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How to Land Your First Job as a Developer

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So, you’ve gone to school. You’re confident in your abilities. You know that tech jobs are in high-demand, and you’re really excited about your prospects. But…now what? How do you land your first job as a developer?

For many people, finding the right job as a developer can be a challenge, especially if you’ve never worked in the industry. Knowing what you can do to make your developer career take off can help you find a rewarding job soon after graduating with your degree. Here’s what to know about getting your start in this exciting industry.

Prepare Your Resume

It doesn’t matter how good you are at developing code: if your resume isn’t descriptive of your skills, you’ll find it hard to secure your first job. Include your coding skills in your resume, even if you’ve never had a job developing code to list on your website.

Create a “skills” section on your website to list computer languages you know and skills you possess that make you a more attractive job candidate. Put the “skills” section near the top of your resume, so it’s one of the first things that recruiters and managers see when they’re reviewing your resume.

Maintain a Portfolio

Even if you’ve never worked as a developer before, you probably have a portfolio of work that you learned in school or taught to yourself along the way. Maintain a portfolio of work that recruiters and managers can explore when they’re trying to determine whether you’d be the right person for the job.

Volunteer Your Services

Maybe you know a non-profit that needs a new website, or help with their existing website. If not a non-profit, then perhaps a neighbor, friend or relative needs a website for a personal project.

Even if you’re not being paid, work is work! Volunteer your services to anyone who needs them, and work for free. This can be listed as experience on your resume, just be sure to note that the work is volunteer.

Practice with Pet Projects

If you can’t find anyone who needs your services as a volunteer, practice with your own pet projects, then add these projects to your portfolio. Even if you don’t need a website, you can still make one for your own amusement.

Set Aside Time Each Day for Job Applications

Applying for jobs takes time – a lot of it. Read each job posting carefully to ensure that you meet all their minimum qualifications, and submit all information they’re requesting in the posting. Some employers will want references up front, others may request a cover letter. Know what each potential employer is asking for, then give it to them.

Join Online Communities to Stay In Touch

Online communities make it easier to stay up to date with the latest changes in the industry. Join an online community you like, and then become an active voice in that community. Who knows – you may even find a job that way!

The Easy Way to Learn to Code

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If you want to learn how to code, you’re in luck. It’s never been easier. There are now more ways to learn to code than ever before. You can go to a coding boot camp, watch online video courses, or even use an app on your phone. And if you want to get started for free, there are plenty of resources.

The hardest part of learning to code is usually getting started. But once you get over that initial hurdle, it’s not as difficult as it seems. And the more you do it, the easier it gets. Here are the five basics to guide you in the code learning journey:

1:  Choose the Right Language

The first step to learning to code is choosing the correct language. There are dozens of programming languages, but some are more popular than others. If you’re starting, it might be overwhelming to try and learn all of them. But don’t worry, you don’t need to.

The most popular programming language is Java. It’s used in everything from Android apps to major web applications like Google Docs. If you want to learn to code for the web, JavaScript is the language you need to know. Python is another popular language used in scientific computing and data analysis.

Choose the correct language for you and the project you want to build. If you’re not sure, start with Java or JavaScript. These universal languages will give you a good foundation for learning other languages.

2:  Find the Right Resources

Once you’ve chosen a language, it’s time to find the right resources to help you learn. If you’re paying for a Bootcamp or an online course, you should have access to a robust set of resources that will help you understand the language. But if you’re learning for free, plenty of options are still available.

One great way to learn to code is by using Codecademy’s interactive exercises. With these, you can learn the basics of a programming language without having to download or install anything.

Once you’re ready to move on from the basics, try Code School. They offer both free and paid courses in a variety of programming languages. And for a more in-depth learning experience, there’s always Treehouse. They offer monthly and annual subscriptions with access to hundreds of hours of video content.

3:  Join the Community

One of the best things about learning to code is a large and supportive community of coders. No matter what language you’re learning, there are forums, online chatrooms, and even in-person meetups where you can connect with other coders.

This community can be a great resource when you’re stuck on a problem or need some motivation to keep going. It’s also a great way to make friends and network with others in the industry. So don’t be afraid to reach out and join the community.

4:  Work on Projects

One of the best ways to learn to code is by working on projects. This will help you practice what you’ve learned and give you a chance to build something that you can show off to other people.

If you’re not sure what kind of project to work on, try looking for some inspiration on sites like GitHub. This is a great way to see what other people are working on and find projects you might be interested in contributing to.

