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How Learning to Code Can Help You in the Future

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How Learning to Code Can Help You in the Future
How Learning to Code Can Help You in the Future

There’s a reason why coding is considered a major foundation in the tech world and beyond: In today’s workforce, being able to code is a useful skill that looks great on your resume, no matter what industry you’re in. Not to mention, coding touches nearly every aspect of our lives, from the streaming app you use to watch TV to your favorite food delivery platforms.

But beyond being an impressive addition to your resume, there are many reasons to learn to code. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable ones.

1. Grow your career

Developing coding skills can help you find a new job, earn a promotion, or gain access to careers with higher pay and more flexibility. Whether you’re switching careers or are already in the tech industry, building coding skills can create new job opportunities. In particular, jobs requiring tech skills are typically in high demand, and these types of roles also usually have high salaries with flexibility for remote work.

Most importantly, learning to code makes tech careers more accessible for people who may not have had a linear professional path. Take Kate, a Codecademy learner who was a stay-at-home mom before learning to code. She got her start by picking up a kids’ book on HTML. As she put it, she immediately became “hooked,” and after learning more about the foundations of coding on Codecademy, she eventually secured a career as a Full-Stack Developer.

If you are in an industry that doesn’t require coding experience, having the skills could still help you secure or expand your role. Not only can coding skills put you on the path for various different careers (like becoming a Web Developer or Database Administrator), they’re also applicable to plenty of industries, from fashion to advocacy.

Programming languages are universal, so learning to code provides an opportunity to reach out to and work with programmers across the world. There are many ways to get involved in programming communities via forums like Reddit, GitHub, or the Codecademy Forums. We also have a Codecademy Discord where you can chat with other members, ask questions, and collaborate.

If you’re new to the tech world, it can be helpful to connect with other people in the industry, especially if you work remotely or don’t otherwise get many chances to network. The general coding community is welcoming and provides a great space to expand your learning and skill set.

Being a member of a coding community can also inspire personal connections. Asking for advice from or troubleshooting a problem with people who share your interests is a great way to meet new friends. Not only does this open more opportunities for networking, but it also means you can find support from people who’ve been in your shoes before.

3. Advance your life skills

By developing your coding skills, you can unlock fresh perspectives, especially in problem-solving and logic — and that can help you approach non-coding problems by thinking like a programmer, a.k.a. breaking the problem down into essential pieces to attack it.

Even the day-to-day actions involved in coding can inform new ways of thinking. Coding involves categorizing tags, assigning variables, applying properties, and initializing actions. Doing so may help you understand situations from a logic-based perspective, and that’s useful in plenty of life scenarios.

And of course, learning to code involves lots of practice, focus, and determination. Learning your first programming language can be a great way for you to advance your training techniques. Because you’ll likely have to practice at coding to really master it, you’ll build your capacity for regularly working towards a skill, which can be a useful habit no matter what you’re doing.

4. Bring your ideas to life

Of course, it takes time, but as you get comfortable and understand more about programming languages, the more you can do with technology. Coding enables programmers to get creative — whether that be designing a new algorithm or layering elements. And being able to do so can help make your life easier.

You don’t have to create the next revolutionary tool. It’s okay to build technology that’s new and/or useful to you. For example, try automating everyday tasks to improve your productivity, code your budget, build a wedding website, or maybe make a virtual personal assistant. Have fun prototyping your ideas, and along the way, you may end up creating a decent portfolio of projects that you can share with potential employers.

Learn with us

No matter your experience with code, we have courses that can help you get started or continue your development. Technology is a tool designed for the future, and learning to code is a great way to stay up to speed in the evolving world. As you think about what coding skills can do for your future, explore more about the benefits of coding, browse our course catalog, or get a taste of what our courses are like with our in-depth articles.

And if you’re not sure where to start, take a look at our Sorting Quiz to see which languages best suit your interests and strengths.

How Much Does a Robotics Engineer Make?

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How Much Does a Robotics Engineer Make?
How Much Does a Robotics Engineer Make?

From Roombas to drones, robots and robotic systems play a big role in making our everyday lives easier. It’s no wonder, then, that being a Robotics Engineer (i.e. designing these systems) is one of the most popular machine learning jobs.

Like other machine learning jobs, the salary for a Robotics Engineer edges in the high five figures to mid six figures range, averaging at about $100,640 a year. But as with any profession, your individual salary can vary.

