DEV Community: GirlsGoTech Poland

Programmers' Week 2024

GirlsGoTech Poland — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 17:57:51 +0000

Join us for the 7th edition of Programmers' Week – an event about programming for everyone! The meetings will take place in Poznań, the Tri-City area, Warsaw, and online.
➤ September 9th to 15th, 2024
➤ www.tydzienprogramisty.pl

Why is it worth joining?

Programmers' Week is an event for both specialists and beginners. This year, we are focusing especially on younger specialists who are facing difficulties in the job market. Although there is a shortage of almost 145,000 IT specialists, the market is not friendly for juniors. This could impact the development of companies in Poland. That’s why it’s worth participating to improve your skills and better prepare for a career in IT.

What will you find in the program?

The event offers workshops, lectures, and meetings on topics such as:

📌 Programming
📌 Cybersecurity
📌 Digital Accessibility
📌 Data Processing
📌 Artificial Intelligence (AI)
📌 Software Testing

New events and competitions this year! 🚀

This year, we invite you to a GDG meeting in Poznań and the "Illuminathon" lights hackathon in Gdańsk. In Warsaw you can join The CASSINI Hackathon with a grand prize of 5000 euros!

Education First

Programmers' Week is an excellent opportunity for students and those starting a career in IT to gain valuable skills. TheCODE:ME Foundationsupports technical education, preparing future specialists for new challenges.

How to register?

Participation is free, but spaces are limited. Register on the website ➤ www.tydzienprogramisty.pl

Personal SWOT Analysis by example

GirlsGoTech Poland — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:57:45 +0000

In one of our previous posts, we presented the idea behind the Personal SWOT Analysis. If you are new here, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the basics and then come back here.

Unlock Your Potential: Personal SWOT Analysis as the Key to Success

GirlsGoTech Poland ・ Sep 15 '23

#career #beginners #productivity

Today, we are focusing on how to conduct this analysis in practice. Grab a piece of paper, your favorite pen, and a mug of coffee. Take a long, deep breath. Set your timer for 15 minutes and let's begin.

Start with a bunch of questions. Allocate a maximum of 15 minutes to each of the four categories. Remember, you can always add something extra to each category later.

🟢 Strengths:

What skills or abilities set you apart from others?
In what areas do you excel where others may struggle?
What personal resources (like networks, education, or experience) do you have access to?
What, in the eyes of others (colleagues, friends, supervisors), are seen as your strengths?
What achievements are you most proud of?

e.g.

▶ Technical Skills: Proficient in advanced data analysis and coding (Python, R, Visual Basic), making me a strong candidate for technology-driven roles.
▶ Communication: Public speaking and presentation skills, often praised for clear and engaging delivery.
▶ Adaptability: Quickly adapt to new technologies and work environments, evident from my smooth transitions across three different industries in the past five years.
▶ Leadership: Proven leadership skills, having successfully led a team of 10 in a high-stakes project, resulting in a X% increase in productivity.

Example: A software developer with proficiency in multiple programming languages as a key strength. Also acknowledges huge leadership experiences during collaborative projects.

🔴 Weaknesses:

What tasks do you usually avoid because you lack confidence in doing them?
What criticisms do you often receive from others regarding your work or behavior?
In what areas do you have less experience compared to your peers?
Are there any personality traits that hinder your professional progress?
What do you consider to be your biggest mistakes or failures, and what caused them?

e.g.

▶ Time Management: Struggle with balancing multiple tasks, leading to last-minute rushes.
▶ Networking: Limited professional network, mainly due to introverted nature and discomfort in social settings.
▶ Delegation: Often take on too much work, stemming from a reluctance to delegate, fearing a compromise in quality.

Example: A marketing manager, realizes that their hesitation to delegate tasks often leads to excessive workload and stress.

🔵 Opportunities:

Are there upcoming changes in your field that could open new doors for you?
Are there market trends that you can take advantage of due to your skills or interests?
What are the unmet needs in your organization or industry that you can fulfill?
Can you identify any gaps in your current team or company’s expertise that you could fill?
Are there networking, training, or education opportunities that could help advance your career?

e.g.

