Despite big promises from CEOs, flashy DEI hires and significant financial investments by companies, the tech industry continues to fall behind when it comes to diversity. While Black employees make up 12% of the US workforce, only 8% of tech workers are Black. Thanks to this gap, Black households may lose out on more than $350B in tech job wages by 2030, according to the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility.
Continue readingAfrofuturism & The Future of Tech: 4 Ways to Join the Movement
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.
Continue readingHow to Make a Career Change from Social Work to Working in Tech
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.
Continue readingExpanding UX Design Capabilities for Tech Teams with Uber Design Pathways Powered by General Assembly
Companies are still competing for tech talent, however many businesses continue to struggle with recruiting diverse employees. The root issue? Everyone is fishing in the same pond, competing for the same pool of talent.
Some companies have decided to pivot and pursue alternative approaches to recruiting underrepresented tech talent. Uber Design Pathways (UDP) Apprenticeship Program, for example, is a recent success story. Last summer, Uber first partnered with General Assembly to identify a group of high-potential, underrepresented San Francisco Bay Area residents interested in transitioning careers and provide them with the unique opportunity to embark on a future-proof UX career through the design apprenticeship.
Continue readingMindfulness Tips 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.
Continue readingCAREER TAROTSCOPES FOR JUNE 2023
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.
Continue readingThe Tech Talent Shortage Rages On: Here are 3 Reasons Why (and What You Should Do)
If you’re tired of hearing about the tech talent shortage: buckle up. Tech layoffs may be making headlines, but the reality on the ground looks different for tech leaders. Tech talent continues to be in high demand, and short supply. According to Gartner, this will continue until at least 2026 based on forecast IT spend.
The threat of a potential recession has put significant pressure on CIOs, CDOs, CTOs and other technology leaders, who feel crunched to deliver returns on technology and data investments, streamline costs, and modernize business systems. Organizations that are ahead of the curve on digital transformation are more flexible and resilient, meaning they are better positioned to come out of an economic slowdown stronger.
Every industry today is a tech-driven industry, and without the right talent, it’s impossible to keep up. This widening gap between demand for tech talent and supply of tech talent is costing employers significantly as they compete for a small pool of candidates.
So what’s behind the persistent tech talent shortage? Three things that are within a company’s control:
Continue readingMeet Your Match: Break Into the Finance Industry in a Tech Role
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.
Continue readingHow to Shift Your Talent Strategy During Economic Volatility
Today’s talent market is undergoing a major shift, and organizations are rethinking their talent strategies. After a period of massive hiring and growth, some companies are taking a step back and reducing their workforce, such as through layoffs or hiring freezes. Many organizations are taking a more thoughtful approach to hiring, selectively filling only key roles. Other companies still in growth mode see this as an opportunity to recruit top talent in a tight job market. Yet all businesses have one thing in common during times of economic volatility: a desire to shore up and future-proof their workforce against whatever comes next.
While investments in employer branding and talent development efforts can easily fall to the wayside during economic slowdowns, companies that are in it for the long haul can’t afford to press pause. Here are three things to consider as you evolve your organization’s talent strategy in the face of uncertainty.
Continue readingAlum Spotlight: Changing Careers as a Mom? Yes, You Can
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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