- What is a career journal? The journal will help guide you through the process of discovering who you are as a new developer and how that translates into your career goals. It’s a way to check in with yourself through self-reflection, prompts, and questions, organize your targeted job search, and remember who you met as you build a professional network.
- Make it your own. Add questions and areas to reflect on each week. Just don’t forget to share all of your successes and achievements along the way!
- Ongoing progress checks. Throughout each module, you'll respond to the other prompts and update your progress in your document during professional development workshops and set aside work time.
- Module Expectations. A completed career journal is required for successfully passing each module. The career development team will be assessing your progress throughout the module, and you will submit it for final review in week 6. You will also include highlights from your progress in your end of module portfolio presentation.
- Copy the following prompts into your own private gist or Google Doc. Note: when creating a gist, please make sure to add .md at the end of the title to turn it into markdown format. If you're using a Google doc, please provide comment access.
- Respond to the Mod 0 prompts.
- Submit the link to your document in this survey for the career development component of your Mod 1 Prework.
- When you've worked towards a goal in the past, what systems or tools have been helpful for you in accomplishing that goal? How could you adapt those same systems/tools to use while at Turing?
As a former project manager, I found that setting micro and macro goals is extremely helpful with staying on course. Additionally, it is important to set waypoints in order to review progress and reset goals, if necessary. This same system can certainly be used and adapted for Turing coursework. The main adaptation would be scaling down the timeline to hours or days, rather than weeks or months like I used to. Setting intra-day waypoints to review progress would also be helpful to not remain stuck on an issue too long, and instead seek assistance.
- As you start this new career, what is one of your strengths and how do you know?
I think one of my main strengths I can apply to this new career is my resourcefulness. I know this is a strength of mine as I was praised for it many times in past roles. Working within a team that had limited/no budget for new features, and clients that always wanted upgrades, I had to work with the technology we had in order to accomplish goals. I think this applies directly to programming as there may always be a better way to solve a problem, but I think I will be able to quickly use the knowledge I have to solve it.
- Describe how you work best (conditions, environment, preferences, etc.):
Over the years, I have found that I work best with minimal interruptions. I never did well with an open office plan, and work best with earbuds in. For my work environment, I like my workspace to be organized, as this distracts me. From a technology perspective, I like to to customize everything (keyboard, mouse, shortcuts, etc.), and work best with multiple large displays.
- As you start this new career, what is your greatest area of improvement when it comes to your professional skills?
I believe my greatest area of improvement thus far is my grit. I used to give up fairly easy on different challenges, but I am sticking to learning coding. Having tried self-teaching for a few months and not been happy with the results, I am commiting to a large time/monetary investment (Turing) in order to accomplish my goals. This is not something I would have likely done years ago, but I am focused on this long-term goal.
- How will developing a deeper understanding of your strengths and working preferences benefit you as a software developer?
Acute self-awareness is always key to improving any aspect of your life. Understanding your working preferences will help you be more efficient, completing better work in less time. Understanding your strengths will help with contributing to a project or team. You will better understand where/when to give input, and when it might be time to take a step back and let an expert in your weak area opine.
- Describe the vision you currently have for your career after Turing:
This vision is still developing as I am focused on the early stages of the program. I think for the first 1-3 years I will focus on developing my skills at whatever jobs seem interesting and available. After that, I would like to focus on finding a company that is helping to better people's lives (not sure in what exactly). Additionally, after these first few years, I imagine myself in one of two very different lanes: 1. founding a new business OR 2. finding a less demanding role, or doing freelance work, so I can live and travel on a sailboat.
Answer the below questions in a separate gist and link them into your career journal using this template:
Week 1: [Link here to your gist]
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If you will not be able to complete your journal this week, please provide an update for the Career Dev team on when you'll have it completed here (remember to reflect on what you have control over, what you want to try differently this week, and what habits you can utilize to get back on track):
- Describe one of your strengths
- What is something you have learned to do well (list a skill)?
- I can stick with an issue. I believe my grit is what has got me to the good place I am in life right now.
- What is something you know about (list some knowledge/expertise you have)?
- I know a good deal about project management.
