Career Development Category Archives - General Assembly Blog | Page 12

Black Women Tech Inventors: Breaking Barriers and Making History

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Throughout history, Black women have been trailblazers in the tech industry, despite facing societal challenges and inequities. Inventing groundbreaking products and pushing the boundaries of what is possible has evolved. In the 21st century, this legacy of innovation continues as Black women continue to make their mark.

To celebrate Black History Month we are highlighting Black women who are making a huge impact on today’s society. Keep reading to hear their stories…

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5 Steps to Getting Your First Job in Software Engineering

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Software impacts nearly all aspects of our lives today. If you woke up to an alarm on your mobile phone, ordered lunch via an app, or used technology to get your work done today, you can thank software developers. If you’re interested in improving your problem-solving and analytical skills to help solve challenges (whether that’s how lunch gets ordered or something bigger, like climate change), software engineering could be the next career for you. 

If you are wondering how to land a software engineering job with no experience, you’ve come to the right place. At General Assembly, we help thousands of people change careers and get entry-level jobs in software engineering in months. No four-year computer science degree required. This quick start guide outlines five steps to take to launch your new career in software engineering, regardless of your background. 

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Love your company but hate your job? Change Careers Without Changing Companies, Here’s How

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Changing careers can be daunting. However, sometimes a career change doesn’t mean changing companies. If you love your company but hate your job, you might be able to transition your role. It is often easier to change within an existing company than apply for a new role. 

This is especially true if you’re interested in pursuing a career in UX Design, Data, or Coding. Many companies are struggling to get the talent they need to fill open technical roles, even with rampant layoffs and a global recession. Gaining digital skills is one of the most effective ways to change jobs internally without leaving the company. 

With that in mind, keep reading to discover the benefits of making the switch and what factors to consider when changing careers internally. 

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The 5 Most In-Demand Tech Skills to Learn in 2023

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As companies increasingly hire for skills, not degrees, there is more opportunity than ever to break into tech or grow your career off the traditional beaten path. Major companies like Google, Delta, Mastercard and Bank of America have shifted to skills-based hiring. However, you might be asking: what exactly are those skills companies are hiring for? 

We spoke to General Assembly instructors and tech professionals at Uber and Doordash to uncover the top skills they see hiring managers looking for in 2023, whether you want to switch careers or land that promotion. Here are the 5 skills you should learn to take your career to the next level this year.

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How to Make a Career Change From Accounting to Tech: The Ultimate Guide

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Are you an accountant interested in transitioning to the tech industry? This article explores various paths to make that transition, whether it's a complete career switch or acquiring new skills. By breaking down the journey into manageable steps, you'll be on your way to a fulfilling and successful change. Read more to get started.

Calling all bored accountants. 

If you’re feeling unengaged at work and ready for a change, you’re not alone. 

According to The CPA Journal, turnover rates at large firms saw a significant increase in 2019, reaching almost 19%  — which is an 18% increase from the previous year. In fact, in some cases, the journal found turnover rates as high as 30%.  

Given the changes taking place in the industry, this doesn’t come as a huge surprise. 

Like so many other industries, accounting is significantly impacted by new technology — from an increase in automation to new software entering the field — technology has changed the shape of the industry and the roles within it.

This article walks through why accountants are leaving their field, tech roles to consider, and three steps to get started on your career transition journey. 

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Looking for a new career? Here are the 3 most promising tech jobs of 2023

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The tech industry experienced mass layoffs and budget cuts in 2022 that have many tech workers who were once flying high worried about job security. Despite the gloomy news, however, the labor market for tech talent continues to be strong. While big tech firms are making headlines for drastic cuts, tech talent remains in high demand across other industries. 

For example, industries like finance, healthcare, government and automotive, all of which have yet to fully digitally transform, are hiring tech talent. The City of San Francisco—a verifiable tech hub that should, in theory, have unlimited access to tech talent—recently shared that its vacancy rate for IT workers is 21%. 

