The Ironhack Blog

Gone are the days of long-distance phone calls and writing letters; well, writing letters is still a sweet gesture if you have the time. But today, no matter where we live in the world, we’re surrounded by so many forms of communication that it can seem almost too easy to live abroad, away from your family, friends, and partner and still feel like you’re a part of their everyday life. In fact, you might feel so connected that it doesn’t even feel like you’re away. Technology, in all its forms, can help you reach new heights and stay connected, even from across the world. And whether you’re backpacking across Europe and taking a few months off from work yet aiming to keep in touch with those at home or taking a workation and needing ways to jump into meetings from Mexico’s beaches, you need to know how to harness technology to work for you. BUTTON: WORKATIONS But we’re not just talking about working from abroad; lots of people are taking time off to travel, making up for lost time during the pandemic. Or some are switching to part-time so they can make enough to survive while seeing the world. When you leave the first time, it will be especially tough. How will you not see your dog everyday? What happens when you aren’t there for your niece’s First Communion? And god forbid--what if something terrible happens? Staying connected while abroad is just as important as going abroad in the first place. From both a personal and professional point of view, your connections at home are still your strongest and learning to navigate and balance both will be quite the challenge at first. Luckily, however, we’ve outlined some of the best tricks and tips surrounding being abroad and technology to help you make the most of your time abroad. BUTTON: REMOTE COURSES Connecting with Home WiFi Depending on where you’re from and your current cell phone and plan, it may be pretty pricey to turn on roaming while you’re abroad to stay in touch. And relying on cafes and hotels that offer free WiFi could work, but aren’t reliable enough to depend on in an urgent situation. Portable WiFi hotspots are a great example; let’s check out a few: Skyroam Solis : for under $10 a day, you can connect five devices to WiFi through this handheld portable WiFi hotspot that provides 4G LTE coverage globally. It also boasts 16 hours of battery life and a portable charger and here’s the best part: you only pay for the days you use. HippocketWiFi : this small WiFi hotspot provides 4G LTE coverage in 40 European nations and can connect to up to 10 devices. This product is only available for rent, meaning once you’re back from your trip, you can just send it back! Phone calls and messaging International calls are slow, costly, and just not a reliable option anymore. In fact, some carriers won’t even make international calls without a special option activated on your plan. Check out these options to make messaging and calls cheap (or free!) and fast: WhatsApp : as one of the main messaging apps used worldwide, WhatsApp is known for its speed, security, and ease of use. Available on the majority of devices, you can also make phone or video calls through WiFi. FaceTime : Apple users can use FaceTime through WiFi for both audio or video calls across iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Skype : for those looking for a more official video call, Skype can host up to five users and offers both video and audio calls through the Internet. Facebook Messenger : believe it or not, Facebook Messenger is a great option for both messaging and calls. Social media Use social media to your benefit! Today, we have an incredible amount of apps available to encourage connections from any part of the world. Staying active on apps like Instagram and Twitter where you can share updates on where you are and what you’re doing (while being safe, of course!) can also help you check in on what friends and family are doing. If you’re interested in taking your abroad experiences and going even further, try starting a blog and writing about what you’ve learned while traveling. Once you’re home, it’ll be a great way to reflect on your travels and maybe even share your memories with others. Connecting with Work/School You’re lucky enough to get to travel and work, meaning you can keep your job/studies while you see the world. And while that truly is awesome, you need to make sure you’re able to properly do your job while abroad ; you can do that through considering and reflecting on these points: Money : your paycheck at home may go a lot farther - or shorter - than it does while abroad. Before making any move, check out the cost of living in your desired destination and calculate how much things like rent, groceries, a gym membership, public transportation, or utilities will cost you. WiFi : not all WiFi speeds are the same and you might have a hard time tuning into meetings or classes if your connection is constantly being dropped. But in some countries, a rainy day can mean WiFi fails or files simply can’t be uploaded. Do some research and make sure you can do what you need to from abroad. Safety : if you’re continuing at your job, you’ll probably have company materials with you, such as your laptop. And you need to ensure that your things will be safe at home, in public, and while traveling. If you’re planning on working in cafes or co-working spaces, make sure you’re headed somewhere that doesn’t have a reputation for pick pockets. Use a calendar: even if you weren’t dependent on a calendar at home, it may help to lay everything out on a calendar while you’re abroad, especially if you’re in a different time zone. It can be easy to get confused about time zones and you want to show your colleagues and boss that you’re just as reliable while working away. If not, you may not be allowed to take a similar trip in the future. Plan properly : some jobs will ask you to work the same hours as your colleagues at home, others will offer a bit more flexibility. Before you leave, ensure you have agreed upon a work schedule with your company to avoid any issues. The last thing you want is to be expected to work beginning at 3am every day because you didn’t confirm a different schedule with your boss. Network : your networking ambitions don’t have to stop just because you’re away! In fact, this is a great way to meet new people, check out what’s happening in your industry in a different country, and build lifelong connections. You never know, you may fall in love with your new home and never look back! BUTTON: REMOTE WORK Connecting with Your Surroundings There’s no point in going abroad if you’re just going to sit in your apartment and talk to people at home! And while it is important to maintain connections at home, especially with your company and family and friends, take full advantage of your time abroad. Apps There’s a lot of expats out there and you’re definitely not the only one who’s looking to make new friends or work on your language skills. Tandem is a great language exchange app, Eatwith offers you the chance to connect with new people over food, and Meetup helps connect you with people who share the same interests. Facebook groups Looking for an apartment in Rome? Or want to understand a little bit more Spanish? How about visa help with your Brazilian visa? There are Facebook groups for everything and no matter what you need help with, there are other people in your shoes who are willing to help out. Co-working spaces Particularly if you’re living alone, try to get out and not spend all day inside working. You’re abroad, after all! Try working from a co-working space (a quick Google search will give you some to try out) and don’t be afraid to socialize, talk to others, and start forming your community abroad. We know the first days abroad can be a challenge and even making that big decision can be quite the undertaking. But you can learn so much about both yourself and new cultures by spending time abroad and if you have the chance to work or study from abroad, you should strongly consider it. After all, with all the tech we’ve outlined above, what more could you want?

Emotional intelligence plays a critical role in workplaces. It’s often undervalued in relation to technical skills and knowledge, however, navigating interpersonal communication and being in touch with the emotional needs of everyone in the workplace is the backbone to a business's success. What is emotional intelligence? Emotional intelligence (EI), or sometimes referred to as emotional quotient (EQ), is the ability to understand and manage one’s emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It’s about self awareness, social awareness, and effective communication and is necessary in the process of empathizing with others and building strong relationships. In the context of work, high emotional intelligence is necessary in aiding folks achieve their professional goals. Emotional intelligence is crucial in helping folks make decisions, solve complex problems, navigate conflict and communicate effectively . Obviously technical skills and knowledge are important, but if one lacks emotional intelligence, they may limit their ability to be successful in highly social workspaces. Understanding the five components of emotional intelligence at work: Psychologist Daniel Goleman , in his book “ Emotional Intelligence: Why it Can Matter More than IQ, ” broke emotional intelligence down into five components in order to help us better understand the complexities of emotional intelligence. While he’s divided them, Goleman is clear that these components are interconnected and work collaboratively to form emotional intelligence. By working on improving these specific components, tech professionals can expand their emotional intelligence and subsequently enhance their performance in the workplace. Self-Awareness: self-awareness is the ability to understand one’s own emotional responses, strengths, weaknesses, values, and triggers . It’s a core component to emotional intelligence hinting at the self reflective aspects of relationships. Individuals who are self-aware are able to better manage their emotions, communicate strongly with others and make sound decisions. Self-Regulation: once one is in touch with their emotions and triggers, self-regulation is the task at hand. It’s the practice of controlling one’s emotions, responses, impulses and behaviors . People with strong self-regulation skills are able to better regulate stress, remain calm under pressure, and pause to reflect before acting on an impulse. Motivation : motivation is understood as the desire or drive to achieve one’s goals, persist in the face of adversity, and improve oneself. Motivation is important in the workplace because folks who are motivated are more likely to commit themselves to their work, take initiative, and achieve their personal and professional goals. Empathy : empathy is someone’s capacity to understand and share the feelings of others. Strong empathy skills help one better relate to their co-workers, collaborate successfully, build stronger relationships, and resolve conflicts effectively. Social Skills: social skills refer to one’s ability to work well in teams, communicate effectively, build strong relationships and influence others. Tech professionals with strong social skills are able to be stronger leaders, negotiate effectively, and collaborate with others. These are thought of as the five components of emotional intelligence. That said, they are interconnected and work collaboratively to construct one’s overall emotional intelligence. Through developing these components, one can enhance their emotional intelligence and improve their performance in the workplace. Why does emotional intelligence matter in the workplace? More and more HR directors and business leaders are pointing to the importance of emotional intelligence in relation to a business’s success . It’s not enough to simply be smart, if one lacks social awareness or conflict resolution skills, their contributions to a business are limited. According to a survey of hiring managers , nearly 75% of respondents stated that they consider an employee’s emotional intelligence (EQ) more important than their intelligence quotient (IQ). This is precisely because emotional intelligence can greatly improve communication leadership, decision-making, conflict resolution, and teamwork, among other important aspects to a productive workplace. Here are a few ways in which emotional intelligence can benefit tech businesses: Building strong relationships: emotional intelligence helps tech professionals better understand their own needs, emotions, and reactions in relation to their work. It’s in self-awareness that allows workers to later understand the needs and emotions of others. Only from this place of mutual understanding can workers build stronger relationships with coworkers, clients and other stakeholders. Effective communication: high emotional intelligence allows for open and effective communication with coworkers and clients. This communication can be verbal or non-verbal. Emotional intelligence allows tech professionals to better listen to others, form and articulate ideas, and build consensus around proposed solutions. Conflict resolution: no workplace is free from conflict, that said, navigating and resolving conflict in productive ways is crucial to building a productive workplace. Emotional intelligence is critical in conflict resolution. By understanding one’s emotions and the emotions of others, tech workers can more easily deescalate high stress situations, face conflict head on, and reach mutually beneficial solutions for the company or the workplace. Leadership : emotional intelligence is a critical component of effective leadership . Clear communication, listening skills, and emotional understanding are necessary in order to motivate coworkers, build a healthy workplace environment, and create a more productive and successful office. Constructive criticism: emotional intelligence is a crucial skill in providing constructive criticism to others precisely because it requires self-awareness, social-awareness, and strong communication skills. Providing feedback and criticism to coworkers is necessary to building a more productive workplace, but to do so effectively requires high emotional intelligence. Increased productivity : we all know that too much time is wasted spent navigating interpersonal conflict , combating rumors and navigating workplace social dynamics. Conflict is normal and ultimately necessary in the process of building stronger relationships. However, conflict that’s not well addressed can send a company totally off track. That said, strong emotional intelligence allows workplaces to grow stronger and more productive in the face of conflict. Improved teamwork: collaboration is a core component to the tech industry. That said, emotional intelligence is crucial in building strong teams, effectively supporting one another, addressing conflict in constructive ways and creating highly productive workplaces that aid the innovation and satisfaction of all folks involved. Better customer service: in an industry where customer satisfaction is highly important, emotional intelligence is a must. Tech professionals need to understand how to respond quickly and effectively to customer needs, frustrations or feedback in order to achieve high customer loyalty and satisfaction. Emotional intelligence aids effective communication with customers. Emotional intelligence is ultimately what allows businesses to build strong workplace dynamics, manage stress, communicate clearly and navigate complex relationships . In many ways, it’s the pinnacle of leadership for tech professionals. Without strong emotional intelligence, a business may falter in the face of conflict or adversity. Thus, improving emotional intelligence in the workplace is necessary in order to grow and advance one’s business . How can we improve emotional intelligence in the workplace? We know that emotional intelligence is important to building a strong workplace. That said, how can your workplace invest in enhancing the level of emotional intelligence of your tech professionals? Some work can be done individually, and other work can be done through company trainings and workshops. In all, investing in emotional intelligence can lead to better communication, teamwork, and productivity . Here are a few strategies to improve the workplace’s EQ: Building deep self-awareness: employees should be encouraged to reflect on their emotional responses or reactions in a variety of situations. Companies can build in time for reflective activities, or simply encourage employees to think through their responses, in order to help employees identify patterns and triggers that they possess. From this self-awareness, employees can take the next step of addressing or transforming those reactions. Provide training and development opportunities: often employees are told to improve their self-awareness and other emotional intelligence skills but without any guidance. A training program is helpful in starting the conversation on emotional intelligence among employees. Workshops may offer tools that workers can later utilize in their own time , and provide a space dedicated to developing these skills with the support of a workshop facilitator. Professional trainings are often necessary in breaking the ice around an issue that sometimes is difficult for folks to see the importance of, or difficult to engage without the support of folks better versed on the subject. Practicing active listening: active listening is the act of listening in an empathetic way in order to achieve greater understanding and reduce the amount of miscommunications. Instead of simply listening to quickly combat or respond to someone, active listening requires follow-up questions, gestures that show you’re engaged, and waiting your turn to speak. It shows respect and helps build trust and rapport. Equally, colleagues will feel better understood and cared for in the workplace. Active listening is a really important skill to work on in enhancing overall emotional intelligence. Encouraging open communication : companies should create a culture in which employees feel comfortable expressing their emotions and concerns. Being able to communicate clearly and openly about workplace frustrations or conflicts helps address problems head on and prevents miscommunications from arising. Practice: emotional intelligence is not something that one can achieve overnight. It’s a variety of skills that one needs to train, and building those skills requires regular sustained practice. This could be achieved through role plays organized in a professional development course, or simply journaling after a tough day at work to think through alternative ways one could have reacted to a situation. Be patient with yourself and know that there is no shortage of moments in which you’ll be able to strengthen that emotional intelligence muscle. By investing in the emotional intelligence of your workplace, you’re investing in the wellbeing of your workers. In many ways, emotional intelligence is the backbone of a strong and effective company. By encouraging emotional intelligence, we’re committed to creating a more positive and productive workplace culture that will ideally lead to a more motivated and effective group of tech professionals.

Almost everyone was faced with the possibility of remote work at some point during and after the pandemic and lots of companies have realized that their remote employees have the same or even improved productivity and efficiency , allowing remote work to continue post-pandemic. But that change didn’t come without challenges; this transition is a major one for lots of people and no matter if you’re transitioning from an office job to a remote one, a remote job to an office role, or have a hybrid role, there’s a lot to keep in mind. Transitioning from an Office Job to a Remote Job Whether it was your choice or not, the switch from commuting to the office everyday to working from home is a big one. Gone are the days of waking up early, packing a lunch, and working face-to-face with co-workers. And while you may be basking in your newfound free time and freedom, this transition can be quite difficult for many. We’ve outlined some of the main things to keep in mind as you embark on this new journey: Anticipate and prevent loneliness If you’ve been working in the corporate world for years surrounded by your colleagues, team lunch breaks, or happy hours, you may experience quite the culture shock when you’re suddenly spending all day alone at home working, especially if you live alone or your partner is still working in the office. It may feel like a welcome breath of fresh air at the beginning, but reality is remote work can be incredibly lonely for many. If you find that remote work is getting to you and you’re missing human interaction, check out some of these tips: Try coworking spaces : many cities offer coworking spaces where you can rent out a desk or working space while enjoying a fresh cup of coffee. These are quite popular among remote workers, meaning you can benefit from being around others. Consider hybrid working: even if your role was marketed as fully remote, you may still have the option of an office. If you have the option of going to the office, consider incorporating that into your schedule one or two days a week to help you get that much-needed human interaction. Think about a workation : workations are growing in popularity and there’s never been a better time to explore the world while still receiving that monthly paycheck. Schedule calls/events with colleagues : just because you’re remote doesn’t mean you can’t chat and bond with your colleagues; consider adding weekly catch ups or scheduled coffee breaks to your calendar. Ask questions Remote work means you have a lot of freedom and there’s no boss peeking over your shoulder or nosy colleagues watching you play Sudoku to clear your mind. But this also means that your company might have assurance measures in place to ensure you are actually doing your job. To make sure you’re acting within company guidelines, ask the following: Do I have to sign in everyday or track my exact hours? Do we have check-in meetings? Can I take lunch/breaks whenever or should I let the team know? If I’m sick, how do I communicate that to the team? When should we schedule a call to discuss something or just communicate via email/chat? Your team and boss want you to succeed and should happily answer these questions to help you adjust to your newfound independence. Set firm boundaries between your personal and professional lives Working from home means you may be tempted to check your email on weekends or work through your lunch break; it also means you might decide to do some laundry or cook an extensive meal during work hours. At home, it’s quite easy for work and pleasure to blend together and setting firm boundaries is key: Create a workspace dedicated exclusively to work : focusing will be easier if you find a spot that is purely for work; this will help you both ignore personal responsibilities while at home and not be tempted to work after hours or on weekends. Be firm with your partner/kids/roommates : remember that remote work doesn’t mean that you’re just hanging out at home; you have the same responsibility to focus and get work done that you did at the office. In addition to setting boundaries with your physical working space, make sure you talk to those you live with so that they know you’re busy during working hours. Figure out what works best for you : especially if remote work is new for you, it might take a bit to get settled and be as efficient as you were in the office. Try new things and be patient with yourself; remote work can be challenging and finding your secret to success will take a few trial and errors. Be communicative In some workplaces, remote work is a privilege and you need to show your boss and team that you’re just as responsible and efficient from home; make sure you frequently check in with your team, provide updates, and make sure everyone is on the same page. Advantages of remote work Remote work is quite attractive for lots of people and some people are actually only accepting remote roles. And there’s a reason for that: You’ll gain lots of time back (and sleep!) from the time saved commuting You’ll have more autonomy and independence You’ll have a better work-life balance You can use your newly-gained time to go on a walk at lunch, get ahead on household chores, or simply rest You can work from a variety of places Transitioning from a Remote Job to an Office Job Were you one of the lucky ones that’s worked remotely long before the pandemic? Or did you transition to remote work during the pandemic and now are expected back in the office? No matter your reasoning, going from remote to office work is quite the challenge and we’ve got what you need to make this change successful. Take time to get prepared If possible, ask your boss if your reintroduction to the office can be gradual so that you’re able to fully adjust before heading in five days a week. If you’re used to waking up at 8:59 am and working in sweatpants, the transition to work clothes and a long commute might seem impossible. Consider these tips: Make sure you have the right wardrobe : it may seem a little obvious, but you’ll be surprised by how hard it is to find five outfits a week when you’re used to working in your pajamas. Treat yourself if you lack appropriate clothes for your office and plan in advance--it’ll make those early mornings easier! Be realistic: if you’ve been doing a 7:30 am workout class while remote working or fitting in a quick yoga session on your lunch break, consider that these may not be realistic options anymore. And, generally speaking, you will be more tired from commuting/being in the office all day and not be able to maintain the same social/exercise schedule as before. Meal plan : gone are the days of throwing something together at lunchtime or grabbing a snack when you’re hungry. Eating out or buying coffee everyday can add up quickly; ensure you have sufficient food (which will fuel you during the day!) packed and planned out so you’re prepared. Ask questions If you haven’t worked in an office in a while (or ever, if you entered the workforce during the pandemic), it may seem like a giant mystery. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your boss and HR department are there to help you and asking questions to get a better idea of what’s expected of you will help the transition be even easier. Don’t know what questions to ask? Try these out: Is there a dress code? If so, what is it? Are there set hours or are flexible hours an option? Is there a kitchen/coffee machine in the office? What kind of office space will I have? These are completely normal questions that your team will be expecting, so go ahead and use these answers to make your adjustment process as smooth as possible. Go slow and be patient with yourself This won’t be easy at first and you’ll probably be more tired than you were while you were working remotely. And that’s completely normal! In-office work requires lots of energy, human interaction, and time; be patient with yourself as you get used to it and make sure you’re getting lots of rest at home and on weekends. Make it easier for yourself There’s no reason to make this transition harder than it already is. Did you always have your favorite coffee in the morning? Or listen to a great podcast during lunch? You can still incorporate what you loved about remote working into your in-office life and, in fact, it will help facilitate the transition. Focus on the positives It can be easy to fall into negative thoughts and frustration about returning to the office, especially if you’re happy working remotely, but try to focus on the positives: you can have more human interaction, it can be easier to work with your colleagues if you’re in the same place, especially if you work on a team, and you can improve your productivity and efficiency. Maintaining a positive mindset will help you see the bright side of this change. Advantages of in-office work Believe it or not, some people actually prefer in-office work due to the following reasons: You’ll feel like part of the team You’ll be more efficient and productive You’ll learn new concepts or programs easier You’ll work better with team members and monitor project progress thoroughly You’ll draw clear lines between your personal and professional lives No matter what your setup is, transitions are completely normal parts of the professional world and we have a secret: this probably won’t be your last one. As you continue to grow professionally, you will switch jobs or roles and be faced with new changes and challenges; keep this guide in mind and do everything you can to prepare yourself for the unexpected and tackle anything thrown your way.