What determines your pay as a Robotics Engineer?

Several factors influence your pay as a Robotics Engineer — let’s take a look at some of the most important ones. Keep in mind that the numbers we share are reported averages and are just meant to help you get an idea of the market and what to expect.

Education

A bachelor’s degree can help you land a Robotics Engineering position and establish your base pay. That degree could be in robotics engineering, specifically, or another related field, like electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics, software engineering, or computer science. From there, you might bump your salary up with a postgraduate degree like a master’s or Ph.D.

But don’t worry if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, or if you have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field — it’s still possible to become a Robotics Engineer. Having a specialized degree might help you make the case for a higher salary, but you can get into the field without one by taking courses to build up your skills in areas like automation, artificial intelligence, programming languages, virtual machines, and more.

Experience

Robotics is a complex industry that requires extensive knowledge of multiple fields, like mechanical engineering, computer science, and mathematics. Some of that knowledge can be gained through courses, but a lot of it needs to be learned on the job. You’ll need technical knowledge along with soft skills like communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and persistence. Since it’s a profession that involves a good amount of practical training, more experienced Robotics Engineers command a higher salary than those who are new to the field.

Location

Like most other jobs, Robotics Engineers are often offered salaries based on where they’re located and the local cost of living. Candidates living in areas with a high cost of living — like San Francisco, Boston, Washington, D.C., and San Jose — typically get paid more than those living in areas with a lower cost of living.

But keep in mind that while the salary might be higher if you live in one of those areas, that also means that your rent, groceries, and gas are also more expensive. In other words, you might make more money in a city like San Francisco, but you might also be paying more for everyday necessities than you would in another city. Cost of living calculators can help you compare offers and salaries in different cities.

Here’s how much Robotics Engineers make annually in cities across the U.S., on average, according to Payscale:

  • Pittsburgh, PA: $82,174
  • San Francisco, CA: $102,432
  • Los Angeles, CA: $100,101
  • San Jose, CA: $120,427
  • Boston, MA: $86,178
  • Seattle, WA: $87,429
  • New York, NY: $98,264
  • Houston, TX: $85,000

Company size and industry

In general, larger companies pay more than smaller ones, though that will of course vary from company to company. Government positions may also pay less than private companies, but they can also have excellent non-salary benefits, like paid vacation time and sick leave. It’s important to weigh out the salary and the benefits of any potential position, as health insurance, 401(k)s, profit-sharing, stock purchase programs, and other benefits can be just as valuable as a salary.

Robotics Engineer salary by experience level

As we discussed above, Robotic Engineer salaries vary by how long you’ve been working in the field. Here’s how Payscale breaks down average annual salaries in the industry by experience level, including bonuses:

  • Entry-level (less than one year): $80,511
  • Early career (one to four years of experience): $84,278
  • Mid-career (five to nine years of experience): $95,029
  • Experienced (10-19 years of experience): $98,264
  • Late career (20 years or more): $98,940

How to become a Robotics Engineer

To become a Robotics Engineer, you’ll need to master certain skills, including:

  • Systems thinking: This refers to thinking about the big picture when it comes to projects. Robots are complicated, and Robotics Engineers need to understand how each individual system, like electronics or mechanics, works — as well as how all these systems work together.
  • Active learning: While there’s always more to learn in most fields, that’s especially true for robotics. It’s a field that’s rapidly evolving, and Robotic Engineers need to stay on top of developments in the field.
  • Mathematics: An understanding of algebra, calculus, and geometry are all essential to robotics. Robotics requires understanding abstract concepts that can be best expressed as equations. Geometry is required for technical drawings.
  • Collaboration: You’ll typically work with several other professionals, including other engineers, product developers, user experience experts, and project managers. You need to be able to work well as part of a team and be willing to give and receive feedback on your work.
  • Leadership: As you gain experience, you’ll also be expected to display leadership. This might involve mentoring newer engineers or overseeing larger aspects of the project. You’ll be expected to take initiative and be accountable for the decisions you make.

Programming languages Robotics Engineers should know

In addition to these hard and soft skills, you’ll also need to know multiple programming languages, including C++ and Python.