You can also look for project ideas on sites like CodePen. These are collections of small projects you can code in an afternoon or a weekend. And once you’ve completed a few of these, you’ll have a portfolio of work to show off to potential employers.

5:  Keep Learning

Once you’ve learned the basics of coding, it’s essential to keep learning. The world of technology is always changing, and new languages and frameworks are constantly being created. So it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends.

One way to do this is by reading blogs and articles from industry professionals. Some of my favorites include Smashing Magazine, The Next Web, and Mashable. These sites will keep you up-to-date on the latest news in the world of technology.

Another great way to keep learning is by attending conferences and meetups. These are great opportunities to network with other coders and learn about new languages and frameworks. And if you can’t make it to a conference, there are often live streams or recordings of the speeches that you can watch online.

Learning to code is a great way to make yourself more marketable in today’s job market. And with the right resources, it’s easier to get started. So what are you waiting for? Start learning today

5 Ways to Avoid Avoid Stagnating as a Developer

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As a developer, it’s always important to be learning and growing. But it can be easy to stagnate if you’re not careful.  Here are five ways to avoid stagnating as a developer:

1: Read Books and Blogs

One of the best ways to keep learning as a developer is to read books and blogs related to development. This can help you learn new programming languages, frameworks, and tips and tricks. Reading also helps you keep up with the latest trends in the industry so you can be prepared for what’s next.

2: Take Online Courses

In addition to reading, another great way to keep learning is to take online courses—short courses on specific topics or longer courses that cover more comprehensive material. There are many great resources for finding online courses, such as Udemy and Coursera.

3: Attend Conferences and Meetups

Conferences and meetups are great opportunities to network with other developers and learn about new technologies. They can also be a great way to find a job or get your next project. If you’re not sure where to start, check out websites like Meetup.com or Eventbrite.

4: Follow Thought Leaders on Social Media

Following thought leaders on social media is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry. You can also learn from their experiences and get insights into the industry that you might not otherwise have access to.

5: Get a Mentor

Finally, one of the best ways to avoid stagnating as a developer is to get a mentor. A mentor can help you navigate your career, offer advice on difficult problems, and introduce you to new technologies and concepts. If you don’t have a mentor, try reaching out to someone you admire in the industry or look for mentorship programs at conferences or meetups.

Wrapping Up

Avoiding stagnation as a developer is essential for your career growth. By following these tips, you can keep learning and growing as a developer and be prepared for whatever comes next.

The Magic of Cairo – 5 Unique Attractions in This Amazing City

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When most people think of Cairo, they think of ancient pyramids, bustling markets, and a city that never sleeps. But there is more to this fantastic city than meets the eye. Here are five unique attractions in Cairo that you won’t miss.

1:  The Giza Pyramids

The Giza pyramids are some of the most iconic structures in the world. But did you know that there are three different pyramids in Cairo? The Great Pyramid of Giza, the pyramid of Khafre, and the pyramid of Menkaure are all worth a visit. And don’t forget to check out the Sphinx while you’re there!

2: Cairo Tower

For breathtaking views of the city, head to the Cairo Tower. This iconic structure was built in 1961 and stood 187 meters tall. You can take the elevator to the top for panoramic views of Cairo. Just be sure to bring your camera!

3: Khan El-Khalili Market

A trip to Cairo isn’t complete without a stop at the Khan El-Khalili market.. This historic market dates back to the 14th century and is one of the largest souks in the world. You’ll find everything from spices to souvenirs at this bustling market.

4: The Egyptian Museum

For a dose of history, visit the Egyptian Museum. This museum houses over 120,000 artifacts, making it one of the world’s largest collections of Egyptian antiquities. From mummies to Tutankhamun’s treasures, there is something for everyone at this must-see museum.

5: Al-Azhar Park

For a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Al-Azhar Park. This park is one of the largest in Cairo and features gardens, fountains, and views of the city skyline. You can also visit the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, located within the park.

Wrapping Up

Whether interested in history, culture, or just taking in the sights, Cairo has something for everyone. So don’t miss out on these five unique attractions during your next visit to this fantastic city!

5 Principles of Effective Online Marketing

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Effective online marketing can push your company to grow in unexpected and delightful ways. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to market their company, or use the digital tools at their disposal. These five tips can help you market your company in real and meaningful ways.

1. Engage with Potential Customers

Engaging with customers keeps your company at the forefront of the people who could become your clients. There are many ways to engage with potential customers online.

  • Use social media to establish a brand and nurture relationships with people who could benefit from your company’s servcies.
  • Follow up with customer feedback, whether it’s negative or positive. Show clients you care.
  • Start an email marketing campaign to keep clients thinking about you when they open their inboxes.
  • Create an online forum that allows customers to engage with each other and with your company.