- What is something you have a natural ability to do well (list a talent)?
- I am fairly adept at problem solving in any capacity.
- How could you combine these to describe a specific strength?
- I think it's a bit of a stretch to combine these things into one strength, but I think they fold back into determination. I am determined, so I have strong grit, ability to solve a problem no matter the challenge, and took the time and effort to teach myself project management.
- Read through your Top 4 results from Pairin
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In your own words, what do these top 4 qualities tell you about yourself?
- Objective-Analytical: I am a level-headed, calculated, individual who thinks in an analytical way.
- Specialist: I am a type-A personality who focuses on efficiency, organization, and precision.
- Glass Window: I am an open person who wears their heart on their sleeve.
- Lover of Moderation: I am a respectful and sincere lover of moderation.
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Do they resonate with you? Why/why not?
- I agree with most of these as I see myself fitting all traits of Objective-Analytical and Specialist, and Lover of Moderation other than knowing I get heated fairly quick. I don't necessarily agree with Glass Window as I am not always very open and vulnerable.
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How do they relate to the strength you wrote about in Prompt #1?
- They relate in that Objective Analytical states that "They see life as rewarding when goals are specified and diligently pursued", which sounds a lot like determination.
- Challenges with strengths
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What can make it challenging to recognize your strengths? How can you work through those challenges?
- I struggle with recognizing strengths until I am compared with others who are not as good. I also struggle with accepting complements easily. I have been working to embrace compliments over the years by writing them down, which I will continue to do.
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Do you ever see yourself overusing certain strengths? In what circumstances would you want to use them less and amplify other strengths? How could you adjust your approach in those instances?
- My determination definitely gets in the way, or rubs people the wrong way, sometimes. I am always wanting to go further and do more, which is not always the goal of a group activity. In this circumstance, I would like to try to focus on helping others succeed who are behind.
- Strengths in action
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Write 1-2 sentences describing how you like to work (i.e., Do you pre-plan? Do you talk through your ideas first? Do you work better with deadlines? How do you stay organized?)
- I definitely like to pre-plan first. Making a high-level plan allowing you to break down work into smaller parts and focus on quality and precision. Depending on the type of work there may be different organizational techniques needed, but generally making a plan of work with checkpoints to review progress works the best.
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How could you describe these working preferences to your project teammates? Your mentor? Your instructors?
- I prefer to have a general plan of action, which assigns work appropriately. I also prefer to schedule any checkpoints or major meetings ahead of time to make scheduling easy.
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What would you need to be aware of when working with people who have different strengths from you?
- Simply embrace that other people are more skilled in other areas than me. As someone that generally led meetings in past roles, I am working hard on letting us initiate discussion and control the flow of work.
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How could your Pairin results help you better understand your everyday working preferences?
- All results provide good insight, but I think Specialist describes it the best. I am an arranger and planner. I like to take the lead and make sure everything falls into place.
- Continued growth
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Is there any particular strength you'd like to sharpen while you're at Turing? Any area you consider a weakness that you'd like to strengthen?
- I would like to continue to sharpen my problem solving skills. One area which I consider a weakness is my lack of patience.
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What are some steps you could take here?
- In prior roles, I was senior on the team and working on priority projects, so I was able to get people to do work generally whenever I needed to. Now at Turing, I need to practice humility and continuously remind myself that I am equal to everyone else. For the problem solving skills, I think this should happen naturally as we continue to learn and code.
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How could you be aware of progress you're making?
- I am keeping a journal, and I think reflecting back on this journal periodically will be a huge help with being aware of progress I made.
Answer the below questions in a separate gist and link them into your career journal using this template:
Week 2: [Link here to your gist]
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- (partially complete)
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If you will not be able to complete your journal this week, please provide an update for the Career Dev team on when you'll have it completed here (remember to reflect on what you have control over, what you want to try differently this week, and what habits you can utilize to get back on track):
- Power of self-reflection
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What is challenging about self-reflection?
- Being able to challenge yourself and find the deep truths that may not always be easy to accept. Also, being able to do it consistently in a busy world.
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How can you continue to build the habit of self-reflection at Turing?
