Career Development Category Archives - General Assembly Blog | Page 4

Why You Should Learn JavaScript: A Beginner’s Guide

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Article reviewed by: Usman Bashir

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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

JavaScript is a popular programming language that was born in 1995, and is now core to the modern web. It’s a critical coding skill to learn if you want to get into web development. It’s also a versatile language that can unlock a variety of well-paid job opportunities that are experiencing rapid wage growth. 

According to US News & World Report, software development ranked as the #1 job in 2023. These factors are based on growth potential, salary, employment rate, future job prospects, stress level and work-life balance. The number of software developers is expected to grow to 28.7 million by 2024 globally, a 12.5% increase from 2020. There are many job opportunities for JavaScript developers. One study found the median yearly salary in 2023 was $74,034 USD—up roughly 13% from $65,680 in 2022. 

Salaries can also increase significantly as you gain more experience and advance into more senior developer positions. JavaScript is widely used, so learning it can unlock new opportunities that are remote or freelance.

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Career Tarotscopes For July 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 are in a place to make big shifts and which should focus on nourishing themselves and their vision through this month’s Venus retrograde. She also has insight regarding new projects that can open up big doors following the full moon in Capricorn on July 3.


July begins with the buck moon on Monday the 3rd, which brings the successful, hard-working energy of Capricorn to tackle any obstacles. As the sun and moon meet with the new moon in Cancer on July 17, we can look forward to upgrades in relationships and team dynamics at work.

Whatever your sign, there are plenty of big wins — plus some key decisions  — to look for this month, so read on to see what the cards have in store.

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Why Everyone Should Learn To Code: What Coding Is, Career Paths, And Coding Salaries

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Article reviewed by: Usman Bashir

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Estimated reading time: 13 minutes


Steve Jobs famously claimed that everyone should learn how to write code because learning how to code teaches you how to think. Coding is a way to solve real-world problems with existing technology– and it’s a must-have skill for the 21st century.

Curious about how to get into coding? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about coding from what it is from coding basics to jobs that use coding. 

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How Fathers Can Inspire Their Daughters to Break into Tech

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The technology industry has historically been male-dominated. While that’s changing, women still make up less than one third of the global tech workforce. Companies have invested heavily in programs that recruit women and promote DEI, but they’re often fighting over the same limited pool of talent. Real change will only happen if we start at the beginning and foster a pipeline of women with tech chops by ensuring young girls are encouraged to pursue their interest in STEM fields. 

As we celebrate dads this upcoming Father’s Day, we should also celebrate the potential impact fathers can have on their daughters’ careers by inspiring them to develop tech skills and interests. Fathers are uniquely positioned to serve as a role model for daughters that are interested in tech. According to a Girls Who Code and Logitech survey, 60% of women in tech and IT cited a parent or friend as the greatest influence in their career choice. Additionally, 46% of women in tech were encouraged by their fathers to pursue computer science

By encouraging girls to pursue careers in tech, fathers can help ensure their daughters will be financially secure, have future-proof job skills and land a fulfilling career as adults. So how can more fathers lend encouragement to young girls who are showing an interest in technology? Let’s dive in. 

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Afrofuturism & The Future of Tech: 4 Ways to Join the Movement

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Juneteenth holds significant historical importance as it commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black people and African Americans in the United States. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the long-fought struggle for freedom and equality, highlighting the resilience and perseverance of Black individuals throughout history, acknowledging the progress made and the ongoing work needed for racial justice.

Afrofuturism emerges as a remarkable accomplishment within the Black community, as it combines African diasporas, science fiction, and technology to envision inclusive and empowering futures. Afrofuturism celebrates Black imagination, resilience, and creativity, offering a platform to challenge stereotypes and envision a more inclusive and equitable world. By embracing these cultural movements and celebrating Black heritage, society can strive towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

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How to Make a Career Change from Social Work to Working in Tech

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The tech industry is projected to grow by almost 8% in 2023, that’s a total projected worth of $4.6 trillion. Whereas the social work industry is projected to grow by only 2% this year. 

If you’re reading this, you’re considering a career switch to a tech role. The long unpredicted hours and poor salary may be what’s driving you away from social work. Although it may be a personally rewarding job, a tech role has much more to offer. 