2. Learn the Needs of Your Customers with Digital Surveys

Use customer surveys and online engagement campaigns to learn what your customers need and want from your services. Knowing the needs of your customers can help you tailor your services and grow your company in ways that will benefit your clients. Learning about the needs of your customers also makes your them feel recognized and valued, which in turn can increase their loyalty to your business.

3. Establish Relationships Through Smart Online Tools

Develop an online loyalty program for your clients to benefit from when they’re engaging with your company. Revise your website and online tools to make interacting with your company easier. This way, when clients engage with your company, they’ll have positive experiences that will keep them coming back for more.

4. Nurture Online Relationships

Once the relationships between potential clients are established, nurture those online relationships with effective online content that clients need and want.

  • Update your blog regularly with content that is engaging and interesting to clients.
  • Offer online classes to clients who need to know more about your services or services related to your business.
  • Create a newsletter for existing clients to keep them in the know about changes in your industry.

5. Stay Consistent in Your Efforts

Clients need to see consistent digital engagement in order to stay loyal to your company. Create a division within your company responsible for maintaining these online relationships with clients. What works one day may not continue to work in the future, unless you’re constantly updating your tactics and revising you understanding of your own clients.

As your company becomes more savvy in its marketing efforts, it will start to develop a rhythm and method that works. Remember that all client bases are different, and what works for one company may not work for another! Knowing your customers and their preferred methods of engagement is key.

5 Weirdest International Sports Clubs

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There are all sorts of clubs and organizations worldwide, but some are a little stranger than others. Here are the five weirdest international sports clubs you’ll ever hear about.

1: The International Footbag Players Association

Founded in 1974, the International Footbag Players Association is the world’s governing body for the sport of footbag. If you’ve never heard of a footbag, it’s a Hacky Sack game played with your feet instead of your hands. The association sponsors tournaments and events worldwide and has its own Footbag World Championships.

2: The International Federation of Competitive Eating

You might not think of competitive eating as a sport, but the International Federation of Competitive Eating takes it very seriously. The organization was founded in 1997 and hosts eating competitions worldwide. If you think you have what it takes to compete, you can sign up for events like the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest or the World Pie Eating Championship.

3: International Club of Ice Swimming

Most people would never dream of swimming in water that’s below freezing, but that’s exactly what members of the International Club of Ice Swimming do. The club was founded in 1992 by a group of hardy souls who wanted to swim in every body of water on earth, no matter how cold. Since then, the club has grown to include members from all over the world. If you’re interested in joining, you’ll need to be prepared to swim in water from -5 to -35 degrees Celsius.

4: The World Egg Throwing Federation

Yes, you read that correctly. There is an international federation for egg throwing. The sport (if you can call it that) originated in England in the early 1800s as a way to settle disputes between farmers. The rules are simple: two teams of three people each throw eggs at each other, and the team that hits the most targets wins. The World Egg Throwing Federation was founded in 2002 and now hosts an annual world championship. So if you’ve ever wanted to hurl eggs at strangers (and who hasn’t?), this is the club for you.

5: The International Society for Sand Swimming

If cold water doesn’t appeal to you, maybe sand swimming will. The International Society for Sand Swimming is a group of people who, well, swim in sand. The practice is said to have health benefits, like improved circulation and lymphatic drainage. And it’s also just plain fun. If you want to join the society, you’ll need to be prepared to swim in the sand at least two feet deep.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it, five of the weirdest international sports clubs you’ll ever hear about. Whether you’re interested in swimming in freezing water, throwing eggs at people, or just exploring the world, there’s a club for you. So get out there and join one today!

5 Things You Need to Know Before You Start Keeping Fish

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Are you stressed out? Then, maybe it’s time to enjoy some fish. And, no, we’re not talking on a dinner plate, but fish that are alive and well and swimming happily in a home aquarium.

Pretty and graceful, fish can actually have a calming and mesmerizing effect on their owners. In fact, studies have shown that having an aquarium in your home can actually reduce anxiety and stress levels. But before you run out to the pet store, here are five things you need to know about keeping fish in your home.

Fish Require Accessories

Even a simple goldfish will require a decent-sized bowl and, ideally, some decorative rocks for the bottom. You will also need a net, water conditioner, food, a few fake plants and maybe a decoration in which your fish can hide. And if you get a bigger tank, you’ll also need a filter, a pump, lighting, an algae scrubber, and possibly a heater and thermometer.

