with many top universities producing world-class tech professionals. Favorable business environment: The UK has a pro-business environment, with favorable tax policies and a supportive regulatory framework for tech businesses. Global reach: The UK has a strong position as a global hub for tech, with many multinational tech companies based in the country and a well-established network of international partnerships. However, the UK tech market also faces some challenges and risks, particularly in the context of Brexit and the ongoing uncertainty around the UK's relationship with the European Union. Nevertheless, the UK tech market continues to be a vibrant and dynamic sector, with many exciting opportunities for businesses and professionals. When compared to other European markets, such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands, the UK tech market has a strong position and is considered to be one of the leading tech hubs in Europe. However, each European market has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the relative competitiveness of the UK tech market will depend on the specific focus and goals of the companies and individuals involved. What's your advice for someone thinking about changing careers and moving into tech? If you are thinking about changing careers and moving into tech, here is some advice that can help: Start learning: The first step in changing careers is to start learning about the tech industry and the specific skills and technologies you are interested in. There are many free online resources, such as online courses, tutorials, and forums, that can help you get started. Network: Building a network of professionals in the tech industry can be a valuable resource for career advice and job opportunities. Attend industry events, join online communities, and reach out to people in your network who work in tech. Gain experience: Gaining hands-on experience is crucial when transitioning into a new career, and there are many ways to do this, such as taking on freelance projects, participating in hackathons, or contributing to open-source projects. Update your skills: Keeping your skills up-to-date is important in the rapidly evolving tech industry. Consider obtaining certifications, attending conferences, or enrolling in continuing education courses to stay current with the latest technologies and best practices. Be open-minded: The tech industry is diverse and there are many different roles and careers within it. Be open-minded about the type of role you want to pursue and be willing to take on entry-level or junior positions as you build your experience and skills. Find a mentor: Finding a mentor who has experience in the tech industry and can offer guidance and advice can be invaluable. Look for someone who has a similar background or interests and who is willing to support you in your career transition. Be persistent: Changing careers can be challenging, but with persistence, hard work, and a positive attitude, you can successfully make the transition into the tech industry. These are just a few of the key steps you can take to change careers and move into tech. By following these steps, you can gain the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to build a successful career in the tech industry.

If you want to keep up with the demands of the market and better navigate the digital world, knowing the best tech tools will be crucial to your success. These tools can help with anything from cybersecurity software and task management tools to the best CRM platforms. They’re here to help users streamline work, manage potential threats, save time, and fully take advantage of what today’s technology has to offer; being in the know about the latest tech tools has never been more important. Cybersecurity software Considering the frequent use of online storage, the amount of private data that’s collected, and our reliance on the Cloud, companies are making cybersecurity a top priority. In a time where our work is more entwined than ever with technology, we’re more vulnerable to hackers, data leaks, and cyber attacks. Securing data and disrupting potential attacks is immensely important; not only does offering cybersecurity help reduce the potential financial loss for a company, but it protects internal data and ensures the company a good reputation. ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus is a cyber security tool designed for end-to-end risk management mediation through offering complete coverage, regular assessment, reporting of vulnerabilities, and built-in remediation. Notable Characteristics: Regular scans: The program runs regular scans to discover the vulnerable areas of all local and remote office endpoints in addition to roaming devices. Assess potential risks: ManageEngine uses attacker-based analytics to assess potential risks. The program prioritizes areas that are more likely to be attacked. Compliance: ManageEngine helps businesses meet compliance requirements as well as security and audit objectives. Secures potential loopholes: The program helps reduce the possibility of exploitation of security loopholes and prevents future loopholes from developing. Patch Management: Offers support customizing, coordinating, and automating patching processes. Zero-Day Vulnerability Mitigation: ManageEngine deploys pre-built, tested scripts in order to secure networks from zero-day vulnerabilities. Price plans offered by ManageEngine: Prices vary in relation to the amount of workstations, servers and users needed. Website : ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus Task management tools To make it as a business today, managing tasks, facilitating group work, and being in communication (remotely or in person) has never been more important. A good task management tool can help your company have efficient and clear communication in order to save time and complete necessary tasks. In the end, proper task management increases productivity, reduces stress, and ensures higher quality work for the company and client. ClickUp: ClickUp is a top rated task management tool to help increase productivity, establish priorities, and manage multiple projects at once. The user-friendly platform is utilized by companies like Google, Webflow, and Airbnb. It’s a favorite of business owners, project managers, and freelancers. Notable Characteristics: Templates and Recurring Tasks: To ensure that efficiency is prioritized, ClickUp offers templates to give users a base to create project plans and new tasks. The Recurring Task feature allows for tasks to repeat and customize how often they appear. Priorities: The tool helps users identify their prioritized tasks through a simple color coded system. The system makes companies more efficient as users can easily identify priority tasks. Reminders and Notifications: ClickUp sends reminders making it easy to keep track of deliverables. Equally, notifications are used to keep everyone updated on task developments. The frequency and location of notifications is customizable to better support team members. Views: The software offers a variety of views to accommodate the diverse ways that users may want to engage. From simple lists and calendar view to spreadsheets, ClickUp helps users visualize and organize their work. Integrations: The app can be integrated with other apps and collaboration tools like Slack, Gmail, Zoom, Outlook, Google Drive, HubSpot, and more. Price plans offered by ClickUp: ClickUp Free: Free forever ClickUp Unlimited: $5 per member per month ClickUp Business: $12 per member per month ClickUp Business Plus: $19 per member per month ClickUp Enterprise: Custom pricing Website: ClickUp Web development tools Web development has changed significantly in recent years, thus utilizing the best tools and plugins can help streamline the work, make it more intuitive, and help you save time. Taking advantage of the best web development tools will help companies be more efficient and build stronger websites. GitHub: GitHub is a web development tool that helps users improve workflow, identify errors in code, and create stronger websites. The tool helps track changes made to code, return to previous states to fix mistakes, and keep track of bugs. The tool is designed for collaboration, built with security in mind, and has shown to increase web development velocity . Notable Characteristics: Productivity: GitHub helps users accelerate web development through a variety of tools to increase developer velocity. The platform also offers a complete development environment so users can code, test, and pull requests from any repo anywhere. Collaboration: The tool offers flexible project management tools that help facilitate collaboration, providing unlimited repositories and access to their powerful open source community. Security: GitHub helps users respond to threats proactively through offering regular security scans to find vulnerabilities in your code. Code Scanning: GitHub offers static code analysis to identify potential issues in your code. Price plans offered by GitHub: GitHub Free: Free forever GitHub Team: $48 per user per year GitHub Enterprise: $252 per user per year Website: GitHub Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is proving to be more and more necessary in order to personalize and better connect with clients. As businesses collect more and more data, having tools to effectively gather, manage, and analyze that data has never been more important. The proper CRM tools can help you establish new clients and build stronger relationships with existing customers. Businesses who invest in CRM have better customer retention, see an increase in revenues, and grow their companies. There are two customer relationship management softwares you should know about. monday Sales CRM: If your company is overwhelmed with tasks and wants more support in the area of project management, monday Sales CRM is the CRM software for you. The platform’s easy to use interface makes data organization, visualization, and analysis a stress-free project. The software will help you save time, makes communication smooth, and is overall an intuitive management platform. Notable Characteristics: Customizable : The software can be customized to your sales cycle and be tailored to match your company’s project management needs. Integration: The platform can be integrated with other apps like Slack to facilitate better communication with your team. Automating Sales Processes: monday Sales CRM automates repetitive work, assigns leads to reps, and sets reminders for upcoming tasks. Centralized Communication: The platform can be integrated with contacts and email to automatically track interactions and prepare personalized email templates. Price plans offered by monday Sales CRM: monday Sales CRM Individual: Free forever monday Sales CRM Basic: $10 per user per month monday Sales CRM Standard: $14 per user per month monday Sales CRM Pro: $24 per user per month monday Sales CRM Enterprise: Custom pricing Website: monday Sales CRM Sage CRM: Sage CRM is a customer management tool focused on the longer term relationships with customers. The software helps employees monitor and support customers all on one platform, helping track data and provide metrics on case histories that can be transformed into comprehensive and visual reports for customers. Sage CRM also offers support in managing marketing channels and offering more personalized marketing campaigns. Notable Characteristics: Reliable Insight: Sage CRM offers real-time insights through ongoing data analysis that help customers and businesses make better informed decisions. Exceptional Customer Experience: The software will help better serve customers through centralizing work on the platform, identifying service gaps, and providing a personalized customer experience. Collaboration: The project management aspects of the tool keep everyone collaborating efficiently. Data is consolidated in one place so everyone can access the visual reports. End-to-end View: The platform delivers an end-to-end view of a given customer’s work, grounded on reliable data that helps expand up-selling and cross-selling opportunities. Price plans offered by Sage CRM: Custom Pricing: Get a Quote from Sage CRM Website: Sage CRM If you’re looking to dominate in your field, these tech tools may be the answer to increasing productivity, managing tasks, offering security and providing stronger services to your customers.