▶ Emerging Technologies: The rapid growth in AI and machine learning presents an opportunity to further specialize and become an industry expert.
▶ Networking Events: Many industry events and workshops in the area can help overcome networking weaknesses and build valuable connections.
▶ Educational Courses: Availability of online courses for time management and leadership skills can help address current weaknesses.

Example: An IT professional, sees the burgeoning field of cybersecurity as an opportunity to expand their expertise and advance in his career.

🟡 Threats:

What obstacles do you currently face at work?
Are there any changes in your industry that might pose challenges to your current position?
Do you have any financial pressures that could impact your career decisions?
Are there any new professional standards or technologies that you find challenging?
Is there external competition for your job or for the things you want to achieve in your career?

e.g.

▶ Market Competition: Increasing number of professionals with similar skill sets, making the job market more competitive.
▶ Technological Changes: The fast pace of technological advancements could render some of my current skills obsolete.
▶ Economic Fluctuations: Economic downturns can lead to reduced opportunities and job cuts in my industry.

Example: A graphic designer, perceives the influx of freelance designers and new design software as potential threats to the current job stability.

After you answer these questions, you may find some interesting results. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts!

Unlock Your Potential: Personal SWOT Analysis as the Key to Success

GirlsGoTech Poland — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

What is Personal SWOT Analysis?

SWOT analysis is a tool primarily known from the business world, but did you know it can be equally useful in a personal context? A personal SWOT analysis is an excellent way to understand your strengths and weaknesses, as well as to identify opportunities and threats that could affect your future. In this article, you'll learn how to effectively conduct such an analysis and how to apply its results in practice.

Why is Personal SWOT Analysis Important?

Understanding yourself is the first step to achieving success in any area of life. SWOT analysis can be invaluable here, allowing for a systematic and objective look at yourself. It will not only help you in career planning but also in relationships with others and personal development.

How to Approach the Analysis: First Steps

Before you start, consider your main goal. It could be a job promotion, acquiring new skills, or improving relationships with loved ones. Next, prepare a sheet of paper divided into four sectors: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

What to Include in Each Category?

Strengths: Here, consider what sets you apart. It could be your creativity, interpersonal skills, or expertise in a specific area.
Weaknesses: This is the place for an honest admission of your weaknesses. Is there something that hinders you from achieving your goal? It could be a lack of certain skills or a tendency to procrastinate.
Opportunities: Look at the world around you and consider what opportunities are open to you. It could be a new job offer, skill-enhancing courses, or support from family and friends.
Threats: Here, it's good to be realistic. What obstacles could stand in your way? It could be competition at work, financial instability, or changes in your personal life.

How to Utilize the Results of the Analysis?

After conducting the SWOT analysis, don't just leave it in a drawer. Set specific steps that will help you leverage your strengths, work on your weaknesses, utilize opportunities, and minimize threats.

Personal SWOT Analysis by example

GirlsGoTech Poland ・ Jan 30

#career #beginners #community #productivity

Your Path to Success

Personal SWOT analysis is more than just an exercise on paper. It's a tool that can teach you a lot about yourself and help you achieve your life goals. Whether you're at the beginning of your career or looking for new opportunities, it's worth taking advantage of it.

What Don't You Know About Firefox? - Features & Tricks

GirlsGoTech Poland — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0000

More Than Just a Browser!

Mozilla Firefox is one of the most popular web browsers in the world. But did you know that Firefox is more than just a tool for browsing websites? Here are some lesser-known features and tricks that can significantly enhance and enrich your online experience.

Quick Commands in the Address Bar

Did you know that the address bar in Firefox is not just a place where you enter URLs? You can also type in various commands. For example, typing about:config will open the browser's advanced settings, where you can customize its behavior to suit your needs.

