The Ironhack Blog

Today’s spotlight is on Ariel Carmona Muñio.  He’s an architect who immigrated from Cuba and found his calling in UI/UX design. After completing Ironhack’s 9 week part-time UX/UX Design Bootcamp at Ironhack Miami, Ariel is now able to combine his love for design with practical skills essential to the tech industry. Check out his story here: My name is Ariel Carmona Muñio, I am a Cuban architect and have worked in this profession for the last 4 years in Cuba. I have always felt inclined to other branches of design and especially to how a product can positively or negatively affect people's behavior. UX/UI design is the space where I can combine all my passions: drawing, graphic design and, although it seems unlikely, also architecture. The Ironhack Experience What was your experience with the enrollment process? Immediately after arriving in the United States, I began looking for ways to prepare myself to be part of the world of technology as a designer, since Miami was becoming the main tech hub of the Americas. Ironhack instantly moved up my list of possible options, not only because of its renowned quality, but also because of the scholarship opportunities that would allow me to have access to a high-level education, after being in this country for only two months. I am grateful for the eMerge Americas scholarship, which offered an immigrant like me the opportunity to achieve my dreams, have equal opportunity to others, and be part of a community that I am very proud of. Before, during and after finishing the bootcamp, I told myself: “I want to be an ambassador of this experience for my community and for the world” What was your experience with the full-time UI/UX Bootcamp at Ironhack Miami? I learned to work in a team, negotiate, meet customer requirements, empathize, how to use color, fonts, grids, shapes, new softwares, wireframes, prototypes... the list is endless! But Ironhack is not just about acquiring new skills, it's also about the connections you create, the relationships with your classmates, your instructors. Throughout the program you’ll feel like you belong in this place. Life After Ironhack As an architect, I feel that I have not changed my career at all. UX/UI design is an extension of my path and every past experience is important, but in this new field all design parameters are involved. I envision my future designing life-changing products. I guarantee you will learn, cry and laugh, sometimes be frustrated yet frequently proud of your achievements, but you will be 100% a true designer after this. —- A big thanks to Ariel for sharing her thoughts about Ironhack’s UX/UI Design bootcamp. We loved hearing about how he found a sense of belonging with our community after moving from Cuba. You can connect with Ariel on LinkedIn or check out his website to follow his journey and learn more about his current projects. If you’d like to upskill to enhance your current skills and be part of Ironhack’s supportive community like Ariel, we encourage you to check out our UX/UI Design Bootcamp, in addition to our Web Development and Data Analytics Bootcamps. We look forward to seeing you in class!

Today’s spotlight is on Kassandra Ueling.  Prior to enrolling in Ironhack, she was struggling with many life challenges and was in search of a stable life. Kassandra did some research on new career paths and she discovered the field of UX/UI design and realized that getting the right skills to start a career in tech could help her improve her difficult situation. After completing Ironhack’s UX/UI Design Bootcamp at Ironhack Miami, she changed her life and now has a career of which she is proud . Check out her story here. Hey Kassandra! Tell us about yourself and what life was like before enrolling in Ironhack. My name is Kass. I lived in Southeast Iowa for the first 29 years of my life. Right before my 30th birthday, I took a massive leap of faith and moved to South Florida to change my life. I have struggled with addiction and mental illness since I was 14 years old. Learning used to be my world. I had the intention of going to school to be a doctor or a lawyer. I was in accelerated classes and gifted programs since 4th grade, but my world turned upside down after I started using substances and developed the mental illnesses that still challenge me today. I was enrolled in high school until 11th grade, but pretty much stopped going to class after my freshman year. I officially dropped out when I was 17. Shortly thereafter, I earned my GED. After dropping out of school, all of my dreams of having a fulfilling career fell to the wayside. I worked random minimum wage jobs for several years and my addiction and mental illnesses worsened by the day. I eventually landed a job in disability services and worked in that field for 7 years. There are too many details to go into for the sake of this interview. But my world fell apart more and more over time and I lived in a state of absolute hopelessness, thinking I would never have a happy life. In March of 2021, I left my career in disability services behind and moved to Florida for a fresh start. With nothing more than a 9th grade education and a GED, I saw no real hope for having another career that meant anything to me and lived in fear of forever living paycheck to paycheck. But then something beautiful happened. Through a series of events that I can't really explain, Ironhack and UX design fell into my lap. After I did some research and saw the wage that even a junior UX designer made, I thought it had to be a scam. But I kept researching and the massive amount of evidence that I found corroborating my initial research dispelled my fears of it being a scam and I enrolled in Ironhack. The Ironhack Experience What made you choose Ironhack to start your career in UI/UX Design? After doing a search online for tech bootcamps, I quickly came across Ironhack. There were many search results for other tech schools too, but Ironhack laid out the details of their bootcamps in such a clear and inviting way. I loved the idea of passing or failing instead of focusing on a grade. Pass or fail meant that my success was in my hands and not contingent upon comparisons to the work of other students. It allowed my focus to be on absorbing as much information as possible without the stress of trying to get a high grade. When my focus is on a grade, I begin to pander to the party in charge of deciding those grades. When my focus is on sink or swim, I swim like hell to the finish line. What was your biggest take away from completing the UI/UX Bootcamp? My biggest take away from my experience at Ironhack is that we can all truly do whatever we want in life . I had everything working against me when I was in the UX bootcamp. I was fighting to stay sober every day (I was 4 months clean the first day of classes) and I felt like I didn't fit in at first because of my past. I was living in a sober house with 15 other women, sleeping in a twin bed in a tiny room, sometimes with multiple roommates. I was struggling with some very serious and wildly undertreated mental illnesses. My personal life created perceived barriers in my mind pretty much every day. But Ironhack offered me an opportunity for a career that brings me joy and pays more than I ever thought possible with my educational background, or lack thereof.  I felt like I would always be financially stuck in a job I didn't like. Today, the absolute opposite is my truth. What is life like after graduating from Ironhack? Working as a UX designer at a design agency is so rewarding. I get to challenge myself every day and I get to work from home, which is massive for my mental health. I get to help design things that are geared towards improving the life of the users I am designing for. I have the financial capabilities to be able to buy a house one day and I can pay all of my bills without stress. I have even been able to pay off debts and even raise my credit score. To the prospective future student reading this: join Ironhack if you are ready for a positive change. Join if you are ready to love your career. If you are someone who loves to see the fruits of your labor and feel a sense of accomplishment in your professional life, then I recommend you take action. Ironhack is an investment that will be paid back tenfold. —- A big thanks to Kass for sharing her thoughts about Ironhack’s UX/UI Design bootcamp! We’re so proud of how far she has come and we’re so happy that she’s loving her career as a UX/UI Designer. You can connect with Kass on Linkedin and check out her website to follow her journey and learn more about her current projects. If you’d like to change your life with a career in tech and be part of Ironhack’s supportive community like Kass, we encourage you to check out our UX/UI Design Bootcamp in addition to our Web Development and Data Analytics Bootcamps. We look forward to seeing you in class!

Today’s spotlight is on Wisler Altidor.  Prior to enrolling in Ironhack, he was working at an Amazon warehouse with a desire to start a career that combined his love for design and tech. After completing Ironhack’s UX/UI Design Bootcamp at Ironhack Miami, he was able to build a fulfilling career as a UX/UI Designer. Wisler learned the top frameworks used by product design teams and connected with the Ironhack community to get his foot on the ground. Check out his story here. Hey Wisler! Tell us about yourself and what life was like before enrolling in Ironhack. My name is Wisler, and I graduated from Ironhack's UX/UI bootcamp in 2021 . Currently, I’m a freelance UX/UI designer working on a variety of projects for clients. Right before I started my bootcamp, I was working at an Amazon warehouse as a team member processing online orders. Before that, I worked as a server for 5 years with some other jobs in between. From a luxurious café to 5 star restaurants in South Beach, I could never keep a job in the service industry for more than one year. It always started with me feeling excited for the new journey, happy about meeting my new team members, and ending with me feeling empty, lost and unaccomplished. Although I gained a lot of knowledge when it comes to customer experience, within a year or so into a job I felt disappointed in myself and the situation. One reason I felt disappointed  was because I felt like I wasn't working towards my goal of having a career in the tech industry. After quitting my last job as a server, I decided it was time to try a different industry. That's how I ultimately ended up at Amazon and eventually enrolled at Ironhack. The Ironhack Experience What made you choose Ironhack to start your career in UI/UX Design? I got into UX/UI because I love creating new things and bringing life to them with colors and interactions. For as long as I can remember, I always loved art and creative things. I used to draw in high school and at the time I ended up getting certifications for most of the Adobe software. In college, I was working towards becoming a graphic designer, but as college got more expensive and working a full time job became more challenging, some things just didn’t work out. Fast forward a year or two, when I met the person that pointed me in the right direction to find my dream career. This person was a student at Ironhack at the time. We talked about my goals of becoming a graphic designer and she told me I should consider becoming a UX/UI designer. She gave me a quick rundown of what a bootcamp is and suggested I take the Ironhack course if I really wanted to do it. I spent the next couple of weeks researching UX/UI and Ironhack to see what it really is and if it was going to be worth investing in it. The more I researched, the more I loved the career! I made the decision to attend Ironhack and that was the best decision I've made in my whole life. The bootcamp was amazing! I’m not gonna lie, it was stressful but most importantly it was life changing. I met teachers that ended up being my mentors and my T.A. was super supportive, even after a year after my graduation. I even met new classmates who I ended up being friends with and would occasionally meet up for coffee and talk about UX/UI. The Ironhack community is ridiculously amazing with all the support you get. After completing the bootcamp my mindset changed from "how can I do this?" to "who can I connect with to get this done?" I now understood the true power of networking. What was your experience with the UI/UX Bootcamp? My biggest take away is that Ironhack has a lot of resources available for you to use and be successful in your bootcamp/career. Do not be afraid to use them! If you are looking to join Ironhack and are not sure if this is the right place for, well there's 3 things that Ironhack offers. As a grad it's very useful to me and I think it's something to think about if you are thinking of a long term career. Ironhack offers long-term support to all alumni Everything you do in the remote class will be accessible and available to you The Ironhack community is massive When I was job hunting, 7 out of 10 times I was interviewed or met with an alumni from Ironhack. Networking is key. What is life like after graduating from Ironhack? I’m currently working as a freelance UI/UX designer. Prior to this, I worked for Niantic as a UX/UI designer, and it was amazing. I received great feedback and everyone was super friendly and working hard to accomplish our goals. Whether I’m working with clients or at a company, my day to day varies. I work remotely, but when I worked at Niantic I would go in about once a week, mostly to build team chemistry. I submit deliverables on their due dates and usually kick things off with team stand-up, and I have meetings throughout the week for check-ins and updates. Having a fully remote position has allowed me to spend more time with my friends and family and do more of what I love outside of UX/UI. —- A big thanks to Wisler for sharing his thoughts about Ironhack’s UX/UI Design bootcamp! We loved hearing about how he used all of Ironhack’s career resources and connected with our community to grow his career. You can connect with Wisler on Linkedin and check out his website to follow his journey and learn more about his current projects. If you’d like to upskill to enhance your current skills and be part of Ironhack’s supportive community like Wisler, we encourage you to check out our UI/UX Design Bootcamp in addition to our Web development and Data Analytics bootcamps. We look forward to seeing you in class!

If a smartphone is a basic necessity at this point, what other devices do you have at home? Do you ask Alexa for the weather in the morning or create meal plans on your Samsung refrigerator? Or maybe your thermostat learns your temperature preferences, adjusts the settings, and ensures that the energy bill stays low. As connected as the world is now, it’s hard to fathom just how truly connected we are ; most of us are surrounded by smart devices from the moment we wake up to when we lay our heads on our pillows. So what are these devices, how do they work, and what does this dependence on them mean for us? Let’s dive in. What are IoT Devices? As mentioned above, smart devices are used for an endless amount of tasks that make our lives a little bit easier and referring to these devices as smart is another way of saying IoT devices. IoT, or the Internet of Things , are machines that are connected to the internet so they both receive and send information and create an interconnected network amongst them. Devices such as smart locks, doorbell cams, plugs, and even smart bidets are just some of the infinite amount of machines that are now connected to the internet. Outside of everyday household products, there are many IoT devices that are industrial and are important in enhancing our society too, such as factory monitoring and automation. How do IoT Devices Work? You may be lost in the clouds a bit about how IoT devices work but don’t worry, IoT is much more at home in the Cloud. IoT devices work cyclically in how they gather, analyze, and later present data to the user. It can be broken down into four steps: Sensors/devices For devices to be of use, they must collect data based on what they perceive in the environment. Some devices have sensors that gather the information from their surroundings and others are devices that take in data from various sources like a smartphone. For example, thermostats use their sensors to gather information on the temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. 2. Internet connection Now that the IoT has collected all the data, what next? The device shares the information that they have with the Cloud using their connection to the internet. The IoT can connect to the Cloud in a variety of ways such as cell data, WiFi, bluetooth, and satellite. 3. Data analysis Now that the Cloud has the data, it needs to be processed. At this stage, software takes it and analyzes and organizes it so that it can be sent right back to the device. 4. User interaction The data is ready for user access and goes to the device to display all the processed information. IoT devices try to maintain internet connectivity and this process constantly repeats so that they can continue to provide the user with the desired information. Current situation In 2021, there were more than 10 billion active IoT devices and it is projected that by 2030, the number of IoT active devices will reach almost 30 billion . These devices are an integral part of our society and now that we use them so frequently, we have come to depend on them as well . Unfortunately, IoT devices are sensitive machines and can be breached by hackers looking to take advantage of their connectivity and access a massive amount of data. The data that they are collecting is dangerous in the wrong hands. Some devices are even constant video feeds of your house. But to which kinds of dangers are IoT devices susceptible? Poor testing and updating One of the biggest reasons that IoT devices are susceptible to security breaches is because most companies don’t watch over their devices’ networks and only act when a problem has already occurred. As hackers become more creative and bold, they’re finding different ways to sneak their way beyond the current security parameters and since companies don’t continuously test for and make updates to their devices’ defenses, the information may get breached later on. Botnet threats A botnet attack is a sophisticated manipulation of a huge number of malware-corrupted bots that are sent to attack a certain target all at once. IoT devices are highly vulnerable to malware attacks; as a result, cybersecurity has to be ready for them and unfortunately, IoT devices don’t normally receive updates to their systems as computers do. Botnet attacks can easily take down and threaten big and small devices alike. Expanded attack surface As seen above, IoT devices have reached an astronomically high number of active use and there is no stopping them. Because of this and the fact that they are all interconnected, hackers have an easier time of attacking finding one small entryway that is less protected and taking advantage of it to reach other sensitive information. Especially vulnerable devices There are some IoT devices that can be used to gain access to more than just your sensitive information and can be even dangerously hijacked to cause physical harm in the real world. Break-ins Home invasion has always been a threat; however, houses are replete with IoT devices with some homes taking on the role of a modern day Smart House . Thanks to poor defense mechanisms and unsafe devices, hackers can easily gain access to the IP address of a user’s home and also learn the address of their home. 2. Smart vehicle access Similar to break-ins, smart vehicles are also vulnerable to hacking, but this can be even more dangerous in that other features of a smart car can be used for safety while moving. A smart car can be hacked not only to remove crucial safety procedures, but also to block turning over the engine, restrict access to the car, and even access your location. Solutions Although IoT devices are vulnerable to cyberattacks, there are many cybersecurity professionals that are working diligently to prevent them from breaking through the devices’ defenses. The following are just a few ways that cybersecurity professionals can protect your data: Network fortification Back end systems, IoT devices, and the network that links the two need to be fortified with security features for when cyberattacks happen and include the following: Firewalls Antivirus Anti-malware IDS and IPS (intrusion detection/prevention software) SIEM (Security information and event management) Network segmentation into VLANS Secure gateways IoT security analytics and updates IoT devices generate a lot of data, which can be very beneficial for cybersecurity professionals in mitigating security risks. The information that they collect can show potential vulnerabilities and threats to the network and consequently, giving them the opportunity to course correct, think of a solution, and enact updates to the system. IoT devices authentication Cybersecurity solutions are becoming more and more thorough and personal and use identity authentication to prove that the correct person is accessing the information. If you have ever had to ask a security question or click a box that ensures that you’re not a robot, then you have gone through this step. In addition to multi-factor authentication, biometric systems are put in place to ensure that no hacker can get to the information. Public key infrastructure strategy Sometimes cybersecurity requires high complexity when it comes to protecting data and in the case of public key infrastructure strategy, key pairs are used to ensure that encryption has extra security. The process uses public and private cryptographic pairs to secure the information. PKI uses two sets of encryption, asymmetric and symmetric , that depend on the two keys. Asymmetric encryption requires a public and a private key. If information is encrypted with the public key, then decryption must be carried out with the private one. Symmetric encryption does not require both keys, but rather one same key. Both asymmetric and symmetric encryption secure your data, but are used for different purposes. The future of IoT devices and cybersecurity As IoT devices become more and more ubiquitous and the surface area for attack extends further and further, the need for more creative solutions to defend them from cyberattacks grows alongside them and who will create them? Cybersecurity professionals. As threats increase and escalate, companies will need more and more cybersecurity professionals to create new ways to protect their networks, devices, and data. It is estimated that by 2025, there will be approximately 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions globally. If you’re looking to become one of these cybersecurity professionals, look no further than Ironhack’s cybersecurity bootcamp and soon enough, you’ll be helping fortify IoT devices’ cybersecurity yourself.