- Participating in these PD reflections, as well as my daily meditation.
- Social identity mapping
First, create you own social identity map on a piece of paper (or print this out):
- Outer ring: write words that describe your given identity
- Middle ring: list aspects of your chosen identity
- Center: write your core attributes—traits, behaviors, beliefs, values, characteristics, and skills that you think make you unique as an individual. Select things that are enduring and key to who you are.
After you complete your map:
- Underline the items that are important to you
- Put a + beside the items that you believe clearly demonstrate that you fit into the tech industry
- Put a - beside the items that you believe do not demonstrate that you fit into the tech industry
- Put a ? beside the items that you're unsure how they could show your ability to contribute to the tech industry
Reflect:
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What does your social identity tell you about what you already bring to the tech industry?
- The traits I have that I believe are valued in the tech industry are hard-working, nerd (love math and science), and I love to stay organized.
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What would it look like for some of your minuses or question marks to turn into pluses? In other words, how could some of these traits be assets for the tech industry?
- I had trouble with this question since I didn't have many minuses, but I think the only trait I could flip around would be that I am active. My perception of a lot of the tech industry is most people sit at a desk all day and don't get much activity. I could use my love of being active to encourage others to be active with me and build social capital for the organization.
- Values mapping Pull out 5 values for each bullet below from this list:
- Always valued: accomplishment, simplicity, accountability, success, and self-discipline
- Often valued: authenticity, commitment, fast pace, financial stability, and well-being
- Sometimes valued: adventure, tranquility, role model, truth, and caution
- Seldom valued: nurturing, ethics, frugality, purity, worship
Reflect:
- What do these values tell you about yourself?
- Firstly, it is clear that I value success in life, as well as being accountable for what I am expected to do. Some of the things I value less seem to revolve around not being fixated on the rules that society puts in place.
- Workview & Lifeview
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Summarize what good, worthwhile work means to you (Tip: this is NOT about what work you want to do but about why work matters to you):
- Work matters to me because I enjoy being challenged. Worthwhile work to me also assists people in some capacity, or contributes to the greater good of society.
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Lifeview: summarize what you value in life; what matters to you?
- The thing I find brings the most value to my life is being happy. I find the most happiness by helping others, and also grounding myself so I can appreciate what I have.
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Where do your views on work and life complement each other?
- They compliment each other in that I like work that assists people in some capacity, which also brings my happiness in my personal life.
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Where do they clash?
- They clash in that sometimes the challenges I seek do not always bring immediate happines, but rather some serious struggle and anxiety.
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Does one drive the other? How?
- As mentioned above, I like work that assists people in some capacity, which also brings my happiness in my personal life.
Answer the below questions in a separate gist and link them into your career journal using this template:
Week 3: [Link here to your gist]
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If you will not be able to complete your journal this week, please provide an update for the Career Dev team on when you'll have it completed here (remember to reflect on what you have control over, what you want to try differently this week, and what habits you can utilize to get back on track):
Ideas here are adapted from Atomic Habits by James Clear
Habits of a Software Developer
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What do you think are the traits of a good software developer?
- Responsible, organized, good communicator, and analytical.
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What are they like in the workplace?
- Professional but still easy-going. Willing to assist.
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What would you as a co-worker think of this person?
- They sound like a great worker, and a good person.
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What are the habits that this person demonstrates to embody the identity of a software developer?
- Uses proper process and workflows when writing code. Gives and receives feedback effectively.
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Who do you want to be as a software developer?
- I would like to be like the person described above.
What kind of behaviors do you already have in place to be that person?
- Working hard in this program will help hone these skills. I also am being more purposeful about giving feedback, and trying harder to implement the feedback I received.
What behaviors would you need to put into place? How will you do that?
- More practice on on the skills that will be universally beneficial in the workplace. Continue to get up early to practice.
Working on the 1st Law of Behavior Change: Make it Obvious
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Bring self-awareness to your current habits by making a Habits Scorecard. Make a list of your daily habits (examples: wake up, turn off alarm, check phone, etc.) as a way to bring awareness to what you do. Then, decide how effective that habit is for you and your goal of becoming a software developer. Put a + next to habits that are effective; put a - next to habits that are not effective; put a = next to habits that are neutral.