Multi-Account Containers

One of the unique features of Firefox is the so-called "Multi-Account Containers," and so far, there's no sign of this changing in other browsers. These containers allow for the isolation of different sessions in the browser, which is especially useful if you use multiple accounts on a single website. It's hard to compare this feature to anything else, and it's often mistakenly equated with Chrome's Google account management. Take a look:

Firefox Container Tabs: The Best Browser Feature! Here's How To Use Them - YouTube

Firefox is my favorite web browser by far and there's many reasons for that. In fact, I made a video listing my Top 7 Reasons why Firefox is my favorite. At ...

youtube.com

Sync Across Devices

Firefox offers a very comprehensive system for syncing across various devices. Not only bookmarks but also passwords, browsing history, and even open tabs can be available on all your devices. You won't find this last feature anywhere else!

Reader Mode

If you're reading an article on a website full of ads and other distracting elements, the reader mode can be a godsend for you. Just click the book-shaped icon in the address bar to get rid of unnecessary elements and focus on the text.

Interface Customization

Firefox gives you a lot of freedom in customizing the interface. You can change the appearance of the browser using various themes, as well as adjust the layout of buttons and toolbars. Here's the hacking magic begins.

Built-in Developer Tools

That's personal, but IMO - Firefox comes with a robust set of developer tools that are a cut above the rest. Whether you're debugging JavaScript or inspecting elements, Firefox's developer tools offer a range of functionalities that make a developer's life easier. The Network Monitor and Performance tools are particularly useful for analyzing website performance. Firefox's Network Monitor provides a more detailed view of each request. It allows you to see the cause of each network request, helping you understand why a particular script or stylesheet was loaded, which can be incredibly useful for debugging. Great CSS Grid Inspector (that deserves own section), and Storage Panel that allows you easier access to client-side storage with simple add, delete, and edit items navigation.

CSS Grid Inspector

One of the standout features for web developers is the CSS Grid Inspector. This tool allows you to see grid lines directly in the browser, making it easier to understand the layout and fix any issues. It's a feature that significantly speeds up the development process and helps you create more robust layouts.

Privacy Protection

While Chrome, Edge, and Opera collect as much data as possible from users, Firefox prioritizes user privacy. Thanks to features like tracking protection and a built-in password management system, your data is secure, which is currently valuable information for us users.

If you're not yet familiar with all these features, perhaps it's time for a change!

Learning Java As Feminine Career Path in Poland

GirlsGoTech Poland — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 10:18:30 +0000

The Power of Programming in Women's Lives

In today's digital age, programming is not just a male-dominated field; it's a universal language that empowers people, regardless of gender, to create, innovate, and solve problems.

Evergreen Appeal of Java

One language that stands out in its ubiquity and utility is Java. For women looking to break into the tech industry or seeking a career change, learning Java offers a pathway to stable, well-paying jobs and opportunities in large corporations.

Java: The Universal Language of the Digital World

Java is everywhere—from powering Android smartphones to running complex algorithms on financial market. Its versatility and platform independence make it a go-to language for all kinds of applications. But did you know that Java is also the most popular programming language in current job offers? With Java making up 40% of the IT job market in Poland, the demand for skilled Java developers is both high and stable.

That's right; mastering Java can be your ticket to a stable and lucrative career

Why Java is a Game-Changer for Women?

Job Stability

In a fluctuating job market, Java offers a sense of stability that is often hard to come by. Its enduring popularity ensures that Java developers are always in demand. For women, this means not just a job but a career—one with longevity and growth prospects.

Opportunities in Large Corporations

Java is the backbone of many large-scale applications and systems. Companies like Google, Amazon, and IBM rely on Java for their back-end development. By learning Java, you're opening doors to opportunities in these tech giants, where career growth is not just a possibility but a guarantee.

Competitive Salaries

Java developers in Poland are among the highest-paid professionals in the tech industry. The pay scales make it an attractive career option for beginners.