You may be shocked at how much overlap there is between data analysis and UX/UI design. But the truth is that engagement drives profit and companies have nothing but incentive to use every tool at their disposal to reach, maintain, and grow their customer base . Modern web design features a much tighter overlap between web developers, data analysts, and UX/UI designers in an effort to create a unique and frictionless experience for consumers. What is UX/UI Design? Form or function: what’s more important? A UI designer might say form, but a UX designer wouldn’t dare pick sides. UX, or user experience, is all about creating products that are natural and effortless to use. UI, otherwise known as user interface, deals instead with the overall look of a product. Both are extremely important and tightly coupled (you can’t have a great experience without a great interface!), so modern day web designers are tasked with doing both things, hence the term UX/UI design. In today’s day and age, virtually every product used by everyday consumers has a GUI, or a graphical user interface. The user interface (i.e. the way the user interacts with an app or a website) is an integral part of the user experience, so it makes sense that one person can serve both as the UX and the UI designer. Both tasks are so important that it’s not logical to divide the job amongst different people and risk the UX and UI design becoming out-of-sync. But, what might be surprising to learn is that a UX/UI Designer not only performs two functions, but is also usually working with multiple different software development teams at once. It takes time to create a good design and the software team usually can’t get started on their work until the design is finalized, so the designers and the developers are rarely working on the same features at the same time. After, once the features are built out, the data analysts can come in and inform the business on which features make sense to the users and which ones do not. From there, the data analysts and UX/UI designers can work together to address the concerns and create an improved user experience. But, let’s not get carried away: for now, let’s learn about what it means to be a UX/UI designer in the context of modern web development. UI Design We keep talking about UX/UI design (not UI/UX design), but we think the concept is easier to understand if we start out by first describing UI design. As we briefly stated earlier, UI Design deals exclusively with the overall look of a product . UI designers are tasked with creating something beautiful. As a UI designer, you would focus on how a specific web page or even individual elements of a web page look and function. By the time you’re ready to pass on the product to the web development team, it should be something that’s attractive, exhaustive, and intuitive. UX Design UX Design is all about the user. It’s about creating a product that, yes, looks good, but, above all, feels good to the user. A UX designer is tasked with making an entire product, from start to finish, one seamless experience for the user. Because of this, a UX designer has to care about individual UI elements as a button or even a tooltip that doesn’t make sense can throw off the user and create an experience that’s less than the sum of its parts. Creating a product that’s intuitive is the hardest part of the web development lifecycle, but also the most important. What is Data Analysis? Data analysis is something everyone does every single day. Simply put, it’s the processing of data with the intention of identifying patterns and insights. Of course, everyday data analysis and what data analysts do on-the-job are two very different things: companies hire data analysts to explore massive amounts of data in a rigorous and repeatable way in order to extract and present subtle, buried takeaways they wouldn’t otherwise recognize. There are four key aspects to the role of a data analyst: collection, interpretation, reporting, and governance–you may have noticed that one of those is not like the others! Let’s go over each key aspect and why it’s important: Collection : data analysts are skilled at gathering information from as many sources as possible, working to ensure that the data they collect is of high-enough quality that useful analysis can be performed on it. Interpretation : using a number of techniques, data analysts identify patterns, trends, and correlations within the data they collected. These insights can be used to describe what , why , when , and how users do what they do as well as drive models that can be used to predict future user actions. Reporting : information is only useful to you if you have it! Data analysts play a crucial role in ensuring that stakeholders are made aware of their findings. By presenting data in a digestible format, data analysts can enable decision-makers to best understand their users and make correct choices for future iterations of a product. Governance : This role is what’s least talked about when it comes to data analysis. Data analysts are responsible not just for collecting data, but for establishing data standards, ensuring data integrity, and implementing data management practices. How and when companies can collect data is becoming increasingly more regulated and data analysts have to make sure businesses are always in compliance with the law. Now we know exactly what UX/UI design and data analysis both are. You’ve probably already made some educated guesses and have an idea of how the two roles can work together during a product life cycle. Let’s see if you got it right. How do Data Analysts and UX/UI Designers Work Together? Today’s world is more data-driven than ever. And, the success of any product (digital or otherwise) depends on its ability to meet the needs and preferences of its users. Naturally, businesses employ data analysts to better understand user behavior in order to create more intuitive and impactful user-centric digital experiences. Before we get started on discussing how data analysts and UX/UI designers work together, let’s debunk one common misconception: data analysts can play a role at the beginning of a product life cycle . You’re probably wondering how a data analyst could possibly be useful before there exists a product for which to gather data but, as previously mentioned, data analysts are also tasked with ensuring that businesses are in compliance with the law with regards to data gathering. Data analysts can be helpful in the process of crafting a user experience that is legal and data-rich. They can also be helpful by presenting insights gathered from similar products or experiences. Bottom line is that every role in a web development team can be useful during any and every part of the product life cycle. Back to the subject at hand: how do data analysts and UX/UI designers work together? In short, they use their combined knowledge to understand the user journey and to create a product that meets all the needs of their users. They do this in three steps: user research, product design, and usability testing. Let’s go over each one. User research In order to create a product that users will enjoy, designers must first understand exactly what users want from their product. Data analysts are able to bridge the gap between users and designers by conducting research on what features users value and why . Whether it be through surveys or interviews, data analysts can gather feedback that provides valuable insights into user preferences and pain points. It’s important the designers know what users like, don’t like, and wish they had. Product design Armed with information on what’s important to the users, designers are able to create, iterate, and improve on features while prioritizing the existing issues that are most important. A great product isn’t created in one go; it takes time systematically analyzing user data to be able to refine a product vision to be in line with user expectations. A data-driven approach helps designers create user-centric designs that are optimized for usability, engagement, and overall satisfaction. Usability Testing This step is similar to user research, but happens after a product or feature is released. Usability testing is all about collecting data on user interactions and behaviors in order to be able to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of a design. Usability testing can be used to validate design choices or influence new design decisions. Like with the scientific method, designers use usability testing as one of many tools to be able redesign products to meet the specific needs of its users. What’s next? The great thing about being a data analyst or a UX/UI designer is that you’ll always be well-compensated and have the opportunity to work on exciting products. What’s more, Ironhack provides a number of exciting bootcamps designed to transform your skills and abilities in as little as nine weeks. You’ll find that Ironhack offers bootcamps for just about anybody, whether you want to become a UX/UI designer, a data analyst, a web developer, or even a cybersecurity expert. We’re sure that, with our help, you’ll be able to reach your career goals in no time. Come poke around our website to see which bootcamp is the best fit for you. We can’t wait to see you in class!

You’ve heard about tech bootcamps and you’re probably asking yourself, okay, they sound great but what can they actually accomplish?! Well, we’re here to let you in on a little secret: a lot. That’s right; bootcamps have been rapidly gaining popularity over the last few years thanks to one huge thing: bootcamps are able to teach the latest technologies and prepare candidates to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. It might seem impossible; after all, if bootcamps are so effective, why does anyone go through the traditional methods of a university education? Or why don’t more people choose them? We’ll discuss these questions and cover any of your other doubts in this article. Tech Bootcamps: What Even Are They?! As we mentioned above, tech bootcamps are relatively innovative and new methods of learning that have grown in popularity over the past few years thanks to the digital boom caused in part by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Technology is advancing so fast (we’re almost 5 years ahead of where we thought we’d be!) and as more and more companies are relying on technological solutions, not just those already in the tech world, the number of tech employees needed has skyrocketed. And that’s exactly where tech bootcamps come into play: these courses, usually taught over a few months, look at the current market needs and teach those skills to their students. They are becoming essential , not just common, because of the speed at which tech moves. As new technologies come into play, employers can’t keep hiring new workers for the newest skill to then need new needs met within a few months as innovation strikes again. Many companies choose to put their employees through bootcamps, covering all costs so that they’re able to meet market needs. In other cases, individuals themselves decide to take a bootcamp to make a career change and dive into tech. And why are tech bootcamps specifically such a popular choice? Let’s dive right in. Bootcamps vs. university education Tech is advancing fast. So fast, in fact, that most traditional learning methods, like universities, are having trouble keeping up. Let’s break it down: university curricula are usually set and defined by the department head at the beginning of the year and typically don’t allow for much wiggle room. And the classes that students take are clearly defined, meaning that opportunities to learn topics outside of their chosen course of study can be limited or even impossible; the goal of university classes is for you to graduate. On the other hand, bootcamps have one main goal: get you ready to join the workforce immediately after your graduation. Reskilling For a long time, people thought they were limited to the roles that they studied. For example, marketing students thought they were limited to just marketing roles and responsibilities; however, the intersectionality of the majority of fields has led to a change in that mindset and reskilling has become a popular choice. Reskilling is quite simple; in fact, many companies are choosing to reskill their workers and take what they already know they’re capable of, such as teamwork and critical thinking, and teach them what they need to know to meet company demands. Tech is advancing and more and more individuals are seeing it as a viable option, no matter their background. Tech across industries Gone are the days of working in simply one area; as we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic, all industries are relying more and more on tech. As we touched upon above, this means that people of all backgrounds can get into tech at any moment ; Ironhack alumni come from professions such as teaching, administration, marketing, hospitality, and more. In fact, we’ve seen it all on our campuses. Bootcamps and Professional Development In addition to preparing you for the workforce by teaching you everything you need to know to enter the market, bootcamps provide you with another incredible advantage: professional development and career support . From the day you confirm your spot in the bootcamp, you’ll be able to access some of the tech school’s resources, such as their career services, job boards, and alumni networks. Ironhack’s Career Services At Ironhack, we fully understand and respect the investment you’re making into your future by choosing to take one of our bootcamps and that’s why we’ve worked to perfect our Career Services, a team of tech-experienced HR professionals who work with you one on one. Here’s a breakdown of our four step process: Preliminary discovery : let’s get to the bottom of why you’re taking the bootcamp before it even begins! During this section, you’ll focus on figuring out why you’re here, what you want to achieve, and what your goals are. Even though we’re here to help as needed, the results of both the bootcamp and your job search will ultimately depend on you and it’s essential to figure out your motivations early on. Digital foundations : begin your journey in tech while meeting one-on-one with one of our talented Career Coaches who are here to help you succeed; they have experience in tech recruiting and will help review your CV, LinkedIn profile, pitch, and portfolio to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward for the job search. During this section, you’ll also be asked about your language and location preferences. Preparation : dive into Career Week and learn lots in workshops, webinars, and challenges; now that you’re clear on your goals and skills, you can practice interviewing, check out the jobs that interest you, and resolve any concerns you may have. Job hunting : finish the bootcamp strong and head right into the job hunt, taking advantage of our one-to-one sessions with our Career Coaches and using our wide network of global alumni and connections to get your first step into tech. Common FAQs about Bootcamps Still have some burning questions? Let’s answer them: Will employers even consider my application if I don’t have a four-year degree? We can’t speak for every employer out there, but we are quite familiar with the tech job market and can assure you of one thing: employers are looking for high-quality, skilled applicants that demonstrate both hard and soft skills. The vast majority of employers will look mainly at your skills and qualifications and focus on what you can actually bring to the table. Tech is just for men. Will I be hired as a woman/minority? Absolutely; tech still has a long way to go in terms of equality and that’s no secret. But it’s improving and more and more women are finding success in the industry. Don’t believe us? Check it out yourself: Women in tech serve as mentors for younger girls and women just starting out They use their unique and diverse experiences to provide an entirely new outlook: something that’s sorely needed in many industries. Female tech employees improve both workplace culture and office safety. Their collaboration results in products that are better designed and thought out for a wider range of people, not just men. I’ve never worked in tech--will bootcamps really prepare me for the real world? Yes! Bootcamps are designed to give you both the knowledge you need to get a job and the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in tech. After all, you’ll need a solid base to build off of and bootcamps provide just that. Bootcamps are expensive for such a short class length. Are they worth it? Well, like everything, you get out what you put in. If you’re willing to dedicate time and effort to them, they are absolutely worth it and can help you get a job in tech for much less money than a traditional four-year university degree. And finally, the big one: Will tech bootcamps actually help me get a job? We hope that this whole article has shown you the importance of tech bootcamps and that the industry needs bootcamp grads right now ; the tech sector requires forward-thinking, diverse workers that are ready to keep learning on the go and can bring a wide range of experiences to the table. Now that we’ve resolved all your doubts, what are you waiting for?! Ironhack’s bootcamps in web development , UX/UI design , data analytics , and cybersecurity are all carefully designed to help you launch your career in tech, providing you first with the foundational knowledge needed and then harnessing your individual skills to find the perfect place for you. If you’re already convinced, check out our application process here and get started on your tech journey. We can’t wait to see everything you accomplish!

For lots of us, the opportunity to live in another country and study, learn, and grow in a variety of ways has come and gone a few times. Most times, experiences abroad after your 20s consist of a week or two on vacation or a short work trip, but what if you could make it longer? Studying abroad at a tech bootcamp is a great way to have that experience and the chance to enter a world of new possibilities. The benefits to studying abroad are limitless; let’s discuss. Reasons to Study Abroad at a Tech Bootcamp Open a new perspective If moving just 100 miles away can be a major shift, imagine moving across an ocean or continent! Leaving your country gives you the chance to: See how people live in a different climate, culture, landscape, and history See how much it differs from your own culture and customs Meet new people and learn about their points of view 2. Learn more than just one language When studying at a tech bootcamp, one of the major goals for web development and cybersecurity professionals is to learn coding and other computer languages. And when moving to another country to study tech, you have the choice to learn another language–a different kind of language , of course! Computer coding languages may not be used for verbal communication but languages like German, Spanish, and French are. Maybe you studied a language in college or grew up learning it and a tech bootcamp abroad could mean reconnecting and relearning an old language. It’s just like becoming reacquainted with an old friend. 3. Escape from the same old and create a new life Life can sometimes become monotonous and dull; however, new changes and adventures can be an opportunity to invigorate your life again. A tech bootcamp means new challenges  and opportunities abound and starting your exciting adventure in a new place can also be a way to put the past behind you and focus on a future full of hope. And as you’ll be moving into a field that has so much room for growth and limitless potential, your future is very bright. 4. Grow as a person Living in a city where you don’t know the local language can be quite difficult; nevertheless, deciding to study abroad is where so much growth and development happens. When we are faced with challenges that we are capable of overcoming and go on an adventure that connects with our deepest desires and hopes, we connect to ourselves and develop more confidence. We can try new foods and be fine, we can order that coffee in another language, mess up the words, and still enjoy the experience, knowing that we have our own backs. When we put ourselves out there time and time again, it can lead to incredible personal growth. 5. Balance work, life, and studying Tech bootcamps vary in duration and can be full or part-time and depending on the schedule you choose, you have the option to study abroad, work, and explore what the area has to offer. Having the option to choose a part-time schedule in a new country can be a luxury and may be exactly what you need to give you a great work/fun balance that you didn’t have before. In some parts of the world, you live to work while in other parts you work to live. A mindset shift when it comes to time management and lifestyle can have a lasting impact on your future. 6. Adapt to remote work abroad Since the Covid-19 pandemic shook the world, many workplaces and institutions have turned to remote work and studying at a tech bootcamp in another country would also be a fantastic way to accumulate remote work experience . While at a tech bootcamp, many continue working, balancing their studies and job to maintain a steady income and learn. And living abroad and completing remote work with a new time schedule adds another layer to improve upon and adapt to for remote work. 7. Make contacts around the world Studying abroad anywhere is all about the new and people is no exception: People from around the world go to tech bootcamps abroad and also locals enjoy the tech bootcamps in their cities. Having access to both foreigners and locals gives you the opportunity to create lasting bonds with people that you can not only visit in different countries, but also can show you around the city you’re living in. Your classmates can even potentially connect you with potential job offers and point you in the right direction when you graduate and start expanding your circle. Having access to all these contacts is really important after graduation. 8. Improve soft skills Classrooms are a place for learning but classrooms in a different country means learning takes on a whole new form. You can learn a lot of soft skills when studying like time management, growth mindset, and teamwork; however, stepping out of the classroom into a new country gives you access to develop other soft skills like adaptability, communication, and networking. Soft skills such as these look great when it’s time to apply for jobs post-bootcamp. What kinds of situations outside of the classroom might help you work on these soft skills? Socializing with new people in a variety of different settings Adapting to a culture where the norms and customs differ from your own Altering your own speaking style to help others understand you better Handling conflicts with roommates from other countries Listening actively to unfamiliar words, expressions, and ways of speaking Developing these soft skills come in all sorts of flavors and in a new country, the chances to have many at-bats are infinite. 9. Experience new styles of learning and studying There are a variety of ways in which students learn and how they do it depends highly on the country and their education system. Some have more of a hands off approach while others believe that more work like on group projects and tests are the best methodology. For example, in countries like Spain, teachers tend to lecture more often and give less assignments but in the United States, there’s lots of homework and more outside office hours. 10. Find your home Moving to any new place could provoke feelings and a connection that you haven’t experienced before. If you've lived in one town, city, or country for your whole life, an unfamiliar setting you’ve never been to before can mean you find a new home and life. The culture, food, and maybe even a special person could be the determining factor that turns your study abroad experience into a long-lasting decision to make a new life in a new place. Or it may make you realize that your home was right where you left it before your study abroad experience began. Although we’ve only listed ten benefits to studying abroad, there are many more that make it a really exciting and great opportunity to not only work on your professional life, but also your personal life. The most important aspect to keep in mind is that if you’re looking to change your life in a big way, take the dive and do a tech bootcamp abroad because it will 100% have a lasting impact on how you see and experience the world. If you’re looking to take the plunge and study abroad, look no further than Ironhack’s tech bootcamps. There are options to do so all around the world: Amsterdam Paris Miami Berlin Barcelona Madrid Lisbon And if you have another place in mind, you can always do an Ironhack course remotely. The world is your oyster.