Creating websites and apps is an elaborate process for web developers, but it’s not a solo job: designers are also needed to create user-friendly interfaces that help the user find what they’re looking for. What is Web Development? Web development is as simple as it sounds: using and writing code to develop a website; however, when you break it down further, the intricacies are very complex and can be broken down into three types of development: front-end, back-end, and full stack development. Front end development Front end is the part of the website with which the user directly interacts, also referred to as the client side. It includes several types of coding: HTML, CSS, Java, and Bootstrap. Back end development Although users don’t see or interact with the back end of a website, it’s still extremely important; this server side is where data is stored and arranged. Some important coding languages for this type include PHP, Java, and Python. Full stack development Combining both front end and back end development, full stack development requires the programmer to be fluent in front end and back end languages, allowing them to work with multiple frameworks. What is UX/UI Design? UX/UI design are two very important yet separate parts of a whole when it comes time to create both websites and applications. UX design UX design is all about the user’s experience and focuses on conducting research and surveys on user satisfaction and optimizing accessibility and functionality. UX designers also develop wireframes and prototypes that provide a framework and form so that the app or website flows and is easy to use and intuitive. UI design UI design, or user interface design, zeroes in on the design aspect in terms of what visually appeals to the user; the color scheme, page layout, fonts, and interactive elements like buttons are all key aspects that the UI designer creates. What Responsibilities do UX/UI Designers Have? Both UX and UI designers are responsible for a large portion of the final product since they oversee the complete user experience of the app or website. What do these include? Let’s see: Conducting user research Creating user personas and user journey maps Building wireframes and prototypes for the final product Deciding and designing the overall page layout, color schemes, fonts, and interactive elements Coordinating with the other designers and web developers How do UX/UI Design and Web Development Differ? Here’s how they differ: web developers need to know how to write usable and practical code for their projects; UX/UI designers focus on providing the user with the best experience possible. UX designers create the essence of what the user will experience and UI designers focus on all the design elements, guiding and supporting each other. How do Web Developers and UX/UI Designers Work Together? The process that they use to carry out a project from beginning to end looks like this: The initial stages: when a new product comes out and the team begins their coordination, UX/UI designers are responsible for brainstorming and introducing their ideas and approaches. While letting their creative and analytic juices flow, web developers have a much more technical job; they must determine the feasibility of the project, depending on UX designers’ proposed specifications and the project’s development process. Realism and idealism come together to create the final product. Conducting user research: strong communication between web developers and UX designers is key for creating a functional and user-friendly project. UX designers: Collect data concerned with what users think, want, and need Conduct surveys, questionnaires, focus groups, and in-person interviews Web developers: Assist in coming up with questions they deem important Suggest certain questions for research since they know what features will appear 3. Sharing and editing (then editing again!): once the UX design team has completed their research, they share it with the web development team, and together collaborate to hone in on the requirements for their MVP, or Minimum Viable Product. Once that is established, they take on the following: UX/UI designers sketching the wireframe and making design choices Web developers evaluating the feasibility of the proposed designs To move forward, the web development team: Corrects and goes through several trials with the wireframes in order to ensure that they are feasible from a technical standpoint Provides any feedback on the designs that are practical and maintain a high-quality experience for the user After further development and communication, basic wireframes become prototypes that lead to a final design. 4. More testing: now that the project has taken shape, it’s time for the UX designers to collect more data and coordinate with users again. This phase of research: Leverages user testing to inform the UX design team of any required changes Helps UX designers determine what web developers need to do to improve the code based on user experience testing feedback Meanwhile, web developers: Stay up to date on the project Use feedback to improve Determine the technical viability of any necessary adjustments from the UX/UI design team This loop of feedback guarantees the continued success of the project. 5. The final design: We are almost ready to deliver a finalized design! The UI designer is now responsible for designing the final version of the app or website given that the user experience flow is almost ready. In the meantime, the web development team will wait for the UI designers to submit and hand off their fully updated and finalized design. We’re not done yet: some important questions come into play: Are both the UI designers and the web developers using the same software? Would a collaborative tool be helpful for the design to development handoff? Is there a definitive description of the different elements of the overall design to which the developers can refer? Are all designs feasible for the final product? To finish off the handoff process, they both have to be up to speed and ensure that they’re on the same page; web developers have to communicate their requirements for finalizing the project and UI designers should hand off their designs, meeting the web developers’ requirements. 6. Implementation: It’s implementation time and although the project has entered its final phase, there are still some problems that may arise and all teams need to be ready to tackle them. It’s possible that some of the UX/UI designers’ proposed creations may not function properly and could need tweaking after users interact with the project and provide feedback. Web developers will need to modify sections and depend on the design team’s assistance to ensure that the user’s experience remains excellent. Coordination and communication between these two teams are essential to delivering a high-quality finalized product; trusting and prioritizing the input of the other team is crucial. Web development takes the role of writing the code and maintaining a grounded perspective of the project; UX/UI design creates and leverages research to continuously build an improved, user-friendly, and intuitive final product.

We’ve all been there: you’re working from home and are stressed out by the very sight of laundry piling up or floors that could really use some cleaning. And that’s not to mention your kids, partner, or roommates that come and go throughout the day, chatting and bustling around, creating distractions. If focusing during the work day has become a significant challenge for you and going to the office every day just isn’t an option, you’ve come to the right place. Before we dive into what to do to prevent distractions, let’s review exactly why distractions can have such drastic effects on our work. Distractions and Their Effects Did you know that the average worker is interrupted 50-60 times a day and 80% of those distractions are unimportant? No matter how you work and how much music, ambience, or social connection you enjoy while working, distractions can significantly impact your results in these ways: Increasing forgetfulness : there’s nothing like that incredible moment when you have the best idea and are set to bring it to life. And then suddenly, your co-worker comes up and tells you about their fun weekend and bam, the idea is gone. Distractions can make you more forgetful and harder to concentrate on what you’re doing. Favoring inattentiveness : it’s very hard to do two things at the same time, let alone three or four. And if you’re trying to listen to your favorite podcast while reading an email from a client, you’ll find it hard to focus your attention on the email. Reducing productivity: it will be nearly impossible to complete your tasks and responsibilities if you’re constantly being distracted and losing focus at work. In fact, the brain requires more energy and power to switch between tasks than focusing on just one and you’ll accomplish less if you’re constantly multitasking. As you can tell, minimizing distractions is key to getting your work done and ensuring you’re not wasting energy on remaining focused. But what are the main distractions we face while working remotely? Let’s discuss. Common Distractions While Remote Working Being home means that you (probably) don’t have a space dedicated to work, surrounded by others doing the same or similar work. This means that distractions are abundant, as this survey found: 33% of remote workers say their biggest distraction is their children 18% are distracted by their pets 18% view their roommates as distractions 16% have trouble focusing due to noisy neighbors Remote working brings a certain amount of freedom to your daily life; there’s no boss looking over your shoulder or nosy coworkers giving you that look when you open your personal email. But with this advantage comes a challenge: remaining focused and tuning out distractions. Neighbors/Visitors Your neighbors might not realize you work remotely and do a loud, 10 am Zumba class right in the middle of your morning meeting. Or after finding out that you’re home all day, they might stop by for a chat or to borrow something. As friendly and neighborly as you’d like to be, your priority during work hours is, well, work ; try to have a polite yet firm conversation with them and anyone else who is interrupting your work day and explain that despite the fact that you’re at home, you’re still working and need to be left alone. Child/pet care Just because you’re home all day doesn’t mean that you’re free to walk your dog or be the primary caregiver for your child. Plan for childcare/dog walkers as if you were heading to the office; your work hours should be dedicated to work and not other responsibilities . If, for whatever reason you are left in charge of a child or pet during the workday, make sure you have a plan in place to entertain them while you get some work done: toys, TV time, and books work as great distractions for kids. Housework The dirty dishes might be piling up in the sink and it’s probably time to change your sheets, but not during the weekday! Just like you wouldn’t walk out of the office to take care of personal responsibilities, remote work is no different; as tough as it can be, remember that your only job during the day is your job! Everything else can wait. Avoiding Distractions While Remote Working Now that we’ve covered some of the main distractions people face while remote working, it’s time to give you some key tips and tricks to help you maximize your workday and eliminate pesky distractions. Pick your space carefully It may feel tempting to set up your workspace in your bed or right in front of the TV, but will those places help you be as productive as possible? Probably not. Pick a space where you have space for all your materials, natural light (if possible), can close a door and have peace and quiet, and aren’t tempted by other things to do (think dishes, laundry, or cleaning). Our other tip for your workspace is equally as important: select a location that is separate from your normal life at home. What does this mean? Well, one of the hardest things about remote working is creating boundaries between your work and personal lives and if you put your laptop right in the middle of the family room table where you spend most of your time anyways, you’ll find the lines between work and home blurring quite a bit. Choosing a specific location for your workspace and respecting that outside of work hours is incredibly important. Be realistic about what distracts you The perfect recipe for remote work varies significantly from person to person and we can’t tell you what exactly will distract you; however, if you know that you’re tempted to turn on the TV during the day and watch just one episode of your favorite show or pick up your phone too much during the day, you need to be realistic and set yourself up for success, not failure. Stay away from the TV during the day and leave your phone in another room if these prove to be serious distractions for you. Focus on your work during work hours Blending work and personal time can be challenging when working from home, but it’s important (for both sides!) that you set boundaries and stick to them. Leaving your work computer open on the couch all day will mean you’re answering emails when you should be off work or watching TV while assignments come rolling in. Stick to a schedule that clearly separates working and personal time. What About Good Distractions? Yes, good distractions exist! No one can spend eight hours staring at a computer screen and taking breaks and getting distracted every once in a while is a good thing, we promise. If you need, take a walk or go grocery shopping during your lunch break. As long as you still respect your work hours and what needs to be done gets done, you’re free to mold your remote work life to fit your exact needs. Being efficient and productive may seem nearly impossible at home, but the flexibility and other benefits of remote work are so worth it–if you can make it work for you. Review our above tips and think about how you can apply them to your life. You’ll see changes in no time.

We’ve all been there and it’s not fun: feeling uncertain about a decision, especially when it carries the weight of a career change or another major decision, can be quite the challenge. And making the decision to change jobs or even change industries isn’t one you’re going to take lightly--and with reason! In fact, we recommend leaning into that uncertainty and trying to determine where it actually comes from; after all, you know what’s best for you and if you’re feeling doubt or concern, there’s probably a reason why. We’re going to explore the specific instances where you might be feeling uncertain when either choosing to take one of Ironhack’s bootcamps or once you’re enrolled and in the midst of the course. But first, even though we all recognize that sense of uncertainty and anxiety, let’s dive into where that comes from and what possible causes could be. Uncertainty: where does it come from? Uncertainty can be a lot of different things to different people and you might be tempted to conflate its definition with risk, anxiety, or doubt. And while those are all feelings associated with uncertainty, they’re not quite the same. Uncertainty specifically comes from five sources: Missing information: no matter how the information we need is missing, whether we simply don’t know the answer or can’t find what we need, missing information causes that sense of uncertainty. Unreliable information : even if we do have the information we need, it still causes uncertainty because we can’t be sure it’s true and trustworthy. Conflicting information : we might have the information we need and trust it, but if it’s inconsistent with other information, it will be hard to believe it. Noisy information : if there’s a lot of information out there--but we don’t know what’s right--it can be difficult to get a straight answer. Confusing information : you might have everything you need in front of you: you’ve found reliable, trustworthy, and consistent information in your search. But if you can’t understand it, it’s practically useless. These main causes of uncertainty can manifest themselves in anxiety, self-doubt, pessimism, and more harmful behaviors. And we know that changing careers or taking on a new challenge like a bootcamp can be intimidating, which is why we’re going to address some situations that our prospective/current students feel and discuss how to tackle them: "I've been job hunting forever...will I ever get a job?" Of course you will and the tech sector is a great place to look for jobs right now. But finding the right role for you might take a bit of time and there’s nothing wrong with that. Stay mentally strong and look for actionable items you can do to make a difference. Is your CV outdated or not catching the eye of recruiters? Give it a revamp . Are you leaving your interviews thinking they could have gone better? Talk to professionals and seek out advice for things to do differently. Are you having trouble finding the right role for you? Use LinkedIn, your Ironhack alumni community , or any other tools available to you to network and talk to seasoned professionals who can give you practical advice. “I don’t know exactly what I want to do professionally. Is a bootcamp still a good idea?” Maybe the only thing that’s clear is that you don’t want to stay in your current role, but you have no idea what your next step should be. Well, that’s actually great news. Tech is an industry with a wide range of career paths and no matter what field you choose to study, you’ll be able to try out different roles until you find the perfect one for you. “I have NO experience in tech. How will I succeed in the bootcamp?” Don’t worry! The great thing about our bootcamps is that we bring together people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences to help them find their path in life through tech bootcamps. In addition to your fellow Ironhackers, you’ll have dedicated teachers and teaching assistants to help you if you get stuck and your pre-bootcamp module will ensure you have sufficient foundational knowledge before the course even begins. “How do I know tech is right for me?” You might think tech is an industry where you need a calculus level knowledge of math and years of experience coding to be successful. And we’re not saying that wouldn’t help--in fact, it would probably be awesome! But most tech roles require knowledge of tech concepts that change and evolve so frequently extensive educational requirements are being left behind and employers are instead focusing on hard skills . So no matter your background, if you master the tech skills that are so needed within the industry, you and tech will be a great fit. "I've accepted a job offer...what if I don't like it?" Before anything else: congratulations ! Getting a job in tech is no small feat, especially if you come from a different background or industry. And the truth is that no matter how well your interviews went, you won’t know what it’s actually like to work at the company until you’re on the job and have been there for a bit. But keep this important tidbit in mind: you are just starting out and you may have to shop around a bit before you find the perfect role for you. If you don’t like the role at first, stay positive and give it a chance. It could be a valuable learning opportunity and provide you with the skills you’ll need to land your next role. “How do I know the bootcamp will teach me what I need to know to get a job?” Our course content is constantly being updated and renewed to teach you exactly what you need to get a job in tech. We know that tech’s dizzying speed means that the skills you need might change drastically from year to year; we look at what tech companies are requesting from applicants and apply what we’ve seen to our syllabus. "Will my bootcamp actually get me a job?" One of the best things about tech is that the traditional four-year university education is going out the door, meaning that online learning and bootcamps are legitimate and good ways to get into tech. However, getting your dream job is a challenge you’ll have to overcome through hard work and dedication ; your bootcamp can open doors to success, if you’re willing to make the effort. "I'm working for a small startup and things are looking dicey: what happens if I'm made redundant?” Like we mentioned above, these doubts will circle in your head and make your head absolutely spiral. Try to stick to what you do know: you already got one job and you can use the time you have at your current job to hone your skills, learn new abilities, and become a better applicant for future roles. “Is AI going to take my job?!” Oof, you’ve been reading Reddit again, haven’t you? While quite skilled and advanced, artificial intelligence is not going to decrease the numbers of jobs in tech; in fact, more jobs will actually be created. Why is that? Well, at the end of the day, artificial intelligence will revolutionize the tech sector and new jobs will be needed to harness the power of it. Combating Uncertainty Even the world’s most confident and secure person is going to face uncertainty at some point and that’s totally fine. The most important thing is that you have tools available to you that will help you overcome your uncertainty and we have some helpful, albeit challenging, tips to help you achieve peace with uncertainty: Focus on things that are in your control : this seems quite obvious, but it’s actually one of the biggest causes of stress in most people. And although we’d like to have full control over the majority of things in our lives, we simply don’t--and never will. So the next time there’s something stressing you out that’s out of your control, try to break the problem up into smaller issues and tackle the aspects you can control. Find things that help you feel better: uncertainty can trigger some intense feelings and if you can’t control that uncertainty, you will need to learn what helps you feel better in that moment of stress. For example, if exercising helps you let go and focus on something else, try going for a run when you feel that uncertainty rolling in. Think about why you need certainty : it’s clear you’d rather be certain about things, but it’s not always an option. So instead of thinking about the uncertainty of the moment, reflect on times when you weren’t sure about something and it turned out totally okay. Then once you feel a bit more confident, remember that everything works out and this too will be completely fine. Learn to accept uncertainty : this might be the hardest tip we ever give you! Learning to accept uncertainty is quite the challenge, but it’s a part of being human. Try to identify your triggers and what tends to set you off, getting yourself ready to combat it when the time comes. We know that times of uncertainty can bring around strong anxieties and concerns but we’re here to remind you that the most important aspect to remember is that you’re making this career changing decision to meet your goals and better your life, in whatever way fits your dreams. And we’ll be here every step of the way to make sure you reach success.