Empowerment Through Skill

Java is not just a language; Programming is a skill that empowers you. As more women learn Java, the gender gap in the tech industry can begin to close, leading to more diverse and inclusive work environments.

How to Get Started with Java: Your Path to Mastery

If you're new to programming, don't worry. Java is known for its user-friendly syntax and community support. Many online courses are geared towards beginners, and there are numerous resources available to help you get started.

Online Courses: Websites like [ENG]Coursera, Udemy, and Codecademy offer beginner to advanced Java courses. Check also polish course Java dla początkujących (free) or Java od podstaw (paid)
Mentoring Programs: e.g. Go for JAVA, girl! by Women in Technology Poland. Also check our Polish Initiatives for Women in Tech Leadership

Poland - Initiatives for Women in Tech Leadership

GirlsGoTech Poland ・ Jun 30 '23

Books and E-Books: There are plenty of comprehensive Java books that can guide you through the basics to advanced topics e.g. "Head First Java" or "Effective Java" are good starters!
Community Support: Online forums like Stack Overflow provide a platform to ask questions and share knowledge.

Girls, Future Awaits!

Learning Java is more than just acquiring a new skill; it's about empowering yourself to take control of your tech career and better life quality. For women, this is especially significant. In a world where the tech industry is predominantly male, mastering Java gives you the chance to stand out and make your mark.

So, what are you waiting for?

Classroom to Coding: How Teachers Can Inspire Girls

GirlsGoTech Poland — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 19:49:14 +0000

Programming has become a vital skill - we all know it. It is crucial to encourage young minds, especially girls, to dive into the world of coding.

Today we focus on:

Why and how teachers should motivate girls to take up programming?
What are initiatives and resources available in Europe?

The Importance of Encouraging Girls in Programming

Last five decades, the field of programming has been male-dominated. However, it's essential to break this stereotype and encourage more girls to explore the world of coding. Encouraging girls to take up programming from a young age can help foster creativity, improve problem-solving skills, and open up a wide range of career opportunities. Moreover, it can contribute to creating a more diverse and inclusive tech industry.

How to Encourage Girls in Programming?

Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping a student's interest in different subjects. They can encourage girls to take up programming by integrating coding activities into the curriculum, creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment, and showcasing successful women in tech as role models. Moreover, teachers can organize coding workshops or clubs and encourage girls to participate in coding competitions.

Funding Opportunities for Schools

Several funding options are available for schools to support programming initiatives.

These include grants from government bodies, non-profit organizations, and tech companies.

Schools can also partner with local businesses or tech companies for sponsorships or in-kind support.

Organizations Offering Free Programming Education

Girls Who Code: An international non-profit organization that aims to close the gender gap in technology.
Code First: Girls: A UK-based organization that provides free coding courses for young women.
Greenlight for Girls: A global non-profit organization that encourages girls to pursue STEM subjects.
Rails Girls: A global, non-profit volunteer community that organizes free workshops for girls and women to learn web app development.

Poland - Initiatives for Women in Tech Leadership

GirlsGoTech Poland — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 09:39:37 +0000

In today's tech world, we really need to face the fact that there aren't enough women in leadership positions.
I mean, things have improved, but there's still a major gender gap when it comes to women being in charge as managers or executives.
And you couldn't believe it, but even in the tech entrepreneurship scene, women often get treated with a patronizing attitude.

It's time we dig into these issues and see how we can empower women to step up and take on leadership roles in the tech industry!

Bridging the Gap and Driving Change

The Lack of Women Leaders in Management and Executive Roles

Let's talk about the fact that there aren't enough women calling the shots in tech companies. Ok, we've made progress with diversity and all, but women are still way underrepresented in those decision-making positions. And you know what? It's not just about having different perspectives, it's also about holding back the potential growth and success of these organizations. We need to fix this, like: ASAP!

Gender Bias in Tech Entrepreneurship

Here's another thing that gets on my nerves. Women in the tech industry who are all about entrepreneurship often face unfair treatment. People tend to question or undermine their technical skills and abilities. How unfair is that? But this is still part of our lives in the XXI century.

