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Get Your Red Hot Skills Functionality

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Get Your Red Hot Skills Functionality

Which came first? The chicken or dinner at KFC? Knowledge or Skill building and development?

Skills today are super hot and as a few readers mentioned the other day on LinkedIn, it is not new. Yes, there have been systems with skills frameworks and skills tied to career development (but I’d argue more with TM/PM and less with learning systems – although you could always do that yourself in the system – long story). And sure there are plenty of systems out there, that for more than a decade you could import your own skill dictionaries and taxonomies – but it was not universal.

Nor for most of that, skill dictionary import and taxonomies excluded, a function right within the system back-end itself. Yes, skill gap analysis existed, from 1999 in fact, after all that was the main premise for an LMS, to identify skill gaps, but the metrics specifically around skill gaps tied to other variables in the system, in a data visualization standpoint that doesn’t look like a bar chart? No.

Thus, you could do quite a bit with the early learning systems, and even though most of 2010-2019, but the majority required more work for you than the system handling the heavy lifting. That is changing.

Systems today recognize that most folks want their system to handle the entire skills functionality piece, thru the use of AI, no less. These folks want the system for all intended purposes to be fully automated, with very limited interaction needed by the admin or whoever is overseeing the system itself.

There are learning systems that are ahead of the game (i.e. the masses) with skill capabilities that the general audience is unaware of, and thus, one reason they never ask for it, then there are others who follow the pack, and either add at the right time or fall behind and are just now adding it.

This post is focused on skill functionality – what is hot (based on a trend line) and what will get hot in 2022.

A caveat. One cannot base a trend line around skills capabilities and see the line stretch, based on anything before COVID. Those days are gone. Rather one has to look at during and now post-pandemic in the corporate environment. Hybrid work models are a result of the pandemic. They were not in play, prior to that (as a general rule of thumb). Skills are changing to meet the times and the expectations of employers and while there will still be companies who think this is just a blip, like the internet was going to be a fad (and yes, some big-time folks believed that), the reality is far different.

Thus, I am happy if you used skills tapped to content in your system back in 2007. Thrilled that you recognized you could learn a skill by reading a book. But let me ask you a question. Was it hardcover? Because those are freaking expensive. And cumbersome.

RED HOT – Fireball level – you know those jawbreakers you put in your mouth and experience immediate “Holy Moly”

  • Skill Self-Assessment. Can’t get any hotter than this feature. Skill assessment by the learner, skill review and assess by the manager. A few systems can do a comparison, so the admin can see a chart style if you will between the two. Some systems include comments from the manager on why that skill has not been met or met or exceeded.

Then there are systems that provide (which you can edit and change) to explain what 1-5 actually means, so that there is no confusion. These learning systems usually have details around them, one is a beginner and then a description of what is defined as beginner, and so forth. For example, at a five you have mastered the skill, expanded past the skill, found out that Valentine’s Day was created by Hallmark (a card company).

I am a fan of specific details and what each rating score means. It avoids ambiguity and, ensures that everyone is on the same page. Nobody has to think what does three mean? Or I am a two is that good or bad? Five by the way is a good number for the top number. This should be easy to recognize and strive towards, not a number list.

Nobody has yet tapped into a built-in sim capability that is for business skills or a way to get a better validation tied to the self-assessment, but there are systems that have a sim to develop skills – technical-wise.

  • Tagging Skills to a piece of content, a course or series of content/courses – This is where the system has a list of skills that comes with the system, and you can also upload your own skill library/taxonomy too. But the real power are those systems that have an extensive skills library (usually 3rd party – like EMSI, who just acquired Burning Glass). The admin goes to the content/courses and places “tags” – these are words in essence like “Leadership” or “Communication”, etc. to the courses/content. The plus of doing this, is that when the learner is searching in the catalog or wherever in the system they can see the skills associated with that course/content, and thus pick it if that is of interest to them. You can also depending on the metrics capability of the system – look to see what skills are tied to what pieces of content and identify what is the most popular of the combination. From there, you can identify what additional content/courses you will need, or do you have to tweak or add/remove skills.
  • Tagging job roles/levels to a piece of content, courses, etc. – and a plus if it includes the skills option too. In this scenario, someone is searching to be a data scientist and sees a bunch of courses/content (even free content if the system has that capability) that is information they need to learn/know to be a data scientist.
  • Courses/Content have attributes regardless of the delivery modality including – skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced), specific skills/any prereqs and for those who can do these, they often include a job role as part of the equation. The challenge of course is that if you are in the customer ed/partner training side, job role isn’t always relevant, so there are systems, where you can remove that as an option, when folks search.

Overwhelmingly when it comes to a search for skills, using a system’s search bar or whatever mechanism it is based on you typing the skill (it can be by letter -meta) or job role of interest, in other words, keyword. However, one vendor, a big shout-out to Fuse, enables you to ask a question – sort of like, “How do I become a leader?” and out pops all the content tied to that question. The system uses AI as a part of this, and I like it because that is something all of us, have done using a search engine. Not, asking about being a leader, more about “Where to find outdoor dining?”.