The tech industry is not immune to challenges by any means. In fact, it’s an industry that’s not simply had to face adversity, but rather, it’s grown and transformed specifically because of the challenges that it’s faced . The pace at which tech is expanding means that an adaptable structure is necessary and the accelerating demand for new innovations is a core reality for tech. That said, the industry does not shy away from adversity; instead, it’s proven to be adaptive, agile and resilient in the face of tough situations. Understanding how the industry faces adversity is crucial in thinking through the future of big tech . What Makes the Tech Industry So Resilient? The tech sector is marked by five characteristics which aid it in being capable of confronting challenges that other industries may not be able to as successfully address. These include: Adaptation The tech industry is known for its adaptability in the face of challenges . Whether that be a willingness to offer new products, pivot business strategies, or transform business models, the sector refuses to be stagnant. Equally, the decentralized structures that mark the industry, whether that means information stored on the cloud or the ability to work remotely, means the industry can be more flexible in comparison to others. Innovation Innovation is a core component of the tech industry. Finding creative solutions is undoubtedly celebrated among the sector; not every industry encourages workers to engage in the innovation process nor is committed to giving employees space to think outside the box. Collaboration Unlike many other industries, tech sees the necessity for collaboration among workers and even across companies in order to solve common problems. It remains a competitive industry, but with the understanding that collaboration can aid innovation . In challenging moments, tech is able to leverage these collaborations in order to be more resilient in the face of threats to the industry. Agility The tech industry is highly agile , with the ability to quickly shift strategies, priorities or resources as necessary. The flexibility and adaptability promised by tech has allowed for the industry to transform and be resilient in the face of challenges. The decentralization of innovation and of influence has allowed the industry to be especially agile in developing new technologies and being creative in challenging moments. Diversity The tech industry has become increasingly diverse in recent years. That diversity promises new perspectives, ideas and opportunities for the industry to find creative solutions to complex problems. This includes gender diversity as well as the important contributions by folks of color to the industry. These characteristics are grounded in examples of the tech industry overcoming tough situations in the past. From the 2020 chip shortage and the pandemic, to the video game crash of 1983, tech has proven to be resilient in the face of adversity. How the Tech Industry Faces Adversity? The 2020 chip shortage and the global pandemic The tech industry faced two major challenges in 2020 : a global pandemic that significantly disrupted the flow of goods and services and a shortage of semiconductors, a critical component to a number of electronic devices. This meant that the industry was greatly limited due to restrictions on supply chains and manufacturing . Tech navigated these challenges through a number of actions: Diversifying supply chains: the pandemic made the risks of relying on a single supplier or geographical location for crucial manufacturing components incredibly clear. Many companies were forced to diversify their supply chains , meaning they sourced from multiple suppliers and/or multiple locations in order to manage the risk of potential shortages or disruptions. Accelerating digital transformation: luckily for the tech industry, the sector was able to shift much of their work to digital channels. There was a new demand by businesses and consumers for tech products and services like cloud computing, online shopping and video conferencing. Instead of waiting for an end to the pandemic, the industry proved adaptable, agile and innovative and embraced the trend towards digital transformation. Investing in automation: in order to reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions and reduce the reliance upon human labor, many tech companies invested in automation and robots. This meant investing in a more resilient supply chain and helped mitigate pandemic-related disruptions in manufacturing and production. Innovating new products and services: the chip shortage forced companies to be innovative and explore new technologies and chip designs in order to mitigate supply chain limitations. The research done to explore alternative materials and manufacturing processes led to innovations in the semiconductor industry that will most likely transform tech in the long-run. Collaboration : As noted, the tech industry is highly collaborative. Amidst the pandemic, these collaborations are what helped the industry transform and grow in a moment of great precarity. Many companies worked closely with their suppliers, customers, and industry peers to confront the challenges presented by the pandemic and chip shortage. In all, the tech industry faced the challenges of 2020 head on because of its ability to adapt, innovate, transform, and be collaborative in a moment of great uncertainty. Through the diversification of supply chains , accelerating digital transformation, building a more resilient supply chain , collaboration led the industry to see these challenges as a moment for innovation.  It’s tech’s optimism and commitment to solutions and innovation that help it not only overcome adversity, but grow in the face of these challenges. The late 90s dot com bubble The late 90s dot com bubble was an era of rapid growth and speculation in the tech industry. In 2000, the bubble burst, meaning that many tech companies went bankrupt or were greatly impacted by the crash. Of course, tech proved resilient despite the bubble bursting, and that’s owed to the industry’s decisions to: Restructure: following the dot com bubble bursting, many companies were forced to consolidate and restructure in order to survive the crash. This meant cutting costs, streamlining operations, merging with or acquiring other companies in order to adapt to the new terrain and remain competitive in the face of a changing industry. Focus on profitability and sustainability: when an industry is thriving, companies can focus on innovation, market share and growth; however, in moments of precarity, businesses are forced to focus on profitability and sustainable business models. That said, instead of simply relying on investor funding, businesses had to prove that they were capable of generating revenue and profit. Invest in Research and Development: despite the precariousness of the moment, the industry continued to invest in research and development --a decision which proved crucial in aiding the growth of tech. Investments were made to develop mobile devices, social media platforms, and cloud computing. This led to the emergence of not only new technologies, but also new business models that helped to drive growth and innovation. In short, tech was able to survive the bursting of the dot com bubble because of its ability to remain flexible, resilient, and solution-oriented in the face of adversity. The sector was able to restructure, refocus its objectives , and continue to invest in innovation in order to survive that moment. What was learned amidst the dot com crash are lessons that have helped shape the industry’s evolution in the years since. The video game crash of 1983 The video game crash of 1983 is an early example of the tech industry’s adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity. The video game crash of 1983 marks a period of rapid growth and subsequent collapse in the video game industry . The crash left many companies bankrupt, but the industry was able to survive thanks to a wide range of actions taken by companies: Diversifying the market: before the crash, the video game industry was dominated by a minimal amount of large companies. Following the crash, many smaller companies and independent game developers entered the market. This diversification led to the creation of new and innovative games helped the sector confront the challenges it faced. Embracing new technologies: luckily, the 1983 video game crash coincided with the emergence of new technologies like home computers and arcade machines. This allowed for companies to innovate and take advantage of the changing industry. Building trust with consumers: the crash left many previous consumers disillusioned with the video game industry. This forced companies to regain the trust of their consumer base. Companies were focused on offering quality, transparency, and better customer support, leading to greater company investment in game design and development, improving game quality. Adopting new business models: before the crash, the industry primarily focused on the sale of physical game cartridges and consoles. Thus, following the crash, the industry looked to diversify sales through alternative business models. This included digital distribution options as well as subscription-based services which ultimately helped to drive growth and innovation in the industry. In sum, the video game industry was forced to be innovative and adapt to the challenges of the 1983 video game crash. The sector used the adverse situation to drive innovation and the diversification of the industry , alternative business models , and ultimately the creation of higher quality games for their consumers. What happens next for big tech? The tech industry has proved adaptable in the face of challenges, however, can it remain as resilient in the face of adverse situations today? On March 10th, 2023, the tech industry was met with a huge challenge: the failure of the Silicon Valley Bank . SVB was the 16th largest bank in the United State , and it played an especially huge role in the context of tech as the financier of almost half of all the venture-backed tech startups. In the end, the tech industry is no stranger to adversity. From what we know, the startup industry will adapt, recover, and potentially come back stronger than ever. For folks who are interested in the current trends in tech, you’re in luck because we’ve just published our 2023 global report .

You’ve been at your current role for a while and don’t see any room for growth or maybe you aren’t happy with your position or boss. Making the decision to switch jobs can be challenging and you might be filled with doubt or concern about your future decisions: is it the right choice? What if you’re worse off after the switch? What if you can’t find a new job? These are just a few of the many questions you’ll probably ask yourself when contemplating this big decision. In this post, we’ll break down the right way to make this decision and what to keep in mind before, during, and after you make that career move. When to Change Jobs The decision to change jobs is extremely personal and dependent on your specific situation but we can give you some of the best ways to determine the right time for you: Are you both learning and adding value to the team? Even experts in the field are on a continuous learning journey, no matter how long they’ve been in the industry. If you feel that you’ve reached a wall and can’t learn more nor provide value to the team, it might be time to look for a new role. Are you feeling stressed and tired? Negative feelings becoming more and more common is a sign that your stress levels are rising and your job is hurting your overall well being. Do you see ways to grow professionally? If you have been at your role for a while and haven’t received a raise or a promotion, you might be tempted to see what your future holds in a different company. These are three main questions to ask yourself but also think about these statements and if they apply to your current role: Your work isn’t being recognized You’re earning less than others in similar positions There’s been layoffs and you’re worried about your job security You can’t be yourself at work You don’t enjoy what you’re doing How to Change Jobs Okay, now that you’ve decided that it’s time to change jobs, you might be wondering how to actually make that change. You can head over to LinkedIn and start browsing open positions, but the intricacies of changing jobs while still at your current role can be tough. And even if you’re eager to move on and leave this part of your life behind you, there are right ways to job  hunt. Let’s check them out. Use discretion It may be tempting to tell your work bestie about your upcoming search, but it’s best to keep it under wraps until you have a new contract signed and you’ve correctly and properly quit to your boss and HR. Even if you trust your colleagues fully, something may slip out unintentionally and lead to issues at work. Use your own time You might think about using your work hours to surf LinkedIn for job opportunities, but that’s not the best way to search; use just your personal devices for job hunting and don’t schedule interviews or phone calls during the work day, especially if you work in-office. Make smart decisions If the company with which you’re interviewing asks for references, don’t give them the name of your current boss. And while you’re free to use networking sites to find your next role, don’t post about your active job hunt. Continue working hard Staying focused when you mentally have one foot out the door is nearly impossible, right? We get it, but what if your new job opportunity falls through? Or you simply can’t find a role that you want to apply for? Or need your current boss to write you a recommendation in the future? It’s tempting to burn bridges but it’s best to maintain professionalism throughout the entire process. FAQs about looking for a new job Still not sure about how to find a new job or how to handle yourself at your current role? We got you covered: Should I tell my boss? Every situation is unique, but our general response is no . You might feel like warning your boss to let them know you’re unhappy or even to help prepare them for your upcoming departure, but the reality is that you’re putting your current job at risk by telling them. No one could blame them for finding a new person for your job if you tell them you’re leaving and they’ll act with the company’s best interests at heart. What if my boss finds out? Depending on how secretive you’re being or where you’re looking for new opportunities, there is a chance your boss will find out that you’re thinking about resigning. And as scary as that idea is, the truth is that it’s a natural part of corporate life and it’s not the end of the world. Be honest and don’t try to lie; your boss will appreciate it. When do I tell my boss? Generally speaking, you want to wait until you have a signed offer from a new company before informing your boss. Keep in mind that even if you have received a verbal offer from the new company, it could fall through; waiting until you are absolutely certain about your new opportunity can help you avoid less than desirable situations. Do I tell the prospective company I’m currently employed? Like we mentioned before, switching jobs is a completely normal part of the professional world and your prospective employer will understand and respect that you are currently employed and need to continue doing your job. Be honest about your availability and show your prospective employer that you take your job seriously. I thought I would like my current job but I don’t. How can I ensure this one will be better? The grass is always greener on the other side, right? If you’re worried about taking another job that’s going to turn out the same as your current role, take the time to make a list of your concerns and priorities and then talk about your concerns with your future employer and make sure you are making a rational decision. Making the decision to switch jobs or even industries can be quite daunting, but it’s a completely normal and typical thing that happens daily. That said, there are ways to do it right and we hope you’ll follow our advice. If you’re aware it’s time for a change but aren’t sure what your next steps are, consider a career in tech.

You’ve done it: you’ve signed up for your tech bootcamp ! And as the first day approaches, you might be wondering what exactly you should do to prepare for this next challenge. Should you spend all your nights watching cybersecurity videos on YouTube? Or maybe try to learn every programming language known to man? Don’t worry - all of that is completely unnecessary. Ironhack’s bootcamps are designed for beginners and will take you from the very beginning to reach where you need to be to be employable. Ironhack Pre-work As we mentioned above, the vast majority of our students don’t have any experience in their bootcamp field - yes , we’re telling the truth. But, we do produce alumni who are ready to join the workforce and keep learning in just 9 or 24 weeks. So how do we do it? Through our carefully designed coursework that begins with prework , of course! FAQs: prework No one wants to get work before their course even begins, we totally understand. But you’re about to embark on a completely life changing journey and the amount of information you’ll be asked to learn and retain is massive. And it will happen in a short period of time ; if you take one of our full-time courses, you’ll have just 9 weeks and 24 weeks in our part-time course. This is why we assign prework. How will I learn on my own?! You don’t have to! Your bootcamp prework is carefully designed by our expert teachers to provide you with the foundational knowledge needed to hit the ground running on day one. And if you get stuck, you’ll have access to your class’ Slack channel, where you can contact your teacher, your TA, and fellow classmates. Is the prework hard? Nothing at Ironhack is easy; however, hard doesn’t mean impossible. You’re preparing for a complete reskill and that means that it will be challenging yet doable. Coming into the prework with the right mindset will go a long way; try to maintain a positive attitude at all times. I signed up for a 9/24 week bootcamp - not prework. Why is there work before the bootcamp even begins? Our Ironhackers come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and with no prior instruction, day one could be a bit of a mess. But with our prework, everyone will have access to the same information and content, ensuring everyone is ready to begin the bootcamp. How much time do I have to complete the prework? What if I can’t finish? If you’re studying our Web Development , Data Analysis , or UX/UI Design Bootcamps, you’ll have access to the prework as soon as you’re enrolled; our Cybersecurity Bootcamp students will receive access around 20 days before the start date. Depending on when you enroll, your prework will be due to one week before classes begin (to give your teacher time to correct it) or up to 72 hours before classes start. Each task will show a recommended amount of time to dedicate to it and you should try to stay within that range, but no worries if you need more time. Some modules will take you longer if you’re new to tech and that’s totally fine; take your time and ensure you understand the information. If you can’t finish a task or module for whatever reason, there’s no penalty. But we highly recommend doing your absolute best to complete all tasks so that you’re fully prepared for the bootcamp. Pre-Bootcamp: Things to Do Apart from the prework, there are other things you can do to get ready for the bootcamp. As you know by now, your weeks will be full of new information, labs, assignments, and projects and you won’t have too much free time. And if you haven’t studied in a few years, the return to school may be especially challenging. Take a look at our tips and tricks for preparing for your bootcamp before it even begins: Be realistic with plans/commitments : if you coach your kid’s soccer team twice a week and are expected to be at games on Saturday mornings, you may find that valuable study time is being spent with rambunctious six year olds. It’s completely normal to have to step back during your bootcamp to give it the attention it deserves. Plan your time : not all of our bootcamps observe local holidays and if you have a trip planned and have to miss a day of class, you’ll be missing a lot of important information; in addition, our bootcamps do require a good amount of work outside of class as well, so weekend trips may not be possible. This is especially relevant for our remote courses, which may have different holiday schedules than where you’re located. Learn how you’re the most productive : if you need a daily dose of endorphins and a six mile run to be productive or, on the other hand, find it hard to wake up in the morning after an intense night time workout, this could affect your productivity in the bootcamp. Similarly, if you require 8 hours of sleep but are only able to get 6 due to social plans or other obligations, your learning might be affected. Use the time leading up to the bootcamp to make sure you’re preparing your body and mind for the challenge ahead. Help yourself out: set yourself up for success and help yourself. Get your grocery shopping done before class begins and set up a nice study space at home to continue your work at home. If you have a favorite coffee flavor or snack that you think you’ll crave during the day, stock up! Whatever you can do to make your life easier during the bootcamp will help you succeed. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well-suited for success in any of our bootcamps and, trust us, you’ll be happy you listened to us! If you haven’t yet, submit your application today and get closer to your dream tech career.