As a diverse city with international residents, a thriving startup ecosystem, and individuals dedicated to being on the forefront of tech, Berlin is the place to kickstart your tech career and dive right into the center of it all. Did you know that Berlin falls second to only London when it comes to yearly venture capital? Or that there are 96,000 open tech roles there? With its connections to the EU market, more than 16,000 startups, an affordable cost of living, and diverse pool of talent, Berlin is where you need to be. Why Berlin? As one of Europe’s biggest cities, Berlin is known for its rich cultural heritage, incredible history, and much more. Let’s take a look: Good work-life balance : Berlin has a relaxed and laid-back culture, which is reflected in its work culture. Employers are more open to flexible working hours and remote working, allowing for a good work/life balance. Government support for the tech industry: the German government has significantly invested in the country's technology sector, providing funding and support to startups and companies and therefore creating more opportunities for tech workers. Strong public transportation : Berlin has an excellent public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around the city and to other parts of Europe. This can be a great advantage for tech workers who need to travel frequently for work or simply want to be well-connected. Affordable cost of living : compared to other major tech hubs like London or San Francisco, Berlin has a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive place to live and work for those on a budget. Vibrant startup scene : Berlin is home to a thriving startup ecosystem with a large number of tech startups and incubators; it has fantastic opportunities to be part of cutting-edge innovation and connect with other like-minded individuals. Rich cultural scene : Berlin is known for its rich cultural scene with a wide range of museums, galleries, and historical landmarks. Ironhack in Berlin Ironhack’s Berlin campus is located in the trendy neighborhood of Prenzlauerberg, which is known for its vibrant startup scene, diverse culture, and artistic atmosphere. The campus is housed in a modern and well-equipped facility, designed to provide students with the best possible learning experience. On top of that, it’s five minutes away from the metro and we are located right in front of one of our iconic techno Mensch Meier and very close to the city center with easy parking access. Since 2019, we’ve been helping the next generation of Berlin techies find their place in the tech industry with one of our bootcamps. Ironhack courses in Berlin Web development : learn front and back end technologies and everything else you need to know to become a full stack web developer. Data analytics : become a data analyst through learning tools such as Python, SQL, and Tableau and learn to interpret data to make the right decisions. UX/UI design : user-centric design is key here; learn design thinking to build digital experiences created specifically for users. Cybersecurity : cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, due to their wide range of skills pertaining to protecting companies from risks and hacks. No matter if you choose remote, full-time, or part-time courses in Barcelona, Ironhack’s campus offers you something beyond your course; we offer events, chances to network and connect with your fellow Ironhackers, an awesome space to get your best work done, and much more. Unsure if you should take the full-time bootcamp? What about part-time? Or remote? Let’s discuss: Our full-time bootcamps are ideal for those looking to get a new job soon and can exclusively dedicate nine weeks to learning. If you want fast results, this is for you. Our part-time bootcamps are for those who can’t dedicate nine weeks to just the bootcamp; if you want to keep your job elsewhere or continue your studies in another institution, our part-time bootcamps are perfect for you. The results are the same as our full-time course, just spread out over more weeks to allow you time to handle your other commitments. Our remote bootcamps are an option for everyone, even if you’re already located near our campus. These courses offer more flexibility and start dates, in addition to language variations, to help you choose the perfect course for you. And don’t worry about missing out on our events or course help; remote students are welcome at campus any day of the week and can benefit from everything offered to in-person students. Financing options in Berlin Income share agreements within Ironhack StudentFinance : this pay-for-success financing model gives you access to education funding in exchange for a fixed percentage of your post-graduation income over a set period of time; you won’t pay anything until you land a job and your rate will be based on what you make. Universia : this socially responsible income share agreement allows you to study at Ironhack for free before you are employed. Student Finance: This ISA program is specifically for people who would like to start a career in tech, but can’t pay the full tuition fee before finding a job. Student Finance will take care of the tuition and start to repay the money when you land a job; no deposit is needed and you can repay it over 36 months. To be approved, students have to show motivation, have an attractive profile, and have to complete Ironhack’s admissions process. Bank financing You should always check with your bank or your financial institution to see what options are available to you, but we here’s one we’ve checked out for you: Quotanda : Quotanda provides financing options for national and international students, democratizing education access with student-friendly loans. You can finance your studies at Ironhack through their easy-to-use online application and approval process and decide if you want to pay over 12, 18, or 24 months. Relax with a low payment period during your course – only pay €33.5 per month for the first three months. The rest of your payment will be in installments starting at €250. Does Berlin seem like a good fit for you? We’re happy to welcome the next generation of Ironhackers to our Berlin campus for a visit and, most importantly, help them make their tech future a reality.

Almost everyone has experienced some form of remote work and study over the past few years, due in large part to the pandemic. And while it seems like it’s a great setup, there are a lot of things that change when you primarily work remotely - and some of them might be a surprise! Just like with any change, there are pros and cons. Let’s take a look at some: Working responsibilities It can be hard to log off You could love your job more than anyone else in the world, but who wants to be working all the time? When you work remotely, it’s easy to work late hours or check your email on weekends: if your entire home is your office, setting boundaries becomes almost impossible. Ironhack’s tip: as hard as it might seem, try to pick one place in your home to work from and once the work day is over, put your computer away and respect your time off just like you would if you were still working from the office. Lots of independence…like, a lot There’s no boss breathing over your shoulder and no coworkers interrupting you with questions every few minutes. You’re basically on your own and wow , that’s a lot of independence. Some might benefit from more space and freedom, but others may miss someone keeping them in line. Ironhack’s tip: If you’re having trouble staying focused at home, try setting small and attainable goals to help you manage your time and tasks. It can seem like an impossible task, but part of remote work is learning how to be efficient and productive even outside of the office. Your responsibilities expand… but not work ones ! Does being at home all day mean that you’re the new building doorman, picking up everyone’s packages? Or are you asked to be the community dogwalker, adding a walk into your daily routine? It can be hard to create a solid boundary between your work and personal lives, but it’s a necessity. Ironhack’s tip: set clear boundaries with your housemates, neighbors, and anyone else who is asking you to take on additional responsibilities during the day. While receiving a package for someone else seems easy, make sure it doesn’t become a regular request that can interfere with your day-to-day; even though you’re at home, you’re still working. Zoom fatigue: yes, it’s real! There are four major parts of zoom fatigue: seeing yourself in meetings for extended periods of time (something that simply doesn’t happen during in-person meetings), seeing everyone in the meeting at the same (in the office, we usually focus just on the speaker), we feel obligated to stay in the exact same spot for the entirety of the meeting (it can feel strange to get up for a glass of water or bathroom break and leave your camera on), and communication gets more complicated (it’s harder to read non-verbal cues online). Ironhack’s tip: if you find any of the four parts of Zoom fatigue familiar, try to turn off your camera periodically or use the “hide self-view” feature so you don’t see your own camera. And if you notice it’s an issue that other colleagues are dealing with as well, establish team rules where some calls don’t have cameras on and are simply run through the audio. The social aspect Missing coworkers You probably think we’re joking, but we’re not; you may actually start to miss your co-workers! Especially if you live alone or are the only one working remotely in your house, it can get quite lonely just sitting in front of your computer all day. Ironhack’s tip: just because you’re working remotely doesn’t mean that there’s no in-person interaction available! Reach out to your local colleagues for an afterwork meetup or if you’re not located close to your co-workers, try scheduling “coffee breaks” during the day for you to hop on a video call and catch up. Neighbors If you worked primarily in the office, you spent the vast majority of your time away from your house and what happens in your neighborhood or building from 9 to 5. Now that you’re working from home, a whole new world has opened up; did you know that the stay at home mom takes an at-home aerobics class every Wednesday morning? Or that your neighbor mows his lawn every Monday afternoon? Now you do. Ironhack’s tip: if there’s a constant habit that’s making it hard for you to get your work done, make sure you plan accordingly. Avoid scheduling meetings during your neighbor’s Zumba class and make sure you’re being a good neighbor as well! Keep your music or podcasts at an appropriate volume and if it’s getting impossible to work at home, don’t be afraid to make a friendly comment to your neighbors. Lunch breaks Commuting time, saved! Did you have a tough commute, adding an hour or two to your workday? Now that you’re at home, not only can you get up later and still be on time for work, but you also have lots of extra time once the workday is over. And if you are lucky enough to have additional flexibility, you might be able to fit in some errands or a quick workout during your lunch break. Ironhack’s tip: it may be tempting to try to squeeze more into your day with the time you saved commuting, but you don’t want to overextend yourself and cause burnout. Just like if you’d take a lunch break in the office to clear your head and rest, it’s important to do the same at home. Take advantage of your saved commuting time but don’t get carried away: you’re only human! Meal prep Lots of people complain about having to pack a lunch for work or the added expense of eating out with co-workers but few mention the added weight of having to prepare a third meal every day! It seems minor, but facing another meal to prepare or cook, especially with the pressure of being home all day and having time to cook, can be overwhelming. Ironhack’s tip: when you’re doing your weekly grocery shopping, take into account this extra meal and if you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, consider a meal delivery service, trying out new recipes, or finding a simple and tasty option that doesn’t result in added stress to your day. The office (or lack thereof) The world is your office This depends on your role and company policies, but many remote roles can be carried out from practically anywhere! As digital nomad visas become more popular, you can even take your adventures overseas and continue to make a living while exploring. Ironhack’s tip: if you’re interested in becoming a digital nomad, make sure you check out your company’s remote work policies before planning your adventure. Some companies have restrictions on the countries from which you can work or may expect you to be online during a certain timeframe. You can work from anywhere If your neighbor’s HIIT workout is messing up your Friday mornings, head to a café or a local coworking spot to grind out some work. If you like sitting in the sun, hotspot internet from your phone and sit on a park bench, soaking in the sun while you complete tasks. Ironhack’s tip: figure out what works for you . If working at home gets monotonous, shake things up and head to a local café for an hour or two. The beauty of remote work is the ability to make it work for you and your needs. Do any of these sound familiar? Probably. Remote work can be a challenge at first, but the key is being flexible and figuring out what works best for you. And as many tech roles are becoming partially or completely remote, it’s time to make remote work a positive experience for you and your job.