Today’s spotlight is on Romina Polo.  She’s the Chief Creative Officer at Code/Art, a Miami-Based organization on a mission to increase the number of girls in computer science by providing STEAM programming throughout the year. As a marketing professional in the tech sector, Romina wanted to enhance her knowledge of development to better serve her team and community. After completing Ironhack’s 24 week remote part-time Web Development Bootcamp at Ironhack Miami, she now knows what it takes to be a developer and has the practical skills to continue to inspire young girls to build careers in tech. Check out his story here. The Ironhack Experience Hey Romina! Tell us about yourself and what life was like before enrolling in Ironhack. My name’s Romina. I was born in Peru, raised in Miami and graduated with an Advertising/PR degree at UCF. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in different marketing and ad agency roles as well as working on my own for a couple of years, creating content and running social media accounts for small businesses. It wasn’t until I heard of the work Code/Art was doing that I decided to take on a full time position within this organization which is where I currently work as Chief Creative Officer. Code/Art is a non-profit on a mission to inspire girls in grades 3-12 to code by using art as a medium to do so. I’ve always been passionate about building new things using creativity, design and innovation. Having a more clear understanding of how tech skills can open up a world of possibilities for creating new things was a great motivator for me to enroll in the web development course at Ironhack. In 2022 you were one of our US scholarship recipients. How did the eMerge Diversity in Tech Scholarship help you and what was your experience with the enrollment process? Working with the Ironhack enrollment team was a pretty straightforward process for me. The team walked me through the steps, answered the questions I had, and also helped me decide which course I should go with as I was somewhat undecided at first. I’m grateful for the eMerge Diversity in Tech Scholarship because the truth is, I would have probably not enrolled in this course without the assistance. It’s great to see organizations (like eMerge and Ironhack) that are not just talking about wanting to see more diversity in tech but are actually creating direct pathways for someone like myself - a Latina mom (who may not be your idea of a programmer) to also participate. What was your experience with the part-time Web Development Bootcamp? It’s been almost 6 months since I completed the web dev course and I still feel like I was challenged in a way I don’t think I’ve felt before. It was of course hard at times but also really empowering when you finally know how to get your code to work. It really does make you feel like you can build anything. I’ve pushed myself to stop being afraid of messing things up. When it comes to learning how to code you really do learn by testing things out and rewriting lines of code in different ways until something finally clicks. I realized that once in a while you’re going to break your code and have a meltdown, but that’s alright because there’s always a solution out there or a second pair of eyes to help you see things differently. It’s great to see organizations (like eMerge and Ironhack) that are not just talking about wanting to see more diversity in tech but are actually creating direct pathways for someone like myself - a Latina mom (who may not be your idea of a programmer) to also participate . With the gender gap and diversity being an on-going topic in the tech industry, share why you believe more women should be involved in tech. It’s probably not a surprise to hear that women earn only 18% of CS degrees (a drop from 37% in the 80s) and hold just a quarter of tech jobs. Unfortunately, learning this stat alone can be part of the reason women don’t want to enter the space. Tech, however, is something that is woven into every industry - health, art, entertainment, government etc. and it’s not something that’s going to slow down. I’d narrow it down to 4 reasons why the lack of diversity in tech is harmful for us all: Bad for economy (we have thousands of unfilled computing jobs in the U.S. that could be filled by women) Stifles innovation (fewer ideas at the table) Lack of diversity leads to coded biases around gender and race Missed opportunities for women (aka high-paying and flexible jobs) A benefit of working in tech is that you can really be a part of something impactful and in order for us to come up with the best innovations, we need the best minds - from all genders, races and backgrounds. I was greatly relieved when I realized there was another woman in my Ironhack cohort. We became each other’s support systems and cheerleaders, even though we didn’t know each other before taking the bootcamp. My hope is that seeing another woman in a CS course or dev team shouldn’t be this rare thing that we have to hold our breath for. Creating more access for women, having more women in leadership roles, and being aware of biases and stereotypes are all ways that we can collectively help move the needle in the right direction. I’d simply say, if you’re a woman interested in working in tech but hesitant to take the first step (of joining Ironhack), just know that your contribution and presence in the space is needed way more than you may realize. —- A big thanks to Romina for sharing her thoughts about what it’s like to be a woman in tech! We loved hearing about how she used the development skills she learned at Ironhack to continue empowering young girls at Code/Art. You can connect with Romina on Linkedin here to follow her journey and learn more about Code/Art’s initiatives. If you’d like to up skill to enhance your current skills and empower others to be in tech like Romina, we encourage you to check out our Full-Stack Web Development Bootcamp in addition to our UI/UX Design and Data Analytics bootcamps . Also, don’t hesitate to apply for the 2023 eMerge Americas x Ironhack scholarship in partnership with the Miami Marlins. Submit your application by May 15th at 11:59PM EST for a chance to get a portion of your bootcamp tuition covered. We look forward to seeing you in class!

Creating a strong LinkedIn profile as a web developer is a crucial step in your employment journey. Your LinkedIn profile is how you showcase your skills and expertise to both potential clients and employers---and nothing’s more important than a good first impression. Let’s go over some tips to help you create a LinkedIn profile that’s as incredible as you are! What Is a LinkedIn Profile? A LinkedIn profile is more than just a few words and images on a social platform; an effective LinkedIn profile showcases your professional brand, highlights your achievements, and communicates your expertise as a web developer ---all before anyone ever even meets you! Naturally, if you’re reading this article, odds are that you already see some benefits from creating an effective profile and you either want to get started or want to improve your LinkedIn profile. However, we’ve found that it’s generally incredibly helpful to understand the motivation for why we should do something before we get started. By better understanding the why , we think you’ll be able to figure out how to make the LinkedIn profile that best reflects you and all the great things that you bring to the table. Why should I make my LinkedIn profile stand out? As a web developer, all your work revolves around using the web to create value. And we’re here to tell you that there’s nothing more valuable than investing in yourself! If you take a step back and look at the big picture, a thoughtful and compelling LinkedIn profile is nothing more than an efficient and effective investment in yourself. Not to overuse the investment analogy, but by spending time on creating a profile that best reflects who you are as a developer and as a person, you can virtually guarantee that this investment will pay off. So, what really are all those benefits we keep going on and on about? Well, we think there are four big ones: networking, job opportunities, industry insights, and personal branding. Let’s talk a little bit more about each: Networking : connect with other industry leaders for job opportunities, conferences, and colleagues. Job opportunities : LinkedIn’s job board is known for its wide range of positions; use it to send your resume out or browse listings to see what skills are in demand. Industry insights : we wouldn’t call LinkedIn a social networking or a news site, but it’s certainly a great place to read about industry trends and see what’s up in the sector. Personal branding : even if you’re working in-house for a company right now, your future as a freelancer could be around the corner; your LinkedIn profile is a great place to work on your personal branding and create your own, cultivated image. But okay, we know what you’re thinking: this section is named “ What Is a LinkedIn Profile ” and we haven’t really explained what a LinkedIn profile is! We’ve just gone on and on about why it’s important to have one. The thing is, though, we cannot stress enough how important it is for you, as a web developer, to have a LinkedIn profile! If you don’t have one already, make one right now! With that said, let’s dive right in and learn about what a LinkedIn profile is and what you can do to make yours stand out. What are the elements that make up a LinkedIn profile? This one’s going to be kind of a doozy, but stay with us! There are ten (yes, you heard that right) elements that make up a LinkedIn profile, and some of them are more important than others. In order of most important to least important, we have your profile photo, activity, headline, about section, work experience, accomplishments, education, skills, recommendations, and interests. Here’s a little bit of information about each: Profile Photo : this is a professional headshot, a clear, high quality photo that reflects the image you want to portray to potential employers and clients. Your profile photo will be the first thing anybody notices! With a professional headshot, you’ll be sure to make a good first impression. Activity : this includes all your interactions with other LinkedIn users including posts, comments and likes. By engaging with others and sharing content, you can both expand your network as well as establish yourself as an expert in your field. Don’t be shy! Headline : this is a clear and concise description of who you are as a web developer. This should be a one-sentence summary of your professional experience and expertise. You only have 120 characters to work with, so be short & sweet. About Section : here you can explain exactly who you are. Provide a brief summary of your professional experience, achievements, and goals. Don’t just list out words but instead tell your story and highlight the value that you bring to the table. Work Experience : this is a chronological list of your current and previous work experience. Be sure to include dates, job titles, responsibilities, and accomplishments.Be straightforward. Accomplishments : this is a place where you can list your additional achievements, awards, publications, or even volunteer experience. A list of “extra” things that didn’t necessarily belong in your about section and weren’t important enough to state in your headline. Education : tell the world about your degrees, certifications, and professional development courses. Be careful not to overload this section as not every course is worth adding---keep it high level! Skills : this is a list of the things that you’re good at. Other people with whom you’ve worked or interacted (i.e. your network) can endorse your skills. Recommendations : where other LinkedIn users’ recommendations go. Especially useful for those of us who do freelance development work. Interests : this is the perfect place to list the things that interest you, whether or not they apply to your work. Here, you can add activities that are important to you and that can make you stand out amongst the crowd. So, there you go: a brief summary of the ten elements that make up a LinkedIn profile. It can be a little overwhelming at first, but stick with us and we’ll show you exactly how you can make your LinkedIn profile stand out. How Can I Make My LinkedIn Profile Stand Out? Let’s focus on the five most important sections of your LinkedIn profile. If you spend time making your profile photo, activity, headline, about section, and work experience pop, you can maximize the benefits of your LinkedIn profile. Just remember, like most things, what you put into it is what you’ll get out of it. Tips and tricks for all LinkedIn users There are tons of ways to use LinkedIn to your benefit, but let’s run down a couple for each of the main sections: Photo : make sure it’s clear, focused on your face, and clearly displays what you want to portray to potential employers. Activity : this is where people can see the posts with which you’ve been interacting, the things you share, and any original posts you make; ensure that you’re sharing relevant materials and putting out professional content. About : this is your time to put together the best possible elevator pitch! In just a few sentences, sum up your experience and what you offer. Headline : try not to limit your headline to your current role; be broad and open to new opportunities. Work experience : using action words and actual data to back up what you’re writing, outline your work experience in all your previous roles, showing everything you’re capable of. Exceptional profiles for web developers Let’s dive into the nitty gritty of LinkedIn profiles for web developers and discuss what’s absolutely crucial to your success on the site. Keywords Recruiters find profiles by searching for specific keywords; include your hard skills such as JavaScript, Python, or Spring to guarantee that your profile pops up during searches. After all, if no one can find you, what’s the point?! Descriptions Recruiters want to know what you’re capable of quickly and without much delay. Take a look at this concise example of summing up your experience: As a Back-end Developer, my role is to work with a team of four with JavaScript and Python to write code, resolve problems, and provide global support to the product team. Endorsements You can write whatever you want on your profile and that’s why it’s important to have colleagues backing up what you’re claiming! Ask those you know your skills to leave a comment on your profile or endorse a skill so that recruiters know that others also believe you’re capable of what you’ve written. Does this sum it up a bit? We hope we’ve outlined how to use LinkedIn as a tool that can help you land your dream job, curate your personal brand, and present yourself as an incomparable web developer.

Gone are the days of perusing the yellow pages to find that contact or business you’re looking for. Since smartphones became a necessity in society a decade ago, social media has become an essential way for sharing information and contacting businesses, people, and organizations. Nowadays, it’s rare to find a business or organization that doesn’t have some kind of social media presence to promote themselves, whether it be on a website or an accompanying Instagram page. Websites and apps are developed for an infinite amount of reasons and without web developers who create and code fervently, our devices would be useless. Thanks to web development, we are also able to share all of our posts, pictures, videos, and other forms of media on socials. Both social media and web development depend on one another; you could say that they have a symbiotic relationship that allows them to mutually benefit from each other . First, let’s look at some important considerations to keep in mind when combining the two and then some ways to fully take advantage of their connectivity, usefulness, and ubiquity in our lives. Consistent brand identity Instability and unpredictability can be scary for customers; consistency can make them feel safe when interacting with a brand and help them place their trust in the right place. Building trust not only means sticking to your word, but also projecting an image that doesn’t waver. Just like with people, businesses have an identity and maintaining a clear and consistent message across various mediums is key . A strong brand identity shows the mission and beliefs of the company; from the color scheme and design to the writing style, cohesion between websites and their social media shows that the business knows who they are and what they are doing. By leveraging social media marketing and SEO, both freelancers and companies can maximize traffic to their sites where they can fully express their brand identity across all platforms. At the end of the day, a strong, cohesive brand identity communicates trust, safety, and consistency for not only the customer, but also the company itself. Just a click away Presenting a united image throughout all your pages is important, but how do you get from one page to another? When designing websites, web developers have to remember that it’s extremely important for the business and social accounts to link to each other. Luckily, both websites and apps are now designed with connectivity between them in mind, which means that you can find icons and links bridging them. How? Let’s see: The stories feature on most social media platforms gives users the option to add links as clickable buttons Users can link to websites in their bio Websites have nifty little buttons (normally found at the bottom of the page) that bring users straight to the social media page Although those buttons are useful, there are many other ways to optimize their interconnectedness and make them more seamlessly united. For example, a website can post YouTube videos of content that connect directly to their YouTube page. These functions physically bridge the gap between social media and web development so that they feel like one seamless entity . It takes two The upside to when any two things are different is that they are also complementary, allowing one to help the other in a variety of ways. Social media Most people put short, bite-sized pieces of information that are meant for fast consumption or to plant an idea in people’s heads. Short tweets, Instagram stories, and Facebook posts are all examples of short messages that spark interest and are generally concise, fast, and easily consumed . Websites/apps Longer and more detailed writing is provided, giving users more information about their brand identity, mission, products, and core values. Websites focus uniquely on the content that they choose to post, which means that the reader won’t normally get distracted by another story popping up or a list of suggestions like on social media. If social media is a swipe of the finger on a dating app, then the website is a coffee date to get to know the person. You may be able to feel something from both, but your informed decision comes from the coffee date. How to Combine Social Media and Web Development Short and long posts Now that you have these features in mind, combining the two in creative ways is both useful and fun. Creating synergy between both a website and social media is easy when making campaigns that unite the two; to leverage the mechanics of short and long posts, you can share bite-sized posts on social media that link to longer posts on the webpage, piquing people’s interest briefly, urging them to click the link, and then providing them with all the information on the website. These kinds of social media posts can range in content, pertaining to topics like an important part of the company’s story, values that the company strives to embody, or even employee posts to highlight the staff. These three examples show attention-grabbing and engaging snippets to the audience in the form of videos, photos, and/or brief texts; by linking the posts to the website, viewers will consume relevant information, potentially click their way to longer posts, and learn more about the company. The customer is the star What’s the best way to make someone feel special? For most, putting them under the spotlight and making them feel like they’re the main attraction is the perfect way: Provide space for people to share and connect with other potential clients on social media, making your image appear more approachable and relatable, just like with online reviews Integrate a spotlight or review into the website; video or text interviews, stories, and reviews on the website give more space to share more in depth information Use social media websites like Youtube or Twitter to give additional visibility to the brand, encouraging them to check out the website/social media pages Choose your own adventure Presenting a survey with several options for website content shows what the browser really wants from the website and their social media presence in general. There are many advantages to using surveys on socials: Data and feedback directly from the client provides companies and freelancers with information about what they can do to increase engagement and web traffic Ideas can be easily scrapped when they receive little to no votes Open-ended questions can lead to new ideas that may inspire new content Combining social media and web development is essential when looking to create a consistent brand identity and develop a loyal and recurring clientele. When making profiles and content, seeking connections between them, businesses, individuals, and organizations must have a firm image of what they want to project to the world and decide how it will impact their message and image. There are an endless number of creative ways to expand, mix, and combine them: let your mind wander and see what comes up. If web development interests you, you know what to do:

