General Assembly, Author at General Assembly Blog | Page 4

Since the digital boom, we’ve seen tech startups taking over the world of work. However, unlike big corporations, the Great Resignation has been a one-in-a-century opportunity for startups to snatch up great tech talent worldwide. 

Economic downturns are also times when entrepreneurs look for innovative ways to solve new problems, leading to the creation of new tech-savvy companies. According to ExplodingTopics, there are over 1.1 billion-dollar startups worldwide today. That’s a lot of skill gaps that need to be filled. 

Each year the number of tech startups continues to rise. Since 2020 the number has almost doubled. Startups continue to be one of the most popular companies to break into tech and build up invaluable work experience. Oftentimes, during the beginning stages of operations, company leaders will be heavily investing in the talent (people) who will continue to build, ideate, and refine the business model over time. 

So the demand for tech startup talent is out there, but how do you get into a startup with zero tech experience, and what are the benefits of working at a tech startup? Keep reading to understand the risk versus the reward. 

COVID-19 had a huge impact on the hospitality industry that’s still felt today.

With a 2-year halt on travel plans, 62 million hospitality jobs worldwide were lost in 2020, and 44 million in 2021. While it seems that travel has returned to normal, in reality, the entire industry’s seen a paradigm shift. There are labour shortages, decreased business travel, and a stronger reliance on technology.

The instability of the industry over the last couple of years paired with the current state of the industry has caused many people working in hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality jobs, to reconsider their careers.

If you’re in this position and feeling like it’s time to take action, you’ve come to the right place. This article walks through why people are leaving the industry, jobs to consider and how to make a career switch from hospitality worker to working in tech.

Although law enforcement is a well-paying job with a good pension, many police officers leave the profession in search of a more secure and balanced life. But, according to CNN, COVID-19, the great resignation, burnout, and a dramatic increase in crime rates across American cities make recruitment and retention difficult.

According to the police executive forum, which surveyed 200 police departments, there has been a 44% increase in police retirements and an 18% increase in cops quitting their jobs.Additionally, in a recent New York Post study, over 2,465 police officers have filed to leave the department this year (42% more than last year). Police officers who have had enough are starting to search for private-sector job opportunities.

Are you currently working in law enforcement, but ready to make a change? Keep reading for key insights on making the switch.

Most people have worked in a restaurant at some point in their careers—food service dominates popular first jobs like dishwasher, waitress, host, barista, and pizza delivery. Some stay longer to make culinary careers as chefs or managers.

Working in food service can be rewarding but also grueling, as seen in shows like FX’s ‘The Bear’. Whether you’ve just stopped over in food service or have been there a long time, you might be ready for a change. Rude customers, long hours, and high pressure leave many feeling depleted and wondering how to get out of the restaurant industry.

More than 6% of restaurant and hospitality workers quit each month in 2022—that’s the highest departure rate of any industry according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  While low wages and tips are the biggest reason workers cite in leaving, more than half also say that no amount of money would entice them back. Let’s take a look at one cook’s story, why departure rates are so high, and where workers are going instead.

The first 90 days are crucial for anyone starting a new job, but the stakes feel higher for a career changer who is eager to get off to a strong start in a new field. You’ve worked hard to get here and you’re excited to jump right in, no doubt—yet, before you can reach the satisfying peak, you have to claw your way up through a landslide of information, sort through intricate workplace dynamics, and discover the new “you.” 

Why are the first “90” days so important? Well, according to Jobvite’s annual survey, 1 in 3 workers quit within the first 90 days of accepting a job offer. Most often, company leadership, culture, or duties differ from employee expectations. Perhaps there’s a change in the role’s responsibilities or flexibility. Sometimes better pay is offered elsewhere or a negative incident leads new employees to promptly quit. 

In a perfect world, every company would invest heavily in a well-planned onboarding program that gives new tech employees all they need to thrive. The reality is that, oftentimes, you’re on your own—sink or swim!

The first tech job you land out of boot camp may not be your forever home, but you can at least gain a strong foothold—picking up valuable skills, experience, and references by using a goals worksheet as your North star. The following action items can help you become acclimated to the waters of your new position with a refreshing sense of purpose and direction.