We’ve all had that moment when we created our LinkedIn account, thinking it would be an instant key to success. The reality is, however, that many of LinkedIn’s benefits go unused; did you know that in addition to being one of the main sites for job offers worldwide, LinkedIn can also help you make connections, learn about upcoming networking events, and learn from like minded professionals? So why are so many of its benefits going untouched? Let’s dive in. LinkedIn and its Benefits LinkedIn boasts over 600 million professional profiles; this is an absolutely huge number that shows its potential reach. And if you’re looking to grow your brand, find a new job, seek advice from industry experts, or simply learn more about the business world, this is where you need to be. Job hunting Are you recently unemployed and looking for your next job? Or maybe you’re content in your current role, but are interested in what’s out there. LinkedIn not only serves as an incredibly large and globally used job search tool, but you can also configure alerts for interesting roles in your area or field and be the first to know when one is available. It’s not just one-sided either; recruiters can use LinkedIn to reach out to you (yes, it happens!) after viewing your profile on their searches. With LinkedIn Premium, you can also directly message recruiters and HR professionals, see how you compare to other applicants, view salary information, and see who’s been checking out your profile. Networking Depending on your area of interest, it may be hard to keep up with sector changes or even know what kind of roles are available. LinkedIn can serve as a huge advantage for those looking to build their connections. Are you looking for advice from an experienced professional in your industry? Do you want to see what people with a similar profile are doing? LinkedIn can give you all this information, thanks to its connection tool and powerful search bar. Your personal brand Companies aren’t the only ones trying to advertise on LinkedIn, you should be advertising yourself as well. Just like we do, recruiters use the search function on LinkedIn to find what they’re looking for. This means that you should use LinkedIn to sell yourself to potential employers; not only can recruiters find and message you, but they can also look at your profile and make their first impression. Try these tips: Choose a professional photo. Although some people use LinkedIn as another social network, it’s a professional site. Write a description that describes your professional achievements. Keep your profile up-to-date and add any new roles or certifications you’ve earned. Transparency Although it's not a social network in the traditional sense, LinkedIn allows users to post a status and share their experiences, which can help you gain information about working for different companies. It also boasts a hashtag feature, so you can search by a company name or role and see what people are saying. News Companies laying off lots of employees? Sector changes? LinkedIn’s news feed status helps you stay up to date with what’s happening in the industry, with your colleagues, and with your connections. Users also share when they have completed a new course, gained a new skill, and more; with LinkedIn, no opportunity will slip by. Groups It can be hard to find like minded professionals who have the same skillset as you, are in the same location, or have the same goals. That’s when LinkedIn’s groups come into play: groups can help you connect with alumni from your university, other job seekers, organizations, recruiters, and practically anything else you want! Tips for Creating the Ideal LinkedIn Profile LinkedIn is a tool with incredible reach; let’s check out some of the most important areas to address and the key to making the most of it. Profile picture : your profile picture is the first thing people see when you apply for a job or visit your page; the photo must be a headshot so your face is clearly visible and professional. Our tip: Not sure about the photo you have? Browse through LinkedIn, check out the photos your colleagues have, and try to make sure yours fits. Title : when you search for someone or someone posts on your feed, their title is listed right below their name. This is the first thing that recruiters will associate with you and it must be accurate, attention grabbing, and versatile. Our tip : make your title as open and inviting as possible; in today’s day and age, many roles take on many different hats and if you limit yourself to just one description, recruiters may assume you’re not a good fit. Description : when someone looks at your profile, your personal description is where they’ll get the most information. This means it’s absolutely essential to share important information like your education and professional experience, show off your skills, and peak their interest. Our tip : anyone can call themselves strategic, focused, and creative; use actual numbers and facts to back up for experience and intrigue recruiters. Additional profile content : LinkedIn allows you to enter employment and educational information, skills, licenses & certifications, languages, recommendations, and interests. Our tip : recruiters want to know what it’s like to work with you; take advantage of all of LinkedIn’s options to fully sell yourself, showcase all your skills, and convince prospective employers that you’re the right fit. Common mistakes on LinkedIn It’s not all simple and easy on LinkedIn; many make simple mistakes that can hurt their chances at landing their dream job. Try to avoid these three main mistakes : Using LinkedIn like Instagram or Twitter : LinkedIn isn’t a place to share updates about your personal life or recent vacation; it’s a professional site. However, many tend to overshare and treat LinkedIn as just another personal network. Make sure you set boundaries between your personal and professional lives and keep your LinkedIn clean and professional. Unprofessional private messages: it may seem like a no-brainer, but reaching out to recruiters or hiring managers with impersonal messages asking for help or a job opportunity won’t work and comes across as unprofessional. When privately messaging, try to introduce yourself, explain why you’d be a good fit for the role, your experience, and where to reach you. Incomplete profile : you may think your employment information is the only thing that interests companies, but they want to know what you studied, any additional certifications or courses that you’ve added over the years, what past colleagues have to say about you, your photo, and your personal description. Incomplete profiles don’t convince recruiters the same way that detailed ones do. If you’re using it right, LinkedIn can be the key to propelling your career forward and helping you land your next role. Follow these tips and we’re sure you’ll reach success.

5 Hacks to Take Your Remote Working to the Next Level After the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the benefits that the world was able to take away from such a terrible experience was the possibility of a new reality: remote working. Now that the majority of the world has returned to the pre-pandemic normal, companies, workers, and society as a whole have had a taste of remote working. Some prefer this work model since it gives them more freedom. Remote working has many benefits like waking up later, avoiding traffic jams and public transportation, and staying comfortable in your pajamas, but how can you take it to the next level? Let’s take a look at five hacks that can help you go from remote zero to hero . A Dedicated Work Space The great thing about remote working is that you get to be comfortable at home, but is there such a thing as too comfortable? Well, yes, there is. It may be tempting to spend the day working under your favorite blanket on the couch, but your productivity may be affected. Spaces have energy ; your body and mind make mental and emotional associations to whatever you do, wherever you do it. Let’s take the example of your bed. For most, that’s where you laze about, relax, maybe watch TV for a bit, and eventually fall asleep. Do those activities sound energetic, dynamic, or productive? Not really. When it’s time to work, you need energy, sharpness, and efficiency to complete your daily tasks. Dedicating a sacred space to finish your work instead of procrastinating is essential to remote working. This space can be in a home office or at a desk in the living room, but try to avoid working in spaces where you relax . As remote working can be done anywhere, other options would be to bring your laptop to a café or a nearby coworking space . Double the Screen, Double the Productivity A simple yet effective hack for making your remote work experience easier and more effective and productive is to use two monitors, allowing you to multitask and work faster with more available screen space. Additionally, it can be a great tool for improving your time management by having your to-do list, time goals, and schedule clearly written and visible before you on the other monitor. When you have a lot to do, a visual reminder throughout the day can be quite beneficial. Setting up a second monitor is easy if you have an extra television in storage or you work near a television . The only extra gadget you need to buy to connect your laptop to a television is an HDMI cord, and depending on your computer’s model, you may need to buy an adapter . And if you have a tablet at home, that could also serve as a second screen. Always Dress for Success Everyone loves to stay comfy in their pajamas all day on the weekends and it can be very tempting to wear sweats when working from home; some would even consider it to be one of remote work’s largest benefits. However, doing so can negatively affect your productivity. To avoid falling into the trap of too much comfort and staying within the mindset of it’s time to work, you can wear your typical work outfits . Business casual looks fit the bill, but if you’re feeling really disconnected from the office, putting on a button down shirt, a blazer, or a dress would certainly help. Similarly to the idea of the association of finding a separate work space, the goal behind donning those work clothes is to make you feel as if you are in the office . It’s another way to focus your mind on productivity and efficiency while also preventing those stylish work clothes from collecting dust in your closet. Focus Mode Buzz buzz. You pick up your phone and see another hilarious meme from your best friend on your screen. Technology can be quite the distraction , especially when you work primarily on your phone or computer. Have you heard of the notification blocker called focus mode ? This tool allows you to completely turn off any notifications that reach your phone and laptop, which means that your devices won’t vibrate, ring, light up, or push  messages when it receives the notification. Worried about missing something crucial? Don’t be; you have the freedom to configure it so that specific people can reach you and that certain applications like Slack or Teams will pop up with their notifications. Having the ability to pick and choose which notifications will go off is extremely important for staying in touch throughout the day with your colleagues and boss. Nevertheless, you have to be smart and honest with yourself about which app notifications need to be turned off and hold yourself accountable. Breaks with Coworkers Another hard lesson that society learned after the COVID-19 pandemic was that socializing is essential to life . Although remote working can be carried out at home or in other spaces, coworkers and team members can be extremely helpful in a variety of ways such as staying on task, providing support, or taking a break and decompressing . So when and how can you meet up with them if you’re remote working? There’s lots of ways: Try a video call on whatever program you prefer. Google Meet, Skype, or Zoom are great free options that cater to multiple people on a shared video call. You can also set up a lunch break with co-workers to ask questions about work or just chat, disconnecting entirely. If you have the opportunity to move away from your work space, calling a friend, going for a walk, and breathing in some fresh air is another great way to enjoy social contact while racking up those steps. Having scheduled breaks with social time allows you to feel like you are still experiencing the social aspect of working at an office with peers that understand the job while enjoying dynamic movement throughout the day instead of just working your entire shift without face-to-face social interaction. Remote Work Hero Although you may find it difficult sometimes to stay on task while remote working, you can apply these hacks to your daily routine and make the most of your time . As society continues evolving to rely more heavily on technology and computers , remote work using a device will become more and more common and in the world of tech, almost all jobs can be done from home as long as techies have a safe network, a high-speed internet connection, and the right computer for the job. If remote working is something that interests you, tech may be the right field for you. Check out our other blog posts about careers in tech and our course offerings at Ironhack to find out more information.