We get it: a bootcamp is a serious undertaking and one that will require a significant investment on your part. After all, it’s life changing and will open doors to lots of new opportunities. And that price tag can seem daunting but insurmountable, but here’s something important to keep in mind: there are tons of ways to finance your bootcamp, no matter where you live, what you want to study, or the price of your bootcamp. In fact, once you start diving into options, you’ll find that there are more ways to finance your bootcamp than you might think: between government funding, scholarships, loans, and income share agreements, you’ll have your bootcamp tuition covered in no time. Before we dive into the nitty gritty of bootcamp funding, we have to mention one important detail: your financing options will depend heavily on your location and financial situation. So make sure you carefully review every option as it pertains to you and pick the best option. Why are bootcamps so expensive? This thought has almost definitely crossed your mind and don’t worry, we’re not offended! But we do have some answers: Bootcamps are an investment in your future and just like any other worthwhile investment, they require a financial commitment. They are cheaper than traditional learning methods like universities and they’re more useful . Yep, we said that. A significant problem facing the tech industry these days is the dizzying speed at which the sector moves; university graduates are well-versed in the technologies of three or four years ago, not the issues the industry is currently facing. Bootcamps are led by industry experts who are up-to-date with what companies actually want in their employees; in a bootcamp, your tuition dollars are going straight to your education. Considerations Before Choosing a Bootcamp As most bootcamps require a considerable investment, ensuring you chose the right one is absolutely critical. To make that key decision, ask yourself these questions: What job do I want to get after the bootcamp? How much money can I afford to spend on a bootcamp? If this number is low, take a look at possible scholarships or financing options How much time can I dedicate to a bootcamp? Will I still need to work/study while taking a bootcamp? With these four questions answered, you’ll have a better idea of which bootcamp is right for you. Then you can check out bootcamps that offer part time options or scholarship opportunities; by only looking at bootcamps that actually meet your needs, you’ll save a lot of time–and effort! Another key consideration is the financial undertaking that a bootcamp requires; unfortunately, it’s not just the tuition price that matters and understanding that there will be other implications is important. For example, if you’re planning on quitting your current job to attend a bootcamp, you will need to take into consideration your expenses and lack of income for the duration of the bootcamp, and, of course, the time it takes you to find a job. And even if you’re choosing a part-time course to continue working during your course, you need to take into consideration the added stress and hours that you’ll suddenly have; your free time will be completely gone and you’ll have to balance your job and lots of extra hours of studying. Lastly, keep in mind that you might have a small pay cut later on; if you’re leaving a role that you’ve been in awhile and have a good salary and benefits, you might receive a lower salary in your first entry-level job in tech. After all, you’re starting over. But here’s the catch: even entry-level salaries in tech pay well and room for growth is incredible ; you’ll be able to reach new heights quickly and move on to higher-paying jobs soon. Financing Your Bootcamp The actual decision of how to finance your bootcamp is the big one, right? It seems quite daunting, but there are lots of options out there that will help you pay. Let’s dive in: Payment plans Paying the full cost of your bootcamp upfront isn’t a reality for everyone and that’s totally understandable. You can take advantage of payment plans to spread the burden out over a few months and pay a bit every month. Most payment plans will require interest payments, but you can shop around until you find one that works for you. Before you decide on one, however, make sure you are clear on the following: The length : will you be paying over 3, 6, or maybe 12 months? Interest rates: most payment plans will require some sort of loan, but some out there are out to get you. Check out competitors and make sure you’re being offered a fair rate. Any special considerations : is there a penalty for late payments? On what day are payments charged? What happens if you quit the bootcamp? Income share agreements Another popular financing option is income share agreements. These companies offer a program where, in simple terms, they cover the cost of your bootcamp with the understanding that you’ll pay a certain percentage of your income once you get a job. For those concerned about the investment without certainty of getting a job, this is a great option. However, make sure to check out any terms and conditions and shop around before committing to one. Scholarships Your bootcamp might offer scholarships, but that’s not the only place you can look. Lots of foundations or governments offer scholarships for bootcamps and higher education courses to help you further your career; this depends heavily on your personal situation and location, of course. Many organizations also offer special offers for minorities and women to encourage more diversity in tech. Have we convinced you?! Bootcamps are a great investment in your future and there’s lots of things out there to help you out! Take the leap and start your research: you’ll find the best option for you, we’re sure of it.

Today’s spotlight is on Andrew Thomas-Worsley. Prior to enrolling in Ironhack, he worked at a public school as an Academic Interventionist while balancing a variety of gig jobs. Deep down he always had a passion for technology and yearned to be a developer. After completing Ironhack’s 9 week full-time Web Development Bootcamp at Ironhack Miami , he was able to build a fulfilling career as a Software Engineer. Andrew learned the top frameworks used by development teams, was disciplined while immersing himself in the coursework everyday, and became comfortable relying on the Ironhack community for support during challenging times. The knowledge he gained from Ironhack helped Andrew find a career he loves with the flexibility he always wanted. Check out his story here. Hey Andrew! Tell us about yourself and what life was like before enrolling in Ironhack. My name is Andrew Thomas-Worsley. I’m a Software Engineer at Media Query. I got my start in tech answering phones in Customer Support for a small start-up in NYC. I transitioned into QA a year later. Even after my promotion, I still wasn’t satisfied. Truthfully I was bored and envious of the developers. I felt like the biggest contributions came from them, considering they were building the product. After a while, I didn’t care to continue to review their work. I just wanted to be like them. Before enrolling in Ironhack in Oct 2022, I was bouncing around from role to role, never really able to find the fulfillment I wanted from an occupation. Between Sept. 2017 until the moment I was hired as a developer in Nov 2022, I worked at Trader Joe's & Miami-Dade Public Schools, as well as Uber Eats & Instacart. The Ironhack Experience In 2022 you were one of our US scholarship recipients. How did the eMerge Diversity in Tech Scholarship help you and what was your experience with the enrollment process? The enrollment process was very easy. Every question I had was answered. The communication with Gaby (my admissions associate) was friendly and inviting. The financing options were varied and offered a path for everyone. I never felt like I was being sold on the idea of “being hired as a software engineer in nine weeks”. It’s worth mentioning that my situation might be different, as I wasn’t looking to be “sold” or “convinced.” I had spent the previous eight months learning the basics (of web dev) on my own. It was merely a coincidence I came across the eMerge scholarship. I had been reading an article about eMerge Americas tech conference in Miami and it mentioned the new partnership with Ironhack. I applied, and to my surprise, was awarded. The scholarship covered a third of my tuition and ultimately made the choice very easy for me. The way I saw it, $7k was a bargain in comparison to the opportunities that would present themselves on the other side of the bootcamp. Apply for the 2023 eMerge Americas x Ironhack Scholarship in partnership with the Miami Marlins here . What was your experience with the full-time Web Development Bootcamp? “Drinking water from a fountain that eventually feels like a fire hose,” is the best way to describe the full-time Web Development Bootcamp . I’m aware that depiction may discourage and dissuade those who are on the fence, however, there are many ways to learn this craft. In fact, I think for most, a part-time course is probably best. For me, I wanted to be immersed every day, all day. I needed the reps and more importantly, I wanted interpersonal interaction and collaboration. I’m a big believer in the power of environment & ambiance. I knew that if I stayed home, it’d be too easy for me to get distracted or detached/withdrawn when things got challenging. Having a bit of foundational knowledge, I knew some of the hurdles I'd encounter. And when that time came, I wanted direct access to my instructors and my classmates. That’s what I was paying for! My cohort was the first Hyflex class that had a mixture of students in-person and online following the same curriculum, with the same instructor. I feel comfortable saying there was a direct correlation between how much time we spent in person and how soon we were hired. The best thing I learned from Ironhack has nothing to do with code. It has everything to do with how to ask for help. Personally, I believe it’s the most important skill to possess. If you’ve never heard it, please let me be the first to tell you: LEARNING TO WRITE SOFTWARE WILL HUMBLE YOU. It’s hard. And you will need help. You wouldn’t expect yourself to learn to sing just from listening to music all day. So, you shouldn’t expect to learn to code just by watching tutorials all day. Any and all progress you make will come from building projects. And at some point, in the construction of your project, you’ll need help. A lot of times, Google, ChatGPT, & Stack Overflow will suffice. When you’re working on a specific component of a larger product with a team of Developers, you might need specialized knowledge that isn’t documented or accessible via the former three. That’s where knowing how to ask for help matters. I’ve learned from past situations that: If I've exhausted all of my resources trying to fix my problem, there’s no reason to judge myself when asking for help. My request for help should be detailed and already include answers to follow-up questions that might be asked. Document everything. The best thing I learned from Ironhack has nothing to do with code. It has everything to do with how to ask for help. Personally, I believe it’s the most important skill to possess. What was your favorite part about attending Ironhack? My favorite part about attending would be the community I found and the friends I made. That kind of intense experience makes for the tightest of bonds. We were also the first cohort to share office space with Media Query. That kind of access gave me a chance to build rapport with people who would eventually become my co-workers. As I said, showing up mattered... I was also appreciative of how diverse my cohort was. Most spoke more than one language and just about half weren’t born in the US. The majority of us in that room weren’t the stereotypical “techies”. We were all just people trying to level up. With diversity being an on-going topic in the tech industry, share why you believe more of the BIPOC community should be involved in tech. In a room of 100 developers, 5 of them will look like me. I’m very proud to be a software engineer who happens to be a Black American. I do my best to bring awareness within my community about the lack of representation in tech, but also enjoy sharing programs that help rectify the issue. When I was working at Booker T. Washington High School  last year, I made a conscious effort to introduce web development to the kids. I believe the more exposure and opportunity we (as a community) have within tech, the sooner we’ll see more black & brown individuals take control of their fate. Ironhack gave me skills that fundamentally shifted the trajectory of my future. I have a craft  I take great pride in where my growth is limitless. I’m certain there will always be something new to learn in this profession. Not to mention, there are so many specific disciplines within tech to explore. My favorite part about attending would be the community I found and the friends I made. That kind of intense experience makes for the tightest of bonds. What’s it like working in tech as a software engineer? I love what I do! There’s no other job that gives me this kind of gratification. Everyday I’m learning. Everyday I’m growing. Everyday I’m asking questions. I was one of the fortunate ones to start working very quickly after my cohort, so I’m grateful in the sense that I didn’t have to worry about a “lapse” in my skills. I was able to immediately apply what I learned. I feel very fortunate that most of my co-workers are Ironhack graduates as well, so there was an understanding and patience I was afforded. I very much believe that your first gig as a Dev is very important. It sets the tone for your career. Regardless of where you land, the learning curve is going to be a bit steep. There’s a gap between bootcamp graduation and your first job. On one hand, you’ve acquired the skills of a software engineer but on the other hand, learning how to apply them in a team with an existing code base is a separate education in and of itself. This is something that you can only get from experience. That’s why it's so tough to get the first job. What I love most about being a software engineer is the freedom it allows me to have. All I need to “work” is a laptop and wifi. If I want to work from Lagos or Singapore, I should have that option. I’ve always hated feeling like my means to earn a living is tied to a physical location. Now I don’t have to worry about it. In addition, there’s so much opportunity to start my own business or even be a consultant. —- A big thanks to Andrew for sharing his story! It’s amazing to see how he built a career in tech that he truly loves. We’re so proud of him and wish him the best in everything he does! You can connect with Andrew on Linkedin here to follow his journey. If you’d like to follow a similar path as Andrew and are looking to change careers, we encourage you to check out our Full-Stack Web Development Bootcamp in addition to our UI/UX Design and Data Analytics bootcamps . Also, don’t hesitate to apply for the 2023 eMerge Americas x Ironhack scholarship in partnership with the Miami Marlins . Submit your application by May 15th at 11:59PM EST for a chance to get a portion of your bootcamp tuition covered. We look forward to seeing you in class!

Your LinkedIn profile may seem like a minor part of landing that dream job or even your first role in the industry, but it’s actually an incredibly essential part of your job search. In fact, most recruiters or potential managers first look up candidates on LinkedIn to get a quick summary of their experience, essence, and skills. But before we tackle the specifics of creating that perfect data analyst profile, let’s dive into LinkedIn profile basics that all professionals, no matter their speciality, should master. LinkedIn: Why Does it Matter? You’ve already sent your CV, cover letter, and maybe even a portfolio and references to your potential employer, so why does it matter if you have a LinkedIn profile? Let’s take a look: LinkedIn has more than 600 professional profiles ; it’s an incomparable source for networking, finding connections, and much more. In addition to its personal profiles, it has a job board where tons of companies post all kinds of roles daily. It offers you the possibility of creating your own personal brand with the option to post and promote your own content or website. Thanks to its well-known abilities, it ranks incredibly high on Google , meaning that when your name is searched online, your LinkedIn profile will be the first thing to appear. It boasts a wealth of information : are you interested in checking out a company? Or a potential manager? What about where offices are located? In just one place, you can find out all of this–and more. Tips and Tricks for All LinkedIn Profiles Now that you’re convinced of all the glory of a high-quality LinkedIn profile, let’s tackle exactly how to create that. Uploading your Facebook profile picture to your LinkedIn profile and filling in your employment history is a great start, but there’s a lot more you could do to make your profile stand out and catch the eye of recruiters: Choose the right pictures: we get it; it’s easier to take the picture from your brother’s wedding and use that as your LinkedIn profile picture, but remember: LinkedIn is a professional social networking site and your profile picture should reflect that; choose a headshot that clearly shows your face, is recent, professional, and close-up. But that’s not all: LinkedIn now allows you to include a background photo–choose a photo that describes you and what you offer and contributes to the creation of your personal brand. Make the most of your headline : defining yourself as your job title is easy, but can limit your future opportunities. Instead of just writing your current job title, try to make your headline all-encompassing and able to meet a wide range of roles. Create a captivating summary : LinkedIn offers the possibility of creating a summary where you can write whatever you want; take this chance to stay away from conventional buzzwords like “leader,” “focused,” “experienced,” and “passionate;” these words don’t differentiate you from other candidates. Use these few lines to show recruiters and potential employers who you really are and how you stand out. Include all your experience: as interdisciplinary experience becomes increasingly sought after, employers want to see that you’ve worked in different areas and can handle different tasks or even topics; include all your abilities and accomplishments, no matter how unrelated they may seem. Now that you have the basics down, it’s time to jump into why we’re here: creating the perfect LinkedIn profile for data analyst roles. LinkedIn Profiles for Data Analysts As tech gains importance in every single industry, highlighting your hard skills and versatility is becoming increasingly crucial for potential data analysts. Detailing all your experience and certifications, in addition to specific, actionable results , will help show prospective employers that you’re uniquely qualified for their role. Certifications The vast majority of employers look for candidates with certifications that back up their knowledge; displaying these prominently on your LinkedIn profile helps employers see that you have proof of your skills. Some of the most common certifications for data analysts include the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, the IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate, the Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate, and the AWS Certified Data Analytics. Projects In addition to your education and certifications, employers want to see specific projects and experiences; add projects (and tag team members) with statistics to show that not only you’ve been successful, but have the data to back it up: Use action verbs : “developed,” “led,” and “initiated” are all verbs that transmit more confidence and expertise than “did” or “completed.” Include data : read these two sentences and let us know which is better (hint: it’s the second!) ; it’s crucial to convey confidence and use data to back up your claim: Led data reduction project. Initiated and directed a project that resulted in a 86% reduction in data. Summary As we mentioned above, your summary is a unique opportunity to provide a recruiter or potential employer with a glimpse into you and what you can bring to the table. Edit your summary to make it fit your personality, but here’s an idea: [NAME] is a data professional with four years of demonstrated experience in the field, using their various certifications and experience at [COMPANY NAME] to deliver a 40% increase in revenue, a 89% decrease in data usage, and never before seen levels of user privacy. [NAME] is skilled in programming, SQL, data management, statistics, and machine learning, using their years of experience to provide an unparalleled data experience to all. Recommendations and endorsements You can list all your achievements, but what truly sets a high-quality profile apart from others is recommendations and endorsements; these are provided by past or current colleagues and are either personalized comments left on someone’s profile or endorsements about specific skills . For example, your previous boss could endorse your language skills, proficiency in Excel, or your teamwork skills; a recommendation would be a few sentences written specifically for you. Both provide an additional layer of confidence to potential employers and can help convey even more trust. It may seem daunting at first, but LinkedIn is your friend and there to help you reach new heights, harnessing both its networking capabilities and capacity for you to show yourself off to help you make new connections and land that perfect role. And no matter if you’re just starting off or have years of experience in the field, LinkedIn is an incredibly useful tool for data analysts.

