Good news! We’re updating our three Web Development Career Paths with new content.
The curriculum team at Codecademy has heard your feedback and has developed new content to supplement the existing Web Development Career Paths. In some cases, we will replace existing content; in others, we will be adding new items.
If you’ve already completed a Path, you will maintain that completion and certificate.
If you’re currently in-progress with one of the updated sections, you may see a change in progress. We suggest that you take the now-incomplete content–even if you have learned the concepts before, revisiting them will solidify them in memory.
The Paths will be updated on Friday, March 12, 2021.
In each of the following lists, use this key to find which updates apply to your Career Path:
FS: Full-Stack
FE: Front-End
BE: Back-End
The following section will be completely replaced with in-house content:
The following section will be added in front of the existing interview sections:
[FS, FE, BE] What to Expect in a Technical Interview
The following sections will receive new content:
[FS, FE, BE] JavaScript Syntax, Part II: New article on the for...of loop
[FS, FE, BE] Command Line, Git, GitHub: New article on markdown
[FS] Full-Stack Portfolio Project: New articles on Heroku
[FS, FE] React, Part II: New articles on Netlify
[FS, FE] Web Development Fundamentals: New article on MDN
[FS, FE]: Web Development Fundamentals: New module on HTML Tables
[BE] JavaScript Syntax, Part I: New article on MDN
[BE] Build a Back-End with Node/Express.js: New articles on Heroku
[BE] Git and Github, Part I: New article on Markdown
Additional changes:
[FS, FE] Pushing the Fotomatic Sheet project back so that it does not appear before learners are fully prepared
We’re updating the Full-Stack Engineer, Front-End Engineer, and Back-End Engineer Career Paths. The updates include some external content being replaced with in-house content, some new content, and a slight re-ordering.
Thinking about learning data science but not sure where to start? A question we hear a lot is: “What data science languages should I learn first?” We spoke to Sophie, a Curriculum Developer here at Codecademy, to answer this question.
A good first language will help you get started with learning the foundations of data science. “Learn a language to understand the concepts and core data science skills, like aggregating data, running hypothesis tests, and working with machine learning models. Once you know the core concepts, you can easily pick up other languages,” says Sophie.
In this article, we’ll look at data science languages that are commonly used today. We’ll do our best to set you up with what you need to know to choose the right data science language for yourself.
Finding the best data science language for your goals
Before we dive in, there are a few questions you’ll want to consider. What projects do you want to work on? What topics are you interested in? What industries do you want to go into?
Your answers to these questions can determine what language you’ll need to learn. Certain industries — such as healthcare or the government — can require you to know a specific language. That’s because you might be working with industry-vetted data science models or tech stacks that are built out using a certain language.
A good first step might be reaching out to folks in the industry that you’re interested in, and asking what languages they use and what they recommend starting with.
If you want to go with one of the more popular data science languages, we suggest checking out Python, R, and SQL. These are the most recommended languages for aspiring data scientists to learn first, based on the experience and research of our curriculum team.
It’s important to know that you can’t really go wrong in choosing your first data science language. “The key is not getting locked into one language. Once you know how to extract insights and values from data using one language, you can use that knowledge to easily learn another language. Being able to move between languages will help you become a versatile data scientist,” Sophie says.
Popular data science languages to choose from
Check out the following list of most popular data science languages to learn more about them and what they’re used for.
Python
Python is a versatile, general-purpose programming language. It’s a favorite among programmers for its concise and easy-to-read syntax. With tons of powerful libraries and packages, Python can implement many of the statistical models and calculations required for data science. It’s also one of the best languages for scraping data off the web.
“Python is a good choice for data science if you’re already familiar with the language,” Sophie tells us. Many companies use Python for data science because their programmers are already using the language for other purposes. Python also uses intuitive and simple syntax, so it is beginner-friendly for learning important general programming concepts such as loops and functions.
One slight downside of Python as a first data science language is that the base installation of Python doesn’t come with statistical functions, so you’ll need to download separate packages to start doing any data science. But once you get set up, Python can be an easy language to learn.
Some good data science packages to know for Python are:
R
R is a statistical programming language built for data analysis, data visualization, and data science. It comes with a comprehensive set of built-in statistical functions and methods.