C++ is one of the most widely used programming languages. It was created in 1979 by Bjarne Stroustrup and his team at Bell Laboratories. C++ is ideal for robotics because it can directly manipulate the hardware it runs on.

We offer two courses focused on C++:

  • Learn C++ is a beginner course that teaches you the fundamentals, including variables, conditionals and logic, and loops.
  • C++ for Programmers is for people who are already familiar with programming and want to learn C++.

Python is also widely used in robotics. Like C++, it’s a general-purpose language, so it has applications well beyond robotics. Our introductory course, Learn Python 3, teaches you the basics, including lists, loops, functions, and more. Learn Intermediate Python 3 builds on the basics, teaching ways to create cleaner code and how Python iteration works under the hood.

We also offer a unique course on hardware programming. Learn Hardware Programming with CircuitPython teaches you how to program on hardware devices using the Circuit Playground Express. It’s suitable for beginners, as well as those who already know Python.Whether you’re brand new to programming or ready to branch out, robotics is an exciting, rapidly developing field. If you’re not sure where to get started, reach out on social media, in our forums, or on our Discord server. We’re here to help you take the next steps in your career.

Coursera Appoints Mustafa Furniturewala as new Head of Engineering

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Coursera Appoints Mustafa Furniturewala as new Head of Engineering

By Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO Coursera

The pandemic, automation, and globalization have redefined the future of education and work. These forces have placed an even greater emphasis on the need for technology to address the unprecedented size and ever-evolving nature of the global skills gap.

At Coursera, the data, technology, and ongoing product innovation that powers our unified platform has enabled us to grow and support over 100 million learners, 250 university and industry partners, and 7,000 institutions.

As the world continues to undergo rapid transformation and address new challenges, I’m excited to announce that, after a thorough outside search, we have promoted Mustafa Furniturewala to Head of Engineering and he will be joining Coursera’s management team. For the last seven years, Richard Wong has made a remarkable impact at Coursera as our SVP of Engineering. Richard has made the admirable decision to shift gears so that he can spend more time with his family, but I’m grateful that he will continue to contribute to Coursera in an advisory role, focusing on our long-term strategy. I would like to thank Richard for creating the foundation that we will continue to build upon.

A lifelong learner himself, Mustafa joined Coursera in 2014 as a Software Engineer. Over the past eight years, he has led numerous efforts to advance our platform with features, services and experiences that meet the evolving needs of our global community. As a trusted leader and a skilled engineer, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of our business, products, and technology. I’m confident he is the right leader to help us scale our infrastructure and position Coursera for the future. 

We are incredibly proud of Mustafa, a team member who’s been so critical to Coursera’s growth, as he steps into this well-deserved role. I’m looking forward to working alongside him to continue to deliver an innovative platform and product experience that enables our learners to transform their lives through learning.

Monkeypox: Everything You Need To Know

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Monkeypox: Everything You Need To Know

Amid a global recovery from the coronavirus pandemic that devastated the world, the world finds itself facing another health crisis. On Saturday, 23 July 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO), officially declared the monkeypox outbreak a world public health emergency. The bold decision by the WHO enables it and affected countries to seize measures to halt its spread. Read on to learn about Monkeypox and everything you need to know the viral outbreak.

Monkeypox has for the past three years grown steadily in Africa and across the globe. In their public statement, WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, noted that almost 17 000 Monkeypox cases had been recorded, almost 80 fatalities in 75 countries in 2022. The virus is continually spreading and this has garnered the world’s attention.

What Is Monkeypox?

The Monkeypox virus forms part of the group of viruses that causes smallpox, the variola virus. It is a rare disease resulting from infection of the Monkeypox virus and is considered a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. It has similar symptoms to those found in smallpox patients. However, Monkeypox is a mild infection and is not often fatal.

The source of the virus is yet to be determined, but it has been discovered that African rodents and non-human primates harbor the Monkeypox virus and subsequently infect humans.

How Monkeypox Spreads

Monkeypox is known as a ‘viral zoonosis’. This means it gets transmitted to humans from animals. This occurs when there has been direct contact with the blood and fluids of an infected animal. These include tree squirrels, rope squirrels, dormice, Gambian pouched rats, and different monkey species.

It can also spread to humans via close contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated materials. Between humans, it is spread through bodily fluids, lesions, and respiratory droplets. Studies have found this transmission to also occur from mother-to-fetus and during and after birth.