When you think of UX/UI, you probably think of artists, designers, and maybe even project managers, but you rarely think of web developers. The truth is that most UX/UI design nowadays revolves around web-first interfaces. The vast majority of the work produced by UX/UI designers is eventually implemented by web developers, so it’s important to understand how these two components work together to create the products that we consume everyday. What is UX/UI Design? As you probably know, UX stands for “User Experience” and UI stands for “User Interface.” Both are crucial aspects to creating a product that people want to use. Generally, a single person can serve as both the UX designer and the UI designer, which is why we usually use the term “UX/UI design.” In today’s world, a product’s graphical interface is an integral part of the user experience, so it makes sense that one person can serve both functions. And, it might surprise you to learn that a UX/UI Designer not only plays two roles, but is also usually working with multiple different software development teams at once. But that makes sense: it usually takes longer to develop software than it does to decide on how that software should look. More on how web developers and UX/UI designers interact later---for now, let’s learn more about what it means to be a UX/UI designer. UI Design We know it’s called UX/UI design and not UI/UX design, but we think the concept is easier to understand if we start by explaining what UI Design is. Here goes: UI Design is the more specific term and deals exclusively with the overall look of a design. A UI designer focuses on how individual elements of the user interface look and function. The goal of a UI designer is to create a product that looks attractive and that is both interactive and easy-to-use. UX Design UX Design is the more broad term and deals with not only how a product looks, but also how it feels to a user. A UX designer is tasked with making products (not individual UI elements) that are accessible and feel enjoyable to its users. Furthermore, a UX designer should make sure that all of the UI elements in a product work together to form a seamless experience that keeps users coming back. One concept you’ll often hear associated with UX Design is the idea of a “user journey.” A UX designer should be able to map out how a customer uses a product from beginning to end in order to build an experience that is always frictionless and intuitive. This means not just knowing the UI inside-and-out, but also being aware of what a user expects from a product and how the user can achieve their goals. What is Web Development? If you’re like us, then you use the web every single day! The internet is this massive collection of websites that provide us with goods and services, fact and fiction, and entertainment and education. Yet, most of us don’t really know how all that gets created. Today, let’s learn a little bit about what it means to be a web developer. What is a website? Yes, we know you know what a website is, but do you know what it's made of? Or how it works? In the most basic sense, web development is the creation of websites. To give you a quick rundown, there are two kinds of websites: static and dynamic. Static websites are websites that don’t change unless a web developer modifies the source files and “re-deploys” the website. This means that a static website will be the same for every user that visits it, always. A dynamic website , on the other hand, is a website that users can interact with and they may be able to do things such as add comments or change the content; there’s no guarantee that the website will serve the same content for any user that visits it. Now that we have a basic understanding of what a website is, it’s time for us to become more familiar with what a web developer does. In general there are two categories of web development: front-end and back-end. Let’s dive in! What is front-end web development? Front-end web development deals directly with the parts of a website with which a user might interact. Front-end web developers create graphical user interfaces (GUI) primarily using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Though it’s possible to write your client-side logic in a language that’s not JavaScript, it’s very unlikely that the browser used by the everyday people navigating to your website can understand any other language. For compatibility reasons (and because modern JavaScript is incredibly easy to use), the overwhelming majority of front-end developers call JavaScript their language of choice. Speaking of easy, many simple websites may feature only a front-end and be nothing more than a collection of pages with some navigation (this is what we referred to as a static website earlier). Unless you need to store state or do some more intense computation on a server, it’s perfectly acceptable (some would even say advisable) that your website consists entirely of a front-end. But that doesn’t mean that a back-end isn’t an important part of web development. What is back-end web development? Back-end web development deals with everything a user doesn’t interact with directly: databases, servers, business logic, and creating APIs. Though less visible than the front-end, most large and enterprise-level websites depend on the backend to provide the front-end with the data it needs to create an exciting experience for its users. What is full-stack web development? You’re a smart cookie, so you could probably guess this one! Full-stack web development combines front-end and back-end web development to create a website from end-to-end. A full-stack web developer is someone who is skilled in both creating GUIs as well as APIs and is comfortable writing code on any component of a website. Bonus: what is infrastructure engineering? Similar to a back-end engineer, only a large, complicated product needs infrastructure engineers. They help design, build, and coordinate the environment(s) needed to build, run, and deploy the front-end and back-end of a product. For most modern websites, whatever hosting platform is being used takes care of all the infrastructure and the developer never has to worry about it. What’s the Difference Between Web Development and UX/UI Design? A whole lot! While both web developers and UX/UI designers play a part in creating software products, their roles are quite different. UX/UI designers are tasked with designing a user experience that is intuitive, interactive, and that people will want to use. A web developer is tasked with implementing the experience thought up by the UX/UI designers. They both have to make many decisions as part of their jobs, but UX/UI designers are meant to answer the big picture questions and web developers create solutions that enable the user experience to come to life. How do UX/UI Designers and Web Developers Work Together? There are three roles in a software development team: Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, and Web Developers. These three roles work together to create a product---but who decides what the product should be? That’s where the stakeholders come in. In this section, we’re going to describe how UX/UI designers and web developers work together by breaking down how a software product is made. Let’s get started. Step 1: Determining Minimum Viable Product (MVP) First things first: somebody needs to have an idea for a product. Assuming that’s done, the next step is to get funding in order to hire a team to build out that idea. The people funding a product are what we call the key stakeholders. In the very beginning of a product’s lifecycle, the key stakeholders and product managers get together to gather requirements for what the minimum viable product (MVP) is for this idea. Step 2: Idea Validation In this step, the product managers, UX/UI designers, and web developers come together to discuss the feasibility of meeting the MVP. The product managers and UX/UI designers work closely to create the visual design for the product and the web developers provide input regarding how much time and effort it would take to build the product out. In this stage, the team might also identify potential competitors and determine how best to position the product in the market. Step 3: Prototype Here, the product managers, UX/UI designers, and web developers work closely to determine which features are essential to the user experience and how users might interact with different aspects of the website. The two work together to decide what kinds of UI elements might work best for which features and how to create a product that is able to be used on devices of different sizes and with different input interfaces. After all, a design that makes sense for a phone screen might not make much sense for a desktop computer. Furthermore, the UX/UI designers and web developers also work closely to determine how to make the best user experience in the least amount of time---which means making compromises on both sides. Step 4: Software Development By this step, the UX/UI design is finalized and the web developers are busy working. Their goal is to create the specified product in the least amount of time and with the maximum amount of features. If at any point the web developers realize that something they thought was feasible turns out to not be, they reach out to the product manager who then works with the UX/UI designers and web developers to re-design a more appropriate solution (back to step 3). Step 5: Testing If all goes well, the software team is able to create the product exactly how the UX/UI designers imagined it. Those in the industry refer to this event as a miracle . Once the software is “dev complete,” the product managers organize a round of user testing. Potential users (and stakeholders) are brought in to try out the product and make sure it works as expected. If any bugs are found, the web developers are called back in to get those fixed as soon as possible. Step 6: Launch If the testing goes well, the product is then ready for a product launch. Depending on how big or small a product is, the product managers and stakeholders might decide on whether to have a “soft launch” or a “hard launch,” which are two terms to describe the scale of the product launch. Recap So, how do UX/UI designers and web developers work together? They’re both essential to the software product lifecycle and work together to determine what features a product can have. The UX/UI designers usually take care of why a feature is important while web developers are in charge of determining how a feature can be implemented. Where do we go from here? Now that you know all about what it means to be a UX/UI designer or a web developer, aren’t you excited about the possibility of becoming one? Ironhack provides a number of exciting (and potentially lucrative) bootcamps designed to transform your skills and abilities in as little as 9 weeks! There are bootcamps available for just about anybody, whether you want to become a UX/UI designer, a web developer, or even a data analyst. We’re sure you’ll find something that’ll help you grow in your career. Come poke around our website to see which course is the best fit for you. We can’t wait to see you in class!

Sometimes it seems like everyone works in tech, yet the variety of roles that tech professionals have is very extensive. While both are crucial to the success of a company, a web developer’s work is very different from that of a data analyst and the skills required for each field are not necessarily transferable. Data analysts transform messy data into organized, actionable insights while web developers create and maintain websites, utilizing programming languages and various tech tools. Although they are distinct fields, web developers and data analysts can work together to create data-driven web solutions that are valuable to users and businesses alike. What is Web Development? Web development is the process of creating and maintaining a website utilizing various programming languages, tools, and techniques. Developing a website involves designing, coding, testing, and launching the site so that it can be accessed through the internet. The web development process can be broken down into three main categories : front end, back end, and full stack development. Front end development Front end development refers to the part of the website that users will interact with, also known as the client side of the website . In order to create the client side of the website, developers will use programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Bootstrap in order to create responsive and user-friendly web pages. Back end development Back end development, on the other hand, is the server-side of a website with which users do not typically interact. The back end is where data is managed and stored, users are authenticated, and other server-side operations are performed. Web developers code the back end using code languages like PHP, Java, and Python. Full stack development Full stack development refers to the combined web development categories , requiring developers to have knowledge of multiple programming languages and frameworks. Full stack developers are responsible for creating end-to-end web applications that can be accessed across the globe. What is Data Analysis? Data analysis is the process of analyzing large amounts of data with the goal of identifying insightful patterns or trends . From the information gained through data analysis, companies can make informed business decisions, improve product development, and get greater insight into customer behavior. Data analysis in tech requires the use of various tech tools and data analysis techniques in order to effectively visualize and interpret data. These techniques include statistical analysis, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization . Proper data analysis can aid companies in advancing their products and services, optimizing processes, and making data-driven decisions. Businesses are reliant upon data analysts in order to gain insights on how to offer a more competitive product or service . For example, data analysis can be used to track customer behavior on a website or app, identify areas for improvement in a product, and analyze customer feedback to inform future business decisions. Data analytics can also be used to detect fraud or security threats a company may face, optimize marketing campaigns, and get a better understanding of customer demographics and preferences. Data analysis is not only useful, but revolutionary for tech companies who want to remain competitive and optimal in the tech industry . Having a strong data analytics team means hiring tech professionals who are proficient in programming languages, statistical methods, and data visualization tools. Equally, strong data analysts need the critical thinking skills and ability to make quick informed decisions. What Responsibilities do Data Analysts Have? In simplest terms, data analysts transform unorganized data into actionable insights for a company or organization. The responsibilities greatly differ from business to business, but at its core, data analysts help turn raw data into information that can lead to data-driven business decisions. Data analysts’ responsibilities typically include: Collecting and organizing data: data analysts must collect data from numerous sources and arrange it into a format that can be easily analyzed. Cleaning and validating data: data analysts must use a variety of tools and techniques in order to ensure that data is accurate and free from errors. Analyzing data : through the use of statistical methods and data analysis tools, data analysts identify patterns, trends, and actionable insights in the data. Often data analysts use machine learning algorithms to build predictive models to help make data informed proposals to the company. Creating reports and visualizations: data analysts transform their findings into reports and visualizations so that the data can be easily understood by non data analysts and other stakeholders. Providing insights and recommendations: data analysts offer actionable insights and recommendations to the company based on the patterns and trends found through the analytics process. These data-driven recommendations support everything from optimizing marketing campaigns to improving product design. Maintaining data security and privacy: data analysts are responsible for maintaining the security and privacy of the data. It’s crucial that sensitive data is protected and accessed solely by authorized personnel. In short, data analysts are responsible for helping companies make data-driven decisions and secure a competitive advantage in the market . Their responsibilities include everything from data organization to data security. Data analysts must have strong analytical skills, be detail oriented, and be proficient in data analysis tools and techniques. How do Data Analysis and Web Development Differ? Data analysis and web development are two distinct fields with different objectives and methodologies. They differ in everything from the skill sets necessary to be successful to the desired outcomes and target audience of their product. Here are a few key differences between them: Purpose : data analysis refers to the collection and interpretation of data with the intention of uncovering actionable insights and solving problems . Web development on the other hand, involves designing and building websites and web applications that meet specific requirements and user needs. Skillset : the skills necessary for data analysis include expertise in statistics, data modeling, and program languages such as R or Python. In order to be a successful web developer, one must be proficient in web development languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Tools : data analysts utilize tools such as Excel, R, and Python to organize and break down data. In the case of web development, developers use tools like text editors, IDEs, and version control systems to build websites and web applications. Output : after the data analysis process, data analysts produce reports, visualizations, and dashboards to clearly communicate their findings to stakeholders. Meanwhile, a web developer’s final products are web pages, applications and software systems. Audience : the audience of data analysts and web developers greatly differ. Data analysts work with data scientists, business analysts, and other stakeholders in order to make informed assessments and recommendations to the company. Web developers work closely with clients, designers, and project managers in order to build web-based solutions. While both web developers and data analysts play crucial roles in the tech industry today, their work is distinct and requires the knowledge of specific tech tools, techniques, and methodologies. How do Web Developers and Data Analysts Work Together? Despite requiring specific skill sets and having distinct audiences for their final products, it’s not uncommon for web developers and data analysts to work together. In fact, it makes sense that they would collaborate on projects in order to improve data collection techniques or create data-informed websites. Here are a couple of ways in which web developers and data analysts can work collaboratively: Data-driven web applications: web developers shouldn’t shy away from data analysts during the web design process. Through collaboration with data analysts, web designers can build web applications that are powered by data analysis . One example could be an e-commerce website that utilizes customer data analyzed by data analysts in order to offer personalized product recommendations to each consumer. Web analytics: website data such as traffic, user behavior, and conversion rates can all be analyzed by data analysts. This information can inform web developers and help them improve the website’s performance and user experience. A/B testing: web developers can create A/B tests that allow them to compare the effectiveness of different website designs or functions . That data can then be analyzed by data analysts to determine which design or feature performs best. Data visualization: a core component of data analysis is creating visual representations of the data so that stakeholders and non-data analysts can easily understand the results. In the case of web development, data analysts will provide web developers with these visualizations in order to help them understand the data and make data-driven website improvements. Search engine optimization: data analysts can analyze website data to determine which keywords and content are more effective in driving organic website traffic. Through that information, web developers can optimize the website’s structure and content to improve its search engine ranking. In other words, although web development and data analysis are two entirely different fields, when the two fields work collaboratively, they help one another improve products and reach mutually beneficial outcomes . Web designers should look to data analysts in order to take data-informed web solutions while data analysts should collaborate with web designers in order to optimize website performance, user experience, and business outcomes . In conclusion, by combining the skills and expertise of data analysts and web developers, companies are sure to build web applications that are optimal for consumers and improve their overall business performance.

Bootcamps are an amazing way to learn an enormous amount of information in a short period of time about practically any field. But what happens after? You’ve learned the foundational elements and the job market has opened up to you, providing you with opportunity after opportunity. You apply, get your first job ( congratulations !), and the real world of tech is at your fingertips. But entering the tech industry means real problems to solve, more to learn, and a lot of networking. Although bootcamps provide their students with a great foundational education and lots of job and networking opportunities upon completion, your learning doesn’t stop there . The concept of continuous learning is about expanding both your knowledge and skill sets to improve and taking that initiative to widen your horizon is a worthwhile pursuit. But why is it important for you to continue learning in the world of tech? Let’s discuss. Getting hired The job market for those in IT recently took a hit after big tech giants like FAANG took a nosedive and unfortunately, upwards of 100,000 tech jobs were lost in the last quarter of 2022.  Nevertheless, the tech sector is resilient and powerful, and there are still a huge amount of opportunities in the job market. As the world keeps introducing more and more technologies, the need for more jobs to support them is crucial. According to Ironhack’s 2023 Global State of Tech Report, companies like Microsoft estimate that by 2025 they will offer 149 million digital jobs in cybersecurity, data analysis, and more. And that’s not all: the IT labor market will grow in 2023 and a staggering 174,000 positions will open. What does that mean for newcomers and bootcamp graduates? A lot of companies are hiring and developing their employees’ abilities with job experiences and upskilling ; however, it’s important to have a realistic perspective about the job market: the more skilled and experienced the professional, the more likely they’ll be hired. Luckily for tech newcomers, one of the biggest issues that tech companies are facing is skilled professionals to fill their positions; to show recruiters that you won’t stop learning is incredibly important and needs to be reflected on your resume. After all, hiring managers want to fill those positions with qualified professionals. For example, knowing more languages than just JavaScript, HTML, and CSS for a front end development job increases the likelihood that a company hires you; if you apply for a cybersecurity position and you include several Hackathons as experience, it could show you take the initiative, enjoy a challenge, and value situations that push you to use your critical-thinking skills. Beefing up that resume with valuable experiences and new skill sets is how you stand out to those recruiters and get that job. Promotions and upward mobility The tech industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5% up until 2024 and as a result, the possibilities for upward mobility are on the rise too. Continuous learning post-bootcamp is valuable to not only get hired for your first job, but also to get promoted later on. Starting off at an entry level position has value; as you continue gaining more experience in your position, all types of job openings will become available and they will require expanded skill sets and knowledge . When there are a few options for a new role within your company, you can show your hiring manager that you mean business. How? Maybe you’ve learned new software, a new coding language, or new ways to gather data; showing your boss your determination to improve yourself makes you stand out just enough. Technology and the industry are always changing Have you checked out ChatGPT yet? If you have used it, you may have already had a small existential crisis since this artificial intelligence tool could do the work of a few humans at once, writing out a 500-word essay, several web page design elements, and a business report in just a matter of seconds. But if you haven’t taken it for a test drive, try it out; you’ll be amazed to see what it’s capable of producing in no time flat. Similarly to ChatGPT, other technologies are advancing at light speed and they have no intention of stopping any time soon. But what does that mean for people who are directly responsible for its unstoppable power forward? For those in the tech sector, there are both pros and cons : Pros : Increases in productivity: these tools can write, think, and develop ideas faster than human beings can; by leveraging that speed, professionals can reach new levels of efficiency. More job openings: as more technology and more solutions are invented, they will need more oversight and maintenance; more jobs will be created. Enhanced security: creating improved firewalls and threat eradication programs and a variety of other new and effective cybersecurity tools will be crucial in the future. Improved innovation and creation: more sophisticated tools give way to more innovative inventions and technologies, increasing the speed at which they will be developed. Cons : More sophisticated and harmful cybersecurity threats: just like with every superhero, there’s a new supervillain that invades the city; improved cybersecurity leads to worse cyberattacks and data breaches. Stress and responsibility of continuous learning: keeping up with all the new state-of-the-art technologies can be a stressful burden, especially when you have to do so on your own time. As both harmful and beneficial advancements in technology arrive in the market, IT professionals have to prepare to stay up-to-date. As technology adapts and evolves, the industry does as well; professionals across the board have to acclimate to the effects of neverending technological advancements, globalization, sustainability efforts, and evolving business models. Creating connections and making contacts During bootcamps, you have the opportunity to meet new people and make connections that could join you in the hiring process and beyond. And just like in bootcamps, there are many more networking opportunities at Hackathons or conferences that can be beneficial for more professional opportunities. In addition to opening more doors, those contacts can be great sources of knowledge themselves; we all have our own tips and tricks to share and learning directly from a friend is free of charge. How Can You Continue Learning Post-Bootcamp? We know that continuous learning post bootcamp is important for making contacts, creating job opportunities, and staying up-to-date with technology, but how do we go about it? The following opportunities, events, and resources are a few ways to make it happen. Conferences Big groups of people meeting just to talk about the latest and greatest in technology and beyond all weekend long? Sounds like the perfect way to learn and network. Conferences take place all over the world and vary in topics; professional and knowledgeable speakers lead panels at conferences and can share insights on the most cutting-edge technology and developments in the field . Networking at conferences is also a huge selling point since peers there are looking to improve, learn more, and show initiative. Speakers also provide a fantastic opportunity to see the profiles of those higher-ups and potentially speak with them directly to pick their brains. Upskilling Some companies are reinvesting in their employees and helping them develop their abilities and knowledge through upskilling. The skills learned through upskilling are absolutely within their domain and professional development comes directly from the company and its resources; employees grow in their field without spending a dime. And upskilling provides their employees with the skill sets that they will need for the next step on the ladder. Workshops and other courses Bootcamps like Ironhack are great foundational classes and provide students with everything they need to know to have a strong base; however, accessory classes and workshops can also be extremely helpful in acquiring those more specific or rare skill sets. You can find a wide variety of courses and workshops designed for professionals already working in the field online or in-person. Online resources and books Now that we live in the age of information, the amount of data that we have access to is limitless. New publications come out daily in the form of YouTube videos, books, podcasts, magazines, online forums, websites, blog posts, and much more–and some are free! But investing in yourself and in your career does mean sometimes putting your money where your mouth is, buying a few books throughout the year and subscribing to a monthly magazine. Nevertheless, the amount of free yet reliable information across the internet is staggering. Hackathons What do you get when a large group of coders and passionate professionals meet to solve a problem together? A hackathon . Normally organized by educational institutions, communities, or companies, hackathons unite a group of not only programmers, but also designers and other professionals to tackle a problem or develop a prototype over a few days or hours’ time. At a hackathon, it’s likely that you won’t know everyone present or exactly how to solve the issue at hand and as a result, there’s a lot to learn and do. When time has run out, the judges will even award a prize to the team with the best solution. Overall it is a fun, difficult, and enriching experience for all those involved. Bootcamps can be exhausting, especially when they’re done in a 9 week span, and afterwards you may feel as if you have a lot on your plate. That’s a very normal experience after learning several new skill sets and even new languages in such a short time. It’s important to keep in mind that continuous learning is about always improving and making yourself the best you can be ; however, post bootcamp, a little breather from learning may be exactly what the doctor ordered. In the long run, learning never does truly end and you will be able to dive back in soon.