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Pick 1 new habit you'd like to build and create an implementation intention following this template: "I will [BEHAVIOR] at [TIME] in [LOCATION]." Then, stack the habit onto something you already do: "After [CURRENT HABIT], I will [NEW HABIT]." (Hint: make this highly specific and immediately actionable)
- "I will network on LinkedIn every MWF in the morning before class." "After working out, I will network."
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Design your environment for success: what changes could you make in your space to better implement your habit? How could you remove any triggers for bad habits? How will you implement these changes?
- Don't keep phone on the desk as a distraction. Time block my calendar for networking so I know it is the only thing I should be working on.
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Respond after a few days of this implementation: What are your results? How do you feel about this method? How will you move forward with this habit?
- I am sticking to it, and have made some connections, and learned some things, on LinkedIn. As much as I dislike networking, I know it will bare fruit, so I will continue to do it.
Additional Optional Reading: The Five Triggers That Make New Habits Stick
Answer the below questions in a separate gist and link them into your career journal using this template:
Week 4: [Link here to your gist]
- (completed)
- (partially complete)
- (not started)
If you will not be able to complete your journal this week, please provide an update for the Career Dev team on when you'll have it completed here (remember to reflect on what you have control over, what you want to try differently this week, and what habits you can utilize to get back on track):
- Habits Reflection:
- How have you seen yourself become more aware of your habits? Have you tried implementing anything new? What have the results been?
I have definitely see myself become more aware. I have less time these days, and I am very focused on transforming my career, so I am hyper-aware. The one major thing I changed was getting up earlier to work out, meditate, pre-teach the day's lesson, and work on stretch goals not covered in class. It is fairly early to determine if it is worth it, but I feel healthier and more fulfilled thus far.
- Start Where You Are (Empathize with the user -- you)
- Health: how you answer “how are you”; intersection of physical, mental, and emotional health
Great. Happy, healthy, and motivated.
- How would you rate your overall health on a scale of 1-5? How do you currently make time for activities associated with your health? What is a small change you could make here to readjust your health ratings?
4 - I chose this as there is always room for improvement, but I am feeling good overall. Currently, I make sure I work out at least 3 times a week, meditate in the morning, and schedule out what to eat so I maintain a somewhat-healthy diet. To up this to 5, I could cut out snacks and reduce my sodium intake.
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Work: what you do
- Make a short list of all the ways you work right now; How much value do each of those things bring to your life? How are those activities purposeful for you?
Turing: classwork, projectwork, and stretch work. All of these things have been bringing great value to me recently, and they are all quite purposeful knowing that every ounce of effort I put in now is worth it's weight in gold once I get a job in the field.
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Play: what brings you joy? Think about joy just for the pure sake of doing it; everyone benefits from this kind of play
- What activities do you do that bring you joy throughout an average week? In what ways could you make a small change to bring more joy into your life?
Playing with my dog, playing games with my significant other, and going for hikes. In order to bring more joy, I could schedule more time for these things to ensure I do them.
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Love: sense of connection; who are the people who matter in your life and how is love flowing to and from you and them?
- How does love currently show up in your life? How do you show love to others right now? What adjustments would you like to make in this area?
Family and significant other. I show love by reaching out to folks on a regular basis, since we cannot see each other in person. The only adjustment I would make is to schedule some activities for myself/SO to make sure we get out of the house and build new memories together.
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Looking back at the 4 areas, do any problems emerge that you want to begin designing solutions for?
Not specifically.
- Define your needs, problem, and insights:
Based on what you wrote about above and your group conversation, what problems have you identified that you'd like to design solutions for? What do you already about what you want for your career? What do you still need to find out? Who or what do you want to grow into by the end of the Turing program?
No problems, as mentioned previously. I know that finding a job will be the priority, and I won't be able to choose exactly what, and where, I want to work. I plan on continuing to network on LinkedIn, with mentors, etc and asking questions about their day-to-day work.
