Monday, December 30, 2019

Experienced Protective Services Resume Template 2018s Top Format

Experienced Protective Services Resume Template 2018s Top FormatExperienced Protective Services Resume Template - 2018s Top FormatCreate ResumeGabriella Griffin100 Main Street, Cityplace, CA, 91019Cell (555) 322-7337 example-emailexample.comSummaryAccomplished United States Air Force veteran with TS/SCI clearance with over five years of decorated experience in law enforcement, security operations, and entry control with an honorable discharge pursuant of a career in the security and protective services field in which my extensive experience will become extremely beneficialHighlightsTS/SCI ClearedFirst Aid trainingWeapons trainingSecurity of Distinguished PersonnelDefensive TacticsCounter-terrorism StrategiesSituational DeescalationCrime Scene ManagementSafeguarding Classified MaterialCrime PreventionCustoms/ImmigrationsLaw Enforcement Public SafetyOC CertifiedMEB Asp CertifiedInterview/InterrogationsTraffic ControlExperienceSecurity Forces MemberAugust 2007 to May 2013 United St ates Air ForceUS Air Force fruchtwein Previous Assignment Andrews AFB (2010-2013)Overseas Tour Lakenheath AFB, England(2008-2010)Deployments 6mo. U.A.E 6mo. KuwaitFulfilled an extensive range of law enforcement, security, and entry control operations. Knowledgeable in the use of firearms, asp baton, OC spray, and x-ray detection systems. Two deployment tours with a combined year of experience in third world customs and security operations. Served a two year tour overseas at Lakenheath AFB, England to supervise an entry control facility for a high intel resource. Trained numerous subordinates both stateside and abroad. Extremely proficient in the security of resources, classified material, and dignitaries. Fully competent in handcuffing/searching procedures as well as conflict de-escalation.Awards and RecognitionHonored with Unit Meritorious Service Medal in 2010 as well as 2012, Good Conduct Medal(2010), and Marksmanship with the M-4 RifleEarned consistent commendations from leade rship for devotion to duty, selflessness, and the maintaining of Air Force core values which set a positive example as well as standard for subordinatesRated 5 out of 5 on my enlisted yearly performance reviews accompanied by high scores on annual job qualification testingEducationHigh School Diploma 2007 East Hampton High School East Hampton, NY, USLaw Enforcement Securtiy, 2007 USAF Security Forces Academy Lackland Afb, TX, USCustomize ResumeMore Law Enforcement and Security ResumesEntry Level Correctional Officers Resume Templates

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Performance Development Planning

wertzuwachs Development PlanningPerformance Development PlanningAre you looking for the process that provides the heart of your performance management system? Youve found it. The Performance Development Planning (PDP) process enables you and the people who report to you to identify their personal and geschftliches miteinander goals that are fruchtwein significant to your organizations success. The process enables each staff person to understand their true value-add to the organization. They do so when they understand how their job and the requested outcomes from their contribution fit inside your department or work units overall goals. Personal Developmental Goals In the process, staff members also set personal developmental goals that will increase their ability to contribute to the success of your organization. The accomplishment of these goals also provides a foundation for their career success whether in your organization or elsewhere, so they ought to be motivated and excite d about achieving these goals. Your system of Performance Management, with the PDP process for goal setting and communication, will ensure that you are developing a oben liegend workforce. As one CEO remarks daily, The only factor that constrains our growth is our ability to hire a superior workforce. Why not grow that talent from within your organization as well? PDP meetings are held at least quarterly to review the staff persons progress on the overall goals and objectives. Your staff persons progress on the action plans that result from the PDP goals is reviewed at your weekly one-on-one meeting. This weekly meeting allows you to offer assistance and to identify any help or tools the staff person needs to succeed. Make the Performance Development Planning Meeting Successful Schedule the Performance Development Planning meeting and define pre-work with the staff member.The staff member reviews personal performance for the quarter, writes geschftsleben and personal development al goal ideas on the PDP form and gathers needed documentation, including 360-degree feedback results, when available.The supervisor prepares for the PDP meeting by clearly defining the most important outcomes needed for the staff persons job within the framework of the organizations strategic plan. The supervisor writes business and personal developmental goal ideas on the PDP form in preparation for the discussion.The supervisor gathers data including work records and reports and input from others familiar with the staff persons work.Both the supervisor and the employee examine how the employee is performing against all criteria, and think about areas for potential development.The supervisor develops a plan for the PDP meeting which includes answers to all questions about the performance development planning process with examples, documentation, and so on. Recognize that this process takes place quarterly and that the most time and work are invested in the first PDP meeting. The r est of the quarterly PDP goals, maybe for years, update the initial goals. So, while seemingly time-consuming on the front end, the PDP process, with a formal, effective foundation of solid personal and business goals, is less time consuming as quarters pass. The PDP continues to create business and employee success and value during its lifetime. With quarterly updates, the PDP process contributes to the future. During the Performance Development Planning (PDP) meeting Establish a comfortable, private setting and chat a few minutes to establish rapport with the staff person.Discuss and agree upon the objective of the meeting to create a performance development plan.The staff member is given the opportunity to discuss the achievements and progress accomplished during the quarter.The staff member identifies ways in which he would like to further develop his professional performance, including training, assignments, new challenges and so on.The supervisor discusses the employees pe rformance for the quarter and suggests ways in which the staff member might further develop his performance. The supervisor provides input to the employees selected areas of personal and professional development and improvement.Discuss areas of agreement and disagreement, and reach consensus.Examine job responsibilities for the coming quarter and, in general.Agree upon standards for performance for the key job responsibilities for the quarter.Discuss how the goals support the accomplishment of the organizationsbusiness plan and the departments objectives.Set goals together for the quarter.Agree upon measurement for each goal. Assuming performance is satisfactory for the quarter, agree on a personal and professional development plan with the staff person, which helps him grow professionally in ways important to him and your organization.If performance is less than satisfactory, develop a written Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), and schedule more frequent feedback meetings. Remind the employee of the consequences connected with continued poor performance.The supervisor and the employee discuss the employees feedback and constructive suggestions for the supervisor and the department. Discuss anything else the supervisor or employee would like to discuss, hopefully, maintaining the positive and constructive environment established thus far, during the meeting.Mutually sign the Performance Development Planning document to indicate the discussion has taken place.End the meeting in a positive and supportive manner. The supervisor expresses confidence that the employee can accomplish the plan and that the supervisor is available for support and assistance.Set a time-frame for aformal follow-up meeting, generally quarterly. I recommend you set the actual date for follow-up. Following the Performance Development Planning Meeting If a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) was necessary, follow up at the designated times.Follow up with performance feedback and discus sions regularly throughout the quarter. (An employee should never be surprised about the content of feedback at the quarterly performance development meeting.)The supervisor needs to keep commitments relative to the agreed upon personal and professional development plan, including time needed away from the job, payment for courses, agreed-upon assignments and so on. The supervisor needs to act upon the feedback from departmental members and let staff members know what has changed, based on their feedback.Forward appropriate documentation to the Human Resources office and retain a copy of the plan for easy access and referral. When your organization develops the discipline and commitment necessary to carry out regular performance development planning, your organization will win. This systematic method for cascading goals and commitment throughout your organization will ensure your success. Can you think of a better way to communicate and measure your key strategic objectives to ensur e progress and success?

