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Dan Appleman

What does it really mean to have a career as a technologist today?

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What does it really mean to have a career as a technologist today?

A technology career poses challenges that we don't often discuss: How do you keep up with rapidly changing technology? When, and how often should you change jobs? How do you evaluate a job offer? How and when should you move from design and implementation into management, or into some other related career? How do you leverage those relatively high salaries into real financial security? Should you work for a large company? A startup? Or found your own company? This course will help you answer those questions and more, whether you are just starting out or have been working in the industry for decades.

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Syllabus

Course Overview
Finding Career Success
The Just-in-time Technologist
The Tech Career Life-cycle
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Beyond Technology
On the Job
Evaluating a Job Offer
You and Your Money
Other Topics

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides guidance on how to navigate a tech career, from entry-level to senior positions
Examines the lifecycle of a tech career, including typical stages and transitions
Covers financial planning and money management for tech professionals
Taught by Dan Appleman, an experienced tech career advisor and author
Suitable for tech professionals at all career stages, from early-career to mid and senior-level
May require learners to have some familiarity with tech industry practices and terminology

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Career and Survival Strategies for Technologists with these activities:
Attend Tech Industry Meetups and Conferences
Connect with professionals in the tech industry, learn about new technologies, and expand your network.
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Identify relevant tech industry meetups and conferences.
  • Attend the events and actively participate in discussions.
  • Exchange contact information with potential mentors or collaborators.
Solve LeetCode Problems Related to Course Concepts
Reinforce your understanding of programming concepts and algorithms by solving coding problems.
Show steps
  • Identify LeetCode problems relevant to the course topics.
  • Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
  • Review solutions and learn from your mistakes.
Contribute to Open-Source Projects Related to Course Topics
Gain practical experience, enhance your coding skills, and contribute to the tech community by working on open-source projects.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects aligned with your interests and skills.
  • Review the project's documentation and codebase.
  • Identify areas where you can make meaningful contributions.
  • Submit pull requests with your contributions.
Four other activities
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Develop a Personal Career Plan
Establish a roadmap for your technology career by setting goals, identifying skills to acquire, and creating a timeline.
Browse courses on Career Planning
Show steps
  • Assess your current skills and interests.
  • Research different technology career paths.
  • Set specific, achievable, and measurable career goals.
  • Identify the skills and knowledge you need to develop.
  • Create a timeline for your career plan.
Follow Tutorials on Advanced Technology Topics
Expand your knowledge and skills in specific technology areas by following guided tutorials.
Browse courses on Emerging Technologies
Show steps
  • Identify technology topics you want to explore further.
  • Find reputable tutorials or online courses on those topics.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step and complete the exercises.
Write a Blog Post on a Current Trend in Tech
Stay up-to-date on the latest technological advancements and enhance your communication skills.
Browse courses on Technology Trends
Show steps
  • Research a specific technology trend.
  • Analyze its potential impact on the industry.
  • Organize your thoughts and write a well-structured blog post.
  • Promote your blog post on relevant platforms.
Become a Mentor to Junior Tech Professionals
Share your knowledge and experience, while developing your leadership and communication skills.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Identify platforms or organizations where you can connect with junior tech professionals.
  • Offer your support and guidance as a mentor.
  • Provide feedback, advice, and encouragement to your mentees.