This bias discourages women from pursuing their own entrepreneurial dreams or taking on leadership roles in the tech world. It only makes the gender gap in the industry even wider. Ugh!

Game-Changing Initiatives

But it's not all doom and gloom. There are some awesome initiatives happening in Poland right now that are all about empowering women in tech leadership. Let's check together

TECH Leaders program
Mentoring - IT for SHE program
Mentoring - Cherry-IT
Go Startup Academy
Strong Women in IT

TECH Leaders by WiT Poland

An amazing four-month program called TECH Leaders, organized by the Women in Technology Poland Community, is completely free! This program offers training and mentoring to help women enhance their leadership skills and build confidence in managerial positions. The best part is that you have the opportunity to choose from a diverse range of mentors with different areas of expertise.

IT for SHE program

Another notable initiative and very similar to TECH Leaders is the Mentoring - IT for SHE program, providing free mentoring opportunities for women in the IT industry. This program pairs experienced mentors with aspiring women who want to follow STEM career path, offering guidance, support, and valuable insights into navigating the challenges of tech leadership.

Cherry-IT Mentoring

For those seeking more in-depth and personalized mentoring the Cherry-IT program serves as an excellent option. This 10-month program for testers (only 5 people per edition) that connects you personally with Ania Pieciulko experienced industry professional who provide tailored guidance to help you excel in careers and break through barriers.

Girls Go Startup Academy

An innovation academy designed for high school seniors, college students, doctoral candidates, and graduates in technical and scientific fields. It aims to provide the knowledge and connections necessary for creating and managing their own STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) start-ups!

Strong Women in IT

Not a program but, the "Strong Women in IT" report sheds light on the experiences, challenges, and successes of women in the IT field. It serves as a valuable resource for gaining insights into the current landscape and identifying areas for improvements.

Empowering women in tech leadership is crucial for growing innovation, diversity, and inclusivity within the industry.

By acknowledging the lack of women in management roles, addressing biases in technical entrepreneurship, and actively supporting initiatives for women, we can create a more female-friendly & diverse tech ecosystem.

Help us support the new generation of women leaders in technology!

Inclusive tech benefits

GirlsGoTech Poland — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 10:42:06 +0000

Do you wonder why companies want to be part of pride month and once per year promote Diversity&Inclusion?
It's not just a reflex of good heart, for sure.

In today's dynamic and ever-evolving world, the urgent need for more inclusive initiatives in the industry cannot be overstated!

It's not just about doing the right thing. It's about unleashing a wave of visible benefits for businesses that will propel them to new market of success. And we LGBT+ allies should know about that and use this to help create more inclusive work environment.

Here are arguments you can use to discuss Diversity and Inclusion in your workplace.

Strive for talent pool

Picture this: a vibrant and diverse talent pool brimming with individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. You like it, because this is how real world looks like.

By cultivating inclusive initiatives, businesses open their doors to the future like gen Z. Generation Z is just hitting the job market. Much more into future than last generations and much more inclusive, embracing differences. They are going to bring innovative ideas and groundbreaking solutions and they will shape future of tech.

You are talking with your company's Employer Branding team to join D&I events?

Don't say:

We should be more inclusive because it looks good.

Say:

By joining inclusive initiatives, businesses open themselves up to a broader range of talent.

Employee satisfaction and retention

Let's not forget about your most valuable asset — current employees! Inclusive initiatives promote a sense of belonging, acceptance, and fairness within the workplace.

When employees feel valued and respected for their unique contributions, they are more engaged, motivated, and satisfied in their roles. This increased job satisfaction leads to higher productivity, reduced turnover, and improved employee retention rates. Moreover, companies that prioritize inclusivity are seen as desirable employers, attracting top talent and reducing recruitment costs.

Enhanced creativity and innovation

Inclusive initiatives are like magic spell that enhance decision-making prowess. When diverse voices come together, true change happens!