There are ongoing studies to better understand the risk associated with the spread of Monkeypox through sexual transmission.

Signs and Symptoms of Monkeypox

The period between infection and the onset of symptoms (incubation period) is between 6-13 days. This can also range from 5-21 days. Experts have divided the infection into distinct periods, each with its own set of symptoms:

Invasion

  • Lasts between 0-5 days
  • Lack of energy
  • Muscle aches
  • Back pains and headaches
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Skin Eruption

  • Skin erupts between 1-3 after signs of fever
  • Rash concentrated on face, palms, and soles of the feet in majority of cases
  • Rash changes from lesions to slightly raised lesions, to those filled with a clear fluid. These progress to lesions with a yellowish appearance which then forms a crust, dries up and falls off.
  • Appearance of several or thousands of lesions

The WHO adds that these symptoms can last between 2-4 weeks. Individuals with compromised immune systems may experience worse outcomes of the disease. Additional complications that can arise from Monkeypox include loss of vision, sepsis, encephalitis, and bronchopneumonia.

Prevention Measures for Monkeypox

The prevention strategy against Monkeypox is to increase people’s awareness of the various risk factors and steps on what they can do to reduce their exposure. Medical experts and scientific studies are underway to determine if vaccination is the best measure against this disease and to control its spread.

  • Minimise human-to-human transmission

Close contact with an infected individual is the most common way the virus is spread. Healthcare workers and their family members are at a greater risk of infection. This is due to the proximity with which they care for infected patients. It’s advised that those who have been vaccinated for smallpox and are well-trained to work with sample care for infected patients.

  • Reduce of animal-to-human transmission

The zoonotic transmission of the virus can be significantly reduced by ensuring all meat parts and food are thoroughly cooked. Additionally, we can reduce contact with sick or dead animals and their meat and blood by wearing protective clothing or being mindful of any unprotected contact with these parts.

It’s important to note that certain countries have put measures in place to restrict the rodent and non-primate imports. Further regulations include isolating infected, or potentially infected animals from other animals and treating them with extra care for any Monkeypox signs and symptoms for up to 30 days.

Monkeypox Treatment

Currently, there is no specific treatment for Monkeypox. However, due to its similarity to smallpox, its drugs and vaccines can be used to treat the current infections. Research has revealed that those previously vaccinated against smallpox will experience milder Monkeypox symptoms. However, newer vaccines, the attenuated vaccinia virus, was modified and approved for Monkeypox in 2019.

Further treatment includes care to alleviate the symptoms, control any complications and prevent long-term effects from the virus. Infected patients should also increase their fluid and food intake to maintain a strong immune system and high nutritional status.

Alison’s Response to Monkeypox

Education and awareness about infections, prevention and control remain the key elements to combat any virus we are faced with. Alison has a free course, Monkeypox, that answers all the questions about the virus and teaches you how you can protect yourself and others against the outbreak. 

How I Went From Purchasing Manager At A Plastics Company To An Implementation Engineer

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How I Went From Purchasing Manager At A Plastics Company To An Implementation Engineer
How I Went From Purchasing Manager At A Plastics Company To An Implementation Engineer

Learning to code so that you can land a job in tech can feel daunting. That’s why we’re sharing inspiring stories from Codecademy’s community — to show how people like you (yes, you!) can embark on a learning journey and end up with a totally new career. We hope these stories serve as a reminder that there’s no single path to a more fulfilling work life.

Today’s story is from Petko Georgiev, a 29-year-old Implementation Engineer at DXC living in Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria. Read more stories from Codecademy learners here — and be sure to share your story here.

Why I chose to learn to code

“Three of my best friends work in the IT area; one is a Linux support engineer, the other is programming games, and the third is in Dev Ops at Poker Stars. They told me to try it, and I decided I’d give it a shot. But I didn’t know where to start. I did a little research online and decided to start with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript — the holy three. Everything from there is the same, so I think this is where everyone should start.”

How I made time to learn

“I stole time where I could. Sometimes, I woke up as early as 5a.m. to get three hours of coding in before work. I also used my lunch hour to get some coding in.”

How I saved up enough money to switch careers

“I was still working as a manager at the plastics company while I studied coding.”

How long it took me to find a job

“Two years from when I started learning.”