“R is a good choice if you’re new to data science, but already have some basic understanding of general programming concepts” Sophie tells us. The data structures, variable types, and analysis tools in R are straightforward and built specifically for data science. You don’t have to get bogged down with syntax or multiple different libraries when you’re just getting started.
With the base installation of R, you’ll be able to access many data science functions, like linear regressions or t-tests, and create beautiful graphics and visualizations. R also pairs well with RStudio — an integrated development environment (IDE) — which makes it easy to run R code and inspect the output.
Some useful packages to know about as you’re first learning R include:
SQL (pronounced “sequel”) is a language that allows programmers to communicate with databases to manage the data they contain. It’s commonly used to query and edit the data stored in a relational database.
Typically, data scientists will extract data from a database using SQL and then import that data into R or Python for analysis. “No matter what language you learn for data analysis, SQL is important to learn if you want to pull data out from databases,” Sophie says.
Knowing SQL allows you to work with PostgreSQL, SQLite, MySQL, and other relational databases. The syntax for basic queries is similar across different databases, making SQL a versatile language for this purpose. To learn more about the different types of databases, check out our article on Relational Database Management Systems.
More data science languages
Depending on what industry you go into, you might need to learn a specific language for data science. Check out the following list of languages to learn more about what they’re used for.
C/C++: Both C and C++ require a strong understanding of coding fundamentals, and can take more time to learn. When combined with Python or R, C/C++ can be used to perform computations on datasets with more speed and efficiency.
Java: Many enterprise systems are built on Java back ends. If you’re already working with Java, you can integrate data science methods right into your existing codebase.
JavaScript: Great for developing interactive data visualizations for the web, with libraries like D3.js. JavaScript also supports machine learning libraries like TensorFlow.js.
MATLAB: Ideal for advanced numerical computation and for tackling complex mathematical and statistical problems. MATLAB is widely used in academia for teaching mathematics, physics, and engineering.
SAS: Built for advanced analytics, business intelligence, and predictive analytics. SAS is commonly used in the health sciences, banking, and insurance.
Stata: Used in economics research, public policy, and the social sciences. Stata is designed for anything from simple descriptive analysis to complex statistical modeling.
Scala: A powerful language able to handle large amounts of data. Scala runs on the Java Virtual Machine, which means it integrates well with Java programs.
Julia: A newer programming language designed for numerical analysis and computational scientific analysis. It’s useful for applications in physics, chemistry, astronomy, engineering, bioinformatics, and more.
Getting started in data science
Ready to start your journey into data science? Our Data Scientist Career Path and Data Analyst Career Path will take you through everything you need to know to start a career as a Data Scientist or Data Analyst, including how to use Python and SQL.
Our Data Scientist Career Path will take you through everything you need to know to start a career as a Data Scientist, including how to use Python and SQL to analyze data, communicate your findings, and draw predictions using machine learning.
Our Data Analyst Career Path will set you up with the tools you need to become a Data Analyst, including how to use Python and SQL to acquire, clean, and analyze data, plus communicate your findings.
If you have a specific language that you want to get started with, check out our Skill Paths:
Whichever language you end up choosing, we’re excited you’re getting started with data science and we wish you all the best on your journey!
As a middle school student, Dennis Richmond Jr. was inspired by Alex Haley’s book “Roots” to learn about his own family history. In the years since Mr. Richmond started his research, he has been able to trace his ancestry to the 18th century, learning about enslaved, free and Indigenous ancestors with whom he shares DNA.
In this lesson, you will learn about a young person’s search for his ancestors and how race and racism played a central role in that research. Then, you will write a letter to one of your ancestors, real or imagined.
Warm Up
Take a few minutes to reflect on one or more of the following questions in your journal:
What do you know about your family history and ancestry? Do you wish you knew more?
Do you feel connected to your ancestors? Why or why not?
What has made it easy (or difficult) to research or know about your family history?
1. After watching “Roots,” a young Dennis Richmond Jr. asked himself how far back he could trace his own ancestors. Have you ever asked yourself this question? Who is the earliest ancestor you know about?
2. John Leland, a Times reporter, wrote, “To the genealogist’s question ‘Where do I come from?’ the answer eventually becomes: everywhere.” Does this perspective resonate with you? Do you feel that you — and, for that matter, everyone — come from “everywhere”? Why or why not?