Inclusive actions foster an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their ideas and opinions. This psychological safety encourages individuals to share diverse perspectives and contribute their unique insights, leading to a more creative and innovative work culture.

When teams collaborate with individuals from different backgrounds, they are more likely to develop competitive solutions that address a wider range of customer needs.

Say it loud:

Different viewpoints and approaches can lead to more creative problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking, ultimately giving businesses a competitive edge in the market.

Unconscious biases fade away

Also when diverse voices are present in the decision-making process, it helps to minimize unconscious biases and promotes a more balanced approach.

Don't be afraid of brainstormings that one of great tools, resulting in informed, well-balanced decisions that resonate with diverse customer needs. And that leads us to...

Expanded market reach

Inclusive initiatives enable businesses to connect with a broader customer base.

When your teams reflect the diversity of the world, they possess the superpower to understand and connect with customers from all walks of life.

The company can better understand and address to the needs of different demographics and cultures. This cultural competency allows businesses to create products and services that resonate with a wider range of customers, opening up new markets and increasing customer loyalty.

Enhanced reputation and brand image

Why "brand image" as last point? Well, companies often see D&I as only-PR-thing. That's only one part of the puzzles.

In today's socially conscious society, businesses are increasingly evaluated based on their commitment to social issues. By inclusive initiatives, companies can build a positive reputation and strengthen their brand image BUT only with a genuine commitment to fostering diversity and creating an inclusive work environment.

We are sick of PR campaigns without real effects. Trust is the new currency in contemporary world.

Encouraging girls towards code with girls.js

GirlsGoTech Poland — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 12:21:07 +0000

During the last weekend of June, programming workshops called girls.js will take place in Poznań! This event is specifically aimed at women who want to dive into the basics of the JavaScript programming language and get new skills in the field of technology.
Is it worth joining? The answer is definitely yes!

Why initiatives for women?

Initiatives like girls.js are of great importance for gender equality and increasing women's representation in the technology industry. They create a space where women can develop their skills, gain confidence, and inspire each other. At girls.js, we believe that every woman has the potential to succeed in technology, which is why we support and motivate participants at every stage of their journey.

What does girls.js Poznań look like?

By joining girls.js workshops in Poznań you can expect a highly intensive two-day workshop that provides participants not only with practical & fun programming learning but also inspiring lectures and networking opportunities. The organizers ensure that the event is unforgettable!

During these two days, participants will have the opportunity to attend programming workshops in JavaScript, benefit from individual mentoring in small groups of three.
This is also occasion to join lectures about working in the IT.

Additionally, on Saturday, throughout the day, participants will be able to take part in the "Ask me anything: Career, CV, LinkedIn" table session with IT recruiter Lidia Cielewicz, where they can be obtain valuable career advice.

Moreover, there will be an opportunity to discuss modern education supported by technology, competencies in the computerized reality, and ways of obtaining funding for additional courses in digital skills with the CODE:ME foundation.

There will also be contests with attractive prizes and many other surprises that will make this event not only educational but also incredibly inspiring and full of positive energy.

This year's Golden Ducky sponsor of girls.js Poznań is Recruitee, an international ATS software company. In addition to their sponsorship, they will also conduct a short dedicated session focused on diversity and inclusion, highlighting their commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse tech community.

Organization

The coordination of the event in Poznań is handled by Małgorzata Rita Łyczywek, a software engineer and author of the blog flynerd.pl for women about programming. The event is organized from the bottom up. The entire girls.js initiative is driven by the strength of volunteers - both the organizers and mentors do not receive any compensation, and participation in the workshops is always free.

👉 24.06 - 25.06.2023
👉 Plus Jeden Poznań, ul. Za Bramką 1

If you are interested in supporting the girls.js initiative and becoming a volunteer in your city, it's a great decision!
Volunteering in girls.js is not only an opportunity to develop your skills and gain new experiences but also a chance to co-create an inspiring community of women in technology. To learn more, visit the girls.js fan page and get in touch with the local team.