  • Skill Channels/Playlists – Not just content with content tied around skills itself (which has been around for more than a few year), these new playlists are now combining multiple skills into one playlist. The Learner can select their own skills of interest, and then from there pick the content to place in not just one, but multiple playlists for themselves.
  • Skills tied to job role playlists – For those who think “Assigned” to a job role angle, playlists that show content tied to again, not just one skill but a set of skills for that job role. While the number of systems that offer the multiple variables for a job role playlist (that the system can recommend) is growing. This is not the learner selecting here, nor your manager picking content/courses based on the job role – and thus you see a wide variance. This is going even further along segmentation of courses/content because the system thru AI is learning more about the end-user then selecting content/courses for each of those skills for that role or roles.
  • Trending or most popular skill playlists – Another hot channel/playlist (depending on your vendor’s terminology) these playlists show up not focused on a topic or category (which let’s say is leadership), rather the system (hello AI) is identifying content tied to a skill, thus you could see a trending playlist around that skill or skills. What a system hasn’t done yet, but one that I believe will be a firestorm in 2022, is take a combination of the skills + levels – i.e. most popular content based on skill level – beginner, intermediate and so on. The key to the expansion of recommended, trending or similar with content tied to that skill and skill level is narrowing – as the system learns more about well, the learner.
  • System creates a playlist tied around validation of a skill or a set of skills, based on learner results – It’s hard not to see the win with this one. Validation is only as good as it being independent, which is why it is the system (via the AI) that validates the skill success (and thus level) based over a period of time, and continues to adapt (a part of this leads into the firestorm coming in 2022).
  • Skills mapped to a career pathway or job role pathway – Before I get slammed on “that has always existed”, sure it has, but it would involve whoever is overseeing the system (L&D or Training Exec, etc.) meeting with the learning system folks implementing your system, and they (not you) would set up the system and map those skills to the paths you wanted for your employees. You, yourself, if you had the power to do it on the back-end was limited. This new approach? All automated. Upload or add to a skills library, your own skill taxonomies (there are systems that actually come with sample taxonomies you can use, if you are starting out), then identify the paths and/or job roles and set one time matching those skills to each. After that. The system takes control, adapting as needed, based on the AI. Is it perfect? Let’s say it is a work in progress. I have yet to see a system that can get deep learning here at this stage.

There are two types of systems when it comes to the learner entering the platform (after logging in). Either the learner sees a type of dashboard (either made up of widgets/blocks or similar ilk) or it is a free-flow that has a variance, but it limited what can be seen. A widget can be a playlist for example, and some systems allow the learner to move that widget around (true personalization), other systems place the playlist in one area and tough jeebees you are stuck with it.

Dashboards to me, always look way better, especially if you can select your own widgets (admin allows) and especially if you can move them around (even if you can’t select your own). The first hot feature to get going was the skill playlists, now it is quite common, but what isn’t common, and it making a difference are those learner dashboards which list the top 10 skills or most popular skills. This isn’t shown as a playlist and thus specific content, rather it is just a top 10 list (as a widget or block). There are systems where you (the admin, have a couple of options – I surmise this will grow) for the lists of skills.

When I see a system that does this, I really like it. I mean, let’s say I want to be a manager in marketing. I can see based on what folks are selecting, as the top 10 skills for a marketing manager OR just the top 10 hottest skills (regardless of job role). Today, you hear over and over again about data scientists and coding, but is that true at your company or business? And if yes, will it stay the same in three months? Six months or a year? A constant seeing of top 10 skills (hot) would definitely be a plus. And just a reminder, this is occurring on the learner side.

Before bouncing into what will be a Firestorm in 2022, here is a short list of what other skill features are hot.

  • Administrator can compare learner to learner based on skill(s), tied to role
  • Administrator can assign specific skill or skills to a learner (to learn, develop, build, etc.)
  • Built in Skills Validation tool
  • Ability to add skills validation, prior to learner gaining access to content
  • Ability to identify proficiency levels within the skills validation component
  • Analytics directly tied to career development and acquisition of skills to specific job roles
  • Content playlist recommending skills needed (missing) that the learner lacks for that opportunity (appears more often in employee-focused systems, but I am seeing an increase in Combo systems (they tend to skew more employees vs customers, but they serve both markets)
  • Skills Analytics – The level and thus value is all over the place, some do an amazing job, some are fair, but at least vendors are starting to see the pluses of what this type of detail can lead to

Flamethrower 2022

I am going to let you in on a little secret. To me, the most important skill development capability which will drive your L&D and Training isn’t something the learner will “see” themselves. Nor is it something every vendor will do, but if they do, and I expect a lot will by the end of 2022, it will make such a major impact in your learning and training, that you will want to know even more.

That my friends are metrics tied to skills. Advanced analytical segmentation based solely on analysis(on-going) of skills data-related functionality and capabilities tapped to courses/content, digital coaching, experts within the system (I recommend this option, but that is for another blog, and how you can make it work), and even gamification – which you should BTW be doing right now with your skills courses/content.

I’ve always believed that “views” is about as valuable to identifying skill gaps in your system, as that piece of gum you just tossed out your car window (Polluter). Yep, worthless.

That data and similar tells you nothing, especially when it comes to skill analysis. There are really a couple of options a system can go with the advanced segmentation (and there will be systems who are not making you pay extra for this privilege, but plenty will) when it comes to free analytics – it often is very high-level, then you can do some drilling.

Advanced segmentation around skills, slices, and dices data in so many ways, that once the system taps into AI for the admin side (wouldn’t that be something if all systems did that), the power that can be unleashed will be impressive – but we are not there yet, so while I got you thinking about it, time to deflate and let’s bounce back to reality.