3. What parts of Mr. Richmond’s research process and discoveries stood out to you? Why? Have you or any of your family members ever conducted genealogy research using similar sources?
4. What does the term “paper genocide” mean to historians? Have you witnessed this erasure while researching your family history? Or, have you noticed that in history class there is less information about people from the past who are from certain racial or class demographics?
5. In what ways did Dennis feel empowered by the stories of his ancestors?
6. Dennis makes it clear that some of his discoveries felt even more significant because of the history of slavery in the United States. What is one example from the article that emphasizes this point for you?
7. How did Mr. Richmond’s experience of conducting genealogy research change his understanding of Black history? How does it add to — or change — things you have learned about Black history either at home or at school?
Going Further
Reflection and Letter Writing
Part I. Reflect
Mr. Richmond’s father said of his son’s research: “Whatever happened in the past to the relatives, that’s what made him him and me me. All of those experiences together made us as human beings.”
After reading the article, respond to this quote either in a classroom discussion or in writing:
How have your ancestors — known, unknown, imagined — shaped who you are today?
What is a story that has been passed down in your family that you find funny, interesting, upsetting or thought-provoking? If you could ask someone who was around at that time period more about that story, what questions would you ask?
Part II. Write a Letter to an Ancestor
The histories of slavery, colonialism and immigration have made it difficult for some people to research their family stories. The article also mentions that sometimes older people are hesitant to talk about the past or to pass down painful or traumatic stories.
At the same time, many people find meaning in connecting with ancestors, whether real or imagined or from chosen families.
Write a letter to one of your ancestors. You can free-write or follow these prompts:
Introduce yourself to your ancestor. What would you like for this person to know about who you are.
Tell your ancestor what about his or her story is powerful and meaningful to you. How has it shaped who you are today?
Ask your ancestor something about his or her life and experiences. What would help you to better understand this person? How would you like to learn from this person?
About Lesson of the Day
• Find all our Lessons of the Day in this column. • Teachers, watch our on-demand webinar to learn how to use this feature in your classroom.
Have you found a way to volunteer this past year, even in the midst of a global pandemic? If so, what did you do, and how did you find your job? Have you enjoyed it?
If you haven’t volunteered this past year, perhaps you’ve done this kind of work before. If so, what has been your favorite volunteer job? Why?
And if you’ve never volunteered, maybe reading about these five young people will inspire you. What skills and interests do you have that might be well-suited for a volunteer role, either now or when it is safer to volunteer in person?
Volunteering during a pandemic isn’t easy. Programs have closed or minimized operations, limiting opportunities to help, while many volunteers stay home rather than risk spreading the virus.
But a few resilient high school students — motivated in part by idealism and a need to fulfill graduation requirements or to perfect college applications — have not given up. From starting community fridges to checking in with older people on the phone, here’s how several of them have helped their fellow New Yorkers this school year.
But she hit the streets, too. As part of a door-knocking campaign last summer in Flushing, Queens, that focused on tenants’ rights, Amanda collected testimony from residents to present at a community board meeting.
Amelia Jackson, 16, Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
Amelia, a junior at the Beacon School in Manhattan, used to volunteer as a teacher’s assistant at Cassidy’s Place, a Manhattan preschool for vulnerable children.
But when schools closed last spring, she shifted her focus to a different demographic. Now, she is working with the Neighbor Network, which connects volunteers with older New Yorkers to check if they have enough food or need any urgent help.
Amelia speaks regularly on the phone with a septuagenarian who lives alone in upstate New York.
“She talks about her mental health and what she’s doing to distract herself, while I talk about the classes and high school life, or what’s left of it,” said Amelia, who also volunteers with Be My Eyes, an app that connects individuals who are blind with people who can see and are willing to help them with everyday tasks.
Lucky Ahmed, 15, Elmhurst, Queens
Lucky, a sophomore at the High School of Hospitality Management in Manhattan, admitted that he started volunteering because it’s a high school graduation requirement. But after spending some time with elementary students at a YMCA after-school program, he realized he enjoyed it.
“Now I like to volunteer when I can because it’s actually fun,” he said.