How I got in the door

“I sent like seven or eight CVs, and nobody would call me back or I’d get a rejection. One of my friends that works at Poker Stars advised me to check my CV again and add some competencies. I think that helped a lot. The new CV got me an interview.”

How I nailed the interview

“I expected more technical questions, but actually there were very few. Basically nothing hard. The most important thing was a positive attitude! Even if they ask something you don’t know, you’ve gotta show a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.”

How I evaluated the offer

“My company DXC is based in the capital of Bulgaria, and the salaries there are much higher than where I live (outside the capital). The salary DXC offered for a junior position was equivalent to the manager level position in my town. The benefits were incredible. Life insurance for me and my family, additional coverage for health insurance, and a work-from-home policy. They provided everything: desks, laptops, monitors, docking stations, chairs… everything. It was incredible!”

How day one & beyond went

“It started hard. They had some issues with the platform, and I couldn’t set up my laptop and my working station. But it was a global problem, and support did really well and fixed the problem. By the end of the work day, I was already home with my laptop.”

What I wish I knew before I started learning

“My biggest challenge was me. When I started, I was super motivated: I’d learn in the mornings, in the afternoons, while my kid was asleep, and on weekends. After about two weeks, I relaxed. And then it was hard to get back into the habit. Motivation flies away faster than you expect. I really had to discipline myself to get up, study, and follow my goals.”

Learn like Petko

See the courses and languages that helped them most.

Not sure where to start? Check out our personality quiz! We’ll help you find the best programming language to learn based on your strengths and interests.

Want to share your Codecademy learner story? Drop us a line here. And don’t forget to join the discussions in our community.

Web Development Courses & Tutorials | Codecademy

Web Development is the practice of developing websites and web apps that live on the internet. Whether you’re interested in front-end, back-end, or going full-stack, the content in our Web Development domain will help you get there.

Summer Reading Contest Winner Week 4: On ‘The Real Reason the Minions Have Taken Over the World’

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Summer Reading Contest Winner Week 4: On ‘The Real Reason the Minions Have Taken Over the World’

Claire Guo, 14, from Lynbrook High School in San Jose, Calif., chose an article from the Movies section headlined “The Real Reason the Minions Have Taken Over the World” and wrote:

Minions: round, yellow, incomprehensible, yet adorable. The Minions have taken the world by storm, breaking records at the box office and even igniting a global trend on TikTok. #Gentleminions have been flocking to theaters in formal attire, dapped up in suits and ties; part of the reason I was also inclined to march to my local AMC in a white suit, while fellow middle schoolers and high schoolers filled the seats. Sitting there, as MINIONS flashed across the big screen and the audience began to whoop and cheer, I felt part of something bigger. I felt trendy.

So when the article that claims to know the “real reason” behind the Minions’ popularity only mentioned TikTok in passing, I was appalled. Critic Calum Marsh aptly argues that the Minions’ purely physical, almost silent-era, comedy has many appeals, yet I believe that TikTok had a larger role in the Minions’ success. Like the “Jeffrey Bezos” song and the newly popular “Jiggle Jiggle” rap, TikTok has made “Minions” into a must see.

No doubt, the in-depth analysis that Mr. Marsh made about the influences of silent comedy, the refreshing slapstick jokes and the pure substance of every gag were part of the reason the Minions have taken over the world. But the millions of Instagram stories of teenagers in suits, and the millions of TikTok videos under the hashtag #gentleminions should not be overlooked either. After all, TikTok is powerful. Peer pressure, even more so.

In alphabetical order by the writer’s first name.

Bersu on “An Innovator Sold Jordan’s National Dish in a To-Go Cup. Controversy Ensued.”

Harsimran on “Poems in a Time of Crisis”

Jessie on “No, Justice Alito, Reproductive Justice Is in the Constitution”

Maggie on “How the Elites Monopolize Empathy”

Zihan on “Ready Player Two (or Three)”

Addison on “The Sleep Debt Collector Is Here”

Amelia on “Documenting India’s Distinctive Birdhouses”

Angel on “When Antlers Tangle, Sometimes Both Animals Lose”

What Colleges and Universities Can Do Right Now to Make Their Students More Employable

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What Colleges and Universities Can Do Right Now to Make Their Students More Employable

By Brittany Murchison, Product Marketing Director of Coursera for Campus

When students and their families select a college or university, one of the key factors they take into consideration is the job opportunities this investment will give them. That’s why career support and development are important for student recruitment — now more than ever. 