Anyway, excluding the very end area of the last paragraph, here is what will be part of the firestorm in 2022:

  • An analytics section specifically around skills – That’s right, one limit yourself to having all that data mixed with other data, when you can instead just click under analytics or however the system shows this data (beyond just high level on the admin dashboard) – under a sub-category for Skills.
  • One section is tied around skill ratings (self, manager) and includes a comparison total score by each learner; manager comparison for each learner, skills proficiencies, skill strengths and areas to improve with a score rating
  • Another section will enable you to go in more deeply with those top 10 skills list (which you the admin saw on your home dashboard, when you enter the admin side), with comparison of different content/courses, regardless if completed or not, to start to see trend lines. Systems today can show the top content (okay many can) and there are ones you can show that top 10 list, but to combine and slice – uh, download first please. By the end of 2022, this will change for quite a few systems – they will enable the combine in a skills section – offer it at least.
  • What I would love to see a system do is provide me a list of the top 10 skills people are not selecting and then the content it is tied to. Toss in for those on the employee side heavy with job roles – top 10 job roles selected tied to the skills and tied to the content. Three variables – the point of this entire skills section is it is all about skills segmentation.

Here are a few additional Analytics and Reporting that will light a fire for you by the end of 2022

  • Administrator can compare learner to learner based on skill(s), tied to role (Some systems already have this capability)
  • Identify by each learner, skills assigned to them AND skill(s) they selected (Ditto)
  • Data around skills content tied to each learner tied to skill proficiencies tied to skills self-validation and or combo (a wide variety of options) – For those curious, there are systems out there that have this capability
  • Skills tracking over a period of time, select by various skill filters, even job roles attached to that skill or skills (A recent analysis found this capability in “roadmap” for quite a few vendors)
  • Skill proficiency levels, top skills sought out by learners, skill comparison data (Yes there are systems that have it today, but the data levels are so-so. It will get better)
  • Analytics tied to playlists based on skills success ratio – tied to skills required, recommended, or attained.

Firestarter (not that awful Stephen King movie)

The challenge with skills validation (or assessment – you choose the term) is potential bias. A manager can review the employee (but bias may exist). But what if the system did it for you? With AI it is not only possible but already happening in the industry.

EdCast XP has this with their system. And there are other systems that have it on “roadmap”.

I like the capability because it now provides an independent perspective if you will.

Skills with Gamification?

There are plenty of systems where you can add points to content – that has been around since, well Gamification was launched many, many years ago.

Here is what’s coming

  • Skill Badges
  • Listing to Top Skills Selected/Acquired by points – Leaderboard with a Skill Point Spin
  • Points tied to skill acquisition or learning a new skill or set of skills

Bottom Line

Skills. Nowadays it is presented as though e-learning never offered it. That skill gap capabilities didn’t exist. Skill acquisition wasn’t attainable, and only thru the latest breakthroughs are L&D and Training people even thinking about developing and building skills for their employees, customers, members and so on.

It was all doable, and if you had an LMS, even a COP, you were using it for those reasons – to identify skill gaps, to find what people did nor did not know, and push the right courses/content to them, to attain and explore those new skills.

It wasn’t 100% handled by the system. It required you or your admin to be involved at a much greater level.

Which required you to have a set of skills to tap into or learn.

In 2021?

A new skill arrived.

Handled not by you, but by the system.

Automation.

E-Learning 24/7

Meet Megaton Ruramayi Kuhudzai, our Shona language translator!

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Meet Megaton Ruramayi Kuhudzai, our Shona language translator!

Megaton, tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

My name is Megaton Ruramayi Kuhudzai. I was born a Shona by tribe in Zimbabwe on February 17th 1982. I was fortunate to go to school all the way to university. However, the country’s political and economic turmoil caught up with me and I couldn’t finish my studies at the University of Zimbabwe. I emigrated to Malawi but my lack of a solid tertiary qualification severely affected my job prospects.

What was your experience of Alison before volunteering to translate? Had you studied with Alison before?

One fortunate day as I searched on Google for free or affordable education, Alison came up. I went through the testimonials and I sang my way through my studies. I studied all night through, as if working on a cure. My first diploma was Project Management. Oh, how I leapt with joy! Next was Operations Management, then Business and Entrepreneurship. I also took the ABC IT certificate, and Microsoft Literacy. Finally I had some qualifications I could show around. Alison introduced me to online learning and I have since been accepted by the University of the People because I attached my Alison qualifications. 

How did you learn that Alison was looking for translators for its coronavirus course?

The Alison team got in touch with me via email about the offer to translate. I welcomed the opportunity to translate the coronavirus course because Alison has been the giant on whose shoulders I have stood tall.

Why is it important that everyone has access to important information on coronavirus?

Alison is on a global mission fighting ignorance. Educational and physical health are one and the same to Alison so they took up the fight to save people from dying. It’s important that everyone be disabused of misinformation regarding the disease because myths have always been a hindrance.

 

Tell us a little about your method when translating.

I translated the coronavirus course with the aid of Google Translate for speed. I then worked out the errors inherent in the translation to the best of my ability as a native Shona speaker.

Why is free learning so important and why is it important to translate it into many languages?

Free learning is a revelation for our times of tumbling economies and rising poverty. Tertiary education has become largely unaffordable and those who get education loans struggle to pay them back. Free learning is the solution to those that want to overcome a lack of skills and ignorance and transform their lives. 

Have you been learning through Alison during the pandemic? How has the lockdown been for you?

Fortunately, I am studying during the lockdown and have told my friends in Malawi about Alison. They have since studied different courses.

What would you say to people who might be interested in translating for Alison?

I encourage those who might be interested in translating for Alison to show their love for others in a most profound way by making more coronavirus course translations available. I believe in the greatness of philanthropy and for now my resources are intellectual. 

