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Dan Gorgone
Treehouse Guest TeacherCareers Foundations - now online!
Hi everyone,
Pasan Premaratne and I are proud to announce that Careers Foundations is now online!
This course includes 8 stages of videos, interviews, and other activities collected to help all of you gain some additional insight into what it takes to get a career in the tech industry, or improve the one you already have.
It includes interviews with our own teachers as well as industry experts, activities to help you organize your career goals, perform self-assessment, better promote yourself to the world, find jobs, interview, and continue your progress in the future.
Whether you're a designer, developer, or simply interested in the possibilites out there, we hope you check out this new course and let us know what you think. This is meant for all of you, so feel free to provide feedback, tips, tools, and other ways to benefit everyone.
7 Answers
John Locke
15,479 PointsFree form thoughts: I always wonder how different agencies define their culture. Some places seem to hire people who think, dress, look, and talk like the rest of the developmental team. Is that culture? It's a very vague term, and one that bothers me when not defined clearly as it is at companies like Treehouse.
In applying for jobs that I feel I'm a good fit for, I write a personalized cover letter, follow the application instructions to the letter, and even style the colors and fonts of the resume to fit that of the company. Not sure if this helps or not.
If you are just starting out, just worry about getting your foot in the door. It seems like companies will promote from within, and, very important, hiring managers want to see experience with real agencies.
Network, always be nice to everyone, never discourage or talk badly about anyone. Show your weakness - show people you are not a jerk, that they can trust you and that they will want to work with you.
Getting other people to vouch for you is the most essential part of the formula. You will not get chances if people do not want to work with you - the majority of the time. Be careful what companies you choose to work for; do not settle for ones where you will feel uncomfortable unnecessarily. Pick an agency with people who are honest and kind.
The Careers Foundations are packed with great knowledge.
Jack Carr
7,329 PointsJust finished, great content... tons of great information I took away watching through just once.
Will definitely be watching a few more times!
Pasan Premaratne did a great job on explaining about Cover letters and Resumes. Getting to know the STAR method was great!
Pasan Premaratne
Treehouse TeacherAww thanks Jack Carr!
John Locke
15,479 PointsI definitely take a lot more time with my resume and cover letter for the jobs that I truly want to get. Applying is kind of a time consuming process, when you properly research the company, know who you are talking to, what the company does and what their values are. I can only hope and keep believing that the extra effort pays off in the end. Thanks much to Dan and Pasan for putting so much time and effort into this series, and for being good, down to earth people.
Tiffany Harrison
11,424 PointsDefinitely taking that personal branding info into consideration! Just started putting together a temporary portfolio: http://www.seventy-seven.net
J. T.
Courses Plus Student 582 PointsThanks. I'm going to check it out now.
Tiffany Harrison
11,424 PointsCurrently in the second stage and loving it! Great insight.
adrie silva
6,416 PointsThanks a bunch!
Bastian Schiller
20,873 PointsI just finished the stage. It was awesome. Even though i have a job and i´m not looking for one right now, this stage provided great knowledge. I never thought about self-branding before, but its a great point. Thanks Pasan Premaratne and Dan Gorgone Great job!
John Locke
15,479 PointsWe are always self-branding, never more true than it is right now. I really feel it can be the difference between being a coveted employee and being a person who gets to call some of their own shots.
James Blazer
3,808 PointsJames Blazer
3,808 PointsI am new to building websites. I keep seeing adverts for programs that allow the average Joe to build an awesome site on his own. If these programs keep advancing is there going to be a need for designers and developers in ten years?
John Locke
15,479 PointsJohn Locke
15,479 PointsLIke they explained in the video, you can give away the tools and the secret sauce, but that doesn't mean that the Average Joe or Jane will have expertise or technique.
There are site builder services, but few of them are actually any good. You still need designers and developers to build those. Many people still need custom solutions that don't look and act the exact same as every other site that came out of a box.
Here's a metaphor: There is tax software, but people still need accountants.
James Blazer
3,808 PointsJames Blazer
3,808 PointsAwesome. Thanks for the quick reply!
Bastian Schiller
20,873 PointsBastian Schiller
20,873 PointsHey James, my customers often ask me that question. I could do that on my own, why should i hire you?
There are two main reason:
You are providing time for them to focus on their business. And when you do a good job, the website does bring money, not cost money.
James Blazer
3,808 PointsJames Blazer
3,808 PointsGood points. Thanks Bastian.