Coding: hacker
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How to hack your career with code

21 Oct 2016

We read a lot about quick tips and tricks that can help you excel in your career. This week though, we learned one simple trick: just learn to code.

In a relatively quiet week for jobs announcements, we saw just 323 new roles materialising across the island.

But who needs jobs announcements when you’ve got lashings of inspiration for your future career?

This week, we were celebrating Europe Code Week across the site, detailing resources and examining events that tied in with the initiative.

Mostly though, we looked at it as a career opportunity.

We started with the young people, discussing the importance of coding in the classroom. We then segued into coding for everyone, with a guide on how to get started as a coder.

We also talked to Mags Amond, Ireland’s Code Week ambassador, who spoke about why it’s important to change the perception of coding as something that only certain people can do.

For those who are already considering careers in code, we got a little advice from the experts. Hays talked us through the key trends in coding; highlighting the languages, platforms and tools employers expect candidates to be well versed in.

For those who already have all the requisite coding skills, we took a look at 10 of the top companies hiring coders right now.

But, of course, not everyone is looking for work. We heard from Marcio Melo, an engineer at internet of things company Asavie, who told us how he reached this point in his career and gave some advice for those hoping to follow in his footsteps.

Lastly, we learned that an Irish chapter of Techfugees has been founded. The organisation will work to create technological solutions to the problems facing refugees, as well as teaching refugees basic skills like coding.

But this week wasn’t just about coding skills. On Saturday 15 October, the Siliconrepublic.com Careers team was at Career Zoo, talking to top sci-tech employers about careers in their industries.

We asked employers what it takes to make it in a sci-tech career, we asked sector leaders what the future of jobs looks like, and we spoke to pharma company Bristol-Myers Squibb about who they’re hiring and why.

We also heard from Julie Elberfeld from Capital One, who talked about the importance of getting women into tech. This article coincided with the Anita Borg Institute’s annual Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing.

And finally, we took a look at what companies should be doing to make the most out of their millennial employees.

As always, for more on any of these stories, follow the links below.

1. Coding in the classroom: Bringing code to the next generation

Coding events can only do so much to educate children and teenagers. Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton, TD, has unveiled a plan that would see coding added to the primary school curriculum by 2018.

2. 32 tools to help you become a coding whizz

As Europe Code Week draws to a close, Siliconrepublic.com looks at the various resources available, both in person and online, to build up your coding skills.

3. Mags Amond: ‘Bring your creativity to the world of code’

Code Week ambassador Mags Amond wants everyone to plug into the world of code around us. She spoke to Claire O’Connell about the creativity you can bring to computers.

4. 10 emerging trends coders need to know about

This Europe Code Week, countries around the world put the focus on coding. At Hays, the focus is on coding skills.

5. 10 top companies hiring coders right now

We hear more and more about how important coding skills are becoming. But what jobs can coders get, and who’s hiring?

6. Curiosity essential for a career in coding, says Asavie engineer

If you’re looking at a career in coding, it can be daunting trying to figure out where to start or what path to take. You might not even be sure where you want to end up. Asavie’s Marcio Melo might be able to help.

7. Irish Techfugees chapter launched at DCU hackathon

While a team of coders competed in a 48-hour hackathon to develop groundbreaking solutions to problems facing refugees, the Irish chapter of Techfugees was launched.

8. What does it take to make it in sci-tech?

A career in sci-tech can be very appealing – interesting work, good wages and restless innovation. But perhaps not everyone is cut out for the job.

9. What are the sci-tech jobs of the future?

With roles in sci-tech and fintech on the rise, we spoke to some of the sector’s top companies about future jobs in the industry.

10. BMS: ‘We want people who have a can-do, will-do attitude’

Last year, Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) announced the building of a new manufacturing facility in Cruiserath. We spoke to Mick Flanagan, head of manufacturing at BMS, to discuss the progress of the new facility and the recruitment process.

11. Celebrating women in computing and Grace Hopper

As the annual Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing takes place in Texas, Julie Elberfeld from Capital One reflects on her career as a woman in tech and how she is now supporting others.

12. How to get the most out of millennial employees

With more millennials entering the workforce every year, here’s how you can make the most of their unique characteristics.

Looking for jobs in tech or science? Check out our Employer Profiles for information on companies hiring right now.

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Kirsty Tobin
By Kirsty Tobin

Kirsty Tobin served as careers editor of Silicon Republic from 2015 up to August 2017. When she was younger, she had a dream where she started and won a fight with a T-Rex, so she’s pretty sure she kicked butt at this, too. Passions include eating all the cake, watching more TV than is healthy and sassy comebacks.

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