You’ve been intrigued by the rise of the tech industry and know that a career change is the right choice for you. But there’s a lot of different roles and responsibilities within tech; these roles all apply to different strengths and weaknesses. So, which one should you choose? Well, that depends on you. Before we dive into some of the different options, it’s important to know exactly what is driving your decision. What’s important to you? There’s a ton of opportunities available in tech; in fact, many of the workforce’s largest gaps are in the tech industry. And that’s because tech is an incredibly fast moving sector with a need for well-trained, highly skilled professionals. That’s why it offers growth and high salaries which sound great on paper, but it’s important to define what’s behind your decision to jump into tech. If any of these apply to you, tech sounds like a great fit: You enjoy problem solving You want to be creative at work You want to keep learning on the job You want a new challenge You want flexibility in your new role You want growth opportunities at work These are all great qualities that are highly desirable in tech, but a big career change can be scary, no matter what point in your career you are at. Here are some of the biggest doubts that new techies have: “I’m bad at math! How will I work in tech?!” While there are a good number of tech roles that do require math skills, many don’t! Consider design roles, such as visual design, graphic design, or UX/UI design. Tech companies also need additional support, such as marketing or content. “Will I make a good salary even if I’m not a senior developer?” Yes, you will. Customer support specialists, for example, still make great salaries. “Will I fit in?” Historically, tech hasn’t been the most diverse and inclusive industry, but that’s changing. And it’s something to consider when interviewing; ensure that the company’s values fit yours; there are many tech companies that are truly dedicated to achieving equality. If they don’t, that’s a sign to place your talents elsewhere. “How do I know what role is right for me?” You’re in the right place! This article will outline the characteristics of four of the biggest tech roles to help you find the right one for you. Finding the Right Tech Role for You Your aptitude for a role isn’t solely dependent on your education or technical skills; although those do matter, there are some personality traits that can make you truly succeed in a certain area. Let’s dive into them. Web development One of the most well-known parts of tech is web development and with good reason. There’s lots of different jobs for web developers, such as front-end developer, back-end developer, and software developer. Their main characteristics are: Good communication skills Patience Strong attention to detail Desire to learn Logical approach Creative problem solving skills If web development seems to be the right fit for you, consider brushing up on some of the most in-demand skills of web developers: Java, web application development, software development, SQL, UI design, and HTML5. Data analytics Every company needs data analysts, no matter what they are dedicated to. Data analysts obtain data and convert it into useful information for the rest of the team through inspecting, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data. There’s a wide range of techniques used throughout data analysis, meaning that you’ll always have new things to learn. Their main characteristics are: Good with numbers Familiar with databases and query languages Good analytical skills Able to work with deadlines Good communication skills Strong attention to detail Critical thinking Does data analysis sound like it’s right up your alley? Great news, data analysts are in high demand for 2023 and employers look for the following technical skills: statistics, data analysis, domain knowledge, data visualization, and creating dashboards and reports. UX/UI design Even though it may seem more related to art, design is a key part of tech; if clients can’t figure out your website or code, you won’t be successful. And that’s where UX/UI designers come into play. Their main characteristics are: Good team working abilities Empathy Creative Effective communication skills Open to criticism and suggestions Problem solving Good listening skills If UX/UI seems like it fits with your skillset, that’s fantastic news. Skilled UX/UI designers are in high demand across the world and have plenty of opportunities for growth and continuous learning. Cybersecurity Cybersecurity is probably the fastest growing sector of tech as cyberattacks and threats are increasing just as fast as our solutions. And cybersecurity professionals are in incredibly high demand as companies look for solutions to problems like malware, ransomware, and phishing. Their main characteristics are: Inquisitive Strong attention to detail Analytical Ethical Diligent Tomorrow’s cybersecurity professionals will be tasked with a real challenge: protecting company and user data from cyberattacks and threats. Does it seem like a job for you? No matter what role in tech you decide to choose, we’re sure that you’ll find the right fit. And if you’re unsure, check out our helpful bootcamp quiz to help make that decision for you.

It’s well known that London is Europe’s leading tech hub, second only to Silicon Valley. Now valued at $1tn, London is home to three out of four of the UK’s biggest tech companies. And as an extremely well-connected city with lots of talent, advanced infrastructure and deep tech knowledge, it’s no surprise that London is the dream destination for techies . For digital specialists, it’s the place to be: this sector accounts for 7.7% of the UK’s total value of goods and services produced in an area, industry or economy sector. 2.98 million people are employed in tech in the UK. Will you be next? Why London? No matter the industry in which you’re interested, tech roles are in high demand across the board. Here’s why London could be the best place for you: London’s job opportunities are expansive; as one of the major business hubs in Europe, most major companies have offices in London. It’s extremely well-connected to the rest of Europe. Visit one of London’s 139 museums or 250 theatres. London’s foodie community is vibrant; join weekend bottomless brunches to take a break from your studies or visit one of the many cafes across the city. The diverse range of neighbourhoods and architecture means you’ll always have something new to see. London is a melting pot of tons of different cultures, which enriches local culture and cuisine. From a tech perspective, there’s lots of reasons to head to London as well: UK tech venture capital investment is third in the world and London ranks 4th for global tech venture capital investment, falling behind only San Francisco, Beijing and New York. The median salary for tech roles in London is £55,000 and the current demand for tech roles and digital skills outweighs the supply. For example, the demand for a Software Developer is ten times higher than the number of consumer searches. Ironhack in London We started a new concept for London and the UK with the introduction of a flexible way of learning with an international appeal. You can enjoy the benefits of studying from wherever you are while being part of an international cohort of students, joining our local team for networking events as well as additional support. Our hub in Shoreditch is the perfect place to meet with fellow bootcampers, receive help and benefit from an in-person community. If you’re in London, you can be part of our active community. If you’re somewhere else, you can visit the city for special events and join our alumni network. Ironhack courses in London Each of these courses offers a specific advantage for London: Web development : learn front and back end technologies and everything else you need to know to become a full stack web developer. Find supportive developer communities, leading, London-based tech companies, rapid career growth, high demand for developers and a mature tech scene. Data analytics : become a data analyst through learning tools such as Python, SQL, and Tableau and learn to interpret data to make the right decisions. Enjoy a supportive environment for data professionals, a wide range of available roles, significant investment in research and development, and an urgent need for data professionals. UX/UI design : user-centric design is key here; learn design thinking to build digital experiences created specifically for users. London offers the ideal setting for creativity and digital innovation, a bursting UX/UI community with frequent meetups and conferences, a strong job market with attractive salaries and an impressive startup scene. Cybersecurity : cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, due to their wide range of skills pertaining to protecting companies from risks and hacks. Find yourself in a growing field with a wide range of career paths, a city in need of cybersecurity professionals and an expanding community in cybersecurity. Financing options in London Pay in instalments You can pay straight to Ironhack in three monthly instalments (full-time course) or in six monthly instalments (part-time course) without any additional charge to the amount of the fee nor interest. Pay with loans This financing option allows you to simply pick a course, pay with Knoma, and spread the cost of your tuition in 12 monthly payments at 0% and with no extra fees of any kind. You pay what you really need to pay. Lendwise is a specialist loan provider dedicated to education financing for ambitious individuals who are looking to fund their courses at leading UK educational institutions. The interest rate offered* is fixed and will depend on the applicant’s overall profile; there are no penalties for repaying your loan early. *Representative APR 10.5%. Using Lendwise, you can spread the cost of your course over up to 60 months with flexible loan terms. Pay with income share agreements A Shared Income Agreement is a contractual agreement whereby students defer tuition payments until they secure an income. Repayments only start when your gross income reaches a certain minimum threshold and in exchange, you agree to share a fixed percentage of your income for a fixed period of time. Does Ironhack’s London hybrid setup seem like a good choice for you? We’re ready to welcome you to your new future in tech!