From higher salaries, career growth opportunities around every corner, and the long-term benefits of having tech skills in a digital-first workforce. These are just some of the few advantages that a career in tech has to offer. 

Switching to a tech role might be the best thing you do in 2023. Keep reading to learn how you can make the switch today. 

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Mindfulness Tips for Web Developers

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Mindfulness for Web Developers

The fast-paced nature of the tech industry is what draws many to it. The pace can allow for accelerated learning, plentiful growth opportunities, and the ability to make a significant impact. The downside is that, if not managed effectively, it can lead to stress and burnout. 

When it comes to a career in software development, it might seem like the best way to learn programming is to dive in and never come up for air. But if you’re under the impression this is how to get better at programming, we’re here to tell you that’s not the case. Pairing your professional development with mindfulness practices is the best way to succeed as a software developer. 

In today’s environment, many teams have been impacted by layoffs, resulting in more work for remaining and new team members, and more pressure to perform. Setting boundaries and implementing mindfulness practices is more essential than ever —not only for your mental health but also for your work quality and productivity.

This article reviews ten tips for mindfulness for developers — to help you get better at programming without neglecting your well-being. 

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CAREER TAROTSCOPES FOR JUNE 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 dream big in the spirit of Gemini season and which should hang tight a little longer before making big decisions. She also has guidance regarding important financial shifts that will become clearer as we move toward the summer solstice at the end of the month.

June begins with the strawberry moon on the 4th of the month, bringing some much-needed optimism thanks to the full moon’s placement in Sagittarius. Most of us are already feeling lighter as we’ve excited Mercury retrograde and are starting to settle down from the emotional upheaval caused by the eclipses in April and May. When we approach the new moon in Gemini on June 18th, doors will open at a refreshing new pace, just in time to welcome the lightest day of the year (in the northern hemisphere) and celebration of summer with the solstice on June 21st.

Whatever your sign, there are plenty of big wins — plus some key decisions  — to look for this month, so read on to see what the cards have in store.

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Meet Your Match: Break Into the Finance Industry in a Tech Role 

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Move over, Silicon Valley tech giants. Finance is drifting away from its “Wolf of Wall Street” reputation to become the next happy haven for tech talent. 

In fact, software engineers are one of the most in-demand roles in all of finance, and 96% of financial institutions say software engineering is “critical” or “very important” to their company’s future, as these skilled professionals help enhance security, build consumer-friendly apps, and drive back-end process efficiencies.

Similarly, the financial sector employs 9% of all data analysts and data scientists—experts that specialize in financial risk modeling, financial product design, customer analytics, and fraud protection across banks, lending institutions, insurance companies, investment advisories, and credit bureaus.

Given that 78% of people prefer to bank online or in-app these days, UX designer has emerged as a fast-growing role within finance as companies expand their service to include more account features like budgeting tools, calculators, and financial literacy resources.

At the best finance companies, you’ll find all the resources you need to perform your job effectively, a welcoming environment of like-minded people who are willing to give a bit extra to get the job done, a healthy work/life balance, and a greater sense of purpose. 

As someone once said, “Money makes the world go round but people make the world go forward.” Young people looking for a way to make a difference in global economies and improve standards of living at scale will find a sense of purpose in the finance sector.    

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Alum Spotlight: Changing Careers as a Mom? Yes, You Can

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Juggling the responsibilities of motherhood is often described as having two full-time jobs — one that stretches into the late hours and another that spans the entire day. Now, imagine the additional challenges faced by single mothers who rely solely on themselves, carrying the weight of these two demanding roles without any breaks. It requires a unique strength and unwavering determination for a mother to embark on a new career path while fulfilling her maternal duties. 

Maintaining a resolute “Yes, I can” attitude is a crucial aspect of their transformative journeys. A positive attitude is a strong determining factor to success, but more support is always an advantage. At General Assembly, we have had the privilege of uplifting mothers from many backgrounds as they make successful transitions into tech careers.

In this article, we will explore the challenges of switching careers as a mother and how you can overcome them. It’s possible to change careers or start a new career as a mom, regardless of any limiting beliefs or underlying circumstances. 

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