- Ideate -- challenge assumptions
When you discussed software developers with your small group on Monday, what assumptions came up about what software developers actually do? What steps could you take to challenge those assumptions and find more facts to answer the question of what developers do? In addition to what a typical software developer life could look like, what do you want yours to include?
We did not assume much, and we all had spoke with actual devs before, and understand that there are many many types of roles in this field. For me, I hope that I am able to write some new code, rather than working solely on an existing code base.
- Prototype -- start creating solutions
What is the basic threshold that your new career must meet after Turing? What would you hope WILL NOT happen in your future after Turing? What is your absolute, no-holds-barred, ideal dream for your future after Turing?
First job out of Turing will be challenging, and introduce me to new technologies. I hope to have great managers/mentors, and work on a team that is fun. Some things I hope will not happen when I get my first job are: get placed on a toxic team, have managers/mentors that are not present and helpful. I do not have an ideal dream for my future after Turing. I feel that we have so much more to learn, and I do not yet fully understand what I am good at and love doing.
- Test –- solutions
Based on this week of reflections, write out your initial vision statement for your career:
As mentioned above: I do not have an ideal dream for my future after Turing. I feel that we have so much more to learn, and I do not yet fully understand what I am good at and love doing.
Answer the below questions in a separate gist and link them into your career journal using this template:
Week 5: [Link here to your gist]
- (completed)
- (partially complete)
- (not started)
If you will not be able to complete your journal this week, please provide an update for the Career Dev team on when you'll have it completed here (remember to reflect on what you have control over, what you want to try differently this week, and what habits you can utilize to get back on track):
- Habits Reflection:
- How have you seen yourself become more aware of your habits? Have you tried implementing anything new? What have the results been?
Yes, I have realized I am becoming more aware of my habits. As mentioned in previous weeks, I have implemented a few things that have been paying off.
- Design Thinking Reflection: Cultivating Beginner's Mind
- How can beginner's mind be helpful when it comes to thinking about your career and job search? What are some habits you could put into place to cultivate beginner's mind regularly?
To help become less complacent, and induce enthusiasm. Some habits include always being curious, and constantly reaching for jobs that you desire, but may not be qualified for by the word of the job listing.
Optional additional reading: How to Cultivate Beginner's Mind to Become a True Expert
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Go through the Flower Exercise brainstorming worksheets linked here. Then complete your Flower Exercise final worksheet here and link that finished worksheet here. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x_7WHbp3COGoaFKLRyO9snA44JDjEBvGL0ES9Lce4zs/edit?usp=sharing
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Write out your top 5 strengths that you've seen in action this module; then write out the strengths of a software developer. Where do you see these lists overlapping? Where are they different?
My Strengths: focus, teamwork, CSS, listening, and planning Software dev strengths: empathy, able to understand the big picture, willingness to help, focus, and growth mindset
These stengths overlap in teamwork and focus. They are different in empathy, as I am still working on building this skill as a dev.
- Write a refined vision statement here (what new things have you discovered this week to incorporate into your vision statement?): I hope to get a job fairly shortly after graduating that helps me grow my knowledge, and associate with other experienced devs that are willing to help.
Week 1: Week 1 Prompts
[Link here to your gist]
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If you will not be able to complete your journal this week, please provide an update for the Career Dev team on when you'll have it completed here:
- Reflect on your habits from last module. What behaviors and activities were helpful for you? What activities and behaviors could be more effective for you? What processes would you like to try differently this module to become more effective at your work and as a software developer?
Helpful: getting up early, pre-teaching, and repetitive practice of mythical creatures. I could spend more time working on personal projects. This module, I an going to work out more consistently, since it helps me de-stress.
- Setting intentions for this module: who do I want to be this module? What specific habits would help me get there? How are those habits tied to the identity of a software developer?
The only thing I wish to change, is that I hope to be more positive and have more fun this mod. The habits to get there include participating more socially, and writing down what I am greatful for daily.
- Incorporate temptation bundling to create a new habit by using this template:
- After eating breakfast, I will workout.
- After meditating, I will get my morning code reps in.