Whew! It’s finally time to start the job search and you know what your dream role is. But be it UI designer, cybersecurity professional, web developer, or data analyst, one thing is true: recruiters are looking for both hard and soft skills. What does this mean? Well, tech jobs are increasingly universal and employers want workers that can do it all. And no, we don’t mean doing every role. We mean your future employer will be looking for candidates that boast the technical capacities needed ( hard skills ) and general skills ( soft skills). So what do we do about this? How do you prepare yourself for a job in the tech world knowing that recruiters want both? It’s not that hard, we promise. Hard & Soft Skills: What Are They? As we mentioned above, hard skills refer to your more technical abilities that pertain to your specific role; soft skills are generic and personal abilities that are essential for a wide range of responsibilities. Hard skills Your hard skills are what define your role, be it programming language knowledge, design skills, or math experience. Hard skills entail a specialized and close to expert knowledge of a certain field or skill, but are always able to be improved upon and expanded. You may think that these hard skills are only taught in school, but they can come from any life experience: Have you studied and become proficient in a foreign language or been bilingual since birth? Languages are a hard skill. Have you taken accounting or data analysis classes? Excel knowledge is a hard skill. Have you worked a retail job and had to use a point-of-sale system? POS is a hard skill. Soft skills On the other hand, soft skills are your more personal abilities that can’t be taught in a classroom or acquired from studies. Communication, teamwork, and problem solving are a few that are becoming increasingly popular with tech recruiters: Have you had to work in a situation that required you to expand your horizons and interact with people of different backgrounds? Open-mindedness is a soft skill. Have you had to solve some tough problems against the odds? Problem-solving is a highly desired soft skill. Are you capable of handling disagreements with coworkers? Communication is another soft skill. We know you still might not believe us. After all, tech recruiters looking to fill a web developer role wants someone who knows programming languages, not that is empathetic, right? Well, in reality, skills that can be taught, such as hard skills, can be developed and fine-tuned over time and no one wants to work with someone who isn’t dependable or able to communicate with their teammates. How to Obtain/Refine Your Skill Set You know that recruiters are looking for well-rounded, skilled individuals to fill their empty roles and when reading job descriptions, you may feel intimidated by the desired skills outlined on the posting. However, it is possible to gain both the hard and soft skills needed or polish the skills you already have to make yourself an attractive candidate. Learning and refining hard skills The great news here is that hard skills are those gained through training, school, or work experiences and can typically be defined as something that can be taught or learned. Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to either learn a brand new skill or refine ones you already have. On the job learning: some skills require lots of practice and experience to gain proficiency and practical experience will help you become familiar with the skill and learn how to use it in a variety of settings. If you’re already working in tech and looking to upskill, on the job learning can help you become an even more attractive candidate. Schooling : tech moves so fast that four year degrees aren’t required for the majority of roles, meaning you can use whatever means available to you to learn a new skill: bootcamps, online courses, workbooks, or online videos. When you decide to take on a new hard skill, try to follow these tips: Be realistic : don’t try to learn four new skills at the same time; go slow and make sure you become proficient in one skill before taking on a new one. Set goals : if you are working a full time job it can be hard to find time for independent learning. Setting goals for yourself can help you stay on track and ensure you’re meeting your own expectations. Be prepared for challenges : learning a new skill is a challenge, no matter your previous experience. Be ready to face dead ends and have a support system in place to help push through. Learning and refining soft skills Although being compassionate seems easier than Python proficiency, soft skills are actually harder to obtain because they typically come from personal experience over time. However, it’s possible to work on them: Observing others : we’ve all had that coworker that stays calm in any situation and boasts incredible patience. If you see others practice soft skills that you want to improve upon, watch how they handle themselves in tough situations and try to practice the same behaviors. Self-reflecting : you’re your best teacher and if you reflect on situations where you just know you could have reacted better, take these as learning experiences to put soft skills into practice in the future. When you decide to focus on gaining a new soft skill, follow these tips: Ask for feedback : talk to coworkers, your boss, friends, or family members for areas where you can improve your people skills. Take their advice and focus on these areas of improvement. Be reflective: it’s called a learning curve for a reason: you won’t be the world’s best communicator after putting new techniques into practice just one time. After you face situations where your new soft skills are required, reflect on what you did well and what can be improved upon in the future. Be patient : everyone has a different skill set and some soft skills may come harder to you than they do to your peers. Take it slow and be patient with yourself: real change takes time. How to Highlight Your Skills on Your Resume We all know the importance of listing out your skills on your resume but it can be tough to organically incorporate them into your resume. Let’s take a look role-by-role to help you create the best possible resume. Skills for web development Web development is a very wide field and your ideal role could be as a programmer, software engineer, frontend developer, Scrum master, or PM. Here are some tips specific to two common positions in webdev: Web developer Hard skills : HTML, JavaScript, CSS, Responsive Design, CMS, testing and debugging, and libraries and frameworks Soft skills : communication, teamwork, time management, self-awareness, and accountability Scrum master Hard skills : domain knowledge, technical knowledge, software design, programming and process integration Soft skills : outcome ownerships, leadership, coaching and mentoring, conflict management, and problem solving Skills for UX/UI design UX/UI design is a popular field with those looking to harness their creative abilities and technical knowledge to create user-friendly interfaces that help both the client and the user get what they need. There’s too many positions to count, but let’s check out what UX designers and UI designers should highlight: UX designer Hard skills : information architecture, wireframing, prototyping, UX writing, coding, and usability testing Soft skills : communication, critical thinking, user research, and empathy UI designer Hard skills : Sketch, InVision, wireframing and prototyping, responsive design, and design tools Soft skills : curiosity, collaboration, communication, feedback, active listening Skills for data analytics If you’re heading into data analytics, you’re probably clear on the importance of hard skills to show your future employer that you can handle any data they throw your way. But that’s not the only thing data analysts or data scientists need: Data analyst Hard skills : SQL, machine learning, data management, probability, and statistics Soft skills : communication, collaboration, critical thinking, curiosity, and creativity Data scientist Hard skills : Python, data visualization, Excel, statistics, NLP, machine learning, and advanced math skills Soft skills : storytelling, adaptability, product understanding, critical thinking, and business knowledge Skills for cybersecurity As cyberattacks increase across the world, more and more cyber professionals are needed to combat these attacks and predict vulnerabilities to prevent future attacks. Security architects and security engineers are just two roles in a rapidly expanding field: Security architect Hard skills : programming languages, database management, statistical analysis, and storage system and management Soft skills : communication, interpersonal skills, decisiveness, and problem-solving skills Security engineer Hard skills : Python, firewall and intrusion detection/prevention protocols, ethical hacking, threat modeling, Java Soft skills : adaptability, interpersonal and communication, passion, curiosity, and active listening The short answer to our questions is both . And of course we waited until the end to tell you this! But as tech becomes increasingly complex and particular, employers will be looking for candidates that possess both hard and soft skills which means you need to prioritize this on your resume, highlighting both, not just your technical skills. If you’re looking to expand your knowledge and become a high-quality applicant with both hard and soft skills to offer, Ironhack’s bootcamps are the right choice for you. Poke around and see which one calls to you; we can’t wait to hear from you!

The new year is right around the corner. As 2023 approaches are you thinking about taking a pivot in your career? If you work in tech and want to relocate, or are looking to start a new career , Hamburg could be calling you. Hamburg tech companies are going from strength to strength and the city is harboring strong ambitions to become one of Germany's major tech hubs. There are currently over one million tech jobs in Germany and the sector generates annual sales revenues of over €230 billion, which accounts for nearly 7% of German economic output. Hamburg foresaw this growth when it was still in the early stages and started investing heavily to attract tech companies and talented IT staff to the city. After numerous complete infrastructure projects and other efforts to attract industry, it is quickly emerging as a favorite destination for those looking to start a career in tech. In this article, we will dive deep into Hamburg's tech scene. We will explore the major tech enterprises in the city, look at the startup scene, and explore what Hamburg has to offer outside of work. By the time you have finished reading, you should know for sure whether or not Hamburg is the right city for you to launch your tech career. Tech jobs in Hamburg Relocating to a new city to start a career in tech is a bold choice. It's one you don't want to undertake without a degree of certainty that you will be able to find the tech job you have been hoping for. So, what is the job market like in Hamburg? According to the European Commission , in 2022 there were more vacancies than qualified professional-level job seekers in the IT industry in Hamburg. A quick search on LinkedIn shows us that there are currently (Dec 2022) 2,772 vacant “developer” positions and 16,998 “IT” positions in Hamburg, Germany. IT jobs are there and waiting for you. Talent gets snapped up fast in Hamburg – especially in tech. There is currently a nationwide IT skills shortage so it's possible to find a tech job when you have the right skills and qualifications. Hamburg tech companies Hamburg is Germany's second-largest city and is home to some of the biggest tech offices in the nation. One of the reasons that Hamburg attracts so many developers and other tech workers is that you are spoilt for choice when it comes to companies to work for. Tech giants from Airbnb and Dropbox to Facebook and Microsoft all have offices in the city. Let’s take a look at some of the major players in the Hamburg tech scene. Alphabet Inc That's right, the tech giant Google has modern offices right on ABC-Straße. It was one of the first companies to see the potential in Hamburg and opened offices in 2001 making it the head office for its German operations. If you land a job at Google, you will get to explore their wild offices. Each floor has its own theme. The 5th floor is sports-theme and has a track hallway, mini golf course and ping-pong stadium – not a table, but a stadium! Hootsuite Hootsuite's Hamburg offices opened back in 2015. The social media tool has seen massive success and has offices located across the globe – although its staff can work from anywhere. Dropbox Dropbox dropped its anchor in Hamburg back in 2016. Its service is particularly popular in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), so it made sense to set up an office in one of these locations – and Dropboxs’ top choice was Hamburg. These are only three examples of tech enterprises operating in Hamburg. There are many more for you to discover. No matter what kind of company you want to work for, you are sure to find one that matches your criteria in Hamburg. The diversity of the tech scene means that no matter your career ambitions you can find a way to achieve them in the city. Hamburg’s unique tech ecosystem relies not only on established enterprises but also on many fledgling organisations. The startup scene in Hamburg is flourishing and if a multinational is not the kind of company you want to work for, don’t worry there is plenty more on offer. The growing startup scene in Hamburg Hamburg’s status as a prime destination for startups continues to rise. Hamburg has Germany’s highest number of startups with 253 per every 10,000 inhabitants, putting it ahead of Berlin and Munich. Tech-based startups account for 14% of startups in Hamburg. That might not sound like a lot, but most mon-tech startups also rely heavily on tech. Look at Airbnb as an example, it is considered a travel startup but as of 2018 it employed between 1200-1300 software engineers. Where is Hamburg and what's it like? There are definitely tech jobs in Hamburg. But that is not the only important thing to consider when relocating to start a new career. Here is a quick guide to the city so you can get a feel for the vibe. Hamburg is located in the north of Germany. The Elbe river connects it to the sea. That's right, in those sunny summer months, you are just a quick train ride from the ocean or a short walk from the river. We don't recommend jumping into either though, unless you enjoy ice baths – it is still Germany after all. Friendlier than Berlin and less hectic than Munich, Hamburg is a city you can feel at home in quickly. There is a large international community, lots of outdoor space, good transport and numerous other aspects of the city that make it easy for a new arrival to settle in. You will quickly find community, and learn your way around. Public transport in Hamburg When moving to a new city and starting a new tech job, one of the important things to consider is how easy it is to get to work. Remote working culture is taking over in tech, but many companies are embracing more of a hybrid model. Even if you find a remote tech job, you may have to go into the office once or twice a week. In Hamburg, that will be easy. The Hamburg Public Transport Network (HVV) operates a comprehensive network of trains and buses across the city and the surrounding suburbs. On weekends and public holidays, the busiest U-Bahn and S-Bahn lines (the German equivalent of the metro) run 24hrs making it simple and safe to get home after a night out with friends. Many Hamburgians (yes that's what people from Hamburg call themselves) get around the city by bike. Hamburg is extremely bike-friendly, with separate bike lanes and wide roads. If you do start your tech career here we highly recommend you make a bike your first purchase. How much is rent in Hamburg? Another thing that is likely on your mind is how much it costs to live in Hamburg. The average rents in Hamburg are: Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre: €1,054.55 Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre: €801.58 If you are starting a new career in tech, you will likely be in a more junior position and could expect to earn around €45,000 annually. That works out to around €2,490.00 after taxes and deductions. Housing will be affordable for you if you work in tech, and unlike cities such as Berlin, there is not a housing crisis with apartments being easier to find. What is Hamburg like for international arrivals? Arriving in a new city can be scary. You leave your friends and family behind, so you quickly want to fill that gap and find a community. How easy is that to do in Hamburg? Hamburg is an international city. As of 2021, 17.2% of the population are immigrants. With this multinational community, you will quickly find groups of like-minded friends that will make you feel at home. Hamburg is welcoming to newcomers and when you start searching, you quickly find that it's easy to make connections and find communities around your interests – be that tech, pottery, guitar, or whatever else takes your fancy. Outdoor spaces in Hamburg Hamburg is officially a “green city,” with 14% of its space being green. Green areas and parks make up massive areas of the city and Hamburg is also home to Europe's biggest Japanese Garden. The popular garden and the other parks in the city provide a peaceful natural environment for you to find some tranquility after a stressful meeting or on a hot summer day. Should you start your tech career in Hamburg? When you think of starting a tech career in Germany, Hamburg, Berlin and Munich are probably the cities that come to mind. Munich is often considered the top tech city in the country. However, this is not exactly reflected in the rents, community, quality of life and salaries. Hamburg offers salaries competitive to cities like Munich but in a friendlier location. Start your career in tech but don't sacrifice your well-being. In Hamburg, you will have access to outdoor spaces, the ocean, a thriving community and so many other wonderful things that will help support you as you grow your career in tech. In 2023, Hamburg is the attractive city for developers looking to relocate or start their careers. Ready to kickstart your career in tech? Sign up for one of our bootcamps .