If you’d like to play your part in overcoming the coronavirus pandemic by helping Alison give people access to the information necessary to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, please get in touch.

Color Love | Coral + Teal

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Color Love | Coral + Teal

Can you believe it is summer already? If it is still a little bit cold, I have a perfect beachy color scheme to warm you up! This coral and teal color palette screams summer for me. Blue shades combined with pink reminds me of a clear sky and watermelons on a hot day.

Coral Teal Color Palette

Below I have created for you a simple mood board featuring today’s color combination. It is in perfect Pinterest format, so feel free to pin it for later.

Coral and Teal Color Palette - Pink, Grey, Blue

See our collection of other gorgeous color palettes by visiting our color palette section.

What do you think about our coral & teal color palette? Do you like this combination? I love how the bright coral and cool teal tones play off each other. They seem to highlight the best of one another, don’t you think? Those colors are perfect for summer crafts and will look stunning for cloth patterns.

We would love to hear your thoughts, so make sure to share them in the comments below.

Lastly, learn about the power of color in blog design in our blog post to see how important colors are in all the projects you create.

Check out this stunning coral & teal Blogger template, which can be found in our Blogger Templates shop.

Camilla, Peach & Aqua Blogger Template

There is simply no shortage of blog design possibilities when it comes to bringing this pretty color palette to life.

Summer Reading Contest Winner Week 1: On ‘Lilith, Lilibet … Lucifer? How Baby Names Went to “L”’

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Summer Reading Contest Winner Week 1: On ‘Lilith, Lilibet … Lucifer? How Baby Names Went to “L”’

We received 528 entries from students from around the world for the first week of our 10-week Summer Reading Contest. Thank you to everyone who participated, and congratulations to our winner, Sanai, as well as the 11 runners-up and 15 honorable mentions we honor below.

Scroll down to take a look at the variety of topics — from TikTok beauty tips to gender fluidity to the postpandemic economy — that caught the eyes of our participants this week. You can find the work of all our winners since 2017 in this column.

Thank you to everyone who participated and please remember to always check the top of our contest announcement to find the right place to submit your own response, any week from now until Aug. 19.

(Note to students: If you are one of this week’s winners and would like your last name published, please have a parent or guardian complete our permission form [PDF] and send it to us at LNFeedback@nytimes.com.)

Sanai chose an article from the Style section headlined “Lilith, Lilibet … Lucifer? How Baby Names Went to ‘L’” and wrote:

My first name, Sanai, is my sword. The sound of my name rolls off others’ tongues like cotton candy ice cream being scooped up on a hot summer’s day. This five-letter word is a geyser in my life, sending the steam of beauty and crystal waters of intelligence up every path I follow. Yes, I will never find my name on a Toys “R” Us mug, and teachers might pronounce my name wrong at first. But I make my saucers and correct teachers every time — because if you don’t advocate for yourself, who will? My African American and Caribbean ancestors weren’t always able to speak up for themselves. Therefore, I will. So when I heard Prince Harry and Meghan Markle named their daughter “Lilibet” instead of the more common “Lily,” a gigantic smile went across my face.

As the founder of Nameberry, Pamela Redmond, notes, this trend in “unconventional” baby names isn’t surprising. Authenticity is in, especially in our tech-obsessed world where everyone’s lives bleed into each other. There is so much beauty in difference, and 2021 continues to spotlight this. From Juneteenth becoming a national holiday to Pride Month parades, the world is finally celebrating the rainbow of humans in our world in all their glory. I’m proud that my teenage peers and I will birth many more Lilibets, Amethysts and Dangers. From their names to their hearts, our generation of children will see that they should always carve a space to be unapologetically themselves.

_________

In alphabetical order by the writer’s first name.

Arnuv on “Tech Forgets About the Needs of the 99%”

Belle on “Lesbians in Ballet: ‘Has Anyone Like Me Ever Walked These Halls?’”

Chaewon Joung on “Sleeping Too Little in Middle Age May Increase Dementia Risk, Study Finds”

Eleanor on “How a ’70s Photo Foreshadowed a World-Class Figure Skater’s Future”

Jiaye Wang on “How Thousands of Indigenous Children Vanished in Canada”

Judy on “Why American Women Everywhere Are Delaying Motherhood”

Kira on “Menstrual Cups in Museums? It’s Time.”

Moonjeong Seo on “The Amazon that Customers Don’t See”

Ray Cheng on “For Asian Americans Wary of Attacks, Reopening Is Not an Option”

Reuben Kwadzo Gblonyah: “Alison is a catalyst for social change in the twenty-first century.”

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Reuben Kwadzo Gblonyah: “Alison is a catalyst for social change in the twenty-first century.”

“My name is Reuben Kwadzo Gblonyah. I live in Ghana in West Africa. I am married and have one child. I completed all my education in Ghana and, after my undergrad, I worked for a year at the University of Cape Coast as a Teaching Assistant. I assisted in courses like Information Technology Skills, Databases, etc. I’m currently a volunteer tutor in IT Training and Support at the university.”

What are you studying and working now?

I am studying my master’s in Accounting Education at the University of Cape Coast, where I completed my undergrad. I am currently writing my research project and searching for a job I can do alongside my volunteering, in order to support my family.

How did you learn about Alison?

While studying for my undergraduate, I decided to acquire skills in IT so I approached one of my lectures who introduced me to MOOCs. I was interested in Alison because it’s user-friendly.

What was your first course on Alison, and why did you choose it?