There’s so many different kinds of employment out there! You could work full-time, part-time, freelance, in-house: which one is right for you? What do they all entail? Is one better than the other? This article will help you separate these four major employment options and help you decide which is best for your career. Full-Time Employment: Advantages and Disadvantages Possibly the most common kind of employment, full-time workers are exactly that: full-time. This usually means working 40 hours per week, 8 hours a day, from 9am-5pm. Of course, your hours can vary depending on your location and employer, but this is the standard. Pros of full-time employment Those who are employed full-time can enjoy the following benefits: Reliable income : since you are salaried and working a set number of hours each week, you know exactly what you’ll get paid at the end of each month. Benefits : you’ll have access to company-sponsored benefits, such as transportation assistance, social security, healthcare, and more, depending on your location. Time off : all full-time jobs provide paid time off and sick days, meaning you will have a certain number of days a year to do whatever you want–and get paid! Cons of full-time employment It’s not all positive, though. There are some disadvantages associated with full-time employment: Lack of work/life balance : working that many hours could mean that your weekdays are dedicated exclusively to work, leaving little time for your family, social life, or educational aspirations. Risk of becoming too comfortable : with a steady income, benefits, and vacation, you might decide that staying at your current job is easier than finding a new one, even if it means lower pay or long hours. Increased stress levels : those who work full-time jobs are more likely to experience work-related stress due to extended periods of time on the job. Part-Time Employment: Advantages and Disadvantages Part-time workers often work in shifts for less than 30 hours per week, sometimes maintaining a fixed schedule and other times rotating shifts. Pros of part-time employment Part-time workers boast these advantages: Flexibility : those who are employed part-time have more free time that they can dedicate to studies, another job, family responsibilities, or other engagements. Ability to gain experience : if you’re just starting out or looking to try out a few different things before you fully commit to a role, part-time jobs allow you to see what it’s like to work in a specific role. Time management : juggling multiple jobs or responsibilities can help you gain valuable time management experience and prepare you for having a full-time job. Cons of part-time employment Before choosing to take a part-time job, make sure you consider these risks: Higher risk of being laid off : because they work less hours and aren’t salaried, part-time workers are more likely to be fired in the event of layoffs. Companies are also not required to provide part-time workers with severance packages when laid off. Unstable income : part-time workers are on the clock a similar number of hours a week, but not a guaranteed amount, meaning your paycheck could vary significantly from month to month. In addition, sick and vacation days aren’t paid. Lack of benefits : employers aren’t required to give their part-time employees health insurance or other optional perks, like transportation assistance. Freelancing: Advantages and Disadvantages Freelancers work for themselves: cool, right? Definitely, but make sure you consider both sides before making that jump. Pros of freelancing Freelancers, as their own bosses, can benefit from the following advantages: Freedom and flexibility : as your own boss, your schedule is up to you. If you prefer to not work Thursdays and Mondays and instead work weekends, that’s totally fine. Get your best work done in the early morning? Go ahead. Control over earnings : you can set your own rates and payment schedule, meaning you’re requesting rates that you decide. Specialized skill sets : most freelancers are highly specialized in one area and that’s why companies hire them; they lack the in-house expertise. Freelancers can become experts in the area of their choosing. Cons of freelancing If working on a team is what you prefer, freelancing might not be for you: Stress : you’re suddenly responsible for your own brand marketing, finances, and projects with little to no guidance from other colleagues or your boss (that’s you!). This, coupled with the pressure to always maintain a full client roster, can lead to a lot of stress. Instability : most freelancers don’t sign contracts with their clients and this could mean you have twenty projects in September, fifteen in October, and just six in November. Your workload will vary significantly month-to-month. Lack of benefits : if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. In the world of freelancing, you’re not salaried so there’s no such thing as paid time off or sick days. And you won’t have employed-sponsored health insurance, if that’s something you value. In-house Employment: Advantages and Disadvantages You could be a freelancer, but you aren’t sure if it’s the right choice for you. In-house employees are salaried and work for a company, usually in a quite specific role. Pros of in-house employment Choosing to be hired in-house gives you the following advantages: Stability : instead of having to look for clients every month and request new assignments, you are performing your specialized tasks for just one company, providing the job security that freelancers can’t boast. Set schedule/pay : you’ll be salaried, meaning you can rest easy knowing you’ll get the same paycheck every month and won’t be working weekends or nights. Benefits : as an in-house employee, you’ll have paid vacation days, sick time, maternity/paternity leave, and any other benefits that the company offers to its employees, such as health insurance. Cons of in-house employment If you’re deciding between freelancing and in-house employment, make sure you carefully read through these disadvantages: Reporting to someone else : you will have to report to someone else or multiple people, which can be quite the adjustment if you’ve been working on your own before. Your tasks might vary : even if you were hired to do one specific role, such as backend development, you might be asked to take on additional responsibilities that go beyond your job description and skill set. Lack of flexibility : gone are the days of beach working and fitting in lunch with your parents during the week (probably, unless you’re lucky!). In-house employment means you’ll be expected to keep a consistent schedule and be available, even if you’re working remotely. No matter what you choose, it’s important to carefully weigh your options before making a decision. And if you’re just starting out in tech, think about which job would allow you to pick the one that best suits your lifestyle.

If you’ve already landed an amazing tech job, the next step may be gaining additional skills and knowledge in order to continue advancing in your career . That may mean that you’ll want to participate in some sort of professional development in order to remain knowledgeable of the latest trends and developments in the tech industry and obtain the skills to become a strong tech professional. Professional development refers to a number of activities, courses, or programs that help individuals improve their skills, knowledge and expertise in the field, such as: Workshops Conferences Online courses Certification programs Pursuing advanced degrees. Professional development is crucial for folks who want to remain competitive in the face of a constantly developing labor market and new demands for professionals. That said, partaking in professional development abroad can be beneficial because of the skills gained from the international experience. You’ll not only learn from the courses or training that you’ll participate in, but also: Benefit from studying in a different context and with folks from different backgrounds Experience exposure to new ideas and perspectives Have global networking opportunities Develop new skills development Experience cultural immersion. Professional Development in Tech Professional development in tech is especially important because the tech sector transforms at such a rapid pace. Participating in courses, workshops, online seminars, or conferences may be necessary (and fun!) for individuals to remain competitive in the job market and advance their careers. Tech professionals may want to sign up for coding bootcamps to learn programming languages, study new software development methodologies , enhance project management skills, participate in data analysis and visualization courses , gain a deeper knowledge of cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning . There are numerous ways that tech professionals can engage in professional development, including variety in the duration or the intensity of the professional development work. Why is professional development important? Professional development is crucial for advancing one’s career in any field and particularly important in tech given the ongoing developments of the industry. It’s an investment in your own job satisfaction, career pathway, and personal growth --factors that are hugely important to one’s motivation and happiness. Here are a few reasons why one should invest in professional development: Career advancement: if you want to advance in your career, investing in making yourself a stronger tech professional is undoubtedly important. Professional development can help workers acquire new skills and knowledge , making them more valuable to a workplace and thus, more competitive in the job market. This may lead to better job opportunities and potential salary increases . Increased job satisfaction: partaking in professional development often leads to workers feeling more fulfilled in their current positions precisely because they are given opportunities for growth. It’s an investment in their work and can lead to higher job satisfaction. Staying up-to-date : professional development is hugely important in rapidly changing industries like tech because new advances in programs, services, or best practices are constant. Staying up-to-date with those developments is crucial if companies want to remain relevant and if tech professionals want to be effective in their jobs. Personal growth: professional growth often happens hand-in-hand with personal growth. Through professional development, individuals are pushed outside their comfort zones and encouraged to learn new skills, engage new perspectives, and develop their knowledge and expertise that will also expand their lives in and beyond the workplace. All in all, professional development is important for advancing one's career, increasing one’s happiness at work, keeping everyone up-to-date on industry trends, and is related to one’s personal growth. From the perspective of the employer, professional development is important to a company remaining competitive and relevant, motivating one’s employees, and investing in one’s business. From the perspective of the workers, professional development is an investment in your employability, satisfaction at work, and ultimately your personal and professional growth. Professional development is a necessary part of one’s career pathway. Developing soft skills in addition to technical skills When we think of professional development, what often comes to mind are technical based skills. In the case of technology that may mean learning new programming languages or software development technologies. However, equally important is the development of one’s soft skills . By this we mean the advancement of one’s interpersonal skills --something that’s becoming increasingly important in a globalized economy. It’s often said that soft skills cannot be replicated by code or robots, they’re our human-like abilities that help us effectively communicate, adapt to new situations, and become leaders in our workplaces. A few of the most important soft skills include: Communication skills: effective communication is essential to collaborating with team members, conveying important information, providing constructive criticism, and articulating ideas clearly. Leadership : soft skills like leadership are important for workers who hope to advance their work in the tech industry. Learning how to manage group work, motivate team members, and offer guidance or encouragement towards a common goal is necessary for folks who want to lead in their workplaces. Adaptability : workers who are able to adapt are more capable of navigating conflict, being resilient in the face of adversity , and thriving in new environments or in light of new challenges. Tech professionals need to be able to adapt to new technologies, changing job requirements, shifting company priorities, and an ever-changing tech industry. Emotional intelligence: emotional intelligence is crucial in understanding and managing one’s emotions as well as the emotions of others. It’s necessary in building strong relationships and navigating conflict . In other words, becoming a more competitive job candidate or advancing in your career depends not only on your technical skills, but your soft skills as well. These skills can be trained, but may require escaping your comfort zone to really practice them. Professional Development Abroad More and more tech professionals are opting for professional development abroad precisely because it’s a way to develop one’s technical skills and soft skills at the same time . While participating in activities to enhance technical skills and knowledge, individuals also gain from exposure to new cultures, ideas, methodologies, workplace practices, and the rhythms of a new country. It’s hugely important in learning how to collaborate across borders , work with folks from different backgrounds, gain listening skills and expand one’s ideas and perspectives. Here are a few reasons why participating in professional development abroad may be beneficial: Exposure to new ideas and perspectives : participating in professional development abroad ensures exposure to different approaches to technology and innovation . By attending professional development activities abroad, you’ll be sure to encounter ideas and ways of understanding the industry that will be different from what you may encounter at home. Language skills: if you’re interested in learning new languages, there’s obviously no better way than to immerse yourself. Why not take advantage of professional development abroad and improve your language skills while you’re at it. Many language schools offer specific courses for mastering business language or can personalize classes to your learning needs. Problem-solving : problem-solving is necessary for tech professionals, whether it be debugging code or navigating interpersonal conflict, one’s ability to solve problems is the base of what an employee contributes to a company. Putting yourself in a totally new context will force you to open up, expand the ways you think, adapt to new situations, and be resilient and creative in the face of unexpected challenges. Leadership : in an ever expanding tech industry and globalized economy, being able to lead in all sorts of contexts is a huge challenge for tech professionals. Learning how to collaborate across cultural backgrounds, motivate diverse teams, effectively communicate, and gain the respect of your collaborators is what it means to be a great leader. Practicing this through professional development activities abroad is one way to greatly enhance one’s leadership skills. Networking opportunities: participation in professional development abroad promises global networking opportunities. The tech industry is without question a globalized industry, so getting to know the global landscape of tech and other folks who work in the industry will be of great use as you advance your career. Cultural immersion : taking part in professional development abroad provides opportunities to experience different cultures and rhythms of life. This will help folks develop a broader perspective of how to approach tech work and how the tech industry is understood globally. The importance of cultural immersion cannot be underplayed. Innovation: participating in activities abroad is humbling because what you may have previously considered “right answers” or solutions to certain problems might not even be considered in a different country. That said, by participating in professional development abroad, you’ll face a myriad of perspectives, ideas, and approaches that can only spark possibilities for greater innovation. In many ways, participating in professional development abroad is a way to take a step back, look around, expand what you once believed to be true, and then leap forward with a greater understanding of the tech landscape and the possibilities for innovation . It’s a humbling process and you’ll be sure to find yourself out of your comfort zone at moments. That said, not only will you obtain the technical skills gained from a course or a conference, but you’ll strengthen your soft interpersonal skills . This will make you more capable of solving problems, navigating interpersonal conflict, collaborating across borders and cultural backgrounds, and taking on leadership roles in your workplace. Invest in Yourself and Understand the Global Tech Industry Participating in professional development abroad is ultimately an investment in yourself, in your personal growth, in your career, and in developing a stronger and more resilient globalized tech industry. It’s a special opportunity for tech professionals and should be considered if you’re thinking about professional development options. If this sounds appealing, then look no further. Ironhack has campuses in ten major cities around the globe and is home to students from over 70 different nationalities . We offer courses in Web Development, Data Analytics , UX/UI Design , and Cybersecurity . Join one of our bootcamps and get on track to advance your career in tech.

