The Learning Network publishes nearly 1,000 teaching resources each school year, all based on New York Times content — articles, essays, images, videos, graphics and podcasts. Educators across the globe use our resources to connect students to the world, give them a voice, strengthen literacy skills, and promote critical and creative thinking.
Whether you are a teacher or a parent, this webinar will help you get started in using these free learning tools. We will show you what The Learning Network is all about; teach you how to use our popular student activities; walk you through account creation and commenting; and share resources for online learning. We will do this through 60 minutes of interactive content, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A.
C.T.L.E. credit is available for New York educators. All participants will receive a certificate of completion.
Register now to join our LIVE webinar or to receive a link to view the on-demand recording.
In addition to articles, The New York Times offers photographs, illustrations, graphics, videos and virtual reality films that are accessible to learners of all levels. Every school day, The Learning Network uses this rich collection of visuals to create new teaching resources that help educators bring the world to their classrooms.
In this webinar, editors from The Learning Network discuss the following ways to use visual media from The Times:
Encounter new perspectives and explore the world through virtual reality documentaries.
Build literacy skills, promote discussion and foster creativity by using our image-based Picture Prompts.
Activate critical thinking and practice data analysis by participating in our weekly “What’s Going On in This Graph?” discussions.
Strengthen close reading skills by joining our regular “What’s Going On in This Picture?” activity.
C.T.L.E. credit is available for New York educators. All participants will receive a certificate of completion.
Register now to join our live webinar or to receive a link to view the on-demand recording.
The National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE University) has long been one of the most prestigious universities in Russia. In 2020, HSE earned the first place spot on Forbes’ Best Russian Universities list. Among the institution’s many accomplishments, HSE is leading the way in multi-disciplinary digital education. In September 2021, the first cohort of students will begin their studies in HSE University’s groundbreaking online Master of Finance program.
This online program was developed by experts from the HSE Banking Institute and features the same curriculum as HSE’s on-campus counterpart. Students in this new program will enjoy all the flexibility afforded by a world-class online learning experience while benefiting from the core features that distinguish this exceptional master’s program. These benefits include the opportunity to work directly with top industry executives and experts with CFA, FRM, and ACCA certifications. As a graduate of this program, you’ll join alumni who have gone on to work at Alfa Bank, Bloomberg L.P., the Central Bank of Russia, KPMG, Thomson Reuters, and more.
Sergey Trofimov earned his financial analyst master’s from HSE. He spoke with us recently about what drew him to the program and what he sees as the key benefits. Among the features he highlights are the combination of theory and practice, the CFA Institute partnership, and the real-world applicability. He also shares some details about his next career steps.
Sergey, thank you so much for taking the time to talk about HSE’s master’s programs! Let’s start at the beginning. Why did you decide to study finance at the HSE Banking Institute in the first place?
I began studying at HSE as an undergraduate. At that time, I was already very career-focused, and I wanted to put my knowledge into practice immediately after earning my bachelor’s degree. My career took off right away, but over time, I began to realize I still had some weak areas. After four years on the job, I made the decision to return to school and earn a master’s. Because I already had career experience, I wanted a program that combined fundamental training and practical skills and didn’t overly focus on theory. The Banking Institute was the right choice. Plus, I already knew many of the instructors from my undergraduate studies, and I wanted to continue learning from them.
As someone with years of professional experience, you’re in a great position to assess the applicability of the curriculum. To what extent do you think these programs meet modern requirements for the field of financial analysis, and do learners get sufficient experience with practical applications and real-world scenarios?
These programs fully meet the requirements, and there is a powerful symbiosis that happens through the combination of fundamental theoretical studies—taught by the best HSE professors—and practice-oriented courses led by instructors who have extensive industry experience. In addition, the program is based on the CFA Institute syllabus, which is updated annually based on the requirements of employers for investment professionals. There are also a lot of real-world cases that you work on, where you focus on tasks exactly like those that you encounter in the workplace—tasks like investment portfolio management, financial analysis, project management, and more.
You mentioned the partnership with the CFA Institute, and how the alignment with their syllabus is a key benefit of the program. Are there other ways you’ve benefitted?
The most important advantage is definitely that the program complies with the updated CFA Institute syllabus. This allows you to get the most out of the knowledge you gain. But membership also gives you the opportunity to network and attend various events, use career resources, and more. It grants you entry to a community that can otherwise seem somewhat closed. For me, it’s all about continuing one’s education, which is the driver of constant professional growth.
HSE’s Chartered Financial Analyst Affiliate Program status makes it possible for students to take the CFA qualification exams at a 75% discount at all three levels during their studies. CFA Certification holders are recognized for both their broad knowledge and ethical compliance, and benefit from employment opportunities all over the world.
Your belief in the power of education and your commitment to professional growth is very inspiring—what’s next for you in your career?