My first course of study with Alison was in Microsoft Office 2010, which I completed successfully. I chose Microsoft Office 2010 because I wanted to acquire skills in document processing, presentation, databases and spreadsheets. 

How have Alison courses affected your career?

Alison is a catalyst for social change in the twenty-first century and I’m a proud member of the Alison community. Alison has given me the opportunity to acquire new skills outside of my discipline, which have helped me fit into a variety of workplaces.

Why do you want to become an Alison Ambassador?

I want to become an Alison Ambassador in order to spread the good news of Alison. I would like to bring online learning to the doorstep of new members by reaching them throughout the country. In addition, I want to negotiate with the management of schools in Ghana, especially tertiary institutions, so that they make good use of the Alison platform.

Why is free education so important?

Free education means guaranteed access to learning. This means that all students in the country can have access to a basic level of education. This way, no one will be illiterate. Education fees can discourage bright students from impoverished backgrounds and prevent them from making an important contribution to society. This represents a serious loss in the development of the individual, but also to universities and society as a whole. 

What difference do you think Alison can make to your community?

Alison will influence the lives of people in my community by helping them acquire new skills or improve upon their current skills.

How much do coders make?

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How much do coders make?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics categorizes coders, developers, and programmers under the umbrella term “Software Developer.” Last year, these professionals earned a median salary of $110,140.

The six-figure salary for coders rises from the demand for their skills. Almost every business relies on coders to some degree, whether to build applications, maintain databases, or design websites.

Still, a coder’s salary largely depends on their specific role. Below, we’ll break down some of the most popular types of coders, their roles and responsibilities, and average salaries. Note that while the figures below pertain to the U.S., these positions can expect decent wages worldwide.

Back-End Engineer salary

A Back-End Engineer manages the parts of a website the end-user doesn’t see, like servers and databases, with tools like SQL and Node.js. On average, Back-End Engineers make an average of $120,752 with a cash bonus of $4,000. Salaries vary by state and city, with those in San Francisco, California earning an average of $165,908, while Back-End Engineers in Dallas, Texas, average $106,199.

Front-End Engineer salary

On the flip side of a Back-End Engineer is a Front-End Engineer who develops the parts of applications and websites that end-users interact with. A Front-End Engineer will know HTML, CSS, and JavaScript at a bare minimum for web design. They also get to be creative and think about design elements to improve the user experience.

A Front-End Engineer can expect to make an average salary of $106,129. Salaries can vary widely depending on experience, but also location. For example, a Front-End Engineer in San Francisco, California, makes an average salary of $154,412 while another in Dallas, Texas, makes $99,491.

Full-Stack Engineer salary

A Full-Stack Engineer knows about front-end development and back-end development, as well as how the two interact. In other words, they can build complete applications from scratch. They can design a website, manage a server, access databases, and code how they interact and rely upon one another.

In the U.S., a Full-Stack Developer makes $107,556 a year, on average. Depending on experience, the salaries can vary from $88,276 for an entry-level position to $130,176 for three to five years of experience.

Data Scientist salary

Companies are generating more data than ever before, and Data Scientists help them put it to good use by analyzing it and reporting on the insights they find. Still, their responsibilities encompass more than just data analytics and often branch into other dimensions like building machine learning models.

Data Scientists make an average salary of $119,828 per year. Even with less than a year of experience, Data Scientists earn $101,338 on average. Those with three to five years of experience make $138,080 each year.

Cybersecurity Specialist salary

Cybersecurity departments protect data from possible threats. They work to develop authenticating practices, improve network security, and prevent cyberattacks.

A Cybersecurity Specialist makes a salary of $65,646 with a cash bonus of $5,000 on average. These salaries also vary depending on where you work. For example, a Cybersecurity Specialist in New York City makes an average salary of $125,333, or nearly double the average countrywide.

Data Analyst salary

Like Data Scientists, a Data Analyst mines databases and business data to deliver business insights. These technical professionals know coding languages that allow them to access databases (like SQL) and analyze data (like Python).

Data Analysts can expect to make an average salary of $70,642 with a cash bonus of $2,500. Entry-level positions average $66,953, and those with a decade of experience (or more) can make an average of $83,622.

Computer Scientist salary

A Computer Scientist is someone who knows all the fundamental concepts of programming and a select few languages. They are professionals who write, improve, or review code. They can also be experts in the hardware side of computers and programming.

Salaries can again vary depending on their location and years of experience. A Computer Scientist makes an average salary of $104,758. Large tech companies, such as Apple, pay some Computer Scientists quite well, with an average reported salary of $142,747.

How to become a coder

If you’re starting at square one, never fear. We offer online Career Paths specifically tailored to some of the careers above. You won’t need to waste time searching for all the skills you might need to develop. You can simply follow the curriculum laid out for you, and rest assured, you’ll learn all you need.

If you’re a little further along in your learning journey, you may only need to develop a few additional skills to qualify for your next job. For example, if you’re already familiar with Python and SQL and considering a career in data analytics, learn the skills you need with the courses below:

Becoming a coder isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. You just need to build a foundation and practice your coding skills. Don’t forget that once you do land your first job, you’ll get support and, more than likely, some form of on-the-job training.

Get started with one of our online courses or Career Paths, reach out to our community for support, and work at your own pace. You don’t need to force anything. You don’t even need a degree. You just need some time and the desire to learn.