The new year is almost here. New years often come with new starts and perhaps you are thinking about changing your career come January. Whether that career change comes from relocation or is fueled by the desire to start a new career in tech, Frankfurt could be the city for you. Tech companies in Frankfurt make up a large part of the local economy. The city might be known for finance, but it's quickly becoming one of Germany's most exciting tech hubs. It's no secret that tech is a booming industry in Germany and the sector generates annual sales revenues of over €230 billion . It’s no surprise then, that every major city is trying to grow its tech community to attract investment, improve services and generate jobs. Frankfurt is no exception; it has been a player in the German tech scene for a while now, which is why it's one of the best cities for you to start your tech career in 2023. With incredible infrastructure, a thriving economy, and a rich history and culture, Frankfurt has plenty to offer you as you embark on your tech career. In this article, we will dive deep into Frankfurt's tech scene. We will explore the current state of the economy, what the job market looks like, what there is to do outside of work, and how the local community operates. By the time you have finished this article, you should know for sure if Frankfurt is the city for you. Tech jobs in Frankfurt If you're thinking about moving to a new city to start a new career, the first thing you want to know is if there are actually any jobs there. Frankfurt has a strong economy that has historically been associated with the financial sectors. But in recent years, numerous tech enterprises have also set up locations in the city, along with many fintech and startups. So, just how tough is the job market in Frankfurt? According to the European Commission , in 2022 the unemployment rate in Hessen (the state in which Frankfurt is located) was at 4.6%, which is almost a full percentage point lower than the national average. A quick search on Linkedin shows us that there are currently (Dec 2022) 3,147 vacant “developer” positions and 25,247 “IT” positions in the city. Overall this paints a nice picture for you and indicates that finding a tech job in Frankfurt won’t be too difficult. There is also the nationwide IT skills shortage to consider. Currently, skilled tech workers are hard to find, so businesses are quick to snatch up the talent that lands in their interview room. It's, therefore, possible you will find the hiring process is also speedier than what you are used to. Tech companies in Frankfurt Frankfurt is one of Germany's largest cities and is home to big names in tech. IBM and Dell both have national offices in the city. But it's not only tech companies you need to think about when you look at job prospects in Frankfurt. Almost every major organization in the world has some dependency on tech. Frankfurt is the finance capital of Germany, and surprisingly this makes it ideal for tech workers. The finance industry is currently undergoing a major shift to digital. Financial services firms across the nation are growing their IT teams, which makes Frankfurt a great place to find a tech role. The city also recently developed its TechQuartier. This hub serves as a creative arena and melting pot for entrepreneurs and innovators. Enterprises and startups alike use this hub as a valuable network to connect with other startups, corporates, investors, talents, and mentors, from the financial industry and beyond. The growing startup scene in Frankfurt Initiatives like TechQuartier have been instrumental in driving growth in Frankfurt's startup scene. In addition, Frankfurt is the seat of the European Central Bank – so it should come as no surprise that it leads the way in fintech and cybersecurity startups. Being such an important financial center with a high concentration of banks, investment funds, insurers, and other large corporations, many startups have seen Frankfurt as a strategic location. With access to such institutions, finding investment can be easier and this has become a significant deciding factor for many startups choosing to locate themselves in Frankfurt. The network of established financial institutions not only brings with it the opportunity for capital but also knowledge. There is huge potential for collaboration between incumbent institutions and innovative startups that bring forward-thinking solutions to the table. If you’re looking to take your newly founded tech career in the direction of finance or security, Frankfurt should be at the top of your list of cities to relocate to. With such a concentration of fintech and cybersecurity jobs, you will struggle to find a city globally, let alone in Germany, that can outmatch Frankfurt for career opportunities in these sectors. Where is Frankfurt and what's it like to live there? Tech job opportunities are rife in Frankfurt – but work isn’t everything. You also want to know whether or not the city fits your vibe, is easy to get around, and has good infrastructure. Here's your quick guide to everything you need to know before moving to Frankfurt. In Frankfurt, the locals take a work-hard-play-hard approach to life. As a key financial center, you will find tech workers and other residents moving with order and efficiency in the day but to balance this there is also thriving entertainment and nightlife. And you’ll get plenty of time to enjoy it as many companies offer generous time off and holiday allowance. Public transport in Frankfurt Frankfurt is well connected to most of Germany and other European cities. It has a great train network, extensive autobahn (metro), and a busy international airport. Whether you are looking to take a weekend trip home over the holidays, a vacation to Amsterdam, or just make it to another part of the city in time for your work meeting, the transport will be a breeze. On a side note, we don’t recommend bringing your car with you to Frankfurt. Some of the city is pedestrianized and parking is very expensive. You can always opt for a bike instead, as many locals prefer to get around this way. Frankfurt is a great hub for exploring Germany. And while we’re sure you'll fall in love with the city, don’t forget to take advantage of the train network and leave once in a while. The high-speed rail network will have you in Cologne in a little over an hour, and in summer, you can explore the surrounding countryside and take a stroll through some of the traditional German towns. How much is rent in Frankfurt? There is a wide range of housing options in Frankfurt and rents vary a lot based on what you're looking for – just as in any city. But to give you a rough idea, the a verage rents in Frankfurt are: Apartment (1 bedroom) in the City Centre: €1,135.00 Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of the Centre: €872.00 If you are starting a new career in tech, your first role will be junior and you can expect to earn around €42,000 annually. After taxes at this salary, you would take home €2,313.00. Housing will be affordable for you and there will be options to choose from. With the great transport network, you can also live outside of the center and cheaply and quickly get around. What is Frankfurt like for international arrivals? Moving to a new city, especially when you don't know anyone, is hard. You leave your network of friends, colleagues, and family behind. So how easy will it be for you to make new friends in Frankfurt? Frankfurt is a global cosmopolitan city. Its residents come from every corner of the globe, which is a welcome relief for many newcomers. You have probably heard that Germans can be hard to make friends with, they don't talk about life outside of work in the workplace and have an international reputation for being a little colder than some other nationalities. But this is not always the case, many Germans are extremely welcoming – you simply need to find common interests. We recommend signing up for classes or clubs around your hobbies to meet new people when you arrive – whether you love pottery or piano you will find a local community around it in Frankfurt. The large international population means it will also be easy to find other newcomers to get to know the city with. You might even find some other locals from your city to share a nostalgic meal with when you are feeling a little homesick. Should you start your tech career in Frankfurt? With a ready supply of tech jobs, Frankfurt could be the city for you to start your tech career. If you are looking to work at a fintech or in cybersecurity this is almost certainly the city for you. But there are a lot of other tech jobs going too. Frankfurt is a cosmopolitan city and there is more of a corporate vibe than with some of Germany's other tech hubs. However, there is also a bustling startup scene and ready access to finance, and a developed business network that makes a startup job in Frankfurt feel more secure than in other locations. Frankfurt has something to offer for everyone and if you're ready to kickstart your career in tech, why not sign up for one of our bootcamps? Our tech school offers a range of immersive courses from UX/UI Design to Cybersecurity that are delivered in formats tailored to your needs: online or on campus, full-time or part-time. Apply today.

As of late, tech news has predominantly revolved around emerging AI tools like ChatGPT. That’s because, in the span of only a few years, we’ve gone from having computer programs like AlphaGo that use machine learning to do only one task really well to being able to create tools like ChatGPT that can do a large number of tasks about as well as a human can. And while that sounds scary, it really isn’t! Yes, the speed and span of AI progress has taken the mainstream media by surprise, but many in tech saw this coming years ago. In fact, researchers have been working on AI tools for decades and have published many AI tools that consumers can use today for free! So, let’s explore those right now! But first, let’s take a step back. I’m sure we’ve all heard of ChatGPT, but do you really know what it is? If you’re a tech veteran, feel free to skip to exciting alternatives down below. For the rest of us mere mortals though, read on to learn all about what ChatGPT is—and isn’t! What is ChatGPT? Other than being the subject of a million different tweets, YouTube videos, and news segments (we’ve had a few posts about ChatGPT recently on our blog ), ChatGPT is also a powerful tool. It’s what researchers call a “large language model,” and is a machine learning algorithm (i.e. computer program) that is able to understand natural language inputs and generate human-like responses. Limitations of ChatGPT Spoiler alert: ChatGPT isn’t able to do everything. Yes, it’s a powerful tool, but it won’t be replacing human jobs anytime soon and just like with every tool you use, you should know its exact limitations. ChatGPT’s drawbacks are a lack of common sense, an inability to reason, a limited domain expertise, and biases in training data. Lack of common sense : ChatGPT generates responses based on patterns it found in its training data, but it lacks what we consider to be an “understanding” of the real world. It may generate responses that are technically correct but not useful in practical situations. Inability to reason : ChatGPT isn’t capable of thinking critically. It can generate responses based on patterns, but it can’t comprehend logic behind a question and generate a response based on that understanding. Limited domain expertise : while ChatGPT was trained on an incredibly vast array of data, it may not have expertise in specific domains. It’s capable of answering basic questions in just about any field, but may be ineffective at any questions that require more than a surface-level understanding of a problem. Biases in training data : the training data used to train ChatGPT certainly contains biases and inaccuracies. By no fault of its own, ChatGPT can and will provide the user with inaccurate answers because of an inaccurate training set. What if I want to use ChatGPT, but its servers are full? Sometimes, when you try to sign up for ChatGPT, you may get an error message saying something along the lines of, “Sorry, but our servers are at capacity right now.” We’re here to tell you not to worry! Take a breath! There are a number of cool alternatives to ChatGPT available for you to try. Chat LLM Streaming You’ve probably never heard of this one: Chat LLM Streaming doesn’t have the same big budget as ChatGPT or some of the other offerings we’re highlighting below, but what it does have is a grand goal: to keep AI free . It’s a no-frills offering that does not require any referrals, does not require you to sign-in, and does not have a waitlist that you need to hop on before you use it. Sure, it’s not flashy, but if you want a large language model similar to ChatGPT that you can use at this exact moment, then Chat LLM Streaming may just be exactly what you’re looking for. Bard Every big tech company is vying for a spot at the AI table. To nobody’s surprise, Google’s trying to get into the game, too. If you have a Google account, you can sign up for Bard today ! And if you don’t, then what are you waiting for? It’s free! Bard, just like ChatGPT, is a conversational AI tool that can be used by anyone. But, unlike the free version of ChatGPT available to most users, Google Bard can browse the internet and use real-time data to generate answers about any topic, no matter how recent. Bing with AI You may not have known this, but Microsoft is a major backer of ChatGPT. It’s no surprise, then, that they are quickly trying to integrate their search engine, Bing, with ChatGPT 4.0. If you have a Microsoft account, all you have to do is download the Edge browser and you’ll be able to try a feature called “conversational search” on Bing. Conversational search isn’t exactly the same as what you get with vanilla ChatGPT, but in many ways it’s better: Bing with AI uses current data to provide answers to any questions you could search for. What if I want to use a different kind of AI tool? What can we use AI for? Well, not just chat bots, that’s for sure! If you’re looking to enhance your productivity in different ways, you should look no further than GitHub Pilot, DALL-E, or Soundraw. Let’s learn more about each of these tools below. GitHub Copilot Maybe the biggest addition to a software engineer’s toolset since the creation of the IDE, GitHub Copilot is an AI pair programmer that offers suggestions as you code. GitHub Pilot can help you save time and effort when developing a new idea by taking context from comments and surrounding code to generate code that it thinks does what you’re trying to do. Like all tools, it’s not always right—but it’s not meant to be! It’s there to help you get started and get going, but it can’t think for you. As the developer, you have to choose whether to use Copilot’s suggestion or take a different path. But, whatever choice you make, remember that you still have to test your code! DALL-E DALL-E is the first tool we’ve talked about that does not generate text. Instead, DALL-E is able to generate images based on a text input. How cool is that? You can tell DALL-E what you want to see and you’ll have an image of it in just a few seconds. After DALL-E generates the image, you can download it as a PNG file and do whatever you want with it! The world is your oyster. Soundraw For those of us who love music but aren’t able to create our own, there’s Soundraw , an AI music generator that can take a text description and generate music that matches exactly what you wanted to hear. And, just like DALL-E, you own the content that you create in Soundraw and you can use it without fear of a copyright strike. If you’re a creator who’s searching for royalty-free music, Soundraw may just be the tool for you. ChatGPT has no doubt changed the tech landscape forever. But innovation does not start or end with ChatGPT. The AI landscape is constantly evolving and there are already some cool tools that go beyond what ChatGPT was ever intended to achieve. Don’t let yourself be limited by just the abilities of one tool; use the alternatives we’ve outlined here today to enhance your abilities and dramatically increase your day-to-day productivity. And, If you’re looking to not just use these tools, but also create your own, then Ironhack’s bootcamps may just be the right choice for you. Poke around our website and see which bootcamp is the best fit for you. We can’t wait to see you in class!

Ligia Fascioni is (now) a UX/UI Designer, originally from Brazil, who moved to Berlin with her husband in 2011. Over a decade has passed and a lot has changed in that time. But one of the biggest changes – a change in her career – has happened rather recently. In this article, we share Ligia’s story of becoming a UX/UI Designer at 56. We talk with her about the struggles and fears she went through, how to make a career change after 50, her motivation for a change, and if she is happy with the decision she made. From Electrical Engineer to UX/UI Designer Turn the clock back 12 years and Ligia was arriving in Berlin with her husband. Back then she was an Electrical Engineer and worked in that role for decades. Before coming to Germany, Ligia completed her Master’s Degree in Automation and Control which led her to a career in Electrical Engineering but she felt that her technical skills were not enough. So, in 1999 she enrolled for an MBA in Marketing and a new world opened up for her. She has taken numerous other courses throughout her career and finally got a PhD in Design Management as part of a Production Engineering course. After some years in Berlin, infected by the startup atmosphere of the city, she and her husband (also an Electrical Engineer) started their own technology company. Her work varied a lot and included everything from Python and Javascript programming to helping with the production of GPS-Based reference devices. If you can’t tell by now, Ligia is a motivated woman who loves to learn. Throughout her career, she has continued to look for ways to learn new skills and improve the work she is doing. In 2022 a new phase of her career started. Her startup was sold and she decided to make a career change: UX/UI design was calling to her. Ligia took several courses about design thinking, service design, innovation, future thinking, future of work, UX Design, and related themes over the course of her career and knew that UX/UI design was a new path she wanted to explore. “I’m 56 years old and very excited about this new phase of my (learning) life.” How to make a career change that builds on your strengths Ligia notes that she chose to pivot to a career that not only interested her but that also built on her strengths. Her previous experiences in different industries have shown her that knowledge and Information is the best way to gain trust. “If people know what you're doing, they'll trust your competence.” She became an Electrical Engineer at the age of 23. As a young woman in a more chauvinist time, and in a male-dominated industry there were a lot of challenges for her to overcome. “I worked installing robots in industries and the environment was very hostile -- for example, there were no women's restrooms in most places I worked at that time.” These experiences were tough, but she also learned that the only way to gain respect and trust was to explain her work in detail to people who didn't understand why she was there. This mentality stayed with her over time and led her to become an expert in explaining complex systems in a way that anyone could understand – which is what UX/UI design is all about. “I think UX/UI design is about that: making information accessible to everyone.” Get ready to learn: Using a bootcamp to gain new skills Her decision was made and she knew it was the right choice. But naturally, any change can bring with it doubts and confusion. To help her quell the doubts, she knew she wanted to acquire the right skills that would help her thrive in the new career she desired. So she went to Ironhack and enrolled in the Berlin UX/UI bootcamp . When we asked her about her experience at the bootcamp she told us: “I highly recommend it as it was an unforgettable experience. For me, it was very enriching but of course, the experience depends a lot on the person who is on the journey. Success also depends on how much you are willing to dedicate yourself. I loved the teachers, classmates, and the whole team. It really is a transforming experience.” We pried further and asked Ligia about the challenges of the course and if she struggled with anything while learning. “Technically, I didn't struggle with challenges; the hardest experience was working with people from very different personalities. For example, we needed to create a Hi-Fi e-commerce prototype for a real business. In the beginning, there were four people, but two days after the start of the challenge, two of them contracted COVID-19.” Ironhack bootcamps give you the chance to study in a way that suits you – online, in person, full time or part time – but a part of the bootcamp requires group projects. This can be a challenge when you are collaborating with people and learning how to communicate and work together with new people. But these kinds of soft skills are incredibly useful in any UX/UI Designer role so it's beneficial for students to face them before they enter a job. Ligia continues, “So there were only two people left, with very different backgrounds and different ways of seeing the world. My profile is more analytical and pragmatic; my colleague was more spontaneous and intuitive. In the beginning, it was a big challenge, as we had limited time to discuss all the issues (even the philosophical ones, which my colleague loved to discuss). In the end, I learned a lot! My colleague was a very intelligent person and we both learned that with respect we could work and learn together. It was a very meaningful experience.” Why make a career change past 50? With challenges faced along the way, and an already successful career in hand, we were curious about what motivated Ligia to make a change. Many people get comfortable in the jobs they have, and they often even go on to make up a part of a person's identity – especially when they have been doing that same role for years, and have seen success in it. Not to mention the fact that a career change past 50 can bring about its own fears. There is always the doubt that it’s too late, or that no one will hire you. But Ligia proves those fears are unwarranted if you are ready to dedicate yourself to the change. Part of Ligia's motivation was wanting to make people's lives easier. She decided she wanted to move to a career that would allow her to have a greater impact and this helped her stay focused as she had a goal to work towards and meaning behind her decision. “I intend to learn more and more about how to make people's lives easier. I really think that's what UX/UI Design is about.” Ligia’s advice for anyone looking to make a career change Ligia has taken a step that many of you might be hoping to make too. Through her career pivot, she has learned a few things and she has some advice to share with any of you that will be walking on the same path soon. It’s never too late. Life expectancy is increasing with each generation and at 56 I believe I am in the middle of my productive life. Since you're always learning, there's no reason to stop. I think life is too short to have only one profession. IT is dominated by men these days, but I see the scenery changing. I hope that more and more women can occupy spaces that are our right. My advice is: be together with other women. Together, we are invincible. For many years I believed in the chauvinist idea that women were competitive and couldn't be trusted. But this idea is useful for patriarchy to weaken us. The truth is that women are the best friends ever to fight against injustices. The future is female! Get ready to start your tech career in Berlin Are you ready to kickstart your career in tech? Sign up for one of our bootcamps and learn the skills that German tech companies are searching for. Our tech school offers a range of immersive bootcamps from UX/UI Design to Cybersecurity which are delivered in formats tailored to your needs: online or on campus, full-time or part-time. Apply today .

Congrats! You’ve made the amazing decision to kickstart your career in tech and are getting ready to head into your first week at Ironhack . You’re probably feeling a lot of feelings: excitement, nervousness, and anticipation. But don’t worry: we’re here to help you throughout your tech journey and you’ll have your teacher, fellow Ironhackers, and teaching assistants by your side throughout the entire process. Whether you choose the 9-week full time bootcamp or the 24 week part time bootcamp , you will graduate Ironhack’s bootcamp ready to take on the tech world. But what happens before graduation day? How does this random mix of professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences come together to help each other and learn? It actually begins before day 1. Pre-work at Ironhack That’s right - before you even step foot on campus (or log in, if you’re doing a remote bootcamp), you’ll have pre-work to prepare you for the bootcamp . This may seem intimidating (you didn’t sign up for more work!), we have good reason: Ironhackers come from practically every background and sector and the pre-work helps introduce you to the content, cover the foundations of your particular bootcamp, and make sure everyone has a similar knowledge level heading into week 1. Still confused? We got you covered. I thought the work started on day 1 of the bootcamp. How much time will the pre-work take? For our Web Development, Data Analytics , and UX/UI Design Bootcamps, you’ll have access to the pre-work content from the moment you enroll; our Cybersecurity Bootcamp pre-work will be accessible 20 days before the course begins. It can be completed at your leisure, but needs to be done at least one week before the bootcamp begins so that your teacher can correct it. I’ve never studied (insert bootcamp name here) before! How am I supposed to complete pre-work? That’s exactly what the pre-work is for! We want you to familiarize yourself with some basic concepts before the bootcamp begins so that you can dive right into the nitty gritty on day 1. And if you have questions, you’ll have access to your class’ Slack channel, where you can check in with your future classmates, teachers, and even Ironhack alumni. Hmm..alright. And what is the pre-work like? There are two parts to our pre-work, theoretical and practical, just like the bootcamp itself. Take your time and dedicate the recommended amount of time to the pre-work so that you’re fully prepared for the course. Your First Week at Ironhack The best part about Ironhack’s bootcamps is that you dive right into the courses’ details from the first day; thanks to the time you dedicated to your pre-work, you’ll have all the background and foundational knowledge that’s necessary to dive a little deeper. We spoke to some UX/UI Design bootcamp students after their first week to learn about their experiences: “The first week was about user research, understanding your customer, your users.” - Mohamed “It’s a strange mix because it’s very hard and it’s a lot of work. But then at the end, you feel very, very good because you can do it.” - Issac When asked about her teachers, Marta told us they are: “Very open minded and willing to listen to new ideas and whenever they see that you are a little bit lost about finding—I don’t know, for example, the right questions, they are always there to give you a helping hand.” After just one week in their UX/UI Design bootcamp, Mohamed, Issac, and Marta are already thinking about their final projects and what they’ll achieve after graduation. But they have quite the challenge in front of them and we recommend the following tips : Be prepared for a whirlwind experience Whether you have 9 or 24 weeks, you’ll be facing lots of challenges during your course and it will fly by. Completing your course pre-work is absolutely essential to your success; due to the short length of the course, your teachers won’t spend much time on the basics covered in the pre-work and if you skip it, it will be nearly impossible to catch up. Be ready for the good and bad days We’re committed to providing you with the best possible experience during your bootcamp , but there will be hard days. Keeping a positive attitude and asking for help when you need it will help you overcome challenges and learn as much as you can. And when you’re feeling super smart and talented, run with it! Value those euphoric moments as much as you can. Plan your weeks properly During your first week, you’ll get a feel for what your days will look like during the bootcamp and this can help you plan properly . If you’re coming home exhausted every night, you may need to rethink other commitments for the duration of your course. Planning regular tasks like grocery shopping and workouts for weekends (for full-time courses) or the days without classes (for part-time courses) can help you focus primarily on the course. The first week is also a good time to realize how much sleep and extra work you’ll need outside of class. If you can barely get out of bed every morning, make an effort to go to bed earlier and if you’re just thinking about dinner for the last few hours of your afternoon, pack a snack to help you focus during the entire day. And last but not least: enjoy the adventure! Not everyone has the chance to change careers or gain a new skill but you do. Think about this: when else are you going to have experienced teachers and TAs to help you through each step, an entire class on your same journey, and great career assistance to help you land that dream job? If the idea of bootcamps was intimidating to you, we hope this helps. Check out our available courses and choose the right one for you. We can’t wait to watch you succeed!

“Some of us lose, and some of us win. What’s important is that we’re telling our stories and standing up for ourselves and for one another.” Ellen Pao’s Story Emphasizing the importance of human stories and fairness , Ellen Pao is an activist, programmer, author, co-founder, and current CEO of Project Include. A woman of many talents, she has spoken up for diversity, equality, and inclusion in STEM and consequently has impacted the world of tech. Let’s take a look at how she has made a difference . Education first Her tech story began when Ellen’s mother introduced her to computer programming at the age of ten ; with these abilities under her belt, she dove into tech and received her Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, simultaneously earning a certificate in public policy at the University of Princeton. But her education didn’t stop there . Taking a more humanities-based path, she earned her JD at Harvard Law. After working for two years at a law firm, Ellen completed her MBA at Harvard Business School, which led her back to the beginning of her journey: tech . Hard work She landed her first job at a tech company in 1998 at WebTV and from 2001 to 2005 bounced around Silicon Valley until she landed a position as technical chief of staff at a venture capital firm in San Francisco at Kleiner Perkins in 2005, a job that required all her fields of study: engineering, law, and business. After two years of working under her boss and mentor John Doerr, she became a junior investing partner and a direct employee under the general partner, Ted Schlein. Unfortunately, she was later passed over for the position of senior partner after working on the team for several years, which she knew was unjust since she saw men with similar profiles as hers receive promotions sooner. Feeling discriminated against, Ellen decided to take action and filed a gender discrimination suit against her employer, which gained nationwide attention. The issue of the gender gap in a field like venture capital was placed under a microscope and Ellen was the one to place the slides on the stage for proper investigation. Ellen stated, “You had to be one of the guys to be successful.” Although the jury ruled in favor of the company on all counts in 2015, the case generated a buzz and women opened up about their own similar experiences in work environments. The gender gap in STEM was an important part of her story and a theme that would motivate her later on . Making changes at Reddit She left Kleiner Perkins but was ready to continue moving forward. Her next position was at Reddit, where she had a major impact on the website . First, she was hired as the head of business development and strategic partnerships and cemented the bond between Reddit and image host Imgur. Following the resignation of CEO Yishan Wong, Pao became the interim CEO in 2015 and  tried a modified hiring process that Wong initiated concerning wage negotiation. Upon hiring a potential employee, the recruiter would provide two options for the final salary without the opportunity to negotiate. Pao cited removing the negotiation process as an action that women much less frequently would try to initiate. In the end, Reddit found that there was no correlation between their previous offers and gender; however, Pao believed that it was important to keep this model in place due to equal opportunity priorities. In addition to changing the hiring process, she also implemented a ban on revenge porn on the website, which impacted other social networks that later adapted Reddit’s model for their own privacy policies. Although this was a positive change for privacy policies for Reddit and other social networking pages, there was still pushback by users and soon after, Pao resigned from her position at Reddit. Project Include Some may have seen this as a loss but once again Ellen was ready to embrace change and make something of her own that would be a true culmination of her story up until that point: Project Include . Along with seven other tech-focused women, she established Project Include, a non-profit organization focused on providing HR guidance to new startups with the goal of creating a safe work environment for all. Project Include’s mission is to provide an equal and fair opportunity to all who want to thrive in the world of tech. Analyzing data and advocating for inclusion and diversity in the workplace, Project Include encourages CEOs to employ inclusion solutions so that their startups and enterprises can succeed in bridging not only the gender gap in tech , but also the racial and LGBT gaps that exist. As CEO, Ellen, along with the rest of her team, champion a vision of three core values: inclusivity , comprehensiveness , and accountability , aimed at making the workplace more diverse, vibrant, creative, and equitable. Inclusivity Since receiving her JD at Harvard Law, Ellen has pushed for both justice and fairness in her surroundings and so it’s no wonder that she would prioritize it at her organization as well. She also experienced gender disparity at her office and after her lawsuit, she recognized the importance of creating a safe space for employees at their place of work. At Project Include, they recommend that CEOs hire a diverse group of professionals and improve opportunities for employees. Comprehensiveness According to Project Include, change is comprehensive , which means that a large problem requires measures taken across several fronts. Challenging a well-integrated system is a difficult task and a one-off initiative approach cannot complete the job alone. It’s the CEO’s responsibility to ensure that both inclusion and diversity are present in the whole process and take a comprehensive, company-wide approach with the help of several actionable steps and initiatives. Accountability When managing a company, higher ups need to be kept accountable for those steps and initiatives; at the same time, however, the company as an entity is responsible. Project Include believes that the best way for this responsibility to be tracked is through gathering and analyzing data . By creating questionnaires and implementing benchmarks, companies can access information that answers the following questions: How is the company doing? Where can they make improvements? Who can carry out these improvements? Project Include is one of many organizations that is shining a light on gender gap problems in the tech world and with Ellen Pao at the helm, the non-profit will continue defending fairness and inclusivity . Throughout the past few years, she has also shared her story in varied mediums, knowing that she can make a difference simply by using her voice. She has written a memoir about her experiences at Kleiner Perkins and has appeared as a speaker in several spaces as an advocate for inclusion in tech. Some main themes of Pao’s life are clear after reading her story: perseverance in the face of challenge, the importance of telling one’s truth, and fairness above all. From a young age, she worked hard to succeed despite the pushback she felt from others, buckling down, studying, and prioritizing education, determination, and feedback to continue growing as both a professional and leader. When she felt like the situation wasn’t fair, she spoke up and didn’t back down. Her sense of justice and strength motivated her to push back against the system and as a result, she sparked conversations about inclusivity and diversity in the tech world. She continued pursuing equality more actively and through founding Project Include, has made real and lasting changes to startups and the tech industry as a whole. “If we do not share our stories and shine a light on inequities, things will not change.” -Ellen Pao, Reset: My Fight for Inclusion and Lasting Change

The tech industry has grown significantly over the past several years and is only expected to continue to grow in the future. In many cases, this growth is driven by women who work in tech . We hope to highlight 5 women who are changing the face of tech in order to inspire other women to step up to the plate and take and ensure that women’s contributions don’t go unacknowledged. We know that women, and particularly women of color, are underrepresented in the tech industry. This lack of diversity can lead to a narrower range of perspectives, biases in product development, and missed opportunities for innovation . That said, listening to women in tech has never been more important, and there are many women helping to greatly advance the field. Supporting Women in Tech Of course there is still much work to be done to address issues of gender bias and inequality in the industry. Nonetheless, recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women in the tech industry is one of many ways that companies can create more inclusive workplaces. That said, we want to recognize 5 women who are changing the face of tech . It is important to know about these women because they are trailblazers in the tech industry and their work is helping to pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive tech sector. Reshma Saujani, Girls Who Code Reshma Saujani is a trailblazing entrepreneur and advocate who has dedicated her career to empowering women and girls in tech . Saujani is the founder of Girls Who Code , a nonprofit organization that works to close the gender gap in technology by creating safer spaces to support women advancing their careers, learning how to code, and building a network of women from which they can support each other and navigate what is otherwise a male-dominated sector. Saujani was born in Illinois and grew up in an Indian-American family. She earned a degree in political science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and later attended Yale Law School. After law school, Saujani worked as an attorney and took up an interest in politics. In 2010, she ran for Congress in New York's 14th Congressional District, becoming the first Indian-American woman to run for Congress . Despite losing the election, the experience had ignited something else in her and she decided to launch Girls Who Code . Since its founding in 2012, Girls Who Code has become a leading voice in the movement to close the gender gap in technology. The organization provides girls from underserved communities with free coding education and exposure to technology careers. Girls Who Code has reached over 500 million people through its programs and initiatives and has helped to inspire a new generation of women in technology. Saujani's leadership has been recognized with numerous honors and awards , including the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education and the New York Times Best Seller List. She continues to be a powerful voice for women in technology and a champion for gender equality in and beyond the tech sector. Fei-Fei Li, Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Fei-Fei Li is a pioneering computer science professor at Stanford University and the co-director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) . Li is perhaps best known for her work on ImageNet , which is used to train machine learning algorithms. Beyond her contributions to the field, Li has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Li was born in China and moved to the United States as a teen with the goal of pursuing her education. She earned a bachelor's degree in physics from Princeton University and a PhD in electrical engineering from the California Institute of Technology. After completing her PhD, Li joined the faculty of Princeton University as an assistant professor of electrical engineering where she conducted research on computer vision and machine learning . In 2009, she moved to Stanford University, where she founded the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab and continued her groundbreaking work. In addition to her research, Li has worked hard to disrupt the gender gap in tech and particularly in relation to women of color in the field. She is a co-founder of AI4ALL , a nonprofit organization that aims to increase diversity and inclusion in the field of artificial intelligence through offering education and mentorship opportunities to women and folks historically marginalized from the industry. Tracy Chou, Project Include Tracy Chou is a software engineer and diversity advocate who has made significant contributions to the tech industry. She is best known as the founder of Project Include , a nonprofit organization that works to increase diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Chou was born in California and grew up in a Taiwanese-American family of engineers. She developed a passion for programming at a young age and later earned a degree in computer science from Stanford University. Following her studies, Chou went on to work for a number of tech companies, including Pinterest, Quora, and the US Digital Service. In 2013, Chou wrote a blog post calling attention to the lack of diversity in the tech industry and the need for companies to take concrete steps in addressing this issue. The post went viral and led to the foundation of Project Include in 2016. Project Include provides resources and guidance to tech companies on how to create more inclusive workplaces. The organization has made huge gains in expanding opportunities for folks historically marginalized in the field of tech. Chou’s important work has been widely recognized . In 2014, Chou was honored as a “rising-star software engineer” on Forbes’ "30 Under 30" list and in 2015 was named one of the " Most Powerful Women Engineers " by Business Insider. She continues to be a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry and an inspiration to women and folks underrepresented in the field. Kimberly Bryant, Black Girls Code Kimberly Bryant is a social entrepreneur, software engineer, and founder of Black Girls Code , a non-profit organization that empowers girls of color to pursue careers in tech and computer science. Bryant grew up in Memphis, Tennessee where she developed an interest in science and technology at a young age. This led to her pursuing a degree in electrical engineering from Vanderbilt University. Bryant started her career working for companies such as DuPont, Pfizer, and Genentech, yet, she quickly took note of the few women and even fewer people of color in technical roles in her workplace. The lack of diversity that she encountered inspired her to create Black Girls Code in 2011 . The organization aims to provide access and exposure to technology and computer science to girls from underrepresented communities. Under Bryant's guidance, Black Girls Code has grown significantly, with 14 chapters located in cities around the United States and one chapter in South Africa. The organization offers a range of programs , from after-school and summer camps to hackathons and mentorship opportunities, that introduce girls of color to coding, robotics, game design, and other STEM fields. Bryant's work has received numerous accolades including being named one of Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business and one of Ebony magazine's Power 100. Through her advocacy and leadership, Bryant is making a significant impact on the diversity and inclusion of the tech industry. Shafi Goldwasser, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Shafi Goldwasser is a renowned computer scientist and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) , celebrated for her groundbreaking work in the field of cryptography . Goldwasser's contributions to the development of modern encryption algorithms have revolutionized the field of computer security, making communication networks more secure across the internet. Beyond that, Goldwasser is a co-director of the Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines at MIT where she conducts research on the theoretical foundations of computer science and its applications to various fields including neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Goldwasser earned various awards and honors for her contributions to the field of computer science. Most notably, she received the prestigious Turing Award in 2012 alongside her collaborator Silvio Micali. In addition to her huge contributions to the field, Goldwasser has been an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech sector . She has been vocal about the need to create more opportunities for women and other minority populations in computer science and STEM at large. From honoring achievements to creating a more inclusive future for tech Despite being underrepresented in the industry, women’s contributions have been crucial to the growth of the tech sector and have aided big advancements in science and technology. We hope that by highlighting the work of women like Reshma Saujani, Fei-Fei Li, Tracy Chou, Kimberly Bryant, and Shafi Goldwasser, we can inspire more women to pursue careers in tech and showcase the diverse range of contributions that women are making to the industry. One simple action that we can all take to support women in tech is to acknowledge the achievements of women who have worked tirelessly to advance and transform the field . We hope that through learning about these incredible women and their work can help promote a more equitable and inclusive future for tech.

You’re burned out and just need a break. Or you’ve welcomed a new baby or need to take care of your elderly parents. No matter your reasoning, there are two options that professionals have when deciding to take a little respite from work: career breaks and sabbatical leave. But what are they? Are they the same as retirement? Are the two the same? Let’s discuss. Career Break vs. Sabbatical Leave First, let’s differentiate the two: a career break is when you resign from your current job and are no longer employed; a sabbatical is taking a break from your current role whilst still being employed with the intention of going back. The key here is that both operate under the impression that you will go back to work once your break/leave is over; this is how it differs from retirement. Why take a career break? There are numerous reasons that you’d want to take a career break: to travel, study, recuperate from difficult times, take care of children/family, and figure out what you want from life are just a few. An important fact to note is that career breaks mean that you have fully left your role ; career breaks don’t have to be agreed upon with an employer and instead can be as long or as short as you’d like. However, when you return to the workforce, you’ll need to find a new job. FAQs about career breaks: How do I represent career breaks on my resume? It’s best to include career breaks on your resume; if you’re comfortable sharing why you took a break, feel free to include the reason. If you’re not, you don’t have to, but be prepared to be asked about the gap in your resume. How do I tell my boss about a career break? Since with a career break you’re leaving your job just as if you were taking on a new role, there’s no need to ask your boss for permission. Feel free to share that you’re taking a break and make sure to follow industry guidelines when resigning. Will a career break affect my future career? We’d be lying if we gave you a straight answer because it’s impossible to know for sure. But most future employers will understand that you took a break to have children or reskill; what’s important is that you show how this was the right decision for you and how you benefited from the career break. What is an acceptable length for a career break? It depends on your industry, but if you’re planning on joining the same field after your break, don’t plan on taking too long of a break (around 9 months) because you might be out of touch with new trends or industry practices upon your return. If you’re switching fields and using your career break to reskill, a longer break is acceptable. Why take a sabbatical? Sabbaticals can be used to study and improve your skill set, aid your current role, take a mental health break, take a travel break, or more. Sabbaticals are typically agreed upon with your employer with the understanding that you’ll be back to work after a set period of time . They are typically unpaid but in specific cases, you may be provided a stipend or some sort of compensation during your sabbatical. FAQs about sabbaticals: How do I represent a sabbatical on my resume? Feel free to outline your sabbatical on your resume, especially if you used it to upskill or reskill, but as you’re still employed by your company, simply listing your current role is totally fine. How do I tell my boss about a sabbatical? This can be a tough conversation to have with your boss and it’s crucial to be prepared. Think about exactly what you want to ask for and how it will benefit you and the company and present your argument to your boss. Prepare to go back and forth until you reach an agreement. Will a sabbatical affect my future career? As long as you fulfill your agreement with your employer and return on the agreed date, it shouldn’t impact your future career. In fact, it may actually help if you use the time to improve upon yourself, in any way. What is an acceptable length for a sabbatical? This is a question for specific employers, but sabbaticals typically last for six months to a year. When you enter that conversation with your boss, make sure you’re open to different lengths of time because you don’t know what your boss will agree to! Considerations for Career Breaks and Sabbaticals A break from work seems great, but a lot of thought needs to go into your decision to take a career break or sabbatical. First, are you financially stable enough to not receive a paycheck for the length of your break? And if you choose a career break and don’t know exactly when you’ll get a job and be back in the workforce, make sure you have enough savings for both your planned time and unplanned circumstances. Second, does a break from your role entail losing any benefits , such as  a meal plan, health insurance, or transportation assistance? Lastly, will it have a negative effect on your career? If your sector movies quickly, months away may mean that you won’t be prepared to reenter the workforce. One of the best reasons for a career break or sabbatical is reskilling. Today’s tech market is incredibly competitive and if you want to reskill quickly, intensive bootcamps can get you job-ready in as little as 8 weeks!

It’s happened to all of us: a new opportunity comes your way, be it another job, an educational opportunity, or you’ve simply decided to take a new path in your life. Quitting your job and leaving it can be tough and nerve wracking , especially if you’ve been with your company for a while or are happy in your role. In this article, we’ll dive into the intricacies of quitting your job, what to keep in mind, and how to stay on good terms with your previous employer and coworkers. Quitting: Why? You’ve heard about the volatile job market and probably want to know why someone would quit their job right now. Well, there are lots of reasons; you’ve probably heard of some but others may surprise you. Let’s dive in and discuss the two main areas: company-based reasons and personal reasons. Company-based reasons: if you’re not happy or feeling valued at your current role, it may be time to start the job search. Employees quit because they receive another offer with better compensation or benefits, feel uninspired by their work, don’t have a good relationship with management, or feel stuck in their career advancement. Personal reasons: sometimes everything at the workplace is perfect and employees leave for personal reasons: family commitments, going back to school , a desire to relocate, or an unmanageable work/life balance. How to Quit your Job If it’s been a rough quarter and you have that new role waiting around the corner, it may be tempting to just up and quit. However, companies have procedures in place (that were likely outlined in your initial contract) and failing to respect those could mean that you are subject to consequences. Step 1: Make your decision (and think it through) The grass is almost always greener on the other side; quitting your job is almost always irreversible and you need to be absolutely sure of your decision. Consider what your life will look like in your new role (if you’re taking one) or without your current job. Will your commute be the same? Are your hours and holidays the same? How long have you been at your current job? Short stays at jobs can look questionable on your resume. Thinking the decision through also entails considering what would make you stay at your current role . As the job market becomes increasingly competitive and employers are having trouble finding highly qualified workers, a new focus has been placed on employee retention . Consider what would make you stay and get ready to present that to your current boss if prompted. Step 2: Review company policies Does your contract or company policy outline a specific notice period when resigning? The majority of companies request two weeks notice, but this may mean 14 calendar days or 14 working days. Will leaving before the stipulated time period have financial repercussions? Ensure you fully understand your contractual obligations before you decide on your last day. Step 3: Talk to your boss Once you are sure about your options, it’s time to talk to your boss. This is undoubtedly the toughest part, but it’s key to do it as soon as possible . When breaking the news, follow these tips: Get to the point and be direct: explain that you’re leaving, give a few reasons why, and thank your boss for their leadership. Give them your notice : knowing your last day will help your boss plan and fill your position as quickly as possible. Share good experiences : even if you’re leaving because of your relationship with the  management, it’s crucial to be polite and show that you’re grateful for the growth you experienced in the role. Step 4: Talk to HR and the rest of your team News travels fast and to maintain professionalism, it’s best to tell the news to your colleagues personally. Once your boss is aware of your decision, take time to both tell HR so they can plan accordingly (payroll and vacation days may come into play) and your own team; they work closely with you and will be affected by your departure. Step 5: Complete your duties Your last two weeks may feel insurmountable, but it’s crucial to keep working hard and do your work until your last day. You may also be asked to create onboarding documents for the person taking your job or complete feedback with HR about your experience, boss, and overall responsibilities. You’re still an employee until your last day and it’s important to not fall off the horse. Things to Avoid When Quitting Your Job We’ve all had that job where we can’t wait to get out of there and would just love to tell our boss how we really feel. And while that may be super tempting and would feel good in the moment, it’s best not to take that road. Make sure you avoid this and other mistakes: Leaving without proper notice : when you began your job, you most likely signed a contract that outlines departure procedures and it’s important to respect those. Mailing it in for the last few weeks : as we mentioned above, you’re still an employee after you give your notice and are responsible for your normal duties. Do your job and make it through those last weeks. Telling your team before your boss/HR : you might work with your best friends, but your boss and HR must be the first to know. It can come off incredibly unprofessional if your boss hears about your departure from anyone but you. Not preparing your successor : even if you have the worst relationship with your boss or teammates, don’t set your successor up for failure by leaving them little to no onboarding advice or a mountain of work on their first day. Try to be as helpful as possible and prepare them for success - just like you would like done for you. Trash talking your boss/team/company : you’ll most likely have an exit interview with HR and while it may be tempting to let it all out, that’s not constructive criticism for the future and can leave a bad taste in the mouth of the company. Instead, try to be honest yet respectful; remember, you might have to ask for a recommendation or reference in the future. It can seem daunting and scary, but you can do it! People quit all the time and your boss and HR have seen it before (and will see it again!). Follow these tips and you’ll be set up for success.

There’s no doubt that the tech industry has a reputation for being a boy’s club. Whether it be underrepresentation of women in the industry, pay gaps, fewer career advancement opportunities, or being held to different or double standards , it’s no secret that there are sexist practices within the tech industry. Addressing the gender gap in tech is not only the right thing to do, but it can have great impacts on your business’s success. Supporting women in your tech company is key to developing a more productive, innovative, and positive work environment. It’s more important than ever to take a stand and support women in tech. We have a number of tips for companies and co-workers to learn how to better support women in the industry . These recommendations are for folks of all genders and we hope they can help businesses build more inclusive and successful workspaces. Closing the Gender Gap in Tech Although women account for 47% of the workforce in the United States , the largest technology companies - Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft - employ less than 36% women . And when it comes to 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. We know that this isn’t because there’s a lack of talented women to hold these positions, but rather, there are barriers that limit women from being successful in the tech industry. Understanding these barriers and working to address biases is crucial in supporting women in tech. Of course it’s impossible to eliminate the gender gap in tech overnight, but there are concrete things we can all do in order to support women in tech. Tips to build a more inclusive workplace Acknowledge and understand bias The first step to supporting women in tech is acknowledging that the gender gap in the industry is a problem. The second step is seeing how our unconscious biases lead to situations in which women’s work is undervalued or their contributions are not acknowledged. As these biases dominate tech, we see a gender gap that’s deeply ingrained in the industry. Addressing biases can be done on an individual level or at a company wide level. Many companies have decided to implement workshops or training, undergo gender bias audits of company practices, and solicit employee feedback. Unconscious bias training: Unconscious bias training is a type of training aimed to help individuals recognize and address their unconscious biases that may lead to discriminatory behavior in the workplace. Unconscious bias training is often used to promote diversity and inclusion and to prevent discrimination and bias in hiring, promotion, and other employment decisions. Gender bias audit: A gender bias audit is a process of evaluating an organization's policies, practices, and culture to identify areas where gender bias may be present. The goal of a gender bias audit is to identify and address any unconscious or intentional gender bias within the organization and to ensure that women and men are treated fairly and equally. 2. Hire women for leadership positions Having women in leadership positions is hugely beneficial to companies. It’s important to offer other women positive role models, which leads to more inclusive policies across the company, generally improves teamwork , and ultimately brings fresh ideas to the table . These are all positive aspects that greatly benefit the company. A study by Peterson Institute for International Economics found that companies with at least 30% women in leadership roles were 15% more profitable than companies with no women in leadership roles. That said, it’s not only morally and socially important to work towards gender diversity and support women in tech, but there is evidence to suggest that promoting gender diversity within a company can lead to improved financial performance. 3. Use inclusive language Using inclusive language in company communications is a simple way to make all employees feel included and supported in their workplace. Inclusive language avoids marginalizing or stereotyping particular groups --something that ultimately may benefit both men and women in your workplace. Examples include: Use gender-neutral language: Use gender-neutral language such as "they" instead of "he or she" and "humankind" instead of "mankind." Use gender-neutral titles : Use gender-neutral titles such as "chair" or "chairperson" instead of "chairman" or "chairwoman." Similarly, making sure that job positions advertised use gender inclusive language is greatly important. Using inclusive language sends a message to potential candidates that your company values diversity. Appcast found that job postings using gender-inclusive language receive 29% more applications . Accessing this wider pool of candidates from different backgrounds and experiences will ultimately benefit the company. By using inclusive language, companies create a more collaborative and respectful workplace environment, reduce confusion for all workers, and prevent sending unintended or biased messages in company communications. When employees feel valued and included, it improves their morale and engagement. This leads to increased productivity and job satisfaction which benefits both employees and the company. 4. Acknowledge women’s achievements We know that offering positive feedback and encouragement is beneficial to the motivation and self confidence of all employees . In order to build more positive working environments and successful businesses, acknowledging the achievements, no matter how big or small, is something that all workplaces need to deliberately take on. In a male-dominated field, it’s even more important to highlight positive work done by women in tech. Doing so provides women with the recognition and visibility they deserve for their hard work and contributions to the industry. Acknowledging achievements can help to boost their confidence, increase their sense of belonging, and encourage women to continue pursuing their goals in the field . 5. See gender diversity as a strength We know that gender diversity is crucial in the success of any organization. Equally, bridging the gender gap in tech can foster a more efficient, innovative, and positive work culture. Research suggests that companies with higher gender diversity tend to have above-average profitability. According to a study by McKinsey & Company, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on their executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability compared to companies in the bottom quartile. 6. Develop a support network of women in tech It can become exhausting being one of few women in your place of work. Finding a supportive network in your office will help you overcome adversity in what is otherwise an often isolating boy’s club. Building this supportive network of women or other folks who understand your frustrations is important in helping you burn on and not out. Create a support network: This network could be a group of women who you go to lunch with one day a week or it could be one friend who you have coffee breaks with to vent. The important part is that you’re in conversation with and feel supported by other women in your company. Mentorship Program: Establish a mentorship program that pairs women in tech with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, support, and career advice. Build beyond your company: There are more opportunities than ever to get involved in larger “Women in Tech” related organizations and networks. From conferences to professional development programs to networking events, there is no shortage of women taking part in these conversations. Attend a local “women in tech” meetup and connect with other women in the field. Taking Action to Close the Gender Gap Undoubtedly, the tech industry is widely recognized as a male-dominated field. Women who work in tech encounter various forms of discrimination, both explicit and implicit. Women find themselves being underrepresented, receiving lower pay, having fewer career opportunities, and being held to different or stricter standards while working in tech. Of course, it’s hard to transform the industry overnight, but there are a number of ways we can immediately take action to support women in tech. We hope that our recommendations assist companies in taking concrete steps to make more inclusive and thriving work environments.

It’s getting warmer and the sunshine is calling. If you’re lucky enough to work or study remotely and have flexibility when it comes to your hours and location, you’re probably already familiar with the term “workation.” But if you aren’t, here you go: it’s when you combine your work and vacation and get to travel while working. Sound like something you’d like to do? Obviously ! In this article, we’ll explore six of the best locations for your next workation, no matter what you’re looking for. But first, what makes a workation different from regular vacation or a staycation, or even being a digital nomad? Let’s discuss. What is a Workation? Generally speaking, a workation is when you mix leisure and work by going somewhere different and keeping up your regular work duties. But the truth is that a workation can be whatever you want it to be! It could last a few days or a few months: you can make your next workation whatever you want it to be. How can you plan a workation? It can be tempting to just get planning, but it’s essential to check with your boss or HR department before you get too carried away. Even if you work remotely , your company may still have some limitations about where you can work from and for how long. For example, you may be free to work from anywhere within the European Union, but have to ask permission to stay more than three weeks outside. Or you may be able to work from a US island, but need to request permission to work from Mexico. Before you do anything else, check your company rules. How can I choose the right workation? There’s no universal right choice for anyone when it comes to workations; to pick the best place, you need to think about your preferences and choose what matters most to you. Do you want to shut your laptop at 5pm and head right to the beach? Or do you want to visit museums and cultural centers in your free time? Before you make a final decision, make sure you think about what you want. Questions to ask yourself when choosing your workation location: Can you still properly do your job? Working from Bali’s sandy beaches may sound like a great idea, but if your WiFi connection is unstable and you are unable to join meetings, it may not permit you to do your job. If you work asynchronously from the rest of your team, your location may not matter too much, but if you have to frequently join meetings, ensure that your connection permits that. Can you still be part of your team? Agreeing to work hours in a different time zone can seem like no big deal at the beginning, but you might get tired of waking up very early or working well into the night if your job requires you to work the same hours as the rest of your team. Before you decide where to work, make sure you ask your boss about different time zones and the hours you’ll be expected to work. Can you afford to live in your dream workation destination? Salaries vary significantly from country to country and even by city; check out the cost of living in your desired destination before making the decision to ensure that your current salary can cover your expenses. This is also a good time to look into health insurance, medication costs, and any other expenses you’ll accrue from living abroad. Do you meet the legal requirements? Lots of countries have limits on how long foreigners can stay in the country without a visa; in addition to making sure your company permits you to work from abroad for tax purposes, you’ll need to make sure you don’t get into legal trouble in your workation country either. 6 Cities for your Next Workation Now that we’ve discussed how to choose your destination, let’s talk about some of the best: Split, Croatia Located in the middle of the country and full of beaches, great cuisine, and friendly locals, Split is a great place for your next workation. It’s an affordable and vibrant city that connects you to other islands and European cities, as well as offering co-working spaces, an English speaking population, and digital nomad visa options if you want to stay long-term. Bangkok, Thailand Another great option is Bangkok , Thailand, an affordable and bustling city that offers visitors and residents lots of options. Its monthly cost of living and activities rank it as one of the world’s best workation cities, offering co-working spaces and WiFi zones. Most people speak English in this Thai city and you’ll be surrounded by other expats and locals. Lisbon, Portugal Lisbon is one of the world’s most popular destinations for workations, thanks to its mild weather, sunny beaches, and affordable cost of living. What makes this European city unique, however, is its mix of beaches and city, offering both lazy days under the sun and history, museums, and cultural experiences. There are lots of co-working spaces in the city and WiFi is almost universally available. Brisbane, Australia This Southern destination is perfect for those looking for nice weather, lots of activities, and an affordable price. If your dream workation involves signing off and having tons of adventures at your fingertips, consider heading down under. Brisbane also offers a vibrant digital nomad community, many coworking spaces, and the chance to explore the rest of Australia. Sicily, Italy Did someone say pizza and pasta under the Italian sun?! This selection probably won’t surprise you; Sicily is a popular workation destination thanks to its wonderful weather, delicious cuisine, and close proximity to other Italian and European cities. Work from a small café on a cobblestone street and live your Italian fantasy. Aruba Does your perfect workation involve spending lots of time on the beach and relaxing as soon as your work day is over? Perfect for professionals that need to work during Eastern Standard Time, Aruba offers coworking spaces, accessible WiFi, and year round sunny weather to digital nomads. Do any of these cities pique your interest? We thought so. If you’re ready to become a digital nomad , a career in tech that boasts flexibility might be the right choice for you. At Ironhack, we’re dedicated to helping people jumpstart their tech careers and start living their dreams. What are you waiting for?!

Business Intelligence: Definition, Job Types, and Examples It's likely that you have heard of the term business intelligence or BI. You might have even learned about it after exploring the field of data analytics . However, one question remains—what exactly is business intelligence ? In this blog post, we will explore the definition of business intelligence, discuss some jobs within the field of business intelligence, and provide a few examples of how businesses can use BI in their operations. I'll also add some commonly asked questions about BI. What is Business Intelligence? Business intelligence is a broad term that refers to the collection, storage, analysis, and visualization of data from an organization's systems. It typically involves analyzing large amounts of structured and unstructured data to provide business insights for decision-making. For example, BI tools can help identify trends or patterns in sales numbers that may not be obvious otherwise. It can also be used to identify areas of the business that can be improved or optimized. Business intelligence is a powerful application of data that can help organizations make better decisions, reduce costs, and increase profits. Jobs in the Business Intelligence Field The business intelligence field is large and diverse and comprises several different jobs. Here are some of the most common business intelligence job roles: Business Intelligence Analyst : business intelligence analysts often work closely with data engineers and statisticians to collect, store, analyze, and visualize data. They use the insights from their analysis to identify trends or patterns that can help a company make better decisions. Business Intelligence Developer : business intelligence developers specialize in designing and implementing data warehouses , ETL (extract, transform, load) processes, and reporting solutions. They are responsible for the development of databases, dashboards, and interactive reports. SQL Developer : SQL developers create and maintain databases, tables, views, and other data structures. They are also responsible for writing complex queries to extract data that can be used in business intelligence. Business Intelligence Consultant : business intelligence consultants provide strategic advice and suggest best practices for their clients. They help companies make decisions about which data to collect, how to use it, and how to get the most out of their data. Business Intelligence Specialists : business intelligence specialists are responsible for building and maintaining a company's business intelligence system. They also support departments such as sales and marketing in using the data they have collected. Business Intelligence Manager : business intelligence managers develop and maintain the company's business intelligence strategy. They also oversee the development of data warehouses, ETL processes, and reporting solutions. They manage all BI analysts and BI developers within a team. In my experience as a data analyst, I previously worked together with a BI specialist to build and maintain data workflows in the company. We also provided support to other departments in collecting the data they needed for making decisions and putting them into simple dashboards on Tableau for reference. Business Intelligence Examples Business intelligence has been around for a while and is starting to pick up over the past decade on a wider range of applications across industries. To get a fuller grasp on where business intelligence can be used, check out these examples below: 1. Business intelligence in healthcare Applications for BI in healthcare organizations can span many applications. Insights from the BI analysis enable informed decision-making about patient care, research, and operations. Through data analysis of medical and clinical data sources such as medical histories and insurance claims, healthcare providers can identify patterns that lead to better diagnosis and treatment of patients. 2. Business intelligence in manufacturing As one of the slower industries to adopt technology, BI provides huge potential for improvement and optimization in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturers are leveraging BI tools to analyze data from their production lines, supply chains, and customer interactions. Using this analysis, they can identify problems with product or component design, inventory levels, and the overall efficiency of their operations. This helps them make informed decisions about how best to optimize their production processes. For example, Tesla uses business intelligence to measure and improve efficiencies in their car assembly. Using their MES (Manufacturing Execution System), they monitor assembly progress to track their overall production rate. Additionally, they use Tableau, a common BI tool, for sharing data and reports among stakeholders. 3. Business intelligence in retail Retailers use business intelligence to improve product forecasting, customer segmentation, inventory management, and pricing strategies. They can use data analysis to better understand customer behavior, identify high-value customers, and target them with personalized offers. Also, they can track key performance indicators like sales rate, average order value, and customer lifetime value, which helps inform decisions about product assortment and pricing. Common Business Intelligence Tools Working in business intelligence comes with some general tools to help process and clean data. These tools may vary depending on the different BI roles. Here are some common ones you'll encounter when working in business intelligence: SQL (Structured Query Language) : SQL is the standard language for accessing, manipulating, and querying data from relational databases. It’s often used in BI projects to query data from a data warehouse or other database sources. Tableau : Tableau is one of the most popular BI reporting tools. It provides powerful visualizations to quickly reveal insights from data analysis. T-SQL : T-SQL stands for Transact-SQL and is a Microsoft extension of SQL. It’s used for manipulating data on Microsoft SQL Server databases, as well as writing queries in stored procedures. Oracle BI : Oracle Business Intelligence is designed to help organizations make better decisions by providing a unified view of their data. It’s used for creating reports, dashboard visualizations, and performing analytics on structured and unstructured data sources. Python/R : These are two popular programming languages used by BI professionals. They help with scripting, cleaning, manipulating, and analyzing data for BI projects. Using Python or R code, BI analysts can automate workflows. Amazon Redshift :  Redshift is a cloud-based data warehouse solution offered by Amazon for large datasets. It’s used for analyzing and querying structured data sources with SQL. Power BI :  Microsoft Power BI is a cloud-based business intelligence and analytics tool. It helps organizations produce interactive data visualizations for making informed decisions. Hadoop : Hadoop is an open-source framework for processing and analyzing large amounts of data. It’s used to store large datasets in a distributed manner, making it perfect for data analysis projects. How to Get Started with Business Intelligence Have any of the above jobs or tools excited you? Or are you keen on making a transition into a tech career in business intelligence? Here are some simple steps to help you get started: Learn about data analysis and visualizations : start by familiarizing yourself with the concepts of data science, machine learning, and analytics. Research how to analyze data effectively and create meaningful visualizations from it. Strengthen your technical skills : focus on strengthening your technical skills like databases, programming languages (Python/R), data cleaning, and working with BI tools. Build your portfolio : start building a portfolio that showcases your technical abilities and projects you’ve worked on. This will help when applying for jobs in business intelligence. Network & look for opportunities : network with people in the industry to understand the job requirements and start searching for business intelligence roles. Build a LinkedIn profile to help with your networking online. By following these steps, you can take the first step towards one of the entry roles within BI. For example, you'll be able to land a junior BI developer or BI analyst role. Related Questions Curious to learn more? Here are some additional questions you might find helpful. What skills do you need in business intelligence? Business intelligence professionals need to have a wide range of skills, including technical skills like databases and programming languages (Python/R), as well as soft and analytical skills. Additionally, problem-solving, communication, and business acumen are also important. Is a career in business intelligence a good choice? Yes, a career in business intelligence can be very rewarding. BI professionals are usually well-paid for their skills and knowledge of data analysis and reporting. Plus, the field is constantly evolving with new technologies, giving you plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. Business intelligence is also an expanding field in many traditional industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. Therefore, job opportunities for BI roles will be plenty. Final Thoughts Business intelligence is an exciting and dynamic field where you can work with data to drive informed decisions. Job opportunities across industries and company sizes are plentiful, and with the right skills, you can successfully transition into an entry-level BI/data analytics role. Author Bio Hi, I’m Austin Chia! I previously worked as an analytics instructor, a data scientist for healthcare research, and a health-tech data analyst. With my years of experience in data, I now seek to help others learn more about data science and analytics through content at AnyInstructor.com , where I write and share my learnings.

In case you’ve missed it, we’ve recently been doing some round-ups of our favorite FemTech startups from some of the biggest tech hubs in Germany. We looked high and low to bring you the must-watch FemTechs in Berlin and Bavaria but of course, we couldn’t leave Frankfurt out. Frankfurt is one of Germany's largest tech hubs. But is typically known for its Fintechs. With so many banks around and the strong local economy, it's no surprise that Fintechs are popping up all over the city. However, it's not only Fintechs riding the wave of investments that the city has seen. Some savvy founders in the healthtech space have also decided to make Frankfurt their home. Healthcare and healthtech have historically focused most of their time (and money) on men's health. But women are starting to steal the spotlight and bring attention to the disparities and sexism in the healthcare industry. And in Frankfurt, some exciting new healthtech startups are creating products and services to meet women's healthcare needs. In this article, we will explore what FemTech is, why healthtech has seen a historic bias towards men, and highlight 3 incredible startups from Frankfurt that are supporting women's health. What is FemTech? Before we dive into the top FemTechs in Frankfurt let's first clear up what a FemTech is. If you're not familiar with the term FemTech, don’t worry. It's a new term that has only been around since 2016 and refers to a tech startup or company that focuses on women's health. This can be done through research, app development, product design, creating a supportive community, and more. The term was first used by Ida Tin back in 2016 when she was founding her own FemTech Clue in Berlin. The scope of the term FemTech has grown a lot since it first emerged. Previously it focused on women's health issues such as pregnancy and menstruation. But now FemTechs use their innovation and creativity to provide support for everything from reproductive health needs to breastfeeding and menopause. In addition, may focus on finding treatments for diseases that are more prevalent in women (such as Alzheimer's, certain types of cancer, and autoimmune diseases). And some also look at providing support for roles that are dominated by women such as caregiving to the elderly or children. How FemTech is combating gender bias in healthcare Startups across Germany are looking to use FemTech as a way to improve health outcomes for women. But where did the gender bias in healthcare come from and why does it need to be improved? Gender bias in healthcare is real. Historically inequity in medicine and medical research stemmed from women being ignored and excluded from trials. Before the 1990s, in many countries, women were not included in much of the research studies for medical therapies and drugs. This created a real gap for healthcare professionals in understanding how diseases, drugs, and therapies can affect women. Not only are women struggling with a gap in medical knowledge and data but there has been a historic reluctance to talk about women's health issues. Health issues specific to women such as periods, sexual health, contraception, and menopause have been considered taboo in many communities with healthcare being no exception. If we can't talk about these issues, we really can't address them and this is where FemTechs are working to bridge the gap. FemTech, has historically been viewed as a niche market. Many FemTech startups struggled to get their first rounds of funding with investors skeptical of how much success they could attain. But over the years, FemTech founders have quashed the doubts. And it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. With 50% of the population as your target audience, you have a lot of people to market to. As such, FemTech has now exploded with many new cutting-edge startups emerging. With increasing popularity, the global market for FemTech is forecast to reach $60 bn by 2027 . With such big bucks on the table, FemTech is increasingly grabbing the attention of venture capitalists, and we expect they will continue to disrupt the women’s health market in 2023 and beyond. In 2023, we hope to see investment continue to flow to FemTechs. Startups focusing on plugging societal gaps are growing in number and attracting global attention. And FemTechs in Frankfurt and across Germany are using technology to address many of the health disparities that women face. This new wave of women's health technology could bring about significant change to women's health and help women across the globe live happier and healthier lives. The FemTech scene in Frankfurt Within the past five years, the FemTech space in Frankfurt has slowly been growing. While finance is the predominant industry of the city, healthcare startups are starting to emerge and join the startup ecosystem. As more and more women become aware of the importance of monitoring their health and having access to solutions designed specifically for the biological female anatomy, the FemTech scene has grown. In 2023 there will be no shortage of opportunities to network and establish a presence in the Frankfurt FemTech world. In addition, there are several programs that focus on helping women secure funding and grow their startups. For example, The Female Founders Accelerator in Frankfurt has been helping startup founders connect them with capable investors and providing them with outstanding mentorship from remarkable entrepreneurs. In addition, there are several women in tech events and conferences that take place across the city and numerous meetups such as Techettes. Ironhack holds events for women in tech across Germany, including in Frankfurt. Follow us on MeetUp to stay up-to-date on all our local events. Frankfurt has fostered a creative and welcoming environment for women in tech which is what makes it a great location for women in tech to locate their startups. So let's take a look at some of the startups that have already established themselves in Frankfurt. Top FemTech startups in Frankfurt to watch FemTechs are relatively new to the Frankfurt startup scene. But there are some exciting healthtech startups leading the charge in supporting women in their health and caregiving. Here are three of our favorite cutting-edge FemTech startups from Frankfurt that are improving health outcomes for women. 1. Curaluna Did you know that we are facing a global nursing shortage? And more than 430 million people worldwide are already in need of care. So how are these people getting their care? Typically unpaid care is given by women as they look after the elderly and sick relatives in their families. As such, women and girls undertake more than 75% of unpaid care work in the world . But these women are typically neither trained nor prepared for care and end up overwhelmed in terms of time, administration, and emotions. Not only is this incredibly emotionally draining but it can also impact a woman's ability to work as her time is spent giving care. Curaluna aims to help caregivers that often spend too much time organizing and not enough time with those in need of care. Its product is a personal digital care assistant. The device uses inconspicuous sensors on the body of the patient that record data that can be used to improve care. The software  evaluates the individual's data and gives them personalized reporting so that elderly patients can remain independent and safe at home for longer. 2. aescuvest Aescuvest is a little different from the other startups on our list. But as we are in Frankfurt, we can’t create a startup list that doesn't at least include one startup based around finance and investing. But how does aescuvest tie into women's healthcare? The startup is on a mission to “facilitate and enable impactful investments into medical breakthrough innovation to disrupt and improve healthcare delivery models, products, and services.” The platform helps investors build a portfolio of healthcare startups - based on their personal investment focus. In 2021, women received only 2.4% of venture capital funding . Startups like aescvest that help more people invest can be a great tool in redistributing funds in healthcare towards women's health issues. Crowdfunding can be a powerful tool for women in tech. Other women often see the ideas of female founders are related to them. Whereas venture capitalists are predominantly men and less likely to see the potential of FemTech as it does not relate to their own health issues. 3. TFP TFP is a major fertility clinic with locations around the world. It recently acquired the Frankfurt startup Vivaneo and now has a location in the city. VivaNeo previously comprised 9 IVF clinics across four countries, an egg donor bank, as well as a blood diagnostic laboratory, and a dialysis center in Germany. It also held the  1 or 2 market position in market share terms in each of its markets which is what made it an attractive acquisition for TFP. TFP has grown to enormous international success by helping women with their reproductive health and has continuously looked to startups with innovative technology to help it keep improving its services. Now the company can boast that a TFP baby is born every 90 minutes and the location in Frankfurt is expected to see continued success in 2023. Get ready to start your tech career in Frankfurt Are you a woman ready to kickstart your career in tech? Sign up for one of our bootcamps and learn the skills that FemTechs in Frankfurt are searching for. Our tech school offers a range of immersive courses from UX/UI Design to Cybersecurity that are delivered in formats tailored to your needs: online or on campus, full-time or part-time. Apply today .

What is FemTech (Female technology)? We can forgive you for asking because it's a relatively new term and (as with many things related to women in tech) has been historically underrepresented and viewed as a niche market. To put it simply, FemTechs are essentially technology-based companies that focus on women's health. But in the past few years, the pace of change has accelerated and more FemTechs are popping up around Germany, especially in the startup city of Hamburg. And they are widening the field and what could be considered a “FemTech.” While women in tech struggle to get their first rounds of funding, in comparison to their male counterparts – women-led startups received just 2.3% of venture capital funding in 2020 – we are starting to see a shift in this pattern as more investors see the success that FemTechs are achieving. If you’re a woman, it probably comes as no surprise to you that FemTechs are popular. Women make up 50% of the population so that gives FemTechs a very large audience to market their products and services to. And historically, there have been very few companies putting the spotlight on women's health, so these startups also have a competitive edge in the market. As such, FemTech has now exploded with many new cutting-edge startups emerging in Hamburg, Berlin , Munich , and more. With increasing popularity, the global market for FemTech is forecast to reach $60 bn by 2027 . And in this article, we will explore how this growing market is developing in Hamburg. We take a look at the female startup scene in the city and share three of our favorite FemTechs from Hamburg that you need to watch in 2023. What is FemTech? FemTechs are companies that focus on women's health. But women's health covers a whole range of issues, so how can we make a clear definition of a FemTech? Well, that's the great thing about FemTechs, they are incredibly diverse and use their creativity and innovation to combat a whole range of women's health issues – some that you may not realize existed or are predominant in women. The rapidly growing number of FemTech startups and companies can approach women's health in a wide variety of ways. From conducting research to designing innovative products, and even building communities that support women – there is a lot going on in the FemTech world. According to PitchBook , in 2022, FemTech startups raised over $2 billion. This is a substantial increase from 2019, where investment was less than a quarter of this at  $476.8 million. With this rise in investment, we expect 2023 to be a bright year for FemTechs and for exciting new approaches to age-old women's health problems to emerge. Startups focusing on plugging societal gaps are growing in number and attracting global attention. And FemTechs in Hamburg and across Germany are using this attention and investment to create technology that addresses the health disparities that women face. FemTechs use their innovation and creativity to provide support for all kinds of health problems. Everything from the obvious women's health topics such as reproductive health needs fertility, menstrual tracking, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. To the not-so-obvious health issues that affect women such as finding treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's, depression, certain types of cancer, and autoimmune diseases (all of which are more prevalent in women). The work these FemTechs are doing is of great importance to women everywhere. Many diseases affect women differently or more than men but traditional medicine has used men as test subjects when developing treatments and drugs, leaving women on the sidelines. This new wave of women's health technology could bridge this data gap and bring about significant change to women's health. The FemTech scene in Hamburg Hamburg has a vibrant startup scene that everyone in Germany knows about. But one thing about its startup ecosystem you might not know is that they have recently been putting a lot of support and resources into building a city that has a welcoming startup environment for women founders and FemTechs. For example, The Scaleup Landing Pad Hamburg helps young international companies scale their business in Germany and Europe and has been investing in female founders. The Digital Health Hub Hamburg is another initiative that any startup in healthcare, such as most FemTechs, would be interested in. It is a cluster brand of Gesundheitswirtschaft Hamburg GmbH and is the driving force behind innovations in the digitization of the healthcare system in Hamburg. Not only are there these incredible hubs and initiatives to help the ecosystem thrive, but Hamburg is also home to the FemTechConf – the biggest Women in Tech community in Europe and the EMEA with over 150,000 active members globally. In September it will host its Hamburg event that aims to connect the diverse professionals, leaders, executives and change-makers from across the STEM industry in EMEA! There will be world-renowned speakers – all women – who are at the top of their fields and working for companies from Zalando to Google. If you are looking to connect with other women in tech, you can also attend one of the regular get-togethers held by Women Techmakers Hamburg . Ironhack holds women in tech events across Germany, including in Hamburg. Follow us on MeetUp to stay up-to-date on all our local events. Top FemTech startups in Hamburg to watch With so much going on in the FemTech scene in Hamburg, you are probably expecting there to be some incredible and revolutionary FemTechs located in the city. Well, you're right, there are. Here are three of our favorite cutting-edge FemTech startups from Hamburg that are revolutionizing women's health. 1. Ovy Ltd Ovy is a FemTech startup based in Hamburg that is on a mission of improving the health of women through smart and innovative products. Its debut product is the Ovy app which is used with its Bluetooth thermometer to calculate the fertile and non-fertile days of the menstrual cycle. The startup helps women to regulate their conception without hormones and also supports them in getting pregnant and fulfilling their desire to have children - without artificial hormones, simply and safely. 2. Wexxeljahre Wexxeljahre is a FemTech from Hamburg that helps empower women to take their menopausal health into their own hands. The startup uses its Meno-Campus: The first mentoring for menopause, to connect women with a community of experts and offers that help them understand their menopause. The startup puts a major focus on the accuracy of the medically relevant information it provides and has built its courses and community in a way that prepares women for menopause with understandable and digestible content. Evidence is very important to Wexxeljahre, which notes that there are products and solutions that help women, despite the lack of scientific studies. Its aim is to offer guidance to women so that they do not take medication unnecessarily or wait too long for the treatments they need. Menopause (like many topics around menstrual health) has been a taboo in society for a long time. As such, many women struggle to understand what is happening to their bodies when this time of life arrives and how they can make it more manageable. 3. Vulvani Vulvani is another education-based FemTech from Hamburg that is all about teaching women about their bodies. Many women do not receive adequate sexual health education and can be left confused and scared by some of the things that happen to their bodies. Not only this, but every woman's body is different and many of us experience our periods and cycles differently so the information we do sometimes receive simply doesn't fit our experience. The aim of Vulvani is to give women the opportunity to learn more about their own bodies. It wants to normalize taboo topics such as periods, sexual health, menopause, and more through education that will empower people and create inclusive societies. Some of the topics taught in its courses include how to make your menstrual cycle work for you. Here women learn how to make their menstrual cycle a part of their planning for all aspects of life and how understanding your cycle can help you learn to enjoy it rather than dread it. Get ready to start your tech career in Hamburg Are you a woman ready to kickstart your career in tech? Sign up for one of our bootcamps and learn the skills that FemTechs in Berlin are searching for. Our tech school offers a range of immersive courses from UX/UI Design to Cybersecurity that are delivered in formats tailored to your needs: online or on campus, full-time or part-time. Apply today .