In the short term, I do plan to continue my education, with a new focus on the field of computer science. In the long-term, I’d like to create my own fund where I can combine my technological knowledge with macroeconomics and a fundamental approach to the analysis of companies.
What skills and traits do you think a successful financial analyst needs to have?
I think having a broad outlook and a lot of common sense are essential. A certain amount of cynicism helps, too! You should definitely have solid basic training in financial analysis as well—to understand how a company’s reporting is formed and what has caused movements in the markets. It’s also good to have some technical background and the skills to work with large amounts of data.
How do you see the future of financial analysis at the national and global levels? Do you see any important trends out there?
In Russia, most of the economy is connected with the state in one way or another, and that’s a trend that will probably intensify. I also see the development of a project-based approach and asset valuation in terms of a single major stakeholder as an ongoing trend. At the global level, there’s a continuing trend towards needing to have solid technical knowledge, since the data has become immeasurably larger—you have to be able to analyze everything in a short amount of time.
Sergey, thank you so much for talking with us. We wish you the best as you continue to grow your career, and we can’t wait to learn about your next successes!
~
As Sergey made very clear in our conversation, HSE’s Master of Finance program is really geared towards career advancement, with a strong focus on industry relevance and applied skills. With the launch of this online program, learners from diverse backgrounds across the globe now have the opportunity to enroll in a world-class program from a leading institution where they can learn from industry experts and benefit from key industry affiliations like the CFA partnership that Sergey highlighted.
Peter Watkins, the CFA Institute’s Director of University Relations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, had this to say about the online learning opportunities being made possible by HSE:
“One of the most important advantages of the online format is the availability of education for a wider range of students. Very talented students who previously, for various reasons, did not have access to on-site academic programs, now can freely improve their professional knowledge and skills. I have great respect for my colleagues from the HSE Banking Institute for taking advantage of new opportunities, showing flexibility, and developing a master’s program based on online technology.”
Vasily Solodkov, Director of the HSE Banking Institute and Academic Supervisor of the online Master of Finance program, echoes Watkins’ thoughts on how online learning can promote inclusion and broaden opportunity:
“Often, while studying for a Master’s degree, students do not have the opportunity to work a full-fledged job. In some cases, they are forced to quit their jobs and then start their careers anew. In our case, combining work with study is not only allowed, but also welcomed, and this is an indisputable advantage of online education.”
Applications for the Fall 2021 cohort are now open! If your goal is to build a successful career in finance and land rewarding roles at international banks, investment and hedge funds, rating agencies, and more, the Master of Finance program from HSE University is the ideal program for you. Learn more today!
With the summer weather finally in full swing, it’s time to get outside! After having spent more of the last year indoors than ever before, most people can’t wait to get out and make the most of the sunshine and the blue skies.
And to make up for lost time, why not maximise your enjoyment of the great outdoors by using your time outside to learn something fun and new? Among our thousands of free courses are countless great ideas for hobbies and pastimes which celebrate nature and the world around us. Whether you’d like to kickstart a new exercise program in the open air, or learn more about the flora and fauna living outside your door, we’ve got the course for you!
1. Yoga
After what has been a stressful period for everyone, yoga is a great way to recentre both body and mind. It’s even better when practiced in the fresh air with the breeze and the sunshine on your face! One of the great perks of yoga is that you don’t need a huge open space to do it. Whether it’s in the park or the garden, this a great way to tune in to yourself and the world around you.
2. Gardening
It’s been scientifically proven that getting down in the dirt, planting and digging, releases endorphins and peps you up. While it may not seem like an enticing proposition in the rain, gardening is hard to beat when the weather is fine. From starting a veg patch to encouraging bees by planting flowers, there’s no end to the good you can do for both yourself and nature by getting out in the garden!
3. Outdoor and Physical Education Studies
Ever considered a more active career? If you’re tired of the desk job then the summer is the perfect opportunity to try your hand at something more physically demanding. This course in Physical Education will put you through the paces and give you a sense of the good a more active profession can do for both body and mind.
4. Ecology
When the sun shines we can’t help but see our surroundings in a different light. Many of us go through nature, whether in an urban or rural setting, without really understanding the space we’re in. Nothing is more fascinating than the natural world that surrounds us and learning about your local ecology won’t just increase your understanding and enjoyment of the world you live in, it will help you be a more conscientious inhabitant of our planet.
5. Animal Tracking
Whether you’re an amateur photographer looking for impressive snaps to show off to your friends or you’d like to take the kids out and give them a better understanding of nature, learning how to track animals is a skill that still has value in the modern age. This fascinating course will teach you about tracks, natural habitats and migration patterns. It also covers human-wildlife contact and instructs you in how to leave nature as you found it.
If your ultimate goal is to have a career in mobile app development, there are specific programming languages that you’ll need to learn. Each app platform has a different language requirement, though, so you’ll need to narrow down your focus to find the one best suited for your app development goals.