Why is Cybersecurity so Important? What is the first thing you do when you wake up? If you’re like most people, you’re probably desperately grabbing your phone, turning off your alarm, and then opening Instagram or Youtube. The internet and all the gadgets and devices you spend hour upon hour using make up a huge part of your life because they are so deeply integrated into society . Do you have a job? You need to provide them with your social security number, your address, and your bank account right from the get go. Are you sick and have to go to the doctor? All of your medical history goes straight onto their system . Sign up for your basic neighborhood gym? Basic details about your life are directly entered into their database . Even online shopping requires inputting very sensitive data . As society becomes more digitized, connected to the internet and linked with a wide range of devices, the easier it becomes for hackers and other internet wizards to gain access. The information that is put out there onto the web can be as simple as your age or favorite color and as important as your credit card numbers, address, or social security number. How can you protect users and prevent this information from falling into the wrong hands? One word: cybersecurity . What is cybersecurity? Hearing the word cybersecurity, you can see two words very clearly: cyber and security; cyber refers to computers, the internet and the world of virtual reality, while security entails protection from any potential threats or danger. Nowadays, the internet is a place where all sorts of information is exchanged, stored and entered into databases such as Google Drive, emails, and the mysterious and all encompassing Cloud. Every time you make an account on a website that requires a username and password, you are inputting information into their system and those companies, organizations, or other entities become responsible for your private information to a certain point, which means that if anything happens to the data that they have trouble on their hands. They may not be entirely liable in the case of a data breach; however, users may back out and unsubscribe to their services if they feel that their private information isn’t handled with care. Thus to protect that information, cybersecurity programmers and companies use a variety of tools to block any intruders and know whether any data breaches have occurred in their system. Who is trying to steal your information? For every superhero, there’s also a supervillain and cybersecurity is essential given cyberattacks that have become more sophisticated and nefarious, especially since these crimes continue evolving alongside technology. As society becomes more and more reliant upon the internet to share sensitive data, hackers will carry out these cyberattacks and do their best to access and use their personal information to steal identities, spend money, delete or add information, and many other illegal activities. Cybercrime has become a problem that has caused the need for companies and organizations to create countermeasures against these hackers so that cybersecurity professionals can fight these attacks before they happen, check to see if a data breach has occurred, or take action after learning of a cyberattack. How does cybersecurity work? In order to protect users from threats, cybersecurity professionals have to safeguard and create new and innovative methods to ensure the safety of their information. There are three different types of measures that cybersecurity uses to protect information: threat prevention, threat detection, and incident response . Threat prevention Similar to security in general, cybersecurity is primarily focused on building an impenetrable defense that doesn’t allow entry into their vulnerable space. Threat prevention’s aim is to protect the network perimeter and block traffic so that malware and phishing attacks aren’t able to reach the information on whatever database the company has at their disposal. Data breaches are a big threat to any collection of data , and this type of security acts as a shield that doesn’t let foreign programs in. Threat detection While threat prevention is used to create a shield, threat detection is a tool that analyzes and scours the network in order to see if there are any threatening or malignant programs that have entered the system. Although having threat prevention is quite important, it doesn't always provide a 100% guarantee that there isn’t some sort of malware present, which is where threat prevention software is quite helpful to cybersecurity professionals. They have to discover or hunt for these foreign programs because they do their best to stay hidden and to continue accessing the private information that becomes available to them. Incident response plan In addition to these two methods of mitigating cybersecurity risk, an incident response plan is another essential tool to have at your disposal. As I said before, the world of cyberattacks is constantly changing and becoming more complex, which means that there may be times that the castle has been sieged, but there’s no need to fret . Having that incident response plan at hand will allow the cybersecurity team to be prepared and ready to take action after the damage has been done. These plans are created to mitigate cybersecurity risk, increase response time to the cyberattack, prevent further issues and direct teams with detailed instructions depending on what type of attack has been carried out. Even though no one wants hackers to ever get access to their data, it’s necessary to have a contingency plan prepared for the cybersecurity team to tackle it both calmly and reasonably . Who manages cybersecurity? Since cybersecurity has become a staple in the IT field, companies have opened a staggering amount of positions in cybersecurity , which include security analyst, security engineer, security architect, security administrator, and chief information security officer. Each one of these has different responsibilities that are an integral part of the cybersecurity team. As the title implies, a security analyst’s job includes analyzing and evaluating any potential weak points to the system and then fortifying those vulnerable spots. Security engineers are hired to observe the systems and perform log and forensic analyses to detect if there are any security issues. They also create the incident response plan for when there is a data breach and research new technology that would improve their data protection. When security architects get to work, they focus on creating either entirely new security systems or major sections of it, while the security administrator both installs and watches over security as an organization-wide entity. The leader of all of these positions would be the chief information security officer or CISO, and this position entails management of their employees and sometimes filling in for gaps in their team . This is just a short list of some of the possible positions that await you in the field of cybersecurity. Currently, cybersecurity is exponentially growing given society’s congruent reliance on technology and the internet, and at Ironhack, there are courses available on cybersecurity that you can find here . So, why IS cybersecurity so important? In society, technology has become majorly interconnected with everyone’s lives and as a result, all information that goes online or into a database is vulnerable . Luckily, the superheroes of the internet and computers, cybersecurity protectors, are there to defend your data and detect and eradicate any security threats, and without them, the whole world would be extremely susceptible to a myriad of crimes . Cybersecurity may not be a topic that is spoken about frequently, but it is of the utmost importance for the welfare of all .

What will the most in-demand tech skills be in 2023? It’s been a rock'n'roll start to the year. With the tech bubble bursting in Silicon Valley, you would be wise to ask yourself how you can remain attractive for companies. If you’re one of the 74% of international workers who wish to learn new skills or make a total career change in order to remain employable in the future, this post is for you. Maybe you even believe it’s your responsibility to update your skills rather than relying on any employer, just like 3 professionals out of 4 . So, whether it's to seek professional advancement, look for a better-paying job, or simply keep performing at your current job, here are the hard and soft skills that you’ll need to start mastering this year. The Top 10 In-Demand Jobs Today According to LinkedIn, Microsoft , and Bloomberg , today’s top jobs to land a well-paid tech role this year are: Software Developer Data Analyst Business Analyst Financial Analyst Project Manager Information Security Analyst Customer Service Specialist Systems Administrator IT Manager UX Designer So, what do you need to learn to be good at those jobs? Web Development Skills Web development has become essential in the tech landscape. Having basic skills in coding, such as reading and writing simple code, understanding HTML and CSS, or being able to talk with developers or IT managers about a common project, is very useful in many professions, like in growth marketing or IT project management. If you want to go even further, Ironhack's Web Development Bootcamp will make you a skilled coder in 9 weeks. Check out today’s most popular coding languages: HTML, CSS and JavaScript in base React.js in front-end Node.js, Express.js, MongoDB, in the back-end Full-stack developers, who master the client and server side, are very versatile and therefore highly sought after by recruiters. All you have to do is take the plunge! Learn more about the Web Dev Bootcamp Data Analyst Skills With a solid set of data science skills, you'll be able to work in several roles: Data Analyst Data Architect Business Analyst Financial Analyst The most sought after skills are : Cleaning data sets Data analysis Ability to interpret data and communicate about it Machine learning Data storytelling In Ironhack's Data Analyst Bootcamp , you will get all the keys to start your career in data analytics in just 9 weeks. You'll start with a great refresher course in Python and end with a full module on Machine Learning. Learn more about the Data Analyst Bootcamp UX/UI Design Skills With a solid set of design skills, you will be able to work in several roles: Product Designer Graphic Designer UI & Visual Designer UX Designer UX Researcher Motion Designer UX researchers are becoming increasingly sought after in tech. Demand is expected to rise by 14.9% over the next decade. These roles are user-facing and particularly creative; they are perfect for those who want to mix technology with their more artistic side. Learn more about the UX/UI Designer Bootcamp Cybersecurity Skills Computer attacks are on the rise all over the world; because of this, cybersecurity professionals have a bright future ahead of them. With hackers becoming more numerous and inventive, cybersecurity is at the forefront of tech jobs. Demand grew 2.4 times faster last year than the rest of the U.S economy, Cyberseek has found. In the United States alone, the cybersecurity job heatmap shows that 68% of available positions only are filled. More than 750,000 cybersecurity experts are still wanted in IT security. This leaves you plenty of room to thrive in a career! Here are some exciting discoveries you’ll make in Ironhack's Cybersecurity Bootcamp: - the challenges of cybersecurity - the overview of the OWASP - the network security principles - how to configure and use a firewall - how to build a full security program - how to create your own detection and prevention system - how to detect vulnerabilities to secure any tech environment In this practical program, you will even manage computer security attacks in real time. There’s no doubt you will become a versatile and desirable cybersecurity manager. Ready to throw a wrench in the hacker's path? Learn more about the Cybersecurity Bootcamp A Set of Soft Skills To top off your hard skills, soft skills will make all the difference. 67% of employers would prefer to hire someone with excellent soft skills and teach them what they need to know technically. The most popular soft skills in 2023 will be: Adaptability : the market is going to change dramatically and automation is taking over. So, you'll need to adapt to ride the wave. Pedagogy : the role of data storyteller is growing. Today, knowing how to interpret data to make it accessible helps making business decisions. And being able to communicate and explain well will be just as important. Learning fast : more than ever before, we now need to be life-long learners to keep up with our jobs. Therefore, the ability to learn continuously is something HR professionals focus on during interviews. Good writing : more and more organizations are adopting part-time or even full-remote setups; documentation is becoming more and more important. Thus, the ability to get your ideas across in writing is key in tech. ________________________________________________________ That's a wrap! Now you know what skills are useful for the hottest jobs of 2023 in terms of employability, job security, and wages. Now, you just have to decide which ones you want to develop. How about starting with our JavaScript free course , a skill you'll inevitably need in tech?

Most people agree there is a huge shortage of skilled technologists. How big is the gap? This 2022 report from Tech Nation suggests that there were around 870,000 UK tech and digital job vacancies between January to May 2022, the highest number recorded in the decade since jobs platform Adzuna began producing their annual study data in 2012. This, despite a huge push on behalf of the UK government to encourage people to follow a conventional path into the technology sector; teaching coding in schools, promoting STEM subjects, and students to study IT related-subjects like Computer Science at University. But it’s a myth that you need a university degree to secure a job in technology, and it’s pretty much universally accepted that traditional education methods are not fit for the modern age. And not much has changed since Ken Robinson’s now-famous TED talk - over than 15 years ago. So in a cost of living crisis it’s not surprising that the value of degrees are coming into question. SheCanCode has recently published a piece on our reasons why choose a bootcamp over a degree, coming from Gabriel Pizzolante, UK Growth Marketer at Ironhack, and we'd like to share it too. Bootcamps are a credible alternative, for four main reasons. Tech bootcamps make you employable more quickly than degrees The vast majority of employers are not particularly interested in whether you went to university or not - the main thing they need is independent proof that you have the skills and have done the required training. Whatever your chosen line of work - web development, UX & UI, data analytics or cyber security - bootcamp certifications are taken seriously by employers with almost all Ironhackers going on to secure jobs. You could spend three years at university, getting into debt, or you could learn these vital skills in months and boost your chances of walking into a higher-paid job. Tech bootcamps give you an opportunity to build your own portfolio Hands-on practice is not just a superb way to reinforce learning. Nothing impresses like initiative and proactivity. Indeed, it also provides you with tasks, use cases, and applications that can show employers examples of your development skills. For someone who wants to step into the industry, doing a lot of projects that you’re working on can help greatly in preparation for a future role. It should become pretty evident where you can incorporate your training to solve real-world problems, and then it’s just a matter of building something and then showcasing it to a potential employer. Where a degree may provide theoretical proof that you can build things, and solve problems, a bootcamp give you practical, real world examples. Tech bootcamps have incredible support communities Many students get their start in their industry through their network, whether personal or professional.  What use are the skills if nobody knows you exist? In addition to the immediate community of students on the same programme as you, there are benefits to being part of a wider support network of alumni - both around the campus and region you attend and globally. And with a network of more than 600 partners - all of which look to Ironhack for tech talent - we’ve also launched community initiatives with companies like Google, EA Sports, Facebook, Uber, Vinted, Bunq and many more to help students get into the industry. Tech bootcamps are much better value for money than degrees. There are lots of benefits that come with doing a University degree. For many, it’s a rite of passage, a memorable life-changing experience and a huge achievement to have those letters after your name. But it’s also incredibly expensive, and with the increase in fees and the cost of living (and not working full time over the duration of the course) most graduates leave UK Universities with huge debts running into the high tens of thousands of pounds. Not only does a bootcamp ensure you’re in a position to get a job much faster, but there are a range of funding options available to cover the costs - some of which, like a student loan, don’t need to be repaid until you’re in a position to cover it with your salary. Thinking about the investment required to gain the skills for a job in tech, it's important to consider all the factors that will help you succeed. Ironhack offers support from the point of application where our Admissions Managers take the time to answer all questions and help our candidate determine whether the bootcamp is really for them. Looking for a career change? If you're already considering options, you've just taken the first step.