Fish Tanks Need Regular Cleaning

No one wants to talk about it, but your fish will poop in the water it lives in. So, yes, your tank’s water quality will go down a little bit each day. Plus, any food that your fish doesn’t eat will also begin to muck up your water. That’s why fish tanks require regular cleaning. Although, the frequency will vary depending on the size of your tank and the number of fish you have (as well as some other factors), you can probably expect to clean your tank approximately once every two weeks.

Fish Need Room

When it comes to buying fish for your tank — the more, the merrier, right? Well, actually, no. Fish need room to swim and grow. So, fish enthusiasts often recommend that you use this rule to stock your fish: one inch of fish per one to two gallons of water in your tank.

So, for example, if you have a ten-gallon tank, you can stock it with five fish that will grow to be two-inches long. Or maybe two fishes that will grow to be three inches in length. This is a rough guide because a one-inch slender fish is going to require less tank space than, say, a one-inch-long but chonky goldfish. Also, remember when making your calculations that it’s highly likely that your fish are going to grow bigger.

Fish Can Live a Long Time

Are you ready for a commitment? Fish living in an aquarium can live longer than you expect. For example, tetras and gouramies can live to be five years or more. And that goldfish you picked up on a whim? With proper care, it can live 10 to 30 years.

Tap Water Can be Unsafe

Many areas of the world add chlorine to tap water to make it drinkable. Unfortunately, chlorine is highly toxic to fish. So, before adding tap water to your fish tank, you are going to have to remove that chlorine. Fortunately, dechlorinating products are readily available at most pet stores.

Ethereum Vs Bitcoin: How Different Are The Top Crypto Coins?

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Some people describe BTC and ETH as the Coke and Pepsi of the digital currency world. Within the past several years, tens of thousands of cryptocurrencies have entered the market. Even so, Bitcoin and Ethereum stand out as the standard of comparison for other coins and each other. Thus, people who want to learn about digital currency should start by exploring these two market leaders. 

Compare Ethereum Vs. Bitcoin 

Even people who barely know anything about cryptocurrency have probably heard of Bitcoin and Ethereum. That’s because they represent the market’s two most significant digital coins. 

A quick summary of Ethereum vs. Bitcoin should include: 

  • BTC: Bitcoin launched in 2009 and stands out as the first true cryptocurrency. Over a decade later, it still holds the top market capitalization and name recognition rank. Bitcoin also capped the number of coins it can ever produce at 21 million. Today, Bitcoin’s market cap exceeds $400 billion. 
  • ETH: Ethereum launched in 2015 and obtained the second place rank by market cap rather swiftly. Ripple briefly displaced Ethereum at number 2, but Ripple now sits at number seven, and Ethereum took back the spot behind Bitcoin. Ethereum does not cap the total amount of coins produced. Today, Ethereum’s market cap sits just under $150 billion. 

Bitcoin’s founders envisioned an alternative to traditional money, like dollars or euros. This crypto introduced people to blockchain tech, a transparent, distributed ledger. 

Ethereum also relies on this same technology. At the same time, Ethereum’s founders made their product programmable. They provided built-in support for smart contracts and the addition of other digital coins to the chain. Thus, Ethereum offers a more versatile platform than Bitcoin does.

Proof of Work Vs. Proof of Stake 

Miners generate new Bitcoin with proof of work. POW means that miners compete to solve crypto puzzles to create new coins. Ethereum developers also used this model initially. In contrast, the amount of coins a miner locks up impacts their chance of generating new coins with proof of stake. Ethereum plans to replace proof of work with proof of stake when it rolls out Ethereum 2.0. 

Is Ethereum or Bitcoin Better?

Both of these widely-known platforms offer pros and cons. Bitcoin enjoys the broadest name recognition and a higher current market cap. Ethereum can provide a network that supports other digital coins, marketplaces, and decentralized applications. Also, Ethereum’s move to proof of stake should consume less energy, an essential consideration for the future. Still, Bitcoin has not remained static. A new update to Bitcoin called Taproot introduced smart contracts and improved the network’s efficiency and privacy. 

Is Bitcoin or Ethereum a better value? The value of all digital currencies has proven highly volatile in the past few years. Still, people interested in digital currencies might start with these top two coins. As the market leaders, Bitcoin and Etherum attract the most interest and support.

5 Rules to Keep Your Employees Happy and Your Workforce Productive

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Customers make a successful business, but you won’t have customers for long if you don’t have happy and productive employees. Just think, if you walked into a business where the employees were visibly unhappy, would you return? Most likely not – you’d find a business that treats their employees so well that the employees can’t help but be happy. And a happy employee is a productive employee.