Traditional recruitment methods may not be enough in today’s competitive landscape, a fact that is especially true as colleges and universities compete globally. For example, a 2021 survey by the Higher Education Policy Institute in the U.K. found that the vast majority of international students (92%) think career support is important or very important when choosing a college or university.   

In Coursera’s webinar “Enhancing Student Employability Through Skills-Based Learning,” Michael B. Horn, coauthor of Choosing College: How to Make Better Learning Decisions, and Scott Shireman, Global Head at Coursera for Campus, discussed the need for colleges and universities to adapt to skills-based learning, the difference between teaching human skills and digital skills, and much more. 

Watch the full webinar here 

Here are some of the key takeaways from the conversation: 

1. Students Feel Underprepared for Career Outcomes

According to the HEPI survey, only 52% of students feel their university satisfies their career support needs. In the U.S., employability ranks as students’ third most important decision factor, only behind academic strength and affordability. 

Pursuing higher education is a serious investment and stakeholders expect a return from it. As Horn says, “Students are not showing up as much to full degree programs. They are choosing shorter upskilling programs and making choices that will help them advance to their career goals more prepared.”

Graduates are struggling to find work experience opportunities. In the U.K., 39% of international students do not have work experience when graduating, which is rarely by choice. It can happen because of immigration rules, COVID-19, and high competition, but most students blame it on their lack of job-ready skills.

2. Employability Drives Enrollment

As Shireman explains, “Student decision-making has changed. The ROI of a degree program is now a key priority when choosing a university. Traditional recruitment methods no longer work and employability is now really important for universities to think about when enrolling students.” 

Seventy-three percent of students believe that one of the key factors of their post-high school journey is whether there is a direct path to a stable career. Only 40% feel prepared for a life of work, 1 in every 3 students think they will graduate with the necessary skills for future employment, and less than 50% are considering a four-year college experience. These are indicators that universities need to step up their recruiting game and develop better strategies that include employability.

3. A Four-year Degree May Not Be Right for Everyone, but Still Holds Value

Higher education seems like an obvious step after high school, but it’s not for everyone. Many scholars are switching to skills-based learning. A growing number of organizations offer cost-effective courses, certificates, and degrees that people can get in a shorter period of time. 

Employers seem to care more about the experience and skills a prospective employee can bring to their company than if they have a renowned degree. Many tech companies have launched customized apprenticeship programs that help shape and form their future workforce. For example, Career Academy from Coursera offers individuals the ability to build skills and earn industry certifications from some of the world’s leading companies. 

Nevertheless, as Horn explains, “A traditional education teaches durable skills that are necessary for a successful future.” It will teach students how to think critically, write for different disciplines, do in-depth analyses, and much more. These human skills are as necessary for life and work as job-ready skills. 

4. The Key to Success: Blending Both Digital and Human Skills  

Universities have the opportunity to reconsider their value proposition and what differentiates them. They need to adapt to a changing world and reframe their traditional learning methods since the vast majority of companies have some automation technology, and most jobs require a basic level of digital skills. 

“The evidence is pretty clear, universities need a subtle shift,” says Horn. “The real secret sauce? Do the traditional education, but pair it with digital skills to prepare your students to go into the workforce with the basic skills they’ll need.”

By incorporating digital and human skills into their curriculum, they will offer higher-quality outcomes for students and increase their appeal in the job market.

Partnering with a vetted provider saves the institution from doing all the work and allows them to focus on what they know best: academic knowledge. A strategic partnership can make all the difference. Joining forces with e-learning platforms like Coursera can help them offer access to digital learning models that can better prepare students for the workplace.

In short: a partnership strategy means better-qualified students, a more equipped future workforce, higher reach for students through digital learning, and a combination of academic knowledge and real-world digital skills. 

Watch the full webinar here

Tips To Get Your Business Off The Ground

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Tips To Get Your Business Off The Ground

Making the leap from employee to employee is no small feat. It’s a big step. You’ve invested money, time, and energy into your new venture. Everything is riding on its success. In recent years, we’ve seen big conglomerates and small businesses alike have closed their doors. We’ve also seen new businesses start up, find their place in the marketplace, and not just survive, but thrive. So, if you’re looking for the best tips to get your business off the ground, keep reading.