Despite years of growth and the pandemic boom, 2022 proved to be a tough year for tech giants like Meta, Amazon, Alphabet, and Twitter. In the last few weeks, we’ve seen massive tech layoffs, new leadership that’s led to disastrous organizational changes, and cost cutting measures implemented across the tech industry. With a potential recession and plummeting revenues, 2023 will be telling of the future of big tech. In November, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta would cut almost 13% of their workforce (11,000 jobs) and called for a hiring freeze. Amazon followed suit after their third-quarter earnings fell short of expectations, laying off 10,000 employees in tech related roles. Just last week, Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai announced the layoffs of 12,000 employees. And of course, the newest tech CEO Elon Musk purged about two-thirds of Twitter’s workforce . The industry finds itself in a more unstable moment than ever, forcing us to grapple with some of the root causes of this all too precarious sector. This stage is marked by greater instability, a concentration of speculative financial capital, a post-Fordist economy and larger income inequality. Tech boomed amidst the pandemic because it was able to capture a greater audience through bringing our work online and further decentralizing the forms in which we participate in the flow of capital. However, the success of tech is not necessarily tied to actual profits. It’s backed greatly by investor speculation and the potential gains forecasted by stockholders and economists. To put it differently, the tech industry is not simply experiencing a storm that it will find a way to weather, but quite the opposite; its precarious structure is being exposed. That said, these dramatic changes shouldn’t be understood as failures of the industry, but rather, a bump in the road for a sector that has proven to be more than adaptable . The decentralized tech industry structures allow for advances and collaborations previously unthought of in earlier business endeavors. Platform based structures provide fluid ways of connecting users, consumers, and clients. In other words, traditional understandings of building sustainable businesses do not necessarily apply to the industry. Despite how unsettling the changes in the sector may seem in the short term, the future of big tech is one marked by great possibility. How did we get here? In 2022, big tech claims a combined market value of around $2.5 trillion according to J.P. Morgan . Despite a decade of strong growth, the tech industry found itself navigating rising interest rates, rampant inflation, and a reliance on outside investors over companies making real profits. With the pressure to rapidly adapt to economic changes in order to stay afloat, the sector searched for quick fixes in order to survive insecure times. The current changes in the tech industry can be attributed to five issues: Bloated cost structures Unsustainable business design Changes in consumer patterns Supply chain difficulties Competition in the industry. Bloated cost structures Big tech once boasted lux working conditions, employee perks, inflated budgets, and global offices; however, those benefits are proving unsustainable if profits cannot be secured. The pandemic boom led to a necessity to recruit and hire the best talent in the industry ; therefore workers secured better pay packages and benefits as companies fought to attract and retain talent. Companies are being forced to address these bloated cost structures and cut perks, shrink global real estate footprints, and lay off “non-essential” employees. Unsustainable business design Because of the tech boom, the vast majority of tech companies have financial structures highly reliant upon external investments. In moments of greater economic insecurity, companies must prove that they can remain profitable for investors. Current rising interest rates have investors looking for quick returns on investments, forcing companies to also look for short term solutions. Those include unsustainable decisions like cutting staff in order to inflate share prices and give the illusion of maximized profits. Again, the industry has been propped up on investor speculation. Doug Anmuth, Head of the U.S. Internet team, J.P. Morgan explains, “Key opportunities for Big Tech in 2023 include rightsizing cost structures through headcount reduction and greater operating discipline, increasing focus on profits and cash flow, leaning responsibly into new growth drivers and gaining market share during this tough macro period.” Through trimming cost structures and appealing to investors, companies may secure short term solutions. However, these business decisions are not sustainable in the long term. Changes in consumer patterns Due to significant economic changes, inflation, the price of rent, and general economic security, consumer spending slowed in 2022. Non-essential items like some new technologies are the first to go when consumers find themselves facing more precarious economic situations. For example, Apple saw a deceleration in the handset and smartphone markets and was forced to reduce the production of the iPhone 14. This is true across tech: as discretionary spending slows, the industry takes a hit. Supply chain difficulties Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen great threats to the global supply chain . This is as a result of factories closing during the pandemic, conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, and other threats to global transportation from air freight to rail: Amazon faces difficulties delivering goods at a fast pace because of operational challenges relating to delivery workers. Apple struggles to secure quick production of their devices because of factory closures and worker unrest in Zhengzhou, China. Microsoft posted its worst quarterly revenue growth in five years. They cited surging energy costs as one factor limiting their ability to secure profits. For tech, a sector modeled on the frictionless flow of goods and services, threats to the global supply chain greatly impact the goods and services that the industry can provide. Competition in the industry Tech is appealing and platforms develop quickly because the barriers to entry are minimal and the possibilities for innovation are endless. The sector has grown immensely in a short amount of time, making competition steep. Tik Tok, for example, has beat out Instagram, Snapchat, Youtube, and Facebook as the most used social media platform. Other applications also pose threats to tech companies like Meta and Alphabet. It’s an industry that is growing quickly and the pressure to adapt to market pressures and compete with other platforms is high. It’s not all gloom and doom: The Future of Big Tech The chaos we’ve seen in recent weeks should not be understood as an end to the tech industry in the slightest. If anything, the changes in the sector should be thought of as growing pains and opportunities to reorient business strategies and organizational structures. Macro pressures, supply chain difficulties, and industry competition is a reality in any sector. The task here is to understand the current landscape of big tech . The layoffs remind us of the precarity of this work and the insecurity we feel is a testament to the ways in which the whole sector is improvising. The task here is not eliminating that risk, but rather finding new ways to harness it. Leaning into the fluid structures provided by decentralized tech work will become more necessary in order to make this sector work for us. It’s scary to see the wealthiest of companies struggle, however, with proper analysis, the shifts can be understood as possibilities more than threats to the future of big tech. What’s always been important to big tech is flexibility and a frictionless movement of goods and services. From here, new business strategies must be developed to ensure that tech companies can find solutions that are longer term and not based on false illusions of profitability. How can this happen? Through: Diversifying income streams Identifying the chokepoints in the supply chain and finding ways to reduce those potential threats Creating strategic alliances with competitors to be more resilient together. A more sustainable era for big tech simply means obtaining a better analysis of the current industry and implementing the necessary changes to be more resilient in the face of a sector that’s successes are owed to its ever-changing structure. What’s exciting here is the possibility promised by big tech. Of course, we find the industry in a moment of change and under significant stress, yet, the potential for growth, new business strategies and structures, and the opportunity for new competitors to partake in the industry is exciting.

It’s that time of year again: exams are coming up, the days seem so short, and there’s no end in sight. Your stress levels are probably rising but don’t worry: it’s completely normal! We’re all facing a bit more stress these days and, believe it or not, there are ways to manage your stress and get to work. Stress: What Causes It? There are lots of reasons why you might be feeling stressed. Big life changes, pressure, feeling out of control, too many responsibilities, or boredom can all contribute to stress. And at work specifically, stress can seem interminable . Work stresses can come from being unhappy at your role, a heavy workload, long hours, dangerous conditions, fear of being fired, interactions with colleagues, or facing discrimination in the workplace. Lastly, sometimes we stress ourselves out because of the following factors: fear, uncertainty, our personal perspective on a situation, expectations, and change. We all have some stress in our lives and realize some of these probably seem quite familiar. And while stress can occasionally be a good thing and help push you through that last stretch of a task or job, stress can also have some serious effects on your health; learning to manage your stress is key. Effects of stress Even though it seems like an internal thing, stress can result in the following physical problems: Headaches Tiredness Upset stomach High blood pressure Abnormal heartbeats The following can be emotional or mental effects of stress: Depression Trouble concentrating Difficulty sleeping Irritability Ways to Handle Stress There’s a ton of information out there on how to manage stress, but here’s the most important tip we can give you: find what works for you. Meditation apps and reduced screen time may be the saving grace for your colleague, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for you. Below, we’ve outlined ten stress management tips so you can try a few and find the best fit. Exercise It may seem obvious, but exercise is one of the best stress relievers out there. Exercise increases endorphins, reduces the effects of stress, helps you center your energy, and improves your mood. And the best part? It doesn’t matter what kind of exercise you do, all forms are great for your overall health . Try yoga or a boxing class and watch the benefits kick in. 2. Focus on getting enough sleep Stress is hard enough to deal with without being exhausted as well; a lack of sleep can make your problems seem worse than they actually are, make it hard to focus, and cause you to overreact. If you’re having trouble staying or falling asleep, try limiting screen time before bed and meditating. 3. Watch what you put in your body Alcohol, drugs, caffeine, cigarettes, sugar, and junk food can all affect how your body deals with stress. Caffeine, for example, is a nervous stimulant that actually increases the body’s stress response. And alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes can all lengthen response times, make it harder to focus, and complicate getting work done. On the other hand, if you stick to a healthy diet, it can help relax your muscles and lower anxiety; try eating healthy fats, whole grains, lean proteins, and green fruits and vegetables. 4. Prioritize Stress is frequently caused by a strong sense of being overwhelmed; if you relate to this, you should take a look at your current responsibilities and tasks and see if there’s anything that can be removed. If you can’t find anything that can be eliminated, try making lists, using a calendar to get organized and have a better handle on the tasks at hand. 5. Talk to a professional if needed Even if you follow all these tips, there are times when the stress can get out of hand and become impossible to deal with. That’s when it’s time to talk to a professional. Life coaches, therapists, financial advisors, psychologists, and psychiatrists are all experts in the effects that stress can have on your life and can give you the professional support that you need. 6. Use your community If we’re stressed, it’s easy to feel alone and like no one understands what we’re going through. But that couldn’t be further from the truth; everyone, regardless of their job, relationship status, or family size, feels stress. Confiding in trusted friends and family can not only help you feel like you’re not alone, but also get tips and ideas from people you rely on. 7. Limit screen time There’s nothing like seeing someone else’s perfect life on Instagram to make you feel like you’re not doing enough. And we know that you already know this, but let us repeat it: nothing is as it seems. Someone may seem to have it all figured out but they probably don’t; in addition to improving your sleeping habits, limiting your time on social media can also help you compare yourself to others less and have an overall better opinion of yourself. 8. Do what you like No one can be a machine all day every day, blowing through tasks and responsibilities. As we mentioned earlier, making a list of priorities that absolutely must be accomplished can help you reduce the weight of your responsibilities. And now try something: add a few things you enjoy doing to that list , like taking the dog for a walk or watching your favorite show. 9. Be nice to yourself There’s no point in beating yourself up about what you have to do; in fact, doing that will actually increase your overall stress. Try and go easy on yourself: we all have tons of responsibilities and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed every once in a while. Discover what makes you happy, such as a warm bath or quality time with loved ones and make sure that you’re incorporating that into your routine to give yourself some much needed self care. 10. Find out what makes you tick Our last piece of advice may be the hardest to implement but can have an incredible impact: find out what your triggers are . Do you notice your stress levels increasing right before an important work meeting? Or do social outings make you dread the upcoming event? Figuring out exactly what is making you feel stressed could be the key to managing it and decreasing it in the future. When you find yourself feeling stressed, take a second to think about the cause of that stress; this will help you be more prepared in the future. Do these tips sound like something you can implement in your day-to-day life? It can seem like an insurmountable task at first, but you can get your stress under control and continue making a difference . We believe in you!

