Careers, Covid & the Future of Work
Careers, Covid & Coding
by Lauren Nichols, ATG Cognizant Senior Consultant, Software Engineer
In an ever-evolving world (especially of late), there is no better time than the present to learn a new skillset related to technology. The software development team here at ATG has taken the time to compile some of our favorite online training resources for developers of all levels.
Here are two of our team’s ‘go-to’ suggestions for folks looking to begin learning about software development, those looking for a refresher on programming fundamentals or those looking to further enhance their current skillset:
Harvard offers their free online curriculum to those who are hoping to learn more about “computer science and the art of programming”. This course walks students through various software engineering topics including algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management and interacting with databases.
The programming languages included throughout the course include C, Python and SQL (Structured Query Language); in addition to laying the groundwork for programming fundamentals, students will have an opportunity to “choose their own adventure” by diving further into either web, mobile application or game development.
The course provides enough content to be spread through eight weeks, while highlighting key programmatic concepts each week (you can review the course syllabus here). The course will culminate to students completing a final project in which can then be submitted for review by the CS50x team.
For those of you that are new to coding, freeCodeCamp will suggest starting with the ‘Responsive Web Design Certification’ course, jumping right into basic HMTL/HTML5 concepts to get the ball rolling.
As you continue to work your way through the initial ‘Responsive Web Design Certification’ course, you can continue to tackle the suggestions provided by the freeCodeCamp team including rounding out your skillset by learning more about JavaScript algorithms, data structures and front-end libraries.
Responsive Web Design Certification
JavaScript Algorithms & Data Structures Certification
Front-End Libraries Certification
Data Visualization Certification
APIs & Microservices Certification
Information Security & Quality Assurance Certification
Coding Interview Prep
In addition to combing through the thousands of tutorials offered, freeCodeCamp provides ‘Coding Interview Prep’ questions. As you begin to branch out and search for your new dream job as a software developer, it is highly likely the company you are interviewing for will provide you with a programming challenge to assess not only your skillset, but how you approach problems in general. freeCodeCamp provides thousands of hours of challenges to keep you plenty occupied and ready for any problem thrown your way!
As it is with learning anything new, we encourage you to give yourself some grace as you begin this journey to learn more about programming. It may also prove helpful to determine how you learn and absorb new information best. I recommend using the VARK Questionnaire to assess your learning style (visual, aural, read/write and kinesthetic) and seek out content which can be delivered in such a way to set you up for success.
From all of us here at ATG – happy programming!
Virtual Networking
by Meagan Damrow, ATG Cognizant Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
Before this pandemic, one thing that we all relied heavily on was the human connection. Now, in a time when our world has been flipped upside down, we have had to make necessary adjustments – not just in how businesses operate, but in how we connect. So why is virtual connection important? While some opportunities and in-person networking may be on pause – relationship building is not.
Let’s be honest for a second – in-person networking can be overwhelming. You get nervous. The conversation can be awkward. It can be difficult to appropriately and professionally interrupt a group that’s mid-conversation. No matter how many professional networking events I’ve been to or coordinated, I still get nervous.
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Diversity Drives Innovation
At ATG, we recognize the need for diversity and believe it needs to be defined at the individual level. When we look at people as individuals and not groups, we see that we are shaped by our experiences and those experiences make each of us unique.