Do you ever think that you’re up-to-date with all that’s going on in tech and then all of a sudden everyone is talking about this new feature, technology, or company that you’ve never heard of before? Well, you’re not alone! The tech industry is constantly evolving and if you’re not curious and passionate about continuously learning, then you’re at risk of getting left behind. But don’t freak out–we know of some shortcuts you can take in order to stay up-to-the-minute with all that’s going on in the big wide world of tech. Keep reading to learn more! Do I Have to Keep Up with the Tech Industry? No, you don’t have to do anything! With that being said, we do think that keeping up with the tech industry is a great idea. It doesn’t matter whether you’re inside the tech industry or out, the world of tech impacts almost every aspect of our lives. It’s important to remember that tech isn’t just limited to the social media that’s consumed by the youth—it’s everything from the way we communicate with each other, where we travel, how we work, and even what we eat (you didn’t think that grapes just got together one day and decided to not have seeds anymore, did you?!). Technology has revolutionized almost every aspect of our lives and will continue to shape our future in profound ways. By staying informed about the latest trends and technologies, you can stay competitive in the industry, better understand the world around you, and even identify new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Ok, I’m convinced: how do I get started? There’s a countless number of ways to keep up with the tech industry, but some are better than others. Here we’re going to show you exactly how to make the most out of your time and get the maximum amount of information as fast as humanly possible. Read Ironhack’s State of Tech report Don’t you wish you could learn about what’s happening in the tech industry, world wide, all in one place? Well, you don’t even have to wish because we’ve got your back! You can read Ironhack’s global State of Tech report right here and be up-to-date with the world of tech in no time! Follow tech news sources There’s a large number of online publications that are dedicated to tech news, including TechCrunch , Wired , and The Verge . You can find many more options online, but these three are the most well-known and reputable. So, if what you’re looking for is tech news that you can trust, then look no further! And, the cool thing is that these three publications all have newsletters that you can subscribe to in order to get tech news sent directly to your email inbox! That way, you don’t even have to remember to navigate to their website—you’ll be able to stay current with tech just by reading your emails. Speaking of newsletters, if your preferred way of consuming the news is by newsletter, then you might want to check out TLDR . If you’re like us, then you’re constantly feeling like you never have enough time in your day to do everything you wanted to do—which makes this super short newsletter the perfect tool for staying informed. TLDR is a daily newsletter that promises to keep you up-to-date with tech in only five minutes or less! Finally, we’d be remiss if we didn’t tell you about our blog; you can subscribe right on the blog page in order to stay informed about all our new articles. Our writers are always cooking up fresh tech content exclusively for readers like you. Attend tech events Yes, we all agree that the tech news is a great way to stay informed. But, there’s nothing quite like attending tech events in person. These events offer opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, to gain hands-on experience with new technologies, and to meet and learn from industry insiders. You’re probably wondering what kinds of different tech events are available for you to attend. Well, we’re here to tell you that there’s a tech event for everyone , but keep in mind that not every tech event may be for everyone. The five kinds of tech events that you’ll most likely encounter are: Tech conferences Meetups Startup events Hackathons Developer conferences You might have noticed a little something about the order of the events: they’re ranked from the least to the most technical. If you’re outside of the tech world, you can gain a foothold by attending a tech conference; if you’re a professional software engineer, then you’ll get a lot out of developer conferences. For everyone in between, there’s meetups, startup events, and hackathons. Here’s a little bit more about each one: Tech Conferences : while some may target industry professionals, tech conferences are places for tech companies to show off their latest and greatest ideas. A newcomer can come and see all kinds of cool and interesting gadgets that are soon-to-be released. Meetup : these are small, sometimes informal gatherings of people who want to come together to discuss specific topics. At meetups, you’ll find all sorts of people ranging from industry veterans to complete newcomers. Startup Event : these are opportunities for entrepreneurs to meet with investors, mentors, and other startup founders. These can range from informal to super exclusive. Hackathon : short (1-2 days) competitions where teams (or individuals) come together to work on a particular project. You’ll find a ton of these happening everywhere! Developer Conference : events for software engineers to learn about new programming languages, tools, and techniques. Not for the uninitiated! Follow tech influencers on social media Sometimes, you’ll find tech news organically by just browsing social media, especially if you follow other people in the tech industry. If you don’t follow anybody in tech, here are three tech influencers that we think will keep you both informed and engaged: Marques Brownlee : he makes tech videos with an extremely high production quality. You’ll be amazed at how good YouTube videos can look nowadays. Linus Tech Tips : a Canadian-based company that produces an enormous amount of lighthearted tech content on multiple platforms. Unbox Therapy : famous for popularizing the unboxing genre. Short, satisfying videos that will undoubtedly keep you informed. Join tech communities Another great way of staying current with tech is by joining online tech communities. We’re all online all the time nowadays, so you might as well add some tech news and tech humor as browsing options. One particularly popular place for online communities to organize is a website you’ve probably heard of: Reddit . There are thousands upon thousands of communities or subreddits for you to join, but if you’re looking for tech communities in particular, you should consider the following options: r/technology : the biggest tech community on reddit. A great place to start! r/programming : a place for software developers to discuss news revolving around software development r/ProgrammerHumor : looking for a lighthearted way to get tech news? Here it is! There are actually thousands more subreddits for you to explore if these don’t quite fit what you’re looking for. We’re sure you’ll be able to find a community that’s just right for you! Read the news You could’ve probably guessed this one, but a great way to keep up with tech news is by reading the news! Every major newspaper covers tech extensively even if they don’t have a dedicated “Tech” section. But, and you might not know this, a lot of newspapers have sections called “Science” or “Business” that are really just “Tech” sections in disguise! If you pick up any newspaper right now, we’d be surprised if you didn’t find at least a half dozen articles covering tech or tech-adjacent news. We do recommend that you finish reading this blog first before you try this experiment, however. Experiment with new tech Last but not least, one of the best ways to keep up with the tech industry is by trying out new tech yourself! There’s no better way to gain knowledge quickly than by getting hands-on experience with a new tool. Within only a few hours (or sometimes even minutes!), you’ll have a great understanding of how the tech works and will even be able to share your knowledge with the rest of the community! We’ve found that there’s nothing more fun than trying out a new device or feature and finding out you can do things with it that you never thought possible before! The very best tech allows us to become a better version of ourselves (but you would never know unless you tried). Do yourself a favor and try something new today! What Else Do I Need to Know? Now that you’re up-to-date with how to stay current with the tech news, we think you should also consider staying current with your tech skills! In the world of tech, you won’t find better bootcamps than those offered at Ironhack. We have bootcamps available for just about anybody and we think that you’ll definitely be able to find a program that’ll help you grow in your career. Poke around our website to see which bootcamp is the best fit for you. We’ll see you soon!

Reshma Saujani is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and political activist based in the United States. She’s worked tirelessly to transform the face of tech through her work as an entrepreneur and advocate in the tech industry. Saujani is the founder and CEO of Girls Who Code , an organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for women and girls in technology. Her non-profit works to close the gender gap in tech through supporting women and girls as they launch their careers in the tech sector. BUTTON: GENDER GAP BLOG Saujani’s work marks her as a Titan of Tech, given the massive impact she has had in transforming the industry and expanding conversations around women in tech. Her entrepreneurial spirit, refusal to back down in the face of adversity, and ability to adapt to new opportunities and demands make her one of the most impressive tech professionals. Knowing her story is important for all tech workers who’d like to support women in tech. Upbringing and Education Saujani is the daughter of South-Asian political refugees. In 1972, her parents were forced to flee their home in Uganda following the ex-dictator, Idi Amin’s call for all South-Asians to exit the city of Kampala. They left the country and resettled in Illinois in the United States where Saujani was born in 1973. Saujani’s father was an engineer and her mother was a teacher. Her parents wanted the best for Saujani and always encouraged her to pursue her education. They supported her in earning a degree in Political Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Following her undergrad, Saujani attended Yale Law School where she received her JD. Saujani has always been a leader and political advocate. Following law school, Saujani worked as an attorney at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP where she handled fraud cases and worked pro bono to support asylum cases. In 2010, Saujani decided to take her political advocacy work to the next level and run for Congress in New York's 14th Congressional District. She became the first Indian-American woman to run for Congress --something telling of Saujani’s trailblazing spirit. Despite not winning the election, Saujani was made aware of the gender disparities in computing, a realization that pushed her to become politically engaged in the tech industry. In 2012, Saujani founded Girls Who Code with the intention of supporting women and girls interested in STEM and disrupting the gender gap in the tech sector. Girls Who Code Girls Who Code has shifted the game for women in tech. Since 2012, it’s become a leading organization working to address gender inequality in the tech industry. As we know, the tech industry is often considered a boys club. Despite women making up almost half of the United States workforce, the largest technology companies - Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft - employ less than 36% women . And in looking at leadership positions in these companies, that number drops to 30%. Finally, of tech-related roles in these companies, only 24% of positions are held by women. The work of Saujani and Girls Who Code hopes to address those disparities. Girls Who Code is dedicated to addressing the ways women are pushed out of STEM beginning in childhood. The organization looks to change the narrative around technology and aid girls in pursuing careers in technology through disrupting stereotypes, providing resources, amplifying women’s narratives about working in tech and supporting girls in gaining the confidence they need to succeed in the tech industry. Saujani explains , “There’s a convenient narrative out there that coders are always geeky guys in dark basements, and we’ve collectively allowed it to persist because the field has traditionally been so male-dominated.” She notes the need to show girls, “just how inaccurate stereotypes are,” and through expanding the work of Girls Who Code “these stereotypes will quickly become a thing of the past.” The nonprofit provides free coding education to girls aged 13-18 years through after school and summer programs. The goal is to tap into the unharnessed potential of adolescent girls and support them in becoming participants and leaders in the tech industry . Equally, the organization knows that girls need more than simply coding skills in order to compete in the workforce. Saujani elaborates , “In addition to coding, the girls at our program learn to pitch ideas and products, present themselves professionally, and interact with colleagues at every level of a company. We exist not just to teach computer science, but to equip girls with the skills and confidence they need to compete in the 21st- century workforce. ” Ultimately Girls Who Code is a leadership organization that prepares girls for challenges they’ll face as professionals today. The organization has had a huge impact in empowering young women to pursue STEM pathways and create more access to technology education. Since 2012, Girls Who Code has worked with over 500,000 girls in all 50 states of the United States. The organization has set a goal of reaching and educating over one million girls by 2025. Their work is powerful, inspiring and is helping to take concrete steps in addressing gender imbalance in STEM. Onward and Upward Saujani is perhaps most famous for her 2016 TED Talk, “ Teach girls bravery, not perfection ,” where she opens up a conversation surrounding how we are raising and educating girls. The video has over four million views and is a must see for folks interested in addressing the root causes of gender disparities in work. Equally, Saujani does not shy away from new platforms and opportunities to educate. In February 2018, Saujani launched a podcast series called “ Brave, Not Perfect ,” that complements her book by the same title. The podcast has had immense success and boasts hosting guests from First Lady Jill Biden to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez among others. The Future of Women and Work In 2022, Saujani published her fourth book, “ Pay Up : The Future of Women and Work (and Why It's Different Than You Think).” The book traces the history of women and work in hopes of addressing the ways that workplaces have never been built for women. Saujani explains , "It is now time to rebuild the foundation that has never worked for us." Saujani calls upon readers to consider the root causes and systematic ways that women’s success is limited in the workforce. Whether that be pay gaps between men and women, the way companies do or do not offer paid-leave to parents, or the gender imbalance surrounding domestic labor, the book offers a deep analisis surrounding the history and present reality of women in the workforce. Honors and Awards As we can tell, Saujani’s leadership, adaptability, and resilience in the face of the male dominated tech industry makes her a titan of tech. Her hard and important work has not gone unnoticed, she’s been recognized with numerous awards and honors for her work in promoting gender equality and technology education: Following the 2012 launch of Girls Who Code, Saujani was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world . In September 2015, Saujani was named to Fortune Magazine's 40 Under 40 list and in 2016 was named one of the World's Greatest Leaders by Fortune Magazine. She was awarded the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education, appointed as a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship by President Obama in 2015. She later received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2019 for her contributions to American society. Saujani’s 2019 book " Brave, Not Perfect: Fear Less, Fail More, and Live Bolder ," was honored on the New York Times Best Seller List . And her corresponding podcast “Brave, Not Perfect.” was awarded the Webby Award for Best Technology Podcast in 2019. “If you’re a woman in tech, stick with it. When you’re feeling isolated or alone, stick with it. When you feel like you aren’t qualified, stick with it.” In all, Saujani’s work has made her a champion for gender equality in and beyond the tech sector. Her contributions have not gone unrecognized and we can assume that she’s only going to continue her work as an entrepreneur and political advocate in the tech industry. Saujani is one of many women working to change the face of tech, and is a titan that all tech professionals should be familiar with. She inspired us to be confident, dream big, and stay strong in the face of adversity.

You’re looking for that new thing in your life and career and a tech bootcamp seems like a good idea, right? There are lots of openings worldwide and we know that tech skills will always be needed . But quitting your current role or making the decision to get back into the workforce is a major one. How can you be sure it will be worth it? How will you find a job in a totally new field? We’ll break it all down in this post. Why Get Into Tech? A career change is a big deal, especially when you’re making a big jump across sectors or industries. But getting into tech is a fantastic idea for those looking to learn more, make a good salary, have flexibility, and make a difference. Let’s check out some of the biggest reasons why getting into tech is a great idea: Salaries : tech jobs are known for paying well and there’s a reason why: they do! Even entry level positions pay well and you’ll benefit from room for upward mobility as your career progresses. Flexibility : lots of tech jobs are becoming increasingly flexible and offering remote or hybrid options to their employees, in addition to boasting flexible hours. Growth : the tech industry is advancing at a dizzying pace and there will always be a new tool or skill to master; this means that your career won’t be stagnant and your room for growth is practically limitless. Versatility : long gone is the idea that developers and programmers only work in tech companies; every single company now needs tech experts to help them harness the power of tech. New opportunities : whether you want to reskill or upskill, the tech industry is poised to grow exponentially over the next few years, increasing the already large number of open positions. These reasons are exactly why Ironhack exists; we work to take your potential and turn it into exactly what the tech industry needs , teaching our students the most in-demand skills and tools of the moment, constantly changing and updating our syllabus to ensure that our students are prepared to enter the workforce. To achieve this, we offer four bootcamps: Web development: apps and websites are needed in every industry, meaning that web development is incredibly universal and you can take your programming knowledge from the bootcamp and work in the industry that interests you the most. Data analysis : companies that use data to make decisions are doing the right thing and you can be on the forefront of the decision making, learning how to read and interpret data to make informed decisions as a data analyst. UX/UI design : the best programming language won’t work unless the client can easily access and find what they’re looking for; harness your creativity and tech skills to create user-friendly interfaces. Cybersecurity : online dangers are growing just as fast as new tools are emerging and cybersecurity professionals are needed to protect user data and sensitive information, giving you the chance to become an expert in the field. No matter what bootcamp you choose, a career in tech is a great way to harness your potential and transform your future. And with Ironhack’s Career Services , we’re there to help you every step of the way. Ironhack’s Career Services At Ironhack, we know that your choice to invest your time and money into a tech bootcamp is a big decision and we’re ready to do our part to make sure that you land a job that’s in line with your long-term career goals. We’ve developed our Career Services , a process that begins before the bootcamp to help you figure out the right path for you and, of course, achieve it! Let’s dive in: Preliminary discovery The goal of Preliminary Discovery is to find clarity and purpose before even starting the bootcamp. Find out who you are and discover your ‘why’ through some introspection and exercises that will help you understand your motivation, skills, and career aspirations. We guide job seekers to be autonomous in their own job search–a lifelong skill that they'll need way beyond the bootcamp. You’ll also work on researching the job market and the roles that may interest you. It may seem premature to start before the bootcamp even begins, but we’re focused on helping you break into the tech scene and it’s never too early to start. Digital Foundations As you dive deep into the bootcamp topics, you’ll also discuss the job market for your specific field and meet one-on-one with one of our skilled Career Coaches to clearly define your goals; this will help us prepare personalized advice and guidance throughout your bootcamp and attract recruiters. Our Career Coaches have relevant experience in HR tech, give personalized coaching, and help connect Ironhackers with their own networks (both alumni and beyond). They will help review your CV, LinkedIn profile, pitch, and portfolio to prepare you for the job search.  We’ll also take into account your location preference, language skills, experience, and hard and soft skills to try and make the perfect match. Preparation Career Week at Ironhack is what we’ve been working up towards: it’s time to immerse yourself in the job hunt and spend a week knee deep in workshops , webinars, and challenges that provide you with the necessary tools to tackle the job search. You’ll learn about topics like searching for jobs, applying for jobs, and interviewing in your chosen area of tech specialization. Job Hunting It’s time to jump right in: the job search is here. But don’t think we leave you on your own here! On the contrary, we offer the following: 1-1 guidance from our career experts to help practice interviewing or tackle specific job-hunting challenges Connections with the right people through our global network of hiring partners and alumni working in the field After all, It's not just about what you know, but about who you know. Your future in tech is closer than you ever imagined with Ironhack - what are you waiting for?! We’re eager to receive your application and get to work.

The thought of working for yourself and making your own hours seems pretty cool, right? Being a freelancer has lots of perks, such as deciding when and from where you want to work, choosing the clients that best suit your interests and skills , and getting to turn down work that just isn’t what you want to do. But with great power comes great responsibility and learning how to manage your time, find clients, deliver quality work, and handle taxes can be a challenge, especially when you’re first starting out. First, let’s define a freelancer for exactly what it is. What is Freelancing? To put it simply, freelancers are self-employed instead of being employed by a company . This means that instead of working 40 hours a week for a company, they can be hired for specific tasks or projects by a company and paid directly for their work, instead of on a salary. Pretty much anyone can be a freelancer, but the most common kinds are specialized in a certain area and are sought after for their skills by a company that doesn’t have that kind of expertise in-house. Some of the most common kinds of freelancers are: Writers Translators Designers Programmers Photographers Web developers Advantages of freelancing It seems great and you’re right: it can be. Freelancers boast freedom , flexible hours, the ability to manage themselves, work from wherever they want, control how much money they make and charge for a specific task, a specialized skill set , and more. Freedom & flexibility Want to work from the beach? Or just five hours a day? What about working weekends to have free time during the week? Freelancers boast incredible levels of freedom and flexibility due to their ability to make their own hours and schedules . They can also say no to requests, something that isn’t always possible in a corporate setting. Control over earnings Most salaried employees are limited to just their salary for the month, no matter how much work they actually do. Freelancers, on the other hand, can work the hours they want at a rate they set to decide the income they receive each month. And that’s not all: they can also choose the rates they charge, asking for rush rates for last minute tasks or offering discounts for consistent work over an extended period of time. Specialized skill sets Do you just want to write about fashion and beauty? Or help design a very specific part of a website? Freelancers can choose exactly what they want to do, meaning that if you only want to work in a very specific sector or do a particular task, that’s totally fine. Gone are the days of your boss asking you to do tasks that don’t relate to your job; you can make the decision if you want to do it or not. Disadvantages of freelancing It all sounds like sunshine and roses, right? Unfortunately there are some downsides to freelancing and you should consider both sides before you decide if this is what you want to do. Freelancers can feel isolated , stressed because they’re constantly searching for new clients, trouble balancing multiple clients, and lack the benefits that salaried employees have. Stress & loneliness Working for yourself means that you’re responsible for maintaining a cash flow and finding new clients, in addition to being a one-person team. Even if you work remotely at a salaried job, you still have team members, a boss, and colleagues to bounce ideas off of and chat with about your day-to-day responsibilities. When you’re freelancing, it’s just you. Instability Because you have no formal and long-term agreement with your clients, you could have an incredibly lucrative month followed by a month with almost no income. And clients could verbally tell you they’re interested in three projects during a month and then deliver just one. Part of being a freelancer is being prepared for the ups and downs: they will come. Multiple clients Juggling multiple clients and tasks means you may have conflicting deadlines, multiple things to do at once, and different expectations/working processes across the board. Instead of just being responsible for your area of expertise, you’re now the HR department, a project manager, the finance department, and responsible for your own marketing. That’s a lot, right? Lack of benefits Sure, you can pick your own vacation days, but there’s no such thing as PTO in the freelance world. The days you take off aren’t paid and for some, this could be a hard change to get used to. In addition, other kinds of paid leave such as sick time and maternity/paternity leave are no longer existent and you won’t have other benefits such as healthcare, bonuses, 401(k)s, and more. Excelling at Freelancing: Here’s How We hope we haven’t scared you off! Freelancing is a great option for many and if you’re willing to put in the work to lift your business off the ground, find clients, and deliver high-quality results, you’ll do great. Here’s how: Join an online platform and create your brand : you need to put yourself out there and show potential clients what you’re offering and how you stand out from the rest. There are lots of websites that exist specifically for freelancers to market themselves; take advantage of that and create a captivating argument for why clients should hire you. Be active and responsive: reliability is one of the main characteristics that potential clients look for when choosing a freelancer. No one wants to have to chase down freelancers to get answers or worse, deliverables. Answer as fast as you can, be open and responsive, and work on building a positive relationship with your clients. Be patient : depending on your experience level, it may take time to build the proper reputation in the industry and get new clients. Be patient with yourself and understand creating a solid client base takes time. Be flexible : you might not get hired for your ideal project when you’re just starting out and that’s completely fine. Flexibility will both help you get experience and make connections with clients. Know your worth: unfortunately, freelancers are frequently offered low rates that don’t reflect the quality of their work. While you should be flexible as you start out, know your worth and don’t accept a rate that’s lower than the value of your work. Our tips and tricks to freelancing success The aforementioned tips will definitely help you reach excel in freelancing, but we have some additional ideas to help you truly surpass your expectations: Start out slow : as we discussed, it may be hard to create a steady flow of work at the beginning; before you leave your old job or dive fully into freelancing, try building your brand while you have another income source to ensure you’re not missing rent paychecks after a few months. Plan, plan, and plan!: there’s no paid vacations or sick days in the world of freelancing and this means that you need to ensure you’re making enough money to live, even when you’re traveling or sick. If you know you have something coming up that will disrupt your ability to take on your normal workload, try planning ahead and working more the previous month to make up for a month with a lower income. Be on time and deliver high-quality work : companies are trusting you with a task they simply can’t do in-house, but there are lots of freelancers eager to get another client. Meet deadlines, deliver high-quality work, and be responsive to show your client that they should continue to work with you. The beginning of your freelance journey might seem scary and impossible, but it’s a great option for those looking to make the most of their flexibility and skills to create the professional life they want. And we’re not sure if you’ve heard, but lots of tech roles are freelance.

You download a new app and decide to register for their paid services and suddenly, they ask you to input lots of information like your debit card information and address. No one wants that type of sensitive information to end up in the hands of anyone else, but hackers and other cyber attackers are always trying to access and use it. But don’t worry: thanks to web developers and cybersecurity  professionals, your information is safe and sound. Who are these web heroes? What do they do? And how do they work together? Let's discuss: What is Web Development? When you hear web development, the first word that comes to mind is the internet, where you can visit an infinite number of websites and use a wide range of apps. Writing, correcting, and developing code, web developers work to create both websites and apps, focusing on three types of development: front end development, back end development, and full stack development. Front end development Front end developers focus on everything that the user interacts with on the website or app; it’s essentially the interface that we see, hear, click on, and type in. Back end development As the name suggests, back end works behind the scenes, making up the parts of the website or app that users don’t access. Although it’s inaccessible to users, it’s vital for websites and apps since it’s where data is kept. Full stack development Fluent in both front and back end development, full stack web developers work in full stack development and are the jack of all trades of web development, doing it all. What is Cybersecurity? Perusing the internet, you are vulnerable to a massive number of threats; however, cybersecurity exists to protect and mitigate the risk. Cybersecurity professionals do exactly that: protect internet users from the danger of information breaches and cyberattacks. Since the information you provide to services can include sensitive information like your address and security questions, it’s no wonder that hackers try to access and use it; luckily, cybersecurity professionals and other professionals work across five fields, day and night, to defend your information. Network security Networks are where most attacks are carried out and it’s the responsibility of cybersecurity professionals to both block and pinpoint these attacks and threats. Their number one objective is to defend a network’s infrastructure, such as servers and routers. Many types of solutions exist including data and access controls such as: Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Network Access Control (NAC) Identity Access Management (IAM) Next Generation Firewalls (NGFW) Other advanced and multi-layered network threat prevention solutions include: Sandboxing Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) Content Disarm and Reconstruction (CDR) Next-Gen Antivirus (NGAV) Cloud security As the cloud becomes more and more ubiquitous as the main system for data storage, the protection of this data and its infrastructure has also become crucial. The cloud stores a large amount of data on services such as Amazon Web Services, Google Drive, and Microsoft Azure. Information security The majority of information is stored online and maintaining its safety is a constant struggle for cyber professionals; they are responsible for protecting databases and file systems from unauthorized access, alterations, and disclosure. IoT security IoT, or the Internet of Things, pertains to network-connected devices that exchange data based on sensor input and software; machines such as your car, refrigerators, smartwatch and Google Home are all examples of IoT devices. Ensuring the safety of these devices means securing both the devices themselves and the network to which they continuously connect. Application security People use software on their devices and containing weaknesses to cyberattacks, software depends on security, and the usage of infallible code. When working within this type, cybersecurity professionals are testing the code to ensure there are no flaws that malware can leverage or bypass. BUTTON: Cybersecurity basics What Responsibilities do Cybersecurity Professionals Have? Cybersecurity professionals tackle cyber attacks and crimes in three major ways: threat protection , threat detection , and incident response plans . Threat protection Before cyber criminals can access your information, cyber professionals create a defense system that blocks and protects any potential threats. As technology advances, so do the methods that hackers employ to reach your private data; consequently, cyber professionals have to always improve and fortify their defenses although they may not be impenetrable. Threat detention When the defenses have been breached, your prized information is no longer safe, but how will anyone know that it happened? In addition to protecting sensitive information, another important aspect of cybersecurity is knowing when an attack has taken place . Cyber professionals stay vigilant, watching out for any breaches and analyzing the security system for any malicious activity. Incident response plan and threat eradication In the case of a data breach, cyber professionals also are responsible for what to do after they’ve detected a threat. An incident response plan is put in place for when a breach ever does occur, allowing professionals to not waste any time in eradicating the troublemaker. How do Cybersecurity and Web Development Differ? When registering for a new app or on a new website, you enter your information into their database, effectively putting the cybersecurity team to work on protecting it as the web development team is there correcting and improving the website or app. Although web developers have a huge responsibility when creating, designing, and later improving their creations, cybersecurity teams are constantly on the lookout for any cyber attacks and data breaches and they must remain up-to-date on both coding and software. Cybersecurity defends what web development creates and because of this, they need one another. How do Web Developers and Cybersecurity Professionals Work Together? Web developers and cybersecurity professionals don’t often work together; however, they are two disciplines that do intersect occasionally. Coding Because all websites and apps are vulnerable to cyber attacks, cybersecurity professionals need to know some coding. By knowing HTML and CSS, cybersecurity professionals can get into the minds of hackers that will try to look for the flaws in the programming. Thinking like a hacker is one of the most important skills that a cybersecurity professional can have in their arsenal. The most useful languages for cyber professionals to learn include: Java C and C++ Python SQL PHP Threats and cyberattacks On the other hand, web developers write code for websites and apps and should have an idea of security issues that could arise. By prioritizing cybersecurity when creating the website, web development teams are helping the cybersecurity team in doing their job and preventing the theft of user and company information. Front end development codes for user-based protections and back end development protects the server and information, thanks to encryption. Both depend greatly on vigilance, maintenance, and high-quality coding. The following tips come in handy for coding security measures: Include strict user input Avoid hidden files and typical XSS mistakes Add Captcha Use a strong Content Security Policy Disable iframe embedding Compartmentalize your app Despite not directly working alongside one another, cybersecurity and web developers have quite a bit of overlap ; web developers understanding and keeping cybersecurity in mind and vice versa enhances the creation process, final product, and maintenance. In the end, users benefit greatly from a professional with skills in both cybersecurity and web development and these disciplines are essential to the freedom and safety of the internet.

You’ve probably heard a lot about ChatGPT recently. Maybe you’ve read one of our blog posts, come across an article in a major newspaper, or even seen a post on one of our social media pages. Lately, it seems like ChatGPT is all everyone is talking about. And with all the hype around ChatGPT, there’s never been a better time to learn how to use it effectively. But before we can do that, let’s talk about ChatGPT: what it is and (most importantly!) what it isn’t. What is ChatGPT? In ChatGPT’s own words, “ChatGPT is a large language model based on the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) architecture. As a language model, ChatGPT is designed to generate human-like responses to natural language input, allowing it to converse with users in a way that resembles a human conversation.” Let’s break that down a little. What we’ve just read is that ChatGPT is a large language model that accepts inputs in plain English (or any number of languages, for that matter) and generates responses similarly to how a human would. But–what exactly is a “large language model?” In brief, it’s a type of artificial intelligence that is trained on human-generated text data in order to be able to understand natural language patterns. In simpler terms, it’s a machine learning model that is fed massive amounts of text so that it’s able to (1) understand text inputs and (2) generate outputs that it calculates are likely to make sense given a specific input. Here, “generate” is a very carefully chosen word. ChatGPT is generative , which means that it can create outputs that it’s never seen before. ChatGPT does not just repeat text that was in its training data; it is able to extrapolate from its training data to create brand new words, sentences, and ideas. So, great! Now we know exactly what ChatGPT is. However, we also need to know what it isn’t before we are able to effectively use it. What are ChatGPT’s limitations? It might seem like an all-powerful beast, capable of absolutely everything and on the verge of taking over the world. But don’t get too ahead of yourself: ChatGPT is not able to do everything. Yes, it’s a powerful tool when used effectively, but it can’t quite replace a human being. Like many other great tools, it can be used to tremendously enhance productivity by helping its user brainstorm ideas or automate tasks, but it’s bounded by these four factors: A dependence on data quality A lack of common sense An inability to handle complex tasks Limited domain expertise What Can I Do With ChatGPT? Now that we have a better understanding of what exactly ChatGPT is, it’s time to learn about what we can actually do with it. In short, you can ask ChatGPT to do anything that can be answered as text and we can list them under three broad categories: explanatory, conversational, and generative. Explanatory : you can ask ChatGPT to explain a word, a concept, or an idea. You can also ask ChatGPT to summarize, re-word, translate, or otherwise clarify a body of text. Example: What does the word “engage” mean? Why is the sky blue? Why do dogs sleep on their backs? Conversational : ChatGPT can engage in a conversation with you, answering questions, providing suggestions, and helping with decision-making. Example: Can you give me some ideas for a child’s birthday party? What should I get my partner for our 10 year anniversary? What is the best way to arrive at my destination? Generative : ChatGPT can generate content such as articles, stories, or code. This can be useful for brainstorming or content creation, but remember to always review and edit content before using it, as the quality of the generated content may vary. Example: Create a blog post about automated processes. Write code that fits into this project. Can you give me content ideas for my startup? How Can I Effectively Use ChatGPT? Whew! By now, you’ve already learned a lot about ChatGPT and are probably itching to start using it. In this next section, we’re going to quickly go over how to use ChatGPT effectively so that  you can get the most out of this powerful tool. We think that it only takes 6 steps to use ChatGPT to its full potential; you should clearly define your task, use appropriate prompts, verify the response from ChatGPT, check the response for biases, edit the content in the response as needed, and then start to experiment! Clearly define your task Before ChatGPT can help you, you need to know exactly what you’re looking for . In other words, you have to know what you don’t know. Once you have a clear understanding of what you need, you’ll be able to generate a prompt that accurately conveys what your task is to ChatGPT. Remember, ChatGPT can’t read your mind! You need to tell it, in writing, exactly what you want. Use appropriate prompts Once you’ve defined your task, you are then able to write a prompt that can enable ChatGPT to generate a relevant response. In your prompt, you should use keywords that help ChatGPT understand what kind of response you’re looking for. Some examples of keywords are: Topic : this one’s pretty obvious, if you’re looking for information on a certain topic, be sure to include keywords related to the topic in your prompt. For example, if you’re looking for information on renewable energy, you should use the keyword “renewable energy” but also related keywords such as “zero-emissions” and “solar power.” Question : if you’re looking to answer a specific question, it’s good to give ChatGPT more context on the nature of your question: are you asking about a who, what, why, when or how? Action : ChatGPT can perform several different kinds of actions, but you need to tell it what to do. Some keywords that may be useful are “summarize,” “define,” “explain,” “analyze,” or “generate.” Comparison : if you want to know more about how two things compare, you should include keywords such as “advantages,” “disadvantages,” “benefits,” or “contrast” so ChatGPT knows how best to frame the comparison. Location : if the information you’re looking for is specific to a region or a timeframe, be sure to include that in the prompt. For example, if you want to learn more about the history of renewable energy in the US, you can ask something like, “In the last 50 years in the United States, …” For best results, it’s important that your prompt be as specific as possible . When you leave room for interpretation, you also leave room for the generated response to be less accurate or relevant to your needs. Verify the response Your job isn’t done as soon as ChatGPT generates a response, however. Once you have the response, you should go through the steps necessary to validate its veracity . It’s not always easy to check if information is true, but it’s incredibly important that you do so before using it or else you risk damaging your own credibility. We recommend you take the following steps: Fact-check the information to quickly determine if it’s inaccurate. Websites like FactCheck.org , Snopes , or the Washington Post Fact Checker are all credible. Cross-reference the information you received from ChatGPT with information you’ve found in multiple other sources. Two sources is the minimum for verifying information is true and you should use more if possible. After you’ve found multiple sources confirming the information is true, you still have to confirm that those sources are credible . Plus, you should also make sure that your sources don’t cite each other. If they do, then they only count as one source. If you’re still unsure about the information, consult an expert in the field ---they’ll be able to provide additional insight and give credible sources to back up their claims. Check for biases This next step may be harder to do without context or expertise, but is nonetheless important. Once you’ve determined a response is factually correct, you should take the time to examine if it contains any potential bias. Using information with external motives or incentives without disclosing them may be just as damaging to your reputation as using false information. Edit the content We’re almost done! At this point, we’ve already determined what we’re looking for, crafted an appropriate prompt, received a response, and checked that response for biases and errors. Now, it’s time to (1) correct those details and (2) edit the content to fit your particular needs. Depending on what kind of content you asked for, you may want to copy the response to a text editor such as Google Docs or a code editor such as Visual Studio Code. Next, you may want to use a tool such as autocorrect for written content or a linter for code to help you identify obvious grammatically and structural errors. At this point, you should choose whether you want to do a full re-write or whether you’ll just be fixing the errors in the generated response. Finally, once you’re done, make sure to do one last read-through before publishing the content. Experiment As with most things, you’ll get better at using ChatGPT with time and practice. The more things you attempt and experiment, the more you’ll learn and improve! You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can improve your prompt engineering skills by just trying different prompts and tasks. Over time, you’ll develop a better understanding of how to use ChatGPT effectively for your specific needs. Where do we go from here? If you’re looking to not just become a more proficient ChatGPT user but also actually break into the world of tech, check out our bootcamps. There are bootcamps available for just about anybody, and we think that you’ll surely find something that’ll help you grow in your career. Poke around our website and see which bootcamp is the best fit for you. We can’t wait to see you in class!