Career center

Learners who complete Career and Survival Strategies for Technologists will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Technologist
Technologists play a key role in the success of organizations across all industries. They are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the technology systems that businesses rely on. This course can help you become a successful technologist by providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to thrive in this in-demand field. You will learn how to keep up with rapidly changing technology, evaluate job offers, and make career decisions that will help you achieve your goals.
Software Engineer
Software engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing software applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies to create software that meets the needs of users. This course can help you become a successful software engineer by providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this competitive field. You will learn how to design and develop software applications, as well as how to test and debug software. You will also learn about the latest software development trends and technologies.
Computer Programmer
Computer programmers write and maintain the code that makes computers work. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies to create software that meets the needs of users. This course can help you become a successful computer programmer by providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this in-demand field. You will learn how to write and maintain code, as well as how to test and debug software. You will also learn about the latest programming languages and technologies.
Database Administrator
Database administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. They work with a variety of database technologies to ensure that databases are running smoothly and efficiently. This course can help you become a successful database administrator by providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this in-demand field. You will learn how to manage and maintain databases, as well as how to troubleshoot and resolve database problems. You will also learn about the latest database technologies and trends.
Web Developer
Web developers are responsible for designing and developing websites. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies to create websites that are both visually appealing and functional. This course can help you become a successful web developer by providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this in-demand field. You will learn how to design and develop websites, as well as how to test and debug website code. You will also learn about the latest web development trends and technologies.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts are responsible for analyzing, designing, and implementing computer systems. They work with a variety of hardware and software technologies to create systems that meet the needs of businesses and organizations. This course can help you become a successful computer systems analyst by providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this in-demand field. You will learn how to analyze, design, and implement computer systems, as well as how to evaluate the performance of computer systems.
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help you become a successful information security analyst by providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this in-demand field. You will learn about the latest information security threats and trends, as well as how to develop and implement information security policies and procedures.
Project Manager
Project managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and managing projects. They work with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of stakeholders. This course can help you become a successful project manager by providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this in-demand field. You will learn about the latest project management methodologies and trends, as well as how to manage projects effectively and efficiently.
Technical Writer
Technical writers are responsible for creating and maintaining technical documentation. They work with a variety of technical experts to create documentation that is clear, concise, and accurate. This course can help you become a successful technical writer by providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this in-demand field. You will learn how to create and maintain technical documentation, as well as how to communicate technical information effectively.
Technology Consultant
Technology consultants are responsible for helping businesses and organizations use technology to achieve their goals. They work with a variety of clients to identify, recommend, and implement technology solutions.
Chief Information Officer
Chief information officers are responsible for the overall information technology operations of an organization. They work with senior management to identify and implement information technology initiatives that will help the organization achieve its goals. This course can be useful by providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this leadership role. You will learn about the latest information technology trends and technologies, as well as how to manage and lead an information technology team.
Chief Technology Officer
Chief technology officers are responsible for the overall technology strategy of an organization. They work with senior management to identify and implement technology initiatives that will help the organization achieve its goals. This course can be useful by providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this leadership role. You will learn about the latest technology trends and technologies, as well as how to develop and implement a technology strategy.
Information Technology Director
Information technology directors are responsible for managing and overseeing the information technology resources of an organization. This course can be useful by providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this leadership role. You will learn about the latest information technology trends and technologies, as well as how to manage and lead an information technology team.
Data Scientist
Data scientists are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. They work with a variety of data sources and technologies to identify trends and patterns that can be used to make better decisions. This course can be useful providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this in-demand field. You will learn about the latest data science trends and technologies, as well as how to collect, analyze, and interpret data.
Business Analyst
Business analysts are responsible for analyzing business needs and developing solutions to meet those needs. They work with a variety of stakeholders to identify, recommend, and implement solutions that will improve business performance. This course can be useful providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this in-demand field. You will learn about the latest business analysis trends and technologies, as well as how to analyze business needs and develop solutions.

Reading list

We've selected 17 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Career and Survival Strategies for Technologists.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the tech job market, including tips on resume writing, interviewing, and negotiating offers. It valuable resource for technologists looking to make a successful career transition.
This novel-style book provides insights into the challenges and complexities of IT operations and software development. It valuable read for technologists who want to understand the importance of collaboration, automation, and lean principles in modern technology organizations.
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Challenges the traditional view that specialization is the key to success. It argues that in a rapidly changing world, generalists with diverse skills and experiences are better equipped to adapt and thrive.
Provides valuable insights into the challenges of keeping up with rapidly changing technology, particularly for large companies. It explores the concept of disruptive innovation and how it can lead to the downfall of even the most successful businesses.
Argues that passion is overrated and that developing valuable skills is the key to finding fulfilling work. It offers practical advice on how to identify and develop in-demand skills in the technology industry.
Provides a deeper understanding of human-computer interaction and the principles of good design. It is useful for technologists who want to develop user-friendly products and experiences.
Provides practical advice on starting and growing a successful business. It valuable resource for technologists who are considering entrepreneurship or want to learn more about the challenges and rewards of running their own company.
Provides insights into the strengths and challenges of introverts in a world that often values extroversion. It offers advice on how to embrace your introverted nature and thrive in a technology industry that can be dominated by extroverted personalities.
Provides timeless principles and practices for personal effectiveness. It offers insights into how to develop habits, manage time, and build strong relationships, which are essential for success in any career.
This classic work provides a framework for understanding how disruptive technologies can lead to the downfall of even the most successful companies.
Popular guide to financial literacy that can help technologists make smart financial decisions.

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