Samantha . This is the name of the artificial intelligence that Joaquin Phoenix’s character falls in love with in the movie “Her”. He does precisely that because of his own solitude, but also because the software has been configured to be frighteningly human. Doesn't that sound familiar? Just 10 years after the release of this very intriguing anticipation movie, Chat GPT showed up. OpenAI, a San Francisco-based AI company also responsible for tools like GPT-3 and DALL-E 2, the breakthrough image generator that we talked about in our AI creativity post , has created this clever artificial intelligence program. It has the answer to absolutely everything and it has been configured and trained to interact in the most human way possible . It works so well that you would think you had a friend or relative at the end of the keyboard, except it’s a robot that has a sense of humor. How was Chat GPT configured? What is it already able to do? How will it change the way we work? Here’s a portrait of an AI like no other. Birth of a Humanoid AI Leonardo da Vinci would have dreamed of it; San Francisco entrepreneurs have done it. They configured an artificial intelligence program capable of answering any question in a qualitative way in just a few seconds. ChatGPT, which stands for Generative Pretrained Transformer,” is the best AI chatbot ever released to the general public. Feel like reading a set of 50 Haikus about the Sequoia National Park? Let's go. Want the software to invent the rules of a new board game? No problem. Fix a complex code bug? Sure. Write your best man’s speech for your friend's wedding? Believe it or not, it can do that too. To successfully adapt to any situation, Chat GPT has scanned, absorbed, and analyzed hundreds of millions of texts. That is to say, it has processed almost every word published on the Internet from its creation to 2021. Did you think Wikipedia represented an infinite volume of data? It's only 0.6% of the database known by this AI. In just 5 days after its release, more than a million people tried to query Chat GPT. Today, this AI is imposing itself at a lightning speed at work. To name just a few examples, it can write marketing texts, create code, write a sales pitch, help you negotiate a salary increase or even coach you to settle a conflict with a colleague. For Alexis Grinbaum, Research Director, this software will find its place in the working world and change its uses. " Entire sectors of the workforce will evolve but not disappear”, he states. “There will always be lawyers and doctors and journalists, but the content of their jobs will change.” This means that Chat GPT is already shaking up the professional world. Surprising Uses of Chat GPT One Twitter user asked Chat GPT to " write a biblical verse in the style of the King James Bible explaining how to remove a peanut butter sandwich from a VCR” . But that's not all! It can also: Write jokes: Tell me the difference between a balloon and an elephant. “The difference between a balloon and an elephant is that you can inflate a balloon, but you can’t inflate an elephant just like that!" Write 4 lines of the Hotel California song in the style of Shakespeare: “In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, Upon a balmy eve, in days of yore, The Eagles sang a tale, most tragic and mean, Of a hotel, called California, forever more." Solve the mystery: who came first? The chicken of the egg? “ The egg came first, it was just too chicken to admit it." Imagine and describe a world with Elon Musk as our leader. “If Elon Musk was the leader, the world would be a very interesting place! We'd all be living on Mars by now and probably have jetpacks for personal transportation. Traffic jams would be a thing of the past because we'd all be zooming around in our Teslas. And forget about power outages, we'd have solar panels on every roof! The only downside is that we'd all be working 120 hour weeks to pay for it all. But hey, at least we'd be saving the planet and colonizing Mars, so it's totally worth it, right?" Surprising? It can also: Find ideas for party themes or costumes Write an essay Ask for compliments Write a resignation letter Get relationship advice Get advice on how to pitch ecology to your climatosceptic uncle Jamie and so much more. How Far Will Chat GPT Go? A series of articles would not be enough to list all the implications that GPT Chat could have on our society. This tool is already being described by some as a more powerful technology than Google. But will it flop or rock: who knows? However, we’re sure that we will have to regulate the use of this very intelligent and fast learning AI quickly. In the United States, Chat GPT is already banned from schools and colleges, where professors have watched in amazement how the robot writes essays. This, in addition to the ethical problem that it poses if some students no longer do the work but are graded like the others, can have serious consequences on the intellectual capacities of those who instead of training to think, ask the AI to do it for them. What about the law, where AI could be used by lawyers in trials, even though we don't know where and how it gets its information and law professors have noted that it makes mistakes? Or art, which, if generated by robots, will probably lose its standardization value? Can GPT chat eventually replace content creators, translators or web developers? According to PwC , 73% of workers think technology can never replace a human mind; however, 37% are worried that automation might put their job at risk. In any case, we can think about what will happen if, just as today, Chat GPT’s server is down and inaccessible while this tool is being used by millions of people at work. It's all going to be fascinating: let's get some popcorn and while we're watching it happen, think about what you can do to transform tech with Ironhack.

You’d have had to have been living under a rock for the past few months to not be aware of the economic downturn forecast and the rising inflation. In times of economic uncertainty, one thing that everyone wants to be sure of is that their jobs will still be there for them tomorrow. Or that if you are entering a new field – like many of our Ironhack students are – that there will be a job for you at all. But are things really as doom and gloom as news anchors might have you believe? Certainly, we are all feeling the pinch and have noticed those extra euros adding up on our weekly grocery shop. However, when it comes to tech, things might be a bit brighter than you originally thought. The German tech job market has surprisingly been booming through this rather bleak period. In 2022, it saw substantial growth and we forecast that will continue to span into 2023. With tech giants such as Google, Meta, and Microsoft making headlines with their layoffs in the US, it's only natural that if you are working in tech you will be wondering if those kinds of layoffs will make their way to Germany. No one can predict the future but with Germany's strong economy and highly educated workforce, it has become a prime destination for technology companies looking to expand their operations in Europe. This has led to a growing demand for tech talent in various fields – including everything from cybersecurity to UI/UX design . To help you better understand the current state of the German tech job market and what the future might hold for it, we have put together this summary. Read ahead to get a snapshot of how the German tech job market is growing, and what the future of work will look like. We will also explore the areas where there is the highest demand for tech talent in Germany, the skills that are most in demand, and the opportunities available for those looking to start or advance their career in tech. How is the German tech job market growing? The German tech market is experiencing incredible growth with the industry expected to reach a staggering value of $133.02 billion in 2026. These figures seem almost too good to be true, but trust us, we double-checked them twice. So, just how is Germany's tech job market thriving when some other nations and industries are slowing down? For a start, Germany is one of the biggest tech centers in Europe. Just how did we come to that conclusion, you ask. Well… German tech VC investment is 2nd in Europe. Berlin is 2nd for VC tech investment in Europe, behind only London. There were 96,000 unfilled IT jobs in Germany in 2021, and the demand is only rising. In 2022, the Q4 tech job postings in Germany exceeded those of key countries in Europe by over 300% on average. If you're looking to make your start in a tech career, Germany is one of the best places to do it right now. The future of tech jobs in Germany in 2023 and beyond With such large investment in tech and numerous tech giants setting up their headquarters in cities such as Berlin and Munich, a skills shortage has emerged. In July last year, staff shortages hit almost half of all organizations surveyed by the Munich-based research institute IFO, forcing them to slow down their operations. While a slowing economy may force some companies to increase efficiencies or slow down hiring, for many IT will be the last department to be affected. With digital transformation on the mind of every C-suite executive across Europe, many companies will still prioritize hiring for tech roles. Currently, Germany lags behind many nations in terms of technology specialists, making businesses eager to snatch up any talent that lands in their interview room. The shortage of skilled workers has risen to a new high in Germany, affecting 49.7% of companies in July. The new level is much higher than the previous record. “ More and more companies are having to cut back on business because they simply can’t find enough staff ,” says Stefan Sauer, a labor market expert at the IFO Institute. With organizations of all kinds looking to hire tech staff, what skills are most in demand? What skills should be learned to land a tech job? Overall, Germany has a vast pool of well-trained and experienced tech talent to choose from. However, the demand for tech roles and digital skills outweighs the supply. For example, 41% of IT companies in a Bitkom survey reported that they were looking to hire software developers. It's clear that Germany needs more technology experts who can fill the myriad of jobs created in this sector every year. One of the biggest areas of growth in the German tech job market is in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). German companies are leading the way in developing and implementing AI technologies, and there is a high demand for professionals with skills in areas such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. Check our Data Analytics Bootcamp to learn more about machine learning . And it's not only in AI, there are job opportunities available across a range of IT skills. Germany: A place full of tech job opportunities The country's skilled workforce, supportive government policies, and thriving startup ecosystem make it an attractive destination for tech professionals looking for new opportunities. Ironhacks bootcamps can help you get the hands-on skills you need to land a job in the growing tech industry and be part of any company's workforce. We provide students with a highly focused, intensive education taught by experienced industry professionals. We also provide a great network of alumni and partners in the industry to help students connect with potential employers and find job opportunities after completing the Bootcamp. If you're looking to make a career change, upskill or start a new job in the tech industry, Ironhack Bootcamp is a perfect choice. Find out more about our courses .