Tips to Launch Your Business

Plan

A solid business plan is the first place to start. If you fail to plan; you plan to fail. Read as much as you can about your industry, competition, the markets, your target group, pitfalls to avoid and everything you can get your hands on. Analyse the risks and rewards of every decision. Develop strategies and put into place solutions to common problems you’ll likely encounter. This doesn’t mean you’ll use them all. It’s like insurance, you don’t like to pay for it, but it’s good to know you have it if you ever need it. When you have everything in place, should situations arise, you already know what to do and won’t lose time in figuring out how to solve problems.

Get Organised

Chances are that you’ll be juggling many balls, needing to complete many tasks, and managing a lot of things that need to get done. Failure to organise yourself and keep accurate details of everything, could result in things falling through the cracks and jeopardise your business success. Invest in software tools to help you keep on track. Record keeping will help ensure you always know where you stand, the potential challenges and give you time to develop strategies to overcome these before they sink your ship.

Start Lean

Your big business dream of occupying space in that office block or street is valid. But the time for it will come. Now is not the time to splurge on luxurious furnishing and a decked-out office space. Cut unnecessary spending and redirect those funds to marketing and getting your brand name out there. Start off lean and set yourself on a solid platform to accelerate as your business grows.

Create Value

Billionaire Richard Branson said, “To launch a business means successfully solving problems. Solving problems means listening.” And he’s right. There are 100s of businesses selling products or services. They aren’t wrong. But you can set yourself apart by listening to what customer’s biggest issues and needs are and providing them with a solution – at a profit.

Be Consistent

Consistency is key. Day in. day out. This helps you create long-term habits that will make you successful. When you’re consistent, your customers will know what they’ll get from you. From a business owner’s point of view, when you know what is needed on any given day, you’ll reduce your risk of missing something.

With these in place, the next steps to take to go to the next level is one of the most important in any business. Marketing.

Ways To Market Your Business With A Limited Budget

Marketing is undoubtedly one of the most critical aspects of a successful business strategy. An unlimited budget is nice to have but is not always possible for a start-up. The good news is there are ways and means to market your business successfully with little to no spending.

Word-Of-Mouth

This is undeniably the cheapest marketing tool ever created. It requires no spending, but the results will reflect in your bottom line. To do this, you need to ensure you are satisfying your customers and clientele. When they are happy, they are bound to spread the word, get you free publicity and therefore more feet through your door. Commit to them and their needs. And if you encounter an adverse situation, working with them to find a solution and – excellent service will be your best advocate.

Connect

It’s difficult to do business without going out there and creating awareness for your brand and company. This requires connecting with other businesses, attending networking events, seminars, fairs, trade shows, and other opportunities to network and introduce your brand to potential clients.

Go Online

We’re living in the digital age. No matter what business you’re in, you’d place yourself at an advantage by making use of suitable digital media platforms to meet, attract and engage with your target market. Research which platform will best suit your business, create profiles, and begin connecting with people online.

Create valuable content. Be mindful of what you share on social platforms. Don’t like, share, comment, or retweet for the sake of it. Everything you say or do says a lot about your company so share worthwhile, interesting, and informative content with your audience that they can react to/engage with and share.

Educate Yourself

To stay in the business, you need to stay on top of your game and know all there is to know about your business, trends, and your customers. This knowledge will not only make you interesting to talk to at work-related events but can be eye-opening and informative for your customers when you share what you know. Online education platforms like Alison mean you can learn just about anything without breaking the bank, and at your own time.

Take your education a step further and educate others. Put yourself forward as a thought industry leader by doing guest blog articles, interviews, being a speaker at events or webinars and others. These will make people begin to identify with you and your brand and become considered as a leader.

Upskill Yourself

Starting a business is not a simple thing. Keeping your business running is a daunting task. You need to know your strengths, weaknesses, and understand which areas you may need to upskill in. Take our Workplace Assessment below to determine your workplace personality and our recommended courses to boost your skills. 

With the right motivation, knowledge, support, team, and attention to detail, you can launch your business and see it soar.

 

Summer Wifi Password Printable – Awesome Pool Party Essential!

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onlinefreecourse
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Summer Wifi Password Printable – Awesome Pool Party Essential!