- How to enjoy “hard” habits: Reframe your habits to consider their benefits rather than their drawbacks; name 3 habits that you have to do and explain the benefits of them. How do they further your goals longterm? How will they add to your processes as a successful developer? At the end of the day, how do they add to your life?
Networking, putting in hours when I don't really need to, and pre-teaching the lessons. All of these have clear benefits: networking should help me get a job sooner, and the other two will improve my skills slowly.
- Environment design (optional 5-min. additional reading: Motivation is Overvalued. Environment Often Matters More): how does your environment set-up currently help you with your habits? How could it be improved to make it easier for you to follow through on your habits?
My environment has been set up over time to remove destractions, improve ergonomics, and increase productivity. I can not think of any changes that would materially assist with my habits.
- “When you start a new habit, it should take less than two minutes to do.” Read this 4-min article on how to stop procrastinating. Apply the 2-minute rule to reframe 2-3 of your habits by scaling them down into the 2-minute version. How does this reframing help you think about shaping your new identity as a software developer?
I don't see the value in this.
Week 2: Week 2 Prompts
[Link here to your gist]
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If you will not be able to complete your journal this week, please provide an update for the Career Dev team on when you'll have it completed here:
- Assess your habits from week 1: how did you spend your time this past week? What was effective in your habits? What could be more effective? What steps will you take to make that happen?
Repition with two of the habits was effective. I could be more effective with networking, as I often ignored it. This week, however, I have taken steps to participate in linkedin networking within the cohort.
- Write a draft of your professional story here as 1-2 paragraphs. Focus on answering the questions who are you, why are you here, and what's next? Consider how to talk about your motives and values, the turning points that led to your career change, and what you envision for yourself going forward.
Former fintech professional going on a career change journey deeper into tech. After proving myself through consecutive promotions and awards, I am seeking a new challenge where I can utilize my past experience. In addition, I hope to leverage my new skills learned through self-teaching and immersive formal education..
- Update your LinkedIn profile with the following: updated photo/headshot, headline, summary statement using your story, and Turing added to your experience and education sections. Include a link to your profile here in the journal. Remember the guidelines and tips from the lesson here.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefflshepherd/
- What other steps will you take this week to update your branding or practice your story?
Consider updates to my LinkedIn summary.
Week 3: Week 3 Prompts
[Link here to your gist]
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If you will not be able to complete your journal this week, please provide an update for the Career Dev team on when you'll have it completed here:
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Assess your habits from week 2: how did you spend your time this past week? What was effective in your habits? What could be more effective? What steps will you take to make that happen?
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Reflect on how you’ve spent your time so far at Turing to gauge your engagement and energy:
When have you been excited, focused, and enjoyed your work? When have you felt bored, restless, or unhappy? When do you feel energized in your work? When is your energy drained?
- Setting up habits and routines to make time for the job search this module:
- Block out time on your calendar this week to work on your job search. When will you make this happen? How will you hold yourself accountable to this? What activities will you focus on during this time this week? What outcomes do you hope to reach by the end of this week because of these activities?
- Applying wayfinding to using job search resources
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Go through the resources listed here and explore 2-3 tools. List what you looked at here:
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Apply wayfinding: of what you looked at, what did you discover that aligns with your vision? If it didn't align with your vision, what will you try next? Decide what tools to bookmark to explore later.
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Find a job posting that aligns with your vision. What's the posting? How does it align with what you're looking for? Add it to your Huntr.
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What next steps will you take to explore that opportunity and find contacts? Add that information to your Huntr card.
Week 4: Week 4 Prompts
[Link here to your gist]
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If you will not be able to complete your journal this week, please provide an update for the Career Dev team on when you'll have it completed here:
In week 4, you'll have a job experience activity with employers. The next two prompts are designed to help you both prepare and reflect on that experience:
- Prepare for Job Experience: AEIOU
- Activities: what questions do you have about the activities that a software developer does on a daily basis?
- Environment: what questions do you have about the overall environment and culture of this workplace?
- Interactions: what questions do you have about the team at this company? What do you hope to learn during this experience?
- Objects: what questions do you have about the code or the product?
- Users: what questions do you have about how the company interacts with their users?