Below, we’ll explore the most common languages used for app development and describe why you might want to learn each one. After reading this article, you’ll know which is the best language for app development according to your career aspirations and interests.
Java
If you’re interested in designing mobile apps on the Android platform, Java might be right for you. If you’re unsure which platform you want to program on, consider that Android has a whopping 85% of the global market share, so learning Java will help you create apps that reach the largest possible consumer base.
Java is one of the foundational programming languages for Android and allows App Developers to customize just about every aspect of their programs. It’s also very popular, which makes it easier to get help when you run into any issues while developing your app. Still, despite Java’s functionality, it can be difficult to learn and master — so it may take a while for you to become proficient with it.
Check with the app store you want to publish on or the company you’re hoping to work for so that you can be sure Java is required. You may just need to learn Kotlin for Android app development. But if you’re looking to learn Java to cover all your bases, check out our Skill Path on building basic Android apps with Java.
Kotlin
Kotlin was developed by Google and JetBrains directly in response to App Developers searching for a lighter weight and more user-friendly programming language for Android development. It still runs on the Java Virtual Machine, but it includes some fantastic simplifications that allow for faster development, such as:
Semicolons aren’t required at the end of each line of code
Way less code is needed to create the same mobile app
You can create variables without defining the type beforehand
If you want to develop apps for Android, and you’re looking for a programming language that’s easy to use, you should learn Kotlin. Because it’s interoperable with Java, it’s also applicable in other settings. If working for Google is something you’re aspiring to, that’s another reason you’ll want to learn Kotlin, because it’s their preferred language for app development. If you dream of seeing your app in the Google Play app store, then Kotlin is the language you’ll need to master.
Swift
With a similar origin story, only this time in the Apple universe instead of the Android universe, Swift was developed to make it easier for App Developers on the iOS platform. Before Swift, iOS App Developers needed to use Apple’s Objective-C programming language, which was old and difficult to use. When Swift was introduced in 2014, iOS developers breathed a collective sigh of relief.
Now, iOS developers have Swift at their disposal, which is also interoperable with Objective-C, and just like Kotlin, has some built-in simplifications:
Variables can be created without defining the type beforehand
Semicolons are not required at the end of each line of code
Swift runs much faster than Objective-C
As a bonus, it’s open-source, meaning if you learn it, you can also use it on other platforms, like Linux, Windows, and MacOSX. Because it’s a standalone programming language, you can also use it for other projects like building a desktop application or a website. But if building iOS apps is what you want to be doing, then learning Swift is a must.
Let’s say building apps for Apple users is your goal. You’re probably a fan of their products, and you likely also have a Mac, which means there are different environments and tools, like Xcode, which you’ll be able to put to good use.
After you learn the basics of Swift, you might want to dive into our Skill Path on how to build iOS Apps with SwiftUI. Beyond learning how to use the programming language for app development, you’ll also learn how to create and publish an app on the Apple App Store from start to finish and optimize the apps you develop.
React Native
While technically not a programming language, if you want your apps to be available for both Android and iOS users, React Native is the framework for you. It allows you to build apps that work on both platforms. But, before you jump right in, you’ll need working knowledge of other languages and each platform.
Before you learn React Native, you’ll need to have a good handle on JavaScript and React. App Developers who are already using other languages and are searching to add another tool to their roster will be best suited to learning React Native. If you’re a Web Developer with experience using React, but you want to get into mobile app development, then React Native is an excellent choice for you as well.
How to get started learning programming languages for app development
No matter which programming language you decide is best for your app development goals, you can learn how to use it in one of our online programming courses. You can focus on exactly the skills you need for the career you want when you guide your learning path online.
To stay up to date with the latest code developments and new features or libraries, you can also join our online community. As you’re faced with new challenges in app development, you can tap into your network online to learn, grow, and problem-solve together.
Isabella went fromhaving a non-technical background to landing a spot in Google’s Summer of Code (GSoC) program as a Front-End Engineer. She started learning to code in October 2020, splitting her time between Codecademy and taking classesas an undergraduate marketing major.
Six months later, she joined Google’s summer program, where she does front-end development for an organization focused on wildlife conservation. We sat down to talk with Isabella about her learning journey, her experience so far in the program, and what advice she has for aspiring developers who are just starting out.
Taking the first step
Isabella was a marketing major, but she found it hard to picture herself on that career path after graduation. When lockdown began and her classes went remote, she decided to take the opportunity to find something she was more passionate about. She discovered that something was coding.
While she knew that she wanted to learn coding, Isabella shares that she wasn’t sure what part of coding she would like the most. “I took the Full-Stack Career Path in order to learn both the front end and the back end, because I thought overall that was the best route I could take, just to find out which one I like the most,” she tells us. Once Isabella decided on front-end engineering, she continued learning from “mostly Codecademy, and some YouTube videos.”
At the time, Isabella was attending university in France, while studying remotely from her home in Ecuador. She shares that she would code during the day and attend classes late at night. “A lot of my classes were at 3 a.m. in the morning at nighttime. And then I would start coding in the afternoon. It was kind of intense, but I really enjoyed it,” she tells us.
Joining Google’s Summer of Code program
Once she had masteredthe fundamentals, Isabella’s next step was to get real-world experience. To do that, she applied to the Google Summer of Code program, where students collaborate with an open source organization on a 10-week programming project .
The open-source organization that Isabella is working with is OrcaSound, which aids in the conservation and understanding of orcas in their natural habitat. “As a member of their front-end team, I’m going to completely redo the entire front-end of their website. And I’m working with the UX team to put the designs into reality. It’s a lot of open-source collaboration,” she tells us.
“A lot of the skills that I learned — React, CSS, HTML, JavaScript — would not have been possible if it wasn’t for Codecademy.”
We asked Isabella what she’s looking forward to most in the program. “I really do hope that OrcaSound can grow and be more known. Because the more people that know and that use the apps, who listen live for the orcas, then the more that they can help with their conservation and try to protect the animal. OrcaSound is mostly focused on the southern resident killer whale — that’s the official name — and there’s only 72 of that species currently. So there’s not many of them. I’m really hoping that I can make a difference, and the team can make a difference to try to help bring the species to a larger number.”
What’s next? Isabella shares that her next step is working at a startup as a Front-End Engineer. And she’s continuing to brush up on her coding skills. “I am revisiting the Codecademy classes and doing some of the courses again in the Front-End Engineer Career Path. It’s always good to go back and relearn things, so that you can do the best possible work that you can. Later on, I’d like to learn Typescript, or back-end languages like Python, so I can contribute more,” she tells us.
Advice on starting out
When asked what advice she has for aspiring developers who are just starting out, Isabella shares:
“Learning how to code is a very humbling experience from my perspective. It’s a complicated process, and you need to hold yourself accountable. At the same time, you need to be OK that sometimes you might not know the answers to everything. But just keep going. Find someone that can help you, whether it’s a mentor or a friend. Even someone that doesn’t necessarily know how to code, but can check out your projects and just give their perspective as an end user — if it’s a good project or needs some improvements. And yeah, just keep going.”
Have you learned to code and changed your career, or are you considering a career in tech? We’d love to hear your story! Join our Facebook group or head over to the Codecademy Forums and connect with us.
While technical skills are essential for landing your ideal tech job, soft skills also play an important role. When communicating and collaborating with your teammates, your technical skills often take a back seat to the interpersonal and critical thinking abilities you need to develop and present solutions.
Making sure these skills come across during the hiring process can be tricky — but we’re here to help. Read on to learn how to showcase your soft skills on your resume and display them during an interview.
What are soft skills?
Soft skills are those you use to perform the less technical responsibilities related to your role, like communicating, collaborating, and solving complex problems. Without them, you’d be almost like a robot — capable of performing tasks but not necessarily good at presenting ideas, learning from others, or thinking outside of the box. That’s why it’s important to highlight your soft skills during the hiring process.
How to convey soft skills on your resume
Even though descriptions of your technical skills are necessary on your resume, it’s just as important to convey your soft skills, and this may be easier than you think. One key method is to choose the right verbs while describing what you’ve done at previous jobs or during any training courses you’ve taken.
These verbs can go at the beginning of bullet-pointed descriptions of your past roles. For example, you could say, “Collaborated with other members of the DevOps team to address end-user concerns regarding network throughput.”
The following verbs all convey the ability to work with, listen, and learn from others:
Collaborated
Contributed
Coordinated
United
Gathered
Teamed
Fostered
Participated
Anchored
You could also use the following to convey your ability to manage your day-to-day responsibilities:
Managed
Administered
Benchmarked
Facilitated
Redefined
Organized
Reorganized
Lastly, these verbs emphasize your problem-solving skills:
Assessed
Augmented
Revised
Intervened
Eliminated
Addressed
Problem-solved
Reinforced
Along with using the right verbs, you can also highlight experiences and hobbies that show your human side. These can include volunteering with youth, seniors, or other communities.
How to showcase your soft skills during an interview
The best way to highlight your soft skills during an interview is to illustrate them during your interactions with the recruiter. Below, we’ll show you how to showcase your soft skills while listening to your interviewer and answering their questions.
Illustrating soft skills while answering interview questions
It’s not always easy to talk about yourself, but this is the time to do it. As you answer questions about your soft skills, instead of explaining what you’re good at, use examples.
For instance, you could say, “I feel my problem-solving skills were really put to the test when we had to deal with an unexpected outage in our data center.” Then, go on to describe what happened and how you came up with a solution.
Remember that communication is many employers’ most valued soft skill, so be sure you communicate clearly. When answering a question, try to give a concise reply. If you feel nervous, feel free to pause between sentences before continuing. This will both help you calm down and give your interviewer the chance to understand what you’re saying.
Illustrating soft skills while listening to your interviewer
Listening is perhaps the most important soft skill because it simultaneously shows respect and that you value gaining knowledge from sources other than yourself. A good listener is a great teammate and an excellent problem-solver. To show that you’re a good listener, you can do the following while the hiring manager is asking you questions:
Make eye contact. Try to hold it for at least a few seconds. If it starts to feel awkward, you can look to the side for a moment before resuming.
If your recruiter says something interesting, show that you understand the weight of their words by nodding or thoughtfully furrowing your brow — while still maintaining a pleasant look on your face.
If they ask about something that involves a serious challenge, try to match their expression. At times, they may smile through a description of an uncomfortable challenge or to break the awkwardness of a personal question. You should still acknowledge the gravity of the situation with a thoughtful look.
Avoid the tendency to only think about what to say next. It’s better to spend time listening to the question and then politely say, “Okay, that’s a lot to think about. Hmmm…” Then you can invest your energy in listening well first and providing a solid answer later.
With the tips listed above, you’ll better be able to illustrate your soft skills in your resume and during the interview process. Still, some interviewers will want to hear more about your hard skills — especially in the tech industry, where technical interviews are commonplace.
If you need help preparing for technical interviews, check out any of the courses below:
The digitization of nearly every industry is making it easier for customers to conveniently access services and products — and a lot easier for Software Developers to find jobs. The kinds of jobs you can do as a Software Developer vary widely, but they break down into three basic categories: front-end development, back-end development, and full-stack development.
Read on to learn how much each type of developer earns, what’s involved in their day-to-day work, and about our Career Paths, which you can use to get started. While the salaries for each of these jobs are based on data from the United States, these careers are lucrative no matter where you are in the world.
How much Front-End Software Developers make
Front-End Developers make around $119,224 a year. This relatively high figure doesn’t come as a surprise because Front-End Developers play an important role in the development process.
How Front-End Developers earn their pay
You can think of a Front-End Developer as the person who designs everything you see and touch while using an app. It’s similar to the engineer who designs the interior and exterior chassis of a car. They design the elements you sit in, grab hold of, the buttons you press, the knobs you twist, and the glass you look out of.
All of these elements play a key role in your driving experience. A Front-End Engineer ensures your “driving” experience with an app is effective, comfortable, efficient, and pleasant.
Front-End Engineers also need a solid foundation in how the “unseen” elements of an app work to create the user’s experience. As a driver, you may never interact with the insides of the engine or think much about the physics of the suspension system. But even though a Front-End Engineer works on the things you actually use, they need to understand how all the different parts work together to impact the user’s experience. This includes understanding the various dependencies that form the foundation of an application.
The daily activities of Front-End Engineers
On a daily basis, the job of a Front-End Engineer tends to involve working with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These are the coding languages that browsers and operating systems read and translate into things users view, tap, click on, and swipe.
Front-End Engineers typically work within a team environment, either creating new apps or making changes to existing ones to improve their functionality. So, they need to meet with others on the team, write and review code, test how apps function, and incorporate feedback from stakeholders.
Front-End Engineers may also interpret and use feedback gathered from target users. This way, they can adjust their design choices to maximize the app’s usefulness for those who use it to improve their jobs and lives.
A Front-End Engineer’s six-figure salary is earned through a combination of hard work designing solutions and solving intriguing challenges. To start your journey as a Front-End Engineer or simply to learn more about what it takes to do this in-demand job, check out our Front-End Engineer Career Path.
How much Back-End Software Developers make
Back-End Developers typically make around $108,507 a year. As a Back-End Developer, you earn your wages by creating the elements that power the front end. You may also be called upon to troubleshoot issues with existing applications to improve how they work.
How Back-End Developers earn their pay
Returning to the car analogy, a Back-End Developer is like the engineer who designs the engine, the transmission, the suspension system, and other elements essential to a vehicle’s proper function.
The engineer who designs the interior may choose the material for the steering wheel, its size, position, and the different angles in which you can position it. But without the axles, shocks, struts, wheels, tires, and proper weight displacement, no matter what the driver does, the car won’t turn correctly.
Similarly, a Back-End Engineer designs the code that the Front-End Engineer’s tools and code connect to. In this way, a Back-End Engineer provides a functioning base onto which the Front-End Engineer builds the user experience.
The daily activities of Back-End Engineers
A Back-End Engineer will spend their days working with technology involving:
Creating databases, as well as integrating them with systems
Managing databases
Using frameworks that support server-side software development
Using technologies that govern how web servers function
Integrating cloud computing architectures
Working with server-side programming languages
Generating and analyzing reports regarding how the app is using its resources and how it’s performing
Discerning the best ways to protect the app from security threats
All of this requires working with other members of the DevOps team, gathering feedback from them, and implementing it. Back-End Developers also work with Front-End Developers to ensure their solutions complement each other.
A Back-End Developer’s pay is well-deserved, but the monetary benefits are only part of the reward. Back-End Developers design the underlying systems that solve some of the world’s biggest problems. To get started as a Back-End Developer, you can begin with our Back-End Engineer Career Path.
How much do Full-Stack Software Developers make?
Full-Stack Developersmake around $96,578 a year. Compared to Front-End and Back-End Engineers, you can think of a Full-Stack Developer as a jack/jill of all trades. But this doesn’t imply a Full-Stack Developer is “master of none” — and this plays out in their compensation as well.
Even though Full-Stack Engineers may earn a little less, on average, than Front- and Back-End Engineers, the amount they get in equity compensation is around twice as high as that of their front- and back-end counterparts. Equity is the number of company shares you own. In other words, it’s an investment in your employer, and when the company makes money, so do you.
Full-Stack Developers earn their keep by handling the entire tech stack, including the front and back ends. A company may give a Full-Stack Developer a problem, and they will design both the front-end user experience and the back-end infrastructure that powers it.
The daily activities of Full-Stack Engineers
On a daily basis, a Full-Stack Engineer may work alone or with a team, ensuring all elements of an application are designed to work well with each other. They use many of the same tools that Front- and Back-End Engineers use, and their skill sets also overlap. Additionally, a Full-Stack Engineer has to meet with management to ensure that their solutions align with the organization’s goals.
As a Full-Stack Engineer, you bring the whole package to the organization you work for. To get started with this rewarding career, use our Full-Stack Software Engineer Career Path.
Regardless of the type of Software Developer you choose to be, your job prospects will only increase as the world shifts more and more towards digital solutions. Take a few minutes to explore our course catalog and our Career Paths can help you decide which tech job is right for you. In addition to knowledge and experience, you’ll also gain valuable networking connections and build a robust portfolio to help you stand out in your job search. To learn more, get started today for free!
This webinar will introduce educators to the nine contests, as well as additional monthly and weekly challenges, that The Learning Network will be running during the 2021-22 school year. Through writing, photography, podcast production and more, these contests give students an opportunity to exercise voice and choice and to create work for an authentic audience.
In this webinar, our editors and guest speakers will give you an overview of our contests and walk you through the logistics of participating in them with your students. We will also share resources for preparing for the contests and discuss how they fit into our free yearlong writing curriculum. We hope you will leave this webinar with inspiration for how to integrate these contests into your curriculum during the 2021-22 school year.
C.T.L.E. credit is available for New York educators. All participants will receive a certificate of completion.
Register now to join our live webinar or to receive a link to view the on-demand recording.
There are many benefits in becoming a Back-End Developer, including salary expectations above the national average and a booming job market that’s expected to continue rising over the next decade.
So, if you’re considering a career in the field, there’s no better time to get started. You don’t even need a degree, as employers are primarily concerned with candidates having the knowledge and skills they’ll need to succeed in the role.
The exact requirements to become a Back-End Developer will vary between companies, but generally, you’ll need a solid understanding of programming concepts and technical skills. Below, we’ll explore a Back-End Developer’s role and required skills, then show you how to become one without a degree. Use the table of contents below to jump to a specific section. Or, if you’d rather jump right into training, check out our Back-End Engineer Career Path.
What is back-end development?
Back-end development refers to everything that happens on the server-side of an application, including communications between the database and browser. Back-End Developers code the inner workings of a site rather than what users actually see.
The back end consists of the servers, databases, and programs that users don’t directly interact with but enable a website’s functionality. Take a blog post as an example. A Web Designer or Front-End Developer determines stylistic elements like font and color, but the page’s actual content needs to be retrieved from a database — or the back end of the application.
What does a Back-End Developer do?
In the video above, Doug, one of our Senior Back-End Engineers, sheds some light on the role’s responsibilities. As he explains:
“There’s really no limit to what a Back-End Engineer might be working on. It could be just the data that’s shown on the page — who the user is, what sorts of products are available. But you can do a lot of complicated things like recommendations and using machine learning, too, or creating code that’s constantly running in the background, crunching numbers and solving problems.”
Back-End Developers build and maintain the servers, databases, APIs, and other systems that run in the background of an application using tools like SQL, Java, and PHP. These developers are essential as they provide the services that the front end of an application needs to function.
What skills do you need to become a Back-End Developer?
Back-End Developers need a variety of skills to perform their daily tasks, including the technical skills required to build back-end components and soft skills like communication and collaboration that allow them to work efficiently as part of a team. Let’s take a closer look at the skills you’ll need as a Back-End Developer.
Coding skills
Back-End Developers use coding languages, libraries, frameworks, and other programming tools to manage their servers, databases, and APIs. The specific tools you’ll use in your career will largely be determined by your company’s tech stack, but generally, these tools include:
While commonly used in the front end, some Back-End Developers also use JavaScript as frameworks like Node.js extend its functionality into back-end development.
Problem-solving and analytical skills
Back-End Developers should be very analytical, capable of analyzing software requirements while constructing a system’s functionality. As Doug explains in the quote above, they have various responsibilities, so they need to be able to quickly develop effective solutions.
Communication skills
Back-End Developers need to be great communicators as they play a key role in the web development process that involves talking to various stakeholders (both technical and non-technical) to identify their needs.
Collaborative skills
Throughout your career, you’ll often find yourself working on a team with other developers. To do so, you’ll need to know how to share ideas, accept and delegate responsibilities, and perform collaborative technical practices like pair programming and code review.
Agile development skills
You’ll also need to understand agile development practices that prioritize collaboration between teams responsible for performing different tasks. These cross-functional teams work together to complete projects more quickly and efficiently by bringing a wide range of skills into the mix.
Multitasking skills
Back-End Developers should be able to work on multiple projects at once, which requires planning and prioritizing. It also means reaching out to other team members to assist with certain tasks when necessary.
Organizational skills
Back-End Developers should be very organized. While a computer can decipher code that isn’t clear and clean, your peers will have trouble navigating if many elements are out of order.
Being organized makes both simple and complicated tasks easier to perform. Well-organized, readable code allows developers to make changes and edits on time and interpret its contents without confusion.
How long does it take to become a Back-End Developer?
The length of time it takes to become a Back-End Developer varies from person to person. If you’re already familiar with a couple of programming languages, you’ll progress quicker than someone new to programming altogether.
It can take several months to learn the knowledge and skills you’ll need as a Back-End Developer — or longer, depending on your schedule and pace. Committing a set amount of time to your learning can accelerate the process, so set a goal for how many hours you’d like to dedicate to your coding each week. These goals can always be adjusted as needed.
How much does a Back-End Developer make?
Back-End Developers are in high demand as businesses rely on them to keep their websites and applications running. This reliance on their skills means these developers can expect a competitive salary — currently averaging at $108,507 in the U.S., according to Salary.com.
Still, there are several factors that’ll influence your salary as a Back-End Developer. The industry you decide to work in will be one of the largest determining factors, as salary expectations fluctuate with industrial needs. At the moment, the fields that pay their Back-End Developers the highest salaries include:
Education
Transportation
Retail
Communication
Healthcare
Entertainment
Your location also plays an important role. Those living in larger cities like Seattle and San Francisco can expect a higher salary (and cost of living).
Salary expectations by experience level
Back-End Developers typically fall into three categories: junior, mid-level, or senior. Generally, your salary expectations will rise along with your years of experience.
Junior developers with up to three years of experience usually earn around $78,000 a year, again, depending on location and industry.
Mid-level Back-End Developers have between four and six years of experience and can expect an average of $92,237. Senior developers with over six years of experience make about $123,077.
How to write a Back-End Developer resume
After gaining the skills you’ll need for a career in back-end development, the next step is creating a resume. Your resume provides a snapshot of your skills and experience to prospective employers during your job search.
Remember, back-end development is a very competitive field, so you’ll want your resume to stand out. Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to include in your Back-End Developer resume.
Contact info
Begin with your contact information. Putting it at the top makes it easy for prospective employers to find. You’ll want to include your name, address, email, and phone number, along with any professional social media accounts.
Career summary
A career summary briefly introduces your technical skills, work experience, and interests. It’s the first thing hiring managers will see after your contact information, and it’s a great way to highlight your desire to work in the industry.
Limit your summary to three sentences or less. The details will come later. Here’s a basic example of a career summary:
“Enthusiastic back-end web developer with one year of experience building APIs for companies. Emphasis on scale and maintainability.”
Rather than writing everything out in complete sentences, concentrate on actionable items or terms that briefly describe your experience like those used in the example above.
Technical skills
Add your technical skills just below your career summary. This will make them more visible and improve their chances of matching the keywords searched for by recruiters’ software.
Think of this as being similar to conducting a job search. Just as you type in certain keywords to look for specific positions, recruiters search for developers with certain programming skills.
Create a list using bullet points to make it easy to scan. Consider listing your skills by competency to make it easy for recruiters to spot your specialties and areas of expertise.
Work experience
After your technical skills, add a section summarizing your experience with back-end development, such as jobs, freelance projects, or volunteer work. Include the names of your employers and briefly describe two or three of your primary responsibilities.
Try to include something quantifiable — recruiters love to see measurable items like “reduced lead time from idea to software delivery by 10%.” If you don’t have work or volunteer experience, list your projects instead.
Education
Even without a degree, you should still highlight your education in your resume. List any relevant coding courses you’ve taken, along with any certifications you’ve received, to highlight your credentials. If you prefer, consider titling this section “Coursework and Certifications.”
Don’t forget the cover letter
A cover letter is what introduces you to a recruiter or prospective employer. It’s a great opportunity to sell yourself. Recruiters may even read it before your resume, so make it count.
Your cover letter should be specific to the job, so you’ll want to tailor it for each position you apply to. Begin by introducing yourself. Provide a short statement about why you enjoy working as a Back-End Developer and why you want to work for that specific company. Then, summarize your experience and skills, taking care to mention any notable projects you’ve completed.
Make your cover letter short and to the point. A few paragraphs should suffice. If you include it with a resume, format it in block style like you would a business letter. If you’re sending it as an email, be sure to include an opening salutation like “Dear,” followed by the recipient’s name, and a complimentary close such as “Sincerely.”
Accompany every resume you send out with a cover letter, even if it’s not required. The only time you should skip this step is if the employer specifically requests that a cover letter not be sent, though this is rare.
How to build a Back-End Developer portfolio
A Back-End Developer portfolio is a website showcasing your skills and experience through projects. These portfolios help illustrate what you can do to potential employers and clients.
Be creative when building your portfolio website. It should look professional while showing off your personality.
Incorporate visuals that will grab the attention of visitors. These can be in the form of your logo or other graphics. Don’t be too busy with visuals, or they might detract from your content.
Include a skills page
Though you’ll list these in your resume, it helps to highlight them in your portfolio if a recruiter views it first. List the programming languages, libraries, frameworks, and other tools in your tech stack.
Include a list of projects
These can be projects you completed during your coursework or on the job. Either way, they’ll illustrate your proficiency with the tools listed above.
Create an About page
Here’s where you can tell visitors a little about yourself. Include how long you’ve been working in the industry, why you chose this field, and past employers or clients. If you’re new to the industry, substitute this last piece of information with any certifications you’ve received.
Add your contact info
Potential employers and clients who view your portfolio need to know how to contact you. Add your email address and links to any of your social media profiles. Make sure these are pages you frequently update to show that they’re still active.
Update your portfolio
You’ll want to consistently tweak your portfolio to ensure it’s always up to date — especially as you complete new projects.
Review all work before posting it live. This will help you avoid making unnecessary mistakes that could potentially cost you a job.
How to prepare for a Back-End Developer interview
The point in creating a resume and portfolio is to help you land an interview. During your interview, you’ll likely be asked questions about your experience in past roles and familiarity with various programming languages. These questions will help your interviewer determine how well you can perform the role’s duties and work on a team.
Your initial interview can take place either over the phone or in person. You’ll likely speak with the hiring manager or the leader of the team you’d be joining.
Before your Back-End Developer interview, there are several steps you should take to prepare.
Look up interview questions
Before your interview, you’ll want to rehearse with some practice questions. Search for these questions online, write them down, then practice your answers. This will spark your thought process and help you sound more confident when faced with those questions during your interview.
Make sure you’re able to speak well to any projects you’ve completed. Be prepared to explain what steps you took and why. You’ll also want to be able to speak to your experience, as your interviewer will want to know about your work ethic and response to certain situations.
Prepare for a technical interview
Your initial interviews might take place over the phone, or even virtually, on platforms like Skype or Zoom. If you do well, you’ll proceed to the next round of interviews, which often occur in person and sometimes include technical interviews.
During a technical interview, you’ll be asked to perform tasks that demonstrate your skills and help the recruiter gauge how well you’d fit in the company. The specific tasks you’ll carry out will vary by company, but they commonly include:
Take-home assignments
Pair programming, where you’ll partner with another developer to write code
Some interviewers may even delve into your familiarity with specific programming languages. To ensure you’re well-prepared, check out any of the Skill Paths below:
Interview tips
Here are some more tips to help you do well during your Back-End Developer interviews:
Communicate with your interviewer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Complete the take-home assignment in a distraction-free area. Many of these are timed. If you can’t complete it in the time you’re given, make notes about the steps you would take if you had the time. Many employers are more concerned with communication and problem-solving skills than those who can write code the fastest.
The whiteboarding exercise allows you to solve problems and showcase your technical skills. Again, it’s more about the process, not the solution. In other words, it’s more about how you got to the answer than the answer itself.
Practice interviewing alone and with others. Answer questions out loud just as you would when preparing for a presentation. Get friends and family members to ask you questions and ask them for feedback.
Getting started
After you’ve learned the required skills, built a portfolio, and created a resume, you’ll be well on your way to a career as a Back-End Developer. If you need help getting started, take a look through our programming courses to start learning any of the languages listed above.
Or, if you’re looking for more guidance on your journey, check out our Back-End Engineer Career Path. We’ll teach you the fundamentals of back-end development, programming languages and tools, and how to use them to build impressive projects that you can feature in your portfolio. You’ll also earn a certificate upon completion that you can feature in your resume.