As a UX/UI designer, you know that user interviews are key. These 30 or 60 minute interviews with participants are essential for success: how can you design a product that’s ideal for users without hearing directly from participants?! You can’t. This article has everything you need to fully understand user interviews and implement best practices into your future interviews. What are User Interviews? To put it simply, user interviews are a research method used by UX designers to collect user data. In addition to generating qualitative data, you can also observe the user’s feelings, perceptions, and experiences as they relate to your design. The vast majority of UX design is problem solving; there’s an issue that exists, such as a tough to use webpage that UX designers are tasked with improving. And to improve upon something that already exists, there’s no better way to get suggestions than from real user experiences. Benefits of user interviews: They are fast and easy to conduct You can understand the user’s perceptions and experiences You can ask follow-up questions You can understand both verbal and nonverbal cues You can ask for clarification or additional information When to use user interviews Even though user interviews can be helpful for lots of cases, they aren’t the best choice at all times. Take a look at the best times to conduct user interviews: Before beginning the project: you may want to jump right into your work, but taking a second to conduct user interviews can help you define your buyer personas, journey maps, main goals, primary improvements, and more. Shortly after beginning the project: once you’ve used the information gathered from the initial interviews to start working, it can be helpful to check back in with users to ensure you’re on the right track. Close to the end of the project : once you’re almost done, it’s a good time to do shorter and quicker user interviews to check in and see how users feel about the finished product. It’s hard to open yourself to critique that late in the game, but it’s certainly better to know of any issues before the product is released! Although the three times we mentioned are solid choices for user interviews, there are a few times when you should not conduct user interviews. If your client has enough analytic research to back up their request, there might not be a need for user interviews. And if you can’t pinpoint the right group to interview or you won’t get a full picture of the user pool from just a few interviews, other research methods may be more effective long-term. Lastly, no one likes wasting time; if you don’t have clear questions and clear outcomes, there’s no point in conducting interviews. How to Conduct User Interviews It may seem simple, but conducting user interviews properly will make all the difference. Here’s what to keep in mind: Prepare the participant : this can come in many forms, but making sure the participant is prepared is crucial to the success of your project. Ensure the following: The user feels comfortable and heard The interview process and purpose is explained to the user You ask simple questions and let the user finish their complete thoughts Prepare yourself: before starting the interview, make sure you know what you want to accomplish. Prepare both questions and follow-up questions to get all the information you need. And most importantly, prepare answers and follow-up questions for unexpected situations; your participants won’t always answer as you anticipate. Think of thoughtful questions : simple yes/no questions won’t get you anywhere. Open-ended questions that get the participant talking can help you not only get the information you need, but also extra information that you maybe didn’t expect. Avoid leading questions : you may think it’s more straightforward to ask a participant “Why do you like using our product?” but this question makes two assumptions: that the participant uses the product and likes it. And if you frame it as a yes or no question like, “Do you use our product in the morning?” the participant may just answer, “yes” and provide no additional information. Be clear and concise: ask questions that are clear and obvious to the participant; many user interview sessions are time-limited and if you have to clarify or provide further information, you could be wasting valuable time. Possible concerns with user interviews User interviews can be great ways to get valuable feedback, but there are some things of which to be cautious: Participants may not feel comfortable sharing their feedback or opinion as openly as you would like. It may take some introductory questions and time for the participant to open up. The human memory isn’t perfect; participants may guess about memories or round up or down in their answers, creating inaccurate results. Participants aren’t experts on the subject. They may not fully understand the purpose of the interview and accidentally leave out valuable information. User interviews vs. usability testing There are many research methods available; choosing the proper one for your project could be the deciding factor. These are the main differences between the user interviews and usability testing: Participant involvement : in user interviews, participants have to be vocally active, contributing to the conversation and providing information. During usability testing, however, the participant doesn’t need to talk as much; they just need to test the product. Gathering information about their experience can also be completed via surveys or written questionnaires. Tester involvement : for user interviews, the interviewer needs to be lively and build some sort of rapport with the participant to get information. On the other hand, the goal of usability testing is for the participant to act as if they were on their own and therefore, the tester should be present but forgettable so that the most realistic results are gathered. Timing: although user interviews can be conducted throughout the entire design process, usability testing can, understandably, only be used when there’s something for the user to test. This can mean that feedback only comes much later in the process and can be harder to implement. User interview and usability testing might seem similar, but there are two fundamental differences: user interviews reveal the participant’s feelings and thoughts about a design; usability testing reveals the user’s ease and process while using the design. User interviews can be a fantastic way to get the information you need. But before you do anything, make sure that you thoroughly define your goals and are sure that it’s the best research method for you. Happy designing!

It’s that time of year again and those aspirational New Year’s resolutions are starting to catch up with you. Are you meeting your goals? Are you falling behind? It can be hard to meet your goals, especially if you set a bunch of resolutions. But don’t worry, there’s a way to catch up. Keep reading to find out the main reasons why people fail at their New Year’s resolutions and what you can do to get back on track. The Most Popular New Year’s Resolutions So what exactly are people deciding to accomplish in the new year? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular resolutions: Exercise more Eat better Lose weight Save money Spend more time with family and friends Learn a new skill Why are New Year’s resolutions so popular? You don’t hear people talking about setting high goals in August - so why is January such a popular time? Well, new beginnings give us the chance to take a blank slate and do whatever we want with it. The new year can also feel stressful because we don’t know what to expect; setting our goals and intentions can make us feel in control of an otherwise new situation. That’s why January and the new year feels like the best time to commit to new goals. However, it’s not always that simple. Why Do New Year’s Resolutions Fail? We’ve all heard the saying, “New Year, New Me.” And the new year can seem like the perfect time to set some new goals for yourself and as the new year approaches, it’s the only thing people are talking about. But the truth is that 18% of people fail at their resolutions by January and 41% have given up completely by July . Here are the main reasons why: You’re being impatient: it might be exciting to decide you’re going to fully kickstart a new routine or lose weight this year, but creating good habits takes a long time. You won’t lose weight (and keep it off) if you try crash dieting or an exercise plan that you’re not used to. With new year’s resolutions, slow and steady wins the race. You don’t have a support system : even the most thought out and well-designed resolution can fail if you don’t have the right system in place to help you out. There will be times when you need a little push or someone to hold you accountable; try committing to your goals with a friend or partner. Your resolution is too rigid : trying to commit to seven workouts a week when you haven’t been to the gym in months is setting yourself up for failure. Once you start to miss some (which would be completely normal!), it can be easier to give up altogether. Set realistic goals that you see yourself achieving. Your resolution is too loose: if your resolution is to “eat healthier,” that’s quite broad. While it’s good to not set any strict goals such as “eat x amount of protein a day,” you do need some guidance to meet your goals. How to get back on track Do some of our bullet points feel a little familiar? No worries. Even as January comes to a close, there’s still time to turn it around. Regroup : first things first, let’s check in on your resolutions. How are they coming along? What’s been working? What hasn’t? Do you know why you’re falling a bit short? Try to get up to date with your resolutions and where you stand; this will help you improve in the coming months. Plan: Most resolutions get lost in the hustle and bustle of the new year, the return to a  routine, and planning for the upcoming year. So try to break down your goals and make them more manageable; this can mean setting weekly or monthly objectives. Reframe: is there a resolution that’s just not seeming realistic? It happens. It’s easy to lose hope, so try to reframe your goals: is it proving impossible to get to the gym 5 days a week? Try going 3 days and once you’ve established a routine, increase it to 4. Give yourself patience and time to adjust to your new goals. Reward yourself : it’s tough to take on new challenges and being too hard on yourself can result in decreased motivation and, ultimately, failing to meet your goals. So when you do reach your goal, or even take a step towards it, make sure to reward and praise yourself. Take on the New Year with Ironhack Are you looking for a New Year’s resolution that will leave the rest in the dust? We have just the one for you: transform your career and jump into tech with one of Ironhack’s bootcamps: Web development : learn how to handle the technical design, performance, capacity, speed, and capabilities of website design, from both the front and back ends. Data analytics : discover the importance of understanding and interpreting data, preparing you for a role in a wide range of companies. UX/UI design : interested in finding that sweet spot between coding and design? UX/UI design may be perfect for you. Cybersecurity : every company needs cyber assistance and as a trained cybersecurity professional, you’ll have a wide range of roles available to you. Are you ready to revamp your New Year’s resolutions and make 2023 the year you start doing what you love? Whether it's heading to the gym more, spending time with family, or jumping into tech, Ironhack is here to help you make those dreams a reality.