- After the Job Experience, reflect on the same questions; what are your takeaways from the activity?
- Activities: what was engaging to the person/people you met with?
- Environment: what did you notice about how they talked about the culture and environment of this company?
- Interactions: what did you notice about your interactions with this person/people?
- Objects: what did you learn about their approach to code and/or product development?
- Users: what did you learn about their approach to their users?
- What are your main takeaways from the shadow? How will you use this information to help you with your job search strategy?
Ideas below are adapted from Atomic Habits by James Clear
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Assess your habits from week 3: how did you spend your time this past week? What was effective in your habits? What could be more effective? What steps will you take to make that happen?
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Implement a reiforcement strategy: to make one of your habits more satisfying, what is a reward you can give yourself immediately after completing the habit? How will this reward encourage you to continue completing that habit?
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"Don't Break the Chain": Use a habit tracker
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What is a habit that you want to make sure to do every day? How could you visually cue yourself to complete it (i.e., moving a paper clip)? How can you visually track it each time you've completed it? Could you automate the tracking? How will you do that?
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Need help? Check out one of these habit tracking apps
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How to get back on track when missing a habit: if you miss a day or two of completing your habit, how will you get yourself going again?
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Pick an accountability partner (your cohort accountabilibuddy, your mentor, a close friend, etc.) and create a habit contract with them. How often will you check in with each other? How will they hold you accountable?
Week 5: Week 5 Prompts
[Link here to your gist]
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Review your habit tracker: how did you monitor your habit(s)? What does this tell you about your overall progress becoming the person you want to be? In general, how satisfied are you with how you spent your time this module? What could be improved next module?
Mind Maps:
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i. Engagement. What did you reflect on last week in regards to when you're engaged in your work at Turing? Pull out an idea that resonates with you most (e.g., "Talking through a problem with a partner," "The moment when I solve a problem that I previously didn't know how to do," "Setting up a successful project management process for my team") and break that idea down into parts and make a list (what are all the steps that go into that moment? When do you get to use your strengths? What is fun about this?).
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ii. Energy. What did you reflect on last week in regards to when you feel most energized in your work at Turing? Pull out an idea that resonates with you most and break that idea down into parts and make a list (what are all the steps that go into that moment? When do you get to use your strengths? What is fun about this?).
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iii. Flow. When have you had an experience recently in which you were in a state of flow? You can also think about this as "joy" or "play." Pull out an idea that resonates with you most and break that idea down into parts and make a list (what are all the steps that go into that moment? When do you get to use your strengths? What is fun about this?).
Prototype your mind maps: what do these mind maps tell you about what's important to you as a software developer? What questions do they bring up about what you still want to learn about this career?
Prototype your outreach: (Be prepared to share this in your small group discussion)
- Who comes to mind as a person you can reach out to? Why that person? What questions would you ask them? Come up with 2-3 people here to serve as prototypes
- How would this outreach help you further your job search strategy?
Outreach & Networking Plan: Based on your reflections above, create a concrete plan for your outreach:
- Who is the right person for you to reach out to?
- How will you find them? How do you know they’re the right person?
- How will you reach out?
- What questions do you need to ask them?
- How will you use this information to further your solution?
- How will you follow up?
Execute your plan:
- Reach out to your contact THIS WEEK. If possible, reach out to more than one person OR find a meetup to attend also. What happened? What other next steps should you take? If this is a person connected to a company you're interested in, be sure to add it to your Huntr card.
Week 1: Week 1 Prompts
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Week 2: Week 2 Prompts
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Week 3: Week 3 Prompts
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Week 4: Week 4 Prompts
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Week 5: Week 5 Prompts
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Note: Mod 4 Prompts will be provided to you by your Career Specialist at that time.
Week 1: [Link here to your gist]
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If you will not be able to complete your journal this week, please provide an update for the Career Dev team on when you'll have it completed here:
Week 2: [Link here to your gist]
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Week 3: [Link here to your gist]
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Week 4: [Link here to your gist]
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Week 5: [Link here to your gist]
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If you will not be able to complete your journal this week, please provide an update for the Career Dev team on when you'll have it completed here: