tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50191356366963007032024-02-21T18:19:48.148+11:00Mum in TechMum in Tech was created by Margarita Alamo de Parkin to help mums take the leap and not be scared to build their dream tech career! Margarita Alamo de Parkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15921844483403332896noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019135636696300703.post-31358179800311561692020-08-25T16:09:00.000+10:002020-08-25T16:09:46.069+10:00How can mums get into tech?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7yGaMK4Z1urk24OzOk1GM-U82ynJYgdVLpLan4OzVUNttzYwVL5ZJxAjEP5bRpfloMq5SnN9Dr1DXgAC8tuuUqHUUcnquCex_nfFUvetJMpuo9RsWOfxDd7erRBKhj4cFPRX_b48jxQ/s1300/how-mums-get-into-tech.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7yGaMK4Z1urk24OzOk1GM-U82ynJYgdVLpLan4OzVUNttzYwVL5ZJxAjEP5bRpfloMq5SnN9Dr1DXgAC8tuuUqHUUcnquCex_nfFUvetJMpuo9RsWOfxDd7erRBKhj4cFPRX_b48jxQ/d/how-mums-get-into-tech.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not long ago, a friend -who is a mum as well- asked me, how do I get into tech without any experience and being tech unsavvy, is it that difficult? I said to her “let’s have a coffee first, mama!” During our conversation, I got back to her about her previous question and said: “Relax, breath and repeat: I am capable of entering into tech! And it is not true about having no experience.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let me say the same to you, every single one of us as career changers have experience. We don’t start from scratch, we have different professional backgrounds and most meaningful life experiences. We are tech consumers; indeed, we have kids, we use apps for our kids’ schools, we shop online to mention a few, we know what works and things that should be improved. We have insights, and as a marketer, I am telling you, you already know a lot. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And if we talk about all the soft skills we have developed during our motherhood journey such as organisational skills, conflict resolution, problem-solving skills (very useful in technology), coaching, well the list goes on. So, you are not starting from scratch, mama! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So making that point clear, let’s see <b>what can Mums do to start in Tech</b>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcHQiAdx492msX5oah3_6-q_9an6gC-rJ5TSzg5_LDk5gOuhDQe89NH7WW9gs1-akITVn7DBq4cFKh7P4y-evaZJl0m5PepKikl7WL3NypaJhBVzy1uQtrKAbj28cZbVWa2UYpaoHLoo/s1300/you-got-this-mama.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcHQiAdx492msX5oah3_6-q_9an6gC-rJ5TSzg5_LDk5gOuhDQe89NH7WW9gs1-akITVn7DBq4cFKh7P4y-evaZJl0m5PepKikl7WL3NypaJhBVzy1uQtrKAbj28cZbVWa2UYpaoHLoo/d/you-got-this-mama.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Your passion</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">Before you start looking for courses that you can study, think about what attracts you, what you love, what you enjoy. You can check your hobbies; there may be something there. Do you like painting, design, games, puzzles, chest, drones, writing, origami? Or maybe hobbies you used to love back in school. The idea is to think about how you can use technology to enhance those areas you are already passionate about.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Transferable Skills</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">Now, think about your previous roles, what you have learnt, how have you been exposed to technology, any experiences that you can continue developing with technology. For example, if you work in social fields, how can technology help to achieve social good; perhaps you work in finances how could technology improve your work performance. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Think about those skills you have developed, for example, if you work in the construction field, how your solving skills can be used in IT roles. Previous experience in customer service or retail? You already have communication skills and perhaps Microsoft Office proficiency that can help you if you want to work in support services or even part of product development teams. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When you look at your previous roles having in mind the roles you want to obtain in tech, you may find a lot of relevant experience that can help you to get that dreamed tech job.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Research Technology</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">Do your research about new technologies or how things are built. Start listening to what people who work in tech are saying, watch different videos, read tech magazines, books, blogs, even if you don’t understand a thing the more you listen, the more familiar you get with it. This is so important to realise what attracts you, for example in my case I have never been more fascinated at any conference than when I hear about AI (Artificial Intelligence), Cloud Solutions, UX and MarTech (Integration of Marketing, Technology and IT). So really start digging in, and you will find something you love, and you want to learn more about it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Start Learning</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">You can quit your job tomorrow and start a full-time Bootcamp and go for it. I have seen a lot of people doing it with great results, I did it as well but to be honest, before you even know what you like or have a little bit of experience with some of the technologies you will learn I think you can waste a lot of time and lot of money if you don’t choose the right Bootcamp. So before anything, please do some online courses, tutorials and test different technologies, this is going to help you to decide what you want to learn, selecting the right place and the right paths for you. I recommend that you explore CodeCademy, FreeCodeCamp, General Assembly and CodeWars; you can join their free courses, workshops and challenges.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HYkrGZfF32MQBnDuagMCFiQNIMovR3BmlVssZKxK_P3usP45e3ByRAlvY0mW0beQCwypiv95XpxEVX7QSuCra3dlfURoKkXYWZNpIFIsbfNhthkIKBtycHb-tjfjmptDrgUbNE41I50/s1856/motivational-quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1856" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HYkrGZfF32MQBnDuagMCFiQNIMovR3BmlVssZKxK_P3usP45e3ByRAlvY0mW0beQCwypiv95XpxEVX7QSuCra3dlfURoKkXYWZNpIFIsbfNhthkIKBtycHb-tjfjmptDrgUbNE41I50/d/motivational-quote.jpg" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Networking</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">Meetups are the perfect way to meet other awesome mums in tech, get inspired by their stories and learn from their experiences. Most meetups teach you something while networking; the members are very supportive, and it is a collaborative space you want to be in. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">From my personal experience, every time I have met someone in a Meetup has connected me with someone else, has told me about a job, a program or scholarship I didn’t know. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Join the Meetup website and Eventbrite so you can browse weekly for free events in your city and join any online events available. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Join Tech Groups pro Women</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">There are a lot of organisations that help Women get into Tech, most of them ran by volunteers, they usually do events every year, they have some programs available and even mentoring for women starting in tech. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So follow them online, join their mailing list, engage with them. For this matter, Linkedin is a fantastic way to be involved; your connections will let you know for events and programs you didn’t even know.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My favourites are Code Like a Girl, Women in Tech Australia, VIC ICT for Women, Girls in Tech Australia, Muses Code JS. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Find a Mentor</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">Mentoring is fantastic and super beneficial for all career changers. The right mentor will guide us in our journey, and you will be surprised how many successful women in tech are willing to help raise other women like you. At the moment, there are different mentorship programs, organisations and even government programs that help women pursue their dreams, to build their businesses. Have a look at MentorShe, Girls in Tech Australia, She Mentors. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Volunteer </h2><div style="text-align: justify;">There are a lot of opportunities for you to be part of tech projects, you can join some organisations where you can learn and make contacts while helping others. Some volunteer positions consist of staff support to run events and help beginners. You can even volunteer in your local community where they may need people to help elders or minority groups who may need computer assistance; this could help to learn simple but effective ways on how to communicate about technology. You can volunteer at Code Like a Girl, Girls in Australia and for the VIC ICT for Women programs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Start a project or be part of one.</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">Nothing better than giving some tutorials a go and create something on your own, start building your portfolio. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some programs are so easy to follow, and they are a fantastic way to learn. You can follow some youtube tutorials, and when you finish, you can add some features to your project. You can share it in some forums to receive feedback from other fellow mums in tech. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You can also contribute to some open-source projects, -“but I don’t know how to code” I knew you would say that - you don’t need to code, you can be part of the research, write the documentation or even test the program. Check Github, StackOverflow, Medium, FreeCodeCamp, Udemy and W3Schools.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Apply anyway</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">And the most crucial thing just apply for anything you think may help you: programs, scholarships, mentoring and jobs. Yes, yes, yes, let me be honest with you, you will never feel you are ready even if you are so why miss the chance to learn or experience an interview? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You never know, some companies and programs are looking for a diverse group of people with various skills, backgrounds and most importantly with the right attitude to learn. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Every single time you doubt it, just do it. You are more capable than what you think. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_STYp4ohyphenhyphenbHewWTXvCJ0KmKERyBeXCmdVLwCmhm3UtAgpaAgRo3X26EQVcJbhFp1xeVqj66TlSA37_atCj4kqtxurUM40qwfTX2_f9BeK2uqTjqPfx1JzM5XbjweWEgdkGB4cW1GF0dI/s1024/small-steps-journey-in-tech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_STYp4ohyphenhyphenbHewWTXvCJ0KmKERyBeXCmdVLwCmhm3UtAgpaAgRo3X26EQVcJbhFp1xeVqj66TlSA37_atCj4kqtxurUM40qwfTX2_f9BeK2uqTjqPfx1JzM5XbjweWEgdkGB4cW1GF0dI/d/small-steps-journey-in-tech.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Please don’t stop looking, keep researching, keep reaching out for help, keep fighting. What we wish is out there waiting for us, we just need to keep walking towards it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote style="text-align: center;"><b>Remember, you have a lot to offer to the Technology Industry, and we need you, we need your approach, your unique way of seeing the world. Join us, mama!</b></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let me know in the comments if you found this useful or share with me your experience below!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Margarita Alamo de Parkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15921844483403332896noreply@blogger.com0Australia-25.274398 133.775136-77.989056082824462 63.462636 27.440260082824455 -155.91236400000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019135636696300703.post-38076815453047393972020-06-05T22:17:00.004+10:002020-08-12T13:41:52.814+10:00JavaScript or Python?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-6o7lDX6Lyh-6cgbzazR9doB1pvOOv4-rxY2biWJDX1mxVA7f_RVQ7Z77tMCWZp5WsOLjZvsywcLRS5oYZRtq1zMxtWqCWOgbO8KCVMUfx6JqMecZjZVPWYUAhXYVCGybcdR0Yfp6N0/s1778/coding-mum-in-tech.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="1778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-6o7lDX6Lyh-6cgbzazR9doB1pvOOv4-rxY2biWJDX1mxVA7f_RVQ7Z77tMCWZp5WsOLjZvsywcLRS5oYZRtq1zMxtWqCWOgbO8KCVMUfx6JqMecZjZVPWYUAhXYVCGybcdR0Yfp6N0/d/coding-mum-in-tech.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>The short answer is: it depends!<div><br />If you are looking at web development and you want to learn about front-end, then JavaScript is your option.<br /><br />If you are looking at backend programming for web development, then Python may be your best option. </div><div><br /></div><div>Each has its own characteristics.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Python</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">Python is a general-purpose coding language, it can be used for web development and other types of programming and software development as well. That includes back end development, software development, data science and writing system scripts among other things.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">JavaScript</h3></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">JavaScript is a text-based programming language used both on the client-side and server-side that allows you to make web pages interactive. JavaScript gives web pages interactive elements that engage a user.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you only want to focus on web development JS could be the best option, however, if you are looking at other areas of development, then Python would become your go-to language, rather than JS. You would be using Python for data processing, image processing, Machine learning, and statistical analysis.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So in the end, it really depends on what you want.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Do you feel the same way?</b></div></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Margarita Alamo de Parkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15921844483403332896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019135636696300703.post-27753455693295506882020-06-04T23:07:00.002+10:002020-08-12T13:42:41.347+10:00What is stopping you?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAQnU3t28-GCrZWfvsr2tl50mQWsBEz1QIsbTDEEA9t-w5hvGOZ_Qel83jO9Ji0gfgeJ09vrK1Cgbf7DNs7e0JUJB4gU6QB5MgAmewllavP7adWR4P9gel9qDMDnVVlUMDq-WQ4VxgAo/s1500/what-is-stopping-you-to+get-into-tech.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAQnU3t28-GCrZWfvsr2tl50mQWsBEz1QIsbTDEEA9t-w5hvGOZ_Qel83jO9Ji0gfgeJ09vrK1Cgbf7DNs7e0JUJB4gU6QB5MgAmewllavP7adWR4P9gel9qDMDnVVlUMDq-WQ4VxgAo/d/what-is-stopping-you-to+get-into-tech.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Is there something that stops you from really reaching for your dream in tech? Fear of judgment? Failure? Risk? It is all related to how much we care about what others think, right?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I know, it’s so easy to say or write “I don’t care what others think” but so difficult to really put into practice if we don’t work hard to unlearn those negative habits that are holding us back.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are always seeking approval and if you really look back to where those fears started, they all started when we were children, so as mothers we have a HUGE responsibility to stop this for our kids. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">First working on ourselves, because with our words and examples we are passing or reinforcing those beliefs onto our children. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mama, it will take time, years but if we don’t start today and work on that every single day, it will take a whole lifetime, we will be living this world without being who we are meant to be. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Are you ready to start your journey in tech?</b></div>Margarita Alamo de Parkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15921844483403332896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019135636696300703.post-83284287571896490672020-05-26T21:37:00.019+10:002020-08-12T13:45:11.725+10:00Focus on little steps!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCnt6S9QqeTIqRp745FGgV3hkzsP4AyIGntKk9tKatHLsvNJI6C0zcekSfce7LVCbNoeLCi5vd6blfYERYPqNFzRk-h655RJ7ioFHBhFZwe-497k8oE7TzI8cwq3CyJBBP5wjcp6WRNY/s2048/Jasmine-Star-Stock-Photo1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCnt6S9QqeTIqRp745FGgV3hkzsP4AyIGntKk9tKatHLsvNJI6C0zcekSfce7LVCbNoeLCi5vd6blfYERYPqNFzRk-h655RJ7ioFHBhFZwe-497k8oE7TzI8cwq3CyJBBP5wjcp6WRNY/d/Jasmine-Star-Stock-Photo1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I decided to change careers and get into tech I couldn’t picture how difficult it was going to be. I am learning coding while teaching myself technical English at the same time. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are days that I join my virtual classes, which are from 9am to 5pm, super excited and I am ending up feeling so lost.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The last few weeks have been crazy: homeschooling, working from home and studying full time. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have felt silly and dumb so many times you can’t imagine. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But I believe in the signs the world puts in front of you, Janel -my teacher- contacting me and it was a relief talking to her, hearing her story as a mum of 5 who was able to manage in finishing her computer science degree, motivated me to get back on track, to feel I can do this.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After all, this world needs women who speak up and tell their stories, we need to hang onto those role models we want to follow and find the right mentors to give us the guidance we need to keep going. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Mentor Tips</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">I want to share my takeaways from our meeting:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Don't give up</li><li>Don’t let the overwhelming feeling stop you from taking action and moving forward</li><li>Focus on little steps</li><li>Give yourself credit on what you have done so far, no matter how small it looks</li><li>Ask for help, we will be surprised at how many other women are there with their hands open waiting to take ours and raise up together</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now from my little corner, I am enjoying a hot coffee, feeling pumped and excited of what the future is bringing to me, to you and all the women we are reaching. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And in case you need a little extra boost today, consider this post your virtual fist bump or pat on the back. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: justify;">What keeps you going during hard times?</h4>Margarita Alamo de Parkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15921844483403332896noreply@blogger.com0