Last summer, Lucky also helped with a mural project through the South Asian Youth Action, a nonprofit, in an attempt to spruce up a pedestrian area in Jackson Heights, Queens. Mr. Ahmed said he focused all day on painting within the lines on his assigned portion of the piece.
Students, read the entire article, then tell us:
What is your own history with volunteer work? Have you volunteered in the past? Are you volunteering now? How did you find these roles, and which did you enjoy most?
Which of the volunteer jobs described in this piece are most appealing to you? Why? Did any of them give you ideas for work you might like to do?
Dream big: If you could invent a perfect volunteer role for yourself, what would it be? How might your unique set of skills, experiences and interests come into play? How might you figure out how to match those interests to an organization in your community? Or would you like to start your own organization, as SehajpreetSingh did?
Or, instead of thinking about what you could offer, consider a community you care about and work backward from there. What special needs does this community have? How might you — or you along with friends or family — creatively address one of those needs?
Does your school require service work of some kind for graduation? What do you think of that requirement? Are you glad you’re being encouraged to volunteer? Or, do you resent it? Do you think all schools should require it, or do you agree with those who say that making volunteer work mandatory for students means it’s not really “volunteer” work at all and thus defeats the purpose?
If you’ve ever had a volunteer role you enjoyed, what advice would you offer other teenagers about finding a service job they will like? Why?
Students 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.
“My name is Renata Nascimento. I was born in the city of Niteroi, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It’s a city of 600,000 people, located on Guanabara Bay. I grew up in a small family – my mother, my sister and me.
How did you learn about Alison?
I don’t remember exactly, but it was in 2012. I was going through a period of depression and the only way I felt better was by studying. Alison helped me.
What was your first course on Alison, and why did you choose it?
Diploma in English Language and Literature. I was inspired to take this course by my mother, who is resting in heaven. She introduced me to many songs in English, but we couldn’t understand them. I wanted to learn to translate the songs she loved to hear so that she could understand what was being sung. Songs by The Carpenters, Dionne Warwick, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Kirk Franklin and Walter Hawkings. She was, and still is, my inspiration and motivation. I’ve stayed committed to my original purpose because of her. I’m still studying English as if she were here, asking me to help her understand the lyrics.
How have Alison courses affected your career?
Alison has affected my life in an extremely positive way. Through Alison, I gained a Diploma in English, which has served as proof of my proficiency in the language. In Brazil, you need English to work for large companies, even though Portuguese is the native language.
Where are you working and what are you studying now?
Right now, I’m unemployed and am looking for a job. I’m studying foreign trade, while also taking short courses on English.
What’s next for you, in terms of education or work?
I want to learn as much English as possible so I can pass the English as a Second Language test. In terms of work, I want to find a job for a company that will recognize both my work and my linguistic efforts.
If you could learn absolutely anything in the world from an Alison course, what would it be?
What would you say to someone if they asked you about Alison? Would you recommend it and why?
It can be difficult nowadays to believe that you can get something good for free, but with Alison, this is possible. If you make the effort, you can earn diplomas, certificates and recognition of your studies. I would recommend Alison because it’s been good for me and I’ve seen positive results.
In the United States, families own 35 or so percent of forests — about 263,000,000 acres — according to the Family Forest Research Center in Amherst, Mass. In Massachusetts, families own 70 percent of the forests. Much of the future of the region’s landscape is bound up in decisions these families are making about whether to protect, sell, subdivide, develop, log, or bequeath to the next generation.
“Keeping forest as forest is one of the biggest challenges. The nation is experiencing the largest shift of generational assets that the country has ever seen, the biggest shift of land ownership,” said Paul Catanzaro, an associate professor at UMass Amherst who specializes in forestry. “We are seeing landowners becoming more aware of climate change impacts and, more importantly, the role their land can play in mitigating climate change.”
Daily Word Challenge
Can you correctly use the word bequeath in a sentence?
Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.
Then, read some of the other sentences students have submitted and use the “Recommend” button to vote for two original sentences that stand out to you.
If you want a better idea of how bequeath can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com.
If you enjoy this daily challenge, try using multiple Words of the Day in a 50-word story that you submit to our Monthly Vocabulary Challenge.
In words and images, audio and video, they reported that it was, in many ways, a generation-defining disaster. Being trapped inside — and missing the milestones that ordinarily mark coming of age in America — was lonely, disorienting, depressing and even suffocating.
But many also surprised themselves. They bonded with siblings, discovered nature, found small comforts in Zoom-school, played games, worked out, cooked, wrote, sang, danced, painted and made videos. And, perhaps most important at a time of life focused on figuring out who you are, they reinvented themselves.
But although so many coped admirably, this generation will be forever changed. As one 16-year-old put it, “Making history is way overrated.”
This week, a year after the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a pandemic, we share their stories. In this special project, we chose a handful of entries to show what teenagers have lost — and what they have found. Below each image, you can find edited and condensed excerpts from their artists’ statements that can tell you more about the work.
No matter how old you are, as you read you might ask yourself a question, too: How has this year challenged and changed your generation?
— Katherine Schulten, editor, The Learning Network
1. A Generation Trapped in Its Bedroom
“For some, it was a time of reflection. For many, it was a dark period of isolation. For a generation, it was a defining collective experience.” — Parrish André, 18
1. After looking closely at the image above (or at the full-size image), think about these three questions:
2. Next, join the conversation by clicking on the comment button and posting in the box that opens on the right. (Students 13 and older are invited to comment, although teachers of younger students are welcome to post what their students have to say.)
3. After you have posted, try reading back to see what others have said, then respond to someone else by posting another comment. Use the “Reply” button or the @ symbol to address that student directly.
Each Monday, our collaborator, Visual Thinking Strategies, will facilitate a discussion from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern time by paraphrasing comments and linking to responses to help students’ understanding go deeper. You might use their responses as models for your own.
4. On Thursday afternoons, we will reveal at the bottom of this post more information about the photo. How does reading the caption and learning its back story help you see the image differently?
We’re celebrating International Women’s Day by looking to the future for women in tech.
Through our community, we get a glimpse into the tech industry’s future — because today’s learners are tomorrow’s leaders. From what we’ve seen, the next generation is more diverse, open-minded, and innovative than ever. But there’s still more work to do.
It’s more important than ever to challenge old norms and create an inclusive industry for all identities. So, for Women’s History Month, we talked with women on our team who have already made their way in tech.
They shared advice for starting out, finding your way, and shaping what comes next for the industry.
Meet the team
From software engineering to DevOps to curriculum development, these are (just a few of) the women running our digital world. With so many paths to choose from, they share their stories on how they found a way to what they love.
Ana, Software Engineer: It didn’t happen overnight. I started a bootcamp thinking I’d prefer front-end work — maybe even design — but by the end of it, I realized that I enjoy doing back-end work more. So, that’s what I focused on during my job, and I’ve been working as a back-end engineer ever since.
Calla, Senior DevOps Engineer: I kind of stumbled into DevOps. I’d always had an interest in troubleshooting and problem solving, and I really enjoyed my telecommunications and networking classes in college. Those skills and interests led me to the DevOps/SRE realm.
Katie, Software Engineer: Software engineering never occurred to me as a potential career until I took an Intro to Programming course on a whim in college. My path to this industry started because of this random decision which led to my exposure to coding!
Lindsay, DevOps Engineer: I started out as a software engineer in Test, and then transferred internally to DevOps at the company I was working for. I realized I didn’t quite like my Test role and took a shot at a new position, given the opportunity. I have not looked back.
Rebecca, Senior Software Engineer: I was a journalist covering technology and realized I wanted to be building it instead of writing about it.
Sarai, Senior Curriculum Developer: I knew I loved technology, and I loved teaching. Sometimes teaching tech is treated as less valuable than creating tech, but that’s not the case.
Shirley, Software Engineer II: Before becoming a software engineer, I worked as a fashion designer. I’d always loved technology, and engineering brings the same sense of creation, creativity, and problem-solving that I found in design. The amazing thing about technology is that there are so many different aspects and paths. For me, my passion is around providing the best possible user experience and building something truly impactful.
Sylvana, Software Engineer: I’ve always had a passion for education, but I wasn’t sure how I wanted to get involved in that sector. I tried teaching, explored other avenues, but I found programming to be the most fulfilling and challenging path.
Advice from women in tech
Q: What tips do you have for women just starting to learn to code?
Ana: We’re led to believe that in order to learn how to code, you need to have some special brain and skills, while, in fact, it all comes down to hard work. Also, when things feel difficult and lonely, connect with others and ask for help. And always be kind to yourself!
Calla: Break things down into smaller pieces. If a project is overwhelming, figure out how you can break it down into individual components. If the components are still too complex, break them down again! It’s often easier to iterate over smaller components than it is to slog through a single behemoth deliverable.
Katie: Embrace the errors and the bugs! Learning to write good code requires writing a lot of bad code.
Lindsay: Learn two languages — scripting (Python, Ruby, JavaScript) and compiled (Go, Swift, C++). It’s important to understand the pros and cons of both methods of coding.
Sarai: Ask lots of questions! You aren’t expected to get things right away, and you probably often won’t! That’s perfectly normal.
Shirley: Coding can be challenging and mind-numbing, but don’t forget the fun and wonder that coding can bring. If you’re starting to experience a lull in excitement for coding, I would encourage you to take a break from structured learning and do something with the skills that you’ve acquired that is just plain fun. That might be making a silly game or creating a simple website for dog pictures, but I think it’s crucial to remember why you wanted to code in the first place.
Sylvana: It’s gonna be tough at first. In the beginning, you are training your brain to think in new ways. There will be growing pains. But trust the process! Things will click. You will have that “aha” moment, and it will all be so worth it!
Q: What advice would you give to women considering entering tech?
Ana: Connect with other womxn in the industry. You’ll be surprised by how supportive and helpful people can be — even for complete strangers.
Calla: If you enjoy programming, problem solving, or building things with code — do it. At the end of the day, this is your life and your career. Make the choice that feels right for you.
Katie: Tech is an exciting field with an unlimited supply of interesting problems to solve! It can also be intimidating. Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you.
Lindsay: Just do it, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t — because, you can.
Sarai: Speak with confidence. You know what you’re talking about, and there will be plenty of people who may doubt you or question you. Don’t be one of them!
Shirley: Gender and identity should not be a barrier to entry. If you love to code and create, tech has a space and need for you! For me, the best thing about working in technology is the limitless possibilities that it opens your career up to. Almost every industry and sector is experiencing some sort of tech revolution, so there are so many different ways to weave your passions and interests into your work.
Sylvana: Don’t doubt yourself! If you have an itch to enter the tech field, don’t hesitate. It’s a challenging but rewarding field. You’re more than capable!
Q: What benefits do you see from making tech a more welcoming, diverse, and inclusive place?
Ana: I think it would allow everyone to choose their own career and see fair results of their hard work, all while not feeling the need to fit into some predefined norms.
Calla: The way you approach a puzzle will be different from how I approach it, how my teammates approach it, my boss, etc. All of those different perspectives better position the industry as a whole to solve the right problems, build the right tools, and create better and more accessible experiences for everyone.
Katie: We will undoubtedly reach better solutions when the makeup of those creating technology mirrors the makeup of those consuming technology.
Lindsay: One of the biggest would be that more people will take an interest in entering the tech industry from seeing all kinds of people in all kinds of roles.
Sarai: One person can’t know all of the world’s problems, worries, and desires. A more diverse industry leads to more solutions to more problems as well as more ideas and voices.
Shirley: The more diverse and inclusive the tech industry is becoming, the better the tech industry can serve its end goal — the world. Tech is not built just for the people currently in the industry, but for everyone. Without those voices in the industry, it’s very tough to be able to hear diverse thoughts and ideas that represent many groups and cultures.
Sylvana: When we bring people from different backgrounds into the mix, we bring new perspectives and new ways of thinking and tackling problems.
Q: What’s the best career advice someone gave you?
Ana: Growing up, every time something felt overwhelming or too difficult, my mom would remind me how passing an exam or completing some task at work is something that millions of people do every single day. It’s designed to be achievable by anyone, so why would I be any different? This may sound a bit funny, but taking a step back and remembering my mom’s words always helps me regain my confidence and focus on whatever I’m working on.
Calla: Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions. It is better to admit that you don’t know something than to pretend that you do and set yourself up for failure.
Katie: “Find a good mentor.” It is so valuable to have someone who can help you navigate the challenges that come along with being new to tech and is always rooting for you to succeed.
Lindsay: The key to advancing in software engineering is not to learn everything, but to know what you don’t know. Get really good at what you do in your job, and then learn when something is out of your scope and you need help.
Rebecca: Always negotiate an offer. Even if you’re offered a salary that seems higher than you expected. Many of your male peers are raised to always negotiate. So, if you feel awkward asking for more money, just think of it as part of the larger fight against gender pay disparity as opposed to you as an individual person.
Sarai: “You are qualified for that role.” I often wondered if I was just “lucky” that I got certain roles, but I was really ignoring all of the things that did make me qualified. You are worthy!
We’d also like to hear from you! What advice do you have for other women entering tech?
Here at Codecademy, we always love hearing from teams about how they’re benefitting from learning technical skills. It’s inspiring to see that there’s so much to be gained from learning to code beyond the skill itself.
5 benefits of technical training from Codecademy for Teams customers
We spoke with leaders at five companies that are using Codecademy for Teams to find out how their teams have benefitted from learning to code. Read on to find out what they said.
Teams are more motivated and engaged
One of the most common things we hear from our customers is that their teams feel more motivated and engaged. Adam Godson, Chief Product Officer at Paradox, shares with us:
“Investing in our team’s continued learning is of utmost importance, for both the success of our business and the betterment of each employee. Codecademy for Teams equips us with the technical skills and tools we need to be an industry leader, while keeping our employees engaged, motivated, and connected to one another through learning.”
Why it matters: When you invest in your employees’ development it sends the message that you believe in their potential and the value they bring to the table. In turn, they feel more connected and committed to the organization’s goals. By showing them that you’re thinking about their future, they’ll be more likely to picture their future with you.
People feel empowered to innovate on their own
When employees level up their technical skills, they gain the knowledge and confidence to run with new ideas. Matthew Marsh from Fleetpride explains:
“My employees progressed from zero to 100 very quickly using the Codecademy system. It has completely changed what they can do to implement their own innovations instead of waiting for IT support and resources.”
Why it matters: Think about what your team could do if everyone had the skills and knowledge to independently explore an idea and execute on it. For example, by knowing how to query data in SQL, a marketer might uncover useful customer behavior data that otherwise wouldn’t have come to light.
Teams feel more connected
Learning with Codecademy can build community, and not just among those taking on a new skill. At The Motley Fool, even the seasoned developers get involved. Johnnie Weathersby, BI Team Lead, tells us:
“Codecademy has created great opportunities for interaction within the team and with our developers. It provides a great opportunity to share what they know and to interact with us. Seeing the little bit of community that’s built out around this group of people learning with Codecademy is extremely valuable. We have 50 people in the group, which is great considering we just started.”
Why it matters: Working towards a common goal together creates more opportunities for team members to interact with each other, especially for roles that don’t regularly cross paths. This creates a connection that will live on even after learning ends — and prove valuable when people need to collaborate in the future.
Cross-functional collaboration improves due to a shared language
With a basic understanding of code, non-technical roles can understand and speak the same terminology used by more technical teams. Take it from one Learning and Development Advisor who experienced this:
“The digital team has been putting in a lot of time using it and reaping the benefits. It’s ensuring a shared language.”
Why it matters: When both non-technical and technical teams understand code, less gets lost in translation. For example, a product manager may better understand the amount of work required for a developer to implement a new feature. This makes it easier for everyone to stay on the same page as far as expectations and timelines — creating connection around crushing a shared goal.
Clients and stakeholders receive more value
Everyone wins when teams upskill, even your customers. One Codecademy for Teams account manager at a development shop tells us:
“It has allowed me and my team to become more proficient in technological and digital areas. We now have more knowledge in computer science, embedded programming and other skills that allow us to provide better value to our clients and stakeholders.”
Why it matters: When your team has more programming languages in their toolbox, it opens up more possibilities for innovation. And those who interface with customers are better equipped to understand their needs and troubleshoot issues. In the end, the more tech-savvy your team, the more customers — and anyone else invested in your organization’s success — will benefit.
Support your team — and beyond
As you can see, equipping your team with technical skills goes beyond being able to write code. It’s an investment in their professional development, and the benefits spill over to other teams, customers, and the business overall. Ready to start investing in your team today? Get started here.