What to include in your Data Analyst cover letter

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What to include in your Data Analyst cover letter

With the growing importance of big data and so many companies generating volumes of it, the already high demand for Data Analysts is expected to continue rising over the next few years. Research suggests that Data Analysts may even have one of the biggest job markets of 2022. Still, to get your foot in the door, you’ll need a compelling cover letter.

Along with your technical resume and Data Analyst portfolio, your cover letter will serve as your first impression to potential employers and clients. To make a good impression, there are several things you’ll want to include in your Data Analyst cover letter. Below, we’ll explore the details you should have in your cover letter and explain how they’ll give you an advantage.

The basic elements of a Data Analyst cover letter

As with all cover letters, whether you’re applying to an entry-level or senior position, there are several details you’re expected to include to meet the professional standard. These details include:

  • Your contact information. This should go right at the top, with your name headlining the document and your contact info underneath it. Include your (professional) email address, phone number, and mailing address.
  • Beneath your contact info, add the date of your cover letter’s creation.
  • Directly underneath that should be the business’ information:
  • The hiring manager’s name and email address
  • The company’s address and phone number

You should then start the letter with “Dear,” followed by the most appropriate prefix, such as Mr., Mrs., or Ms. If you’re unsure of which prefix to use, simply use either their full name or — if you’ve already made contact and established a rapport — only their first name.

Introductory paragraph

In your intro paragraph, clearly state the position you’re applying for. You should also weave in a few details that emphasize what sets you apart from other candidates, such as your education, experience, and relevant skills.

Don’t go too in-depth at this point. This paragraph is merely to let them know who you are and the position for which you’re applying. More details will come in the subsequent paragraphs.

A paragraph about why you’re the best candidate

While you don’t want to brag, you want to show the hiring manager why you’re the best pick for the job. Think about what they’re looking for. They’ll want to hire someone who has:

  • Relevant experience with data analytics
  • Completed projects that illustrate their skills
  • Technical skills with the various tools you’ll need to analyze and visualize data
  • High-level Data Analyst-specific skills such as data-driven optimization or using data to adjust an organization’s strategy

Your technical skills

While a list of your programming languages, libraries, and frameworks may lack a natural feel, don’t hold back from ensuring every technical skill related to data analytics is mentioned in your cover letter.

Your Data Analyst cover letter should indicate your familiarity with:

  • Structured Query Language (SQL)
  • R or Python
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Machine learning or AI development
  • Presentation skills, including presentation software such as PowerPoint
  • Statistics
  • Data management

Your soft skills

Along with your technical knowledge, your cover letter should convey some of the soft skills you bring to the position. These may include abilities related to:

  • Communication
  • Taking feedback
  • Leadership
  • Understanding high-level objectives

Keep in mind that, although these skills should be clearly expressed, to ensure a natural feel, you should avoid listing them out. Instead, use examples that show each soft skill. For instance, you can:

  • Describe a project where you had to change course midway using feedback from a team member
  • Briefly outline a situation where you had to make a tough decision as a team leader
  • Discuss a time when you had to serve as a liaison between executives and the rest of your team

Details that show you’re a team player

Even if you work best alone, you need to illustrate your ability to work with a team and contribute to organizational objectives. This is relatively easy to do if you:

  • Mention projects that required teamwork
  • Specify your role or title on a team
  • Mention how you incorporated the ideas of others to meet an objective

Examples that illustrate your storytelling ability

Composing narratives is a highly in-demand skill because it bridges the gap between the numbers an analyst produces and the action plans their figures inspire. While it may sound abstract at first, you can tell a story with data. There may not be enough space to describe, in detail, how you’ve done that. But you can still convey that you have this skill by:

  • Explaining how you used data to accomplish a high-level objective
  • Describing how you solved a problem using storytelling elements, like challenges, conflict, and resolution
  • Sharing a brief anecdote about how you resolved a human-interest issue with data analytics

A closing paragraph

Your closing paragraph should be short, and it should express your enthusiasm about interviewing for the position. It may also be appropriate to mention a professional goal you have and how this position would help you achieve it. In this way, you let the hiring manager know you have a tangible, personal investment in succeeding in the role.

Preparing for your career as a Data Analyst

By including the details listed above in your Data Analyst cover letter, you’ll increase your chances of impressing potential employers and moving on to the next steps of the hiring process. If you’re missing any of the technical skills listed above, check out our programming tutorials to fill in any gaps in your knowledge. We’ll show you how to:

  • Learn SQL, which you’ll need to manage and query relational databases.
  • Learn Python, which is popularly used in data analytics for its versatility, readability, and extensive array of libraries and frameworks.
  • Learn R, which was designed specifically for data analysis and visualization.

Once you’ve mastered the programming languages above, build your analytical skills with the following Skill Paths:

After taking the courses above, you’ll be well on your way toward your career as a Data Analyst. Or, if you’d rather learn everything you’ll need to know at once, check out our Data Analyst Career Path. Not only will you gain all the skills listed above (and more), but we’ll also help you prepare for the next steps of the hiring process, offering certificates you can include in your resume and tips for your upcoming interviews. Plus, we’ll even help you build a portfolio.

Kotlin vs. Swift: What should you learn for mobile development?

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Kotlin vs. Swift: What should you learn for mobile development?

Both Kotlin and Swift are modern programming languages that are used for mobile app development. There are some differences in the languages themselves, but the big differences are in what they are used for. We’ll take a look at both to help you decide which language is right for you.

What is Kotlin?

Kotlin is a programming language created jointly by Google and JetBrains specifically for mobile development on the Android operating system. Android development was traditionally done with Java at the time. Java is a popular language, and many developers have learned it, but Android developers thought it was time for a change.

Java was developed in 1995, and a lot of its lower-level features allow developers to tweak every part of their applications. But this type of control and power came at the cost of ease of use. This is overkill for many types of applications, and many Android developers thought it would be better to trade a little performance for a quicker and easier development process.

Google and JetBrains listened to mobile application developers and created a programming language called Kotlin in 2011. Kotlin is a programming language that runs in the Java Virtual Machine like Java, but it is much simpler to use. Some of the benefits of Kotlin over Java include:

  • You don’t have to use semicolons to end each line of code in Kotlin.
  • You can create variables in Kotlin without defining the type of the variable beforehand.
  • It’s easy to check for null values in Kotlin. In Java, a null value can crash your software.
  • Kotlin, in general, allows developers to write less code than they would have to in Java.

As a bonus, Kotlin is also interoperable with Java, meaning you can use Kotlin and Java code in the same project. Developers loved the language for mobile development, and it became an official Android programming language. It’s also a general-purpose language that can run wherever Java can, including Linux, Windows, Mac OSX, and other operating systems.

Getting started with Kotlin

Want to learn more about Kotlin? If you want a firm grounding in the programming language that Kotlin comes from, you can start by learning Java and learn the fundamentals of a programming language that is used just about everywhere and for every use you can think of. Then you can transition into learning Kotlin. To start developing Android apps in the language, you can learn the basics of Android or take the Build Basic Android Apps with Java Skill Path.

What is Swift?

Swift has a story similar to Kotlin’s. It was released in 2014 by Apple as a replacement for Apple’s original programming language, Objective-C. Objective-C is a programming language used for developing everything Apple, from desktop applications that run in Mac OSX to mobile apps for the iPhone platform. While you could write code in other languages for Apple products, Objective-C worked best.

But Objective-C was an even older language than Java. It was actually used to develop operating systems in the 1980s, before Mac OSX. And it was 30 years old when Swift came out. Many other modern programming languages developed features that programmers were used to, and Objective-C seemed ancient comparatively.

So Apple released Swift in 2014 to give Apple developers a more modern language to work with. Swift is interoperable with Objective-C so that you can use both languages in the same software project. This means developers could slowly convert applications to Swift instead of building a new application in Swift from scratch. Some of the benefits of Swift compared to Objective-C include:

  • According to Apple, Swift can be up to 2.6 times faster than Objective-C.
  • You can easily create variables in Swift without defining the type beforehand.
  • You don’t have to use semicolons to end lines in Swift code.
  • Swift code can be written quicker than Objective-C code because it was made more developer-friendly.
  • Swift is also open source, and since September of 2020, you can build Swift applications that run on Mac OSX, Linux, and Windows.

Swift is also a general-purpose programming language, just like Kotlin, which means that although it is mainly used for mobile development, it can also be used for other programming projects, like building web applications and web services. So how do you get started learning Swift?

Getting started with Swift

The advantages of Swift far outweigh the benefits of Objective-C. Swift is not only easier to write, but it is also magnitudes faster than the older Apple programming language.

Ready to discover more about Swift? You can start with Learn Swift, which will teach you the fundamentals of this powerful open-source, cross-platform language, and start developing mobile applications. To take your knowledge of the language further in the mobile development sphere, check out Build iOS Apps with SwiftUI.

Swift vs. Kotlin: Which should you choose?

Which language is right for you? Both are modern programming languages that you can use for mobile development. Both make writing code easier than the traditional languages used for Android and iOS development. And both will run on Windows, Mac OSX, or Linux.

The decision should depend on which type of mobile platforms you’d like to develop for. By learning Kotlin, you’ll be able to develop Android apps. By learning Swift, you’ll have your foot in the door of iPhone and Mac OSX development. Or maybe the question is: Which do you learn first? You can always do both and become an all-around mobile application developer of both Android and iOS apps.

Updates to our Learn Node.js course

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Updates to our Learn Node.js course

Ready to take your server-side programming skills to the next level? We’ll show you how with the new updates to our Learn Node.js course.

Node.js is a cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment used to create event-driven web applications. Originally, Learn Node.js served to introduce our learners to the technology — but now we’ve updated the course with three new modules designed to help you solidify your knowledge of its functionality. For example, in one of the new lessons, we’ll show you how to create servers using Node.js’ built-in HTTP module.

Node.js’s popularity in back-end development makes it a great tool for anyone looking to become a Back-End or Full-Stack Engineer. Plus, learning how to use it will also make it easier for you to learn libraries and frameworks like Express and SQLite. Jiwon S., one of our Curriculum Developers who contributed to the course’s development, explains how:

“Having a strong foundation in core Node.js modules will prepare you for building complete web apps with other popular Node packages.”

Who is the course for?

The newly updated Learn Node.js course is perfect for anyone looking to build their skills with the runtime environment and deepen their understanding of JavaScript.

It’s also a good choice if you’re looking to venture into back-end development, as you’ll learn how to create servers and perform essential back-end operations for web applications.

What are the specific changes?

  • Learn Node.js is now divided into two lessons: Introduction to Node.js and Node.js Essentials.
  • New lesson on Setting up a Server with HTTP
  • Updates and new quizzes on core Node.js modules and HTTP
  • New projects: Message Mixer and Rock-Paper Scissors
  • New articles on JavaScript for Node.js, Node Package Manager
  • Added articles on What is JSON, Implementing Modules in Node, Node modules, and What is REST?
  • Updated the Setting up Node.js Locally article

How will this affect learners who’ve already completed Learn Node.js?

If you’ve already completed the course, you’ll retain your progress and certificate. If you’re currently enrolled, you’ll notice a decrease in your progress because of the new material.

Recap

We’ve updated our Learn Node.js course with new modules designed to teach you more about the runtime environment’s functionality. Along with a lesson dedicated to creating servers using Node.js’ built-in HTTP module, we’ll also deepen your understanding of JavaScript, JSON, the REST paradigm, and more. Plus, you’ll use your new knowledge to build fun new projects that’ll showcase your skills.

10 coding projects for beginners

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10 coding projects for beginners

Learning to code is a satisfying, rewarding experience — especially if you’re teaching yourself with online programming courses. Still, most developers agree that if you really want to learn how to code, you’ll need to create something. What’s the point in learning about programming languages, libraries, and tools if you’re not applying that knowledge to a project?

Creating coding projects, like simple text-based applications, is the best way to instill the skills and knowledge you gain as you learn how to code. These projects help teach you the basics of programming, force you to think like a developer, and expose you to the tools you’ll use later in your career. To help you gain some hands-on experience, we’ve created this list of 10 coding projects for beginners.

How to begin coding

Before you tackle any of the projects listed below, you’ll need to learn how to code. But which programming language should you learn first? The answer depends on what you want to do with it.

If you want to build your own websites, you’ll need to learn programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. If you’re more interested in scientific computing, languages like Python, C++, or Java might be right for you.

To start learning any of these programming languages, check out the courses below:

Once you’ve mastered your language of choice, put your skills to the test with the following projects.

10 coding projects for beginners

The following list of projects is designed to appeal to all skill levels, from new to experienced developers. Each project will teach you how to think like a programmer and build your skills with your languages, libraries, and other tools. You can also publish them on sites like GitHub to showcase your abilities. Here are 10 basic coding projects for beginners:

1. Build a chess game

Building a chess game is a great way to hone your ability to think like a developer. It’ll also allow you to practice using algorithms, as you’ll have to create not only the board and game pieces but also the specific moves that each piece can make.

2. Make a mobile app

Learning how to build mobile applications is an excellent choice if you’re looking to break into mobile development. Depending on your preference of platform, you might have to learn either Swift (for iOS apps) or Kotlin (for Android apps).

Need some guidance as you build your first mobile app? Check out either of the Skill Paths below:

3. Create a basic calculator

Building a calculator is a popular project for new developers, as you’ll need to create both a layout and an algorithm that can process numbers and symbols. While it may seem simple, you’ll have to closely examine your code and process.

4. Build a web scraper

In this project, you’ll use Python and libraries like Beautiful Soup to extract information from HTML and XML files and pages. This is great practice if you’re considering a career in data science. If you need help with this project, try our web scraping with Beautiful Soup course.

5. Create a Javascript slideshow

While this project doesn’t involve tons of work, it is important. It teaches you how to use a Document Object Model (DOM) in a web browser to make a website dynamic. If you’re pursuing a career in web development, this will be one of your many responsibilities.

What’s great about this type of project is that once you know how to create a JavaScript Slideshow, you can apply it to various websites with different designs.

6. Make a countdown timer

A countdown timer tracks the years, months, days, hours, and seconds until an event occurs. This project tests your ability to create a date field, optional time, and a start button. Once it’s complete, you’ll be able to count down the time until any event you have in mind.

7. Flip images

As a developer, you’ll likely find yourself working with digital images at some point in your career. Learning how to alter, resize, and flip them will give you an edge over the competition. For this project, all you need is HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

8. Develop a recipe app

If you like to cook but have trouble organizing your recipes, creating a recipe app could be a fun and useful project. You’ll want the app to list your recipes by title, displaying a recipe card and picture. You’ll also want to add information about serving sizes, difficulty level, ingredients, and preparation.

9. Create a book finder app

If you’re a book lover with a large library of uncategorized books, a book finder app could be a great assistant — especially if you want to learn more about a book and its author. With this type of app, you’ll need to create a search field that returns relevant information about a book.

10. Build a drawing app

If you have a passion for the visual arts and long for a digital drawing space, try building your own. Within the app, you should be able to draw images with your cursor, manipulate colors, draw and alter shapes, and save the drawing to a local device. Bonus points if you make the images shareable.

Portfolio Projects

Along with the 10 listed above, there’s an almost endless amount of other projects that you can complete to build and showcase your technical skills. If you need help finding one, check out our Portfolio Projects, found in each of our Career Paths.

Our Career Paths are designed to help you learn the skills you’ll need to land an entry-level position in the tech industry. As you complete your Path, you’ll use the skills and knowledge you’ve learned to create various projects that’ll help you illustrate your skills to potential employers.

  • Front-End Engineer Career Path: Learn front-end languages and frameworks and use them to create a custom Spotify playlist, add animations to static web pages, and more.
  • Back-End Engineer Career Path: Learn back-end development with tools like SQL, Express, and PostgreSQL, and use them to build a comic book company API from scratch.
  • Full-Stack Software Engineer Career Path: Learn both front-end and back-end development as you create a database for a restaurant’s menu.
  • Computer Science Career Path: Master Python and development tools like Command Line and Git as you learn how to create your own interactive Choose Your Own Adventure game.
  • Data Scientist Career Path: Venture into data science, database management, machine learning, and more while learning how to visualize your data.
  • Data Analyst Career Path: Explore Python, SQL, and the tools you’ll need to analyze data and use them to visualize data pulled from the World Cup.
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