For workers willing to look beyond big tech, well paid opportunities continue to abound. At General Assembly, we help people break into a career in tech so they can increase their wages and land a job with great benefits and working conditions—ultimately, improving their quality of life. 

Despite today’s economic landscape, we still believe this is a path to prosperity and that opportunities abound for tech workers. In fact, not having a technical skill set could leave you less secure in your career going forward as everything goes digital. 

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Why Entrepreneurs Should Learn to Code

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Entrepreneurship is on the rise. The pandemic led to a startup boom in the United States, with applications for new businesses increasing by 24%. Then, The Great Resignation accelerated the trend, with applications increasing 55% from 2019 levels in 2021. 

If you’re thinking about jumping on the entrepreneurship train, learning to code might not be the first thing that comes to mind. After all, computer science isn’t typically found in a business school curriculum. 

However, aspiring entrepreneurs should consider learning to code for a few reasons. Learning to code can help you launch your business faster, make better technology decisions, improve your creative problem solving skills, and better understand how your business operates. 

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ASK ME ANYTHING: YOUR BURNING TECH QUESTIONS ANSWERED, LIVE.

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Making a career change can be as intimidating as it is exhilarating. On one hand, you’re excited about a new adventure, but on the other hand, you want to be sure or at least have an idea of where you’re headed. That’s why we’re excited to offer a new Livestream Series: Ask Me Anything.  

Whether you’re ready to start a new tech career or just exploring the options, our Ask Me Anything sessions are a risk-free way to get your burning questions answered live by an active industry professional. No matter where you are in the process, you can know you’re making an informed decision.

Join us on Wednesdays at 3:00 pm Eastern, starting January 18th. 

SCHEDULE:
Wed, Jan 18, 2023 – Ask me Anything: UX Design with Jason Early

Wed, Feb 01, 2023 – Ask me Anything: Software Engineering with Taylor Darneille

Wed, Feb 15, 2023 – Ask me Anything: UX Design with Brittney Posternock

Wed, Mar 01, 2023 – Ask me Anything: Software Engineering with Travis Huang

Wed, Mar 08, 2023 – Ask me Anything: Data Analytics with Branden Kornell

Wed, Mar 15, 2023 – Ask me Anything: UX Design with Todd Chambers

Wed, Mar 22, 2023 – Ask me Anything: Software Engineering with Taylor Darneille

Wed, Mar 29, 2023 – Ask me Anything: Data Analytics with Candace Roberts

Please note that all AMA instructors are US based.

CAREER TAROTSCOPES FOR JANUARY 2023

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Rebecca Szymczak, aka Cardsy B, author of The Saturn Diaries and tarot reader to the stars, consulted her cards and has tips for which signs should make some New Year’s changes at work and which should use this month’s grounded Capricorn vibes to move forward methodically. She also has some insight into abundance- both in terms of finance and recognition – coming in where you may least expect it. 

January comes in strong with the Saturn-ruled sign of Capricorn kicking off the new year. This is likely to cause an increase in motivation toward goals as Capricorn is known as the hardest-working sign in the zodiac. On January 6, we have the full moon in Cancer, bringing in an opportunity to look at where you can prioritize self-care and set up a sustainable work/life balance for the new year. On Jan 17, Mercury, which has been in retrograde since Dec 29, heads direct. This helps communication with colleagues and clients run much more smoothly and efficiently. Whatever your sign, January is an exciting month for all signs, so read on to see what treats are in store.

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5 Ways to Actively Conquer Career-Changing Fear

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Are you reconsidering your career path?

The thought of taking on a whole new career can be terrifying—especially when it requires that you take a few steps backward to get there. Feelings of self-doubt are normal as you go from expert to student again, working hard to learn the new skills that will help you transition to a more fulfilling career.

Doing work you are passionate about is worth the hard work it takes to get there. With mindfulness and mental health practices, you can squash the very normal feelings of fear and doubt that come along with change. 

We’ll walk you through five helpful ways to conquer the fear of career transition and provide actionable steps to help you feel confident and prepared for whatever is next in your career journey.

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