Summer Wifi Password Printable - Awesome Pool Party Essential!

If you plan a summer party at home this printable poster is a must-have! It will give your guest easy access to your wifi and you will no longer need to answer the same question over and over again. This Summer Wifi Password Printable Sign maybe even perfect to keep in your living room or hallway all year long.

Summer Wifi Password Printable

You can either write your wifi password and name directly on the printable or have it printed at a photo lab and place it in a frame behind glass. You can write with a permanent or wet erase marker directly on the glass. Wipe it off with a wet cloth every time you need to change your password.

This printable poster is 8,5×11 inches so it will easily fit an A4 frame. Feel free to scale it to a smaller one if needed!

For Personal Use Only.

What do you think about these Wifi Password Printables? Would you like to see them in different themes? Let us know in the comments!

If you are looking for more Printable Freebies, make sure to check our free printables library

Looking for something specific?

If you have an idea for a printable, let us know in the comments! We are always looking for inspiration. If you decide to print today’s Summer Wifi Password Printable, make sure to share photos of it (remember to blur your password first! :)) with us via Instagram or Twitter.

Summer Reading Contest, Week 6: What Got Your Attention in The Times This Week?

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onlinefreecourse
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Summer Reading Contest, Week 6: What Got Your Attention in The Times This Week?

Welcome to Week Six of our 13th Annual Summer Reading Contest.

This contest is open to students 11-19 from anywhere in the world. To participate, submit a response by 9 a.m. Eastern on July 22 that answers the questions “What got your attention in The New York Times this week? Why?”

If you are 13 or older and live in the United States, or 16 or older from anywhere else in the world, post your response in the comment section. If you are a teacher, parent or guardian and your kids or students are 11-12 years old and live in the United States, or 11-15 and live in another country, see the bottom of this post for details on how to submit.

Responses must be 1,500 characters — about 250 words — or fewer.

What should you choose? Well, as you know from the rules we’ve posted, you can pick anything published on nytimes.com in 2022, including articles, essays, videos, photos, podcasts or infographics.

So what did you read, watch or listen to this week? Maybe you were consumed by front-page headlines about the protests in Sri Lanka, the Emmy nominations, or the awe-inspiring images from the James Webb Space Telescope — or maybe you were more taken with stories about the rescue of 4,000 Beagles, the quiet fight by elite colleges to keep legacy admissions, actor Meryl Streep’s dramatic use of a simple pair of eyeglasses, a love affair with cilantro, why so many children of immigrants rise to the top, or Kate the Chemist, a college professor who is working hard to inspire more people into careers in science. We don’t care what you choose, we just want to hear why you chose it.

We hope you’ll click around nytimes.com and find your own great articles, features and multimedia. But we also know that not everyone who participates has a Times subscription. Because all links to Times content from the student features on our site are free, every week we’ll try to help by posting interesting pieces from a variety of sections.

Air Pollution Kills 10 Million People a Year. Why Do We Accept That as Normal?

The Supreme Court Dealt a Terrible Blow to Children’s Health

I Don’t Want to See a High School Football Coach Praying at the 50-Yard Line

Male Birth Control is Needed Post-Roe v. Wade

Even if Republicans Outlaw Abortion, Americans Will Soon Rebel

Crypto Is Crashing. Where Were the Regulators?

Need more details? The contest rules are all here, and you can read the work of last year’s winners here. A quick overview, though:

  • You can choose from anything published in the print paper or on nytimes.com in 2022, including videos, podcasts, graphics and photographs. (In your response, please include the URL or headline of the piece you pick.)

  • We’ll post this question each Friday from today through Aug. 12, and you’ll have until the next Friday morning to respond with your picks. Then we’ll close that post and open a new one with the same question.

  • We’ll choose at least one favorite answer to feature on our site each week. Winners from this week will be announced on Tuesday, August 2.

  • Feel free to participate each week, but we allow only one submission per person per week.

  • The contest is open to students ages 11 to 19 from anywhere in the world. If you are 13 or older and live in the United States, or 16 or older from anywhere else in the world, post your response in the comments section. If you are a teacher, parent or guardian of a student or child who is between the ages of 11 and 12 and live in the United States, or 11 and 15 and live in another country, then you must submit an entry on the student’s behalf using the form below. All entries from the comments section and the form below will be judged together.

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