Work-Life Balance

Make sure your employees have plenty of time off. While that might be difficult if you are short-handed, you’ll lose more employees if they can’t take time off for life. Personal and family commitments are important to employees – they must have the time to attend to those commitments.

Rotating shifts or even rotating weekend work, unless you have an employee that prefers working the weekends, helps ensure that everyone has time off to spend with family members who might have only the weekend off.

Ensuring that everyone has enough time off significantly reduces the risk of burnout and unhappy employees. Offer flexible work options, encourage breaks, change time-off policies, and increase support for employees who are parents.

Career Mobility

If you want your employees to feel as though they are needed, create career mobility. Make sure your employees know that they can move up in the company. Even if a job is a dead-end job, be sure to offer additional perks for milestones, such as the number of years working. If any job has more than one person working, you can offer a supervisory or co-management position to help with scheduling or minor issues between employees.

Also, encourage employees to come up with new ideas to make a job better or easier. Be sure to provide transparency with each position when discussing the position, including the availability of moving up in the company or receiving raises or paid vacation as the employee gives you more years.

Innovation

Regardless of the type of job, be sure employees have available training so that they can move up in the company. For example, if you have a restaurant dishwasher, make sure he knows he can attend training for other jobs in the restaurant. If the jobs require additional training to move up or yearly training, such as additional training for lawyers, be sure that training is available. Employees enjoy learning more about their chosen profession, and additional training allows them to take on added responsibility.

Reward Employees

Nothing says that you don’t appreciate an employee more than not rewarding her. Even a simple “thank you” goes a long way. Recognition doesn’t have to be expensive. Verbal recognition throughout the year with a yearly bonus or a group lunch with the boss also tells employees how much you appreciate their work. Other ideas include:

  • A reward system for accomplishments.
  • Prizes at company celebrations.
  • Giving positive feedback.
  • At team meetings, “call out” employees for doing good work.

Create a Positive Work Environment

If an employee doesn’t have a positive work environment, he will drag his feet when coming to work. He might even call out more often. A positive work environment features many factors, including transparency, open dialogue, training, creating a whistleblower channel, and just smiling at your employees, even when you are having a dumpy day. 

5 Hacks to Start Your Side Hustle When You’re Busy in Your Day Job

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Developing your side hustle can generate extra income to help you pay off credit card bills, go on a trip or buy a car. Even better, a successful side hustle could even lead to a successful business, allowing you to eventually quit your full-time job.

Side gigs can be difficult to start when you’re already busy with a full-time job. These 5 hacks can help you start a successful side business that could eventually lead to a sizable income and even a successful career.

1. Pick the Right Work

You’re going to have to be pretty dedicated to your side job to keep it going, especially if you also have a full-time job during the day. Picking the right gig is important for maintaining motivation. Working should be fun, especially if you’re going to put in more than 40 hours per week!

If you don’t already have a side hustle in mind, make a list of your favorite activities. Do you love to write? Do you paint, or sculpt? Do you love to teach? Know yourself and what you would enjoy doing as your side hustle.

2. Make a Plan

Make a list of supplies that you would need to get your side hustle off the ground. Will you run a business? What will be the name of your business? Do you need to register your business with your Secretary of State or another regulatory entity? Set aside time on a weekend to perform research. Making a plan will help you stay productive when you have time to work on your hustle.

3. Set a Schedule

When do you have time to work? Will you work at night? In the early morning? On weekends? Setting a schedule can be especially difficult if you have a family to coordinate with. Work with your spouse and children to find a schedule that will work for everyone. Some tips:

  • Work when you feel most productive, whether that’s in the early morning, on weekends or late at night.
  • Consider re-arranging your full-time job schedule to make time for yourself when you need it.
  • Make sure everyone in your household knows your schedule and respects it.
  • Keep your schedule flexible, so you can work around your full-time job schedule.

4. Set Aside Space

Assuming you’re doing work on evenings and weekends, your family or members of your household may get in the way of being productive. You’re going to need your own space to do work. You may need to convert the guest bedroom into a work station, or perhaps your garage. Create a space that is comfortable, convenient and isolated from other members of your household.

5. Use an Online Platform

There are many online platforms that make gig work easy. Find an online platform that will support you as you sell your services, crafts or wares. Online platforms often offer help to fledgling business people, making starting your own side hustle even easier.

Good luck! It takes time and true dedication to accomplishing your goals. Stay focused as you develop your business. Your work will pay off.