Friday, December 20, 2019

Why the Employee Feedback Sandwich Tactic Doesnt Work

Why the Employee Feedback Sandwich Tactic Doesnt WorkWhy the Employee Feedback Sandwich Tactic Doesnt WorkManagers in workplaces are on a mission to discover ways to provide employees with wertmiger zuwachs improvement feedback- comfortably and kindly. The feedback sandwich has been recommended in management development, consulting, and Human Resources practices for years by many different consultants and trainers. And, you know what? They are wrong to recommend the feedback sandwich as a method for providing constructive feedback. It just doesnt work. And, it may even prove harmful to employee feedback. What a Feedback Sandwich Is In a feedback sandwich, the manager layers constructive feedback between two instances of positive performance feedback. The formula looks like start the meeting with positive feedback, then provide constructive or negative feedback, and then, end the meeting with more positive feedback. (Note the constructive meat is layered between two pieces of brea d praise.) Regardless that this approach may be comfortable for managers who seek easy ways to provide constructive feedback, the feedback sandwich may not be as helpful as recommended. In fact, it can get in the way of effective, meaningful feedback and communication that will produce performance improvement results. Heres why. Problems With the Feedback Sandwich Using a feedback sandwich flies in the face of recommendations about how to provide effective, meaningful employee feedback that is less than positive. The best approach recommended to performance improvement feedback is to provide straightforward, to the point, descriptive communication with examples of what the employee needs to improve.When an employee is scheduled for a meeting, even if it is a regular meeting, the employee anticipates that some feedback will be constructive. Sure, the employee doesnt like the constructive feedback as much as positive feedback, but the meeting met his or her expectations.The employ ee does not feel deceived or fooled. If the employee can expect honest, straightforward feedback from you, the employee will trust you. Beating around the bush is perceived as prevarication. If you provide feedback in a sandwich, the employee forgets what you said about his or her positive performance when you use terms such as and or but to transition to the perceived negative feedback. The employee loses the positive first interaction when they experience follow-up constructive feedback. Hence, you lose the supposed advantage of offering positive feedback first.Performance improvement feedback that is followed by more positive feedback distorts the importance of the feedback about areas to improve. The employee can be confused about the importance of constructive feedback. Since sustained improvement is the basis for recommendations about raises and other organizational perks, this places the employee at a disadvantage. Positive feedback is a powerful tool that managers can use to communicate the value of the employees work and contribution to the organization. It reinforces behaviors that youd like to see more of on the job. The feedback sandwich diminishes the value and the power of the positive, reinforcing feedback that is delivered during the saatkorn message or meeting. Alternative Strategies for Providing Constructive Feedback Convinced that the feedback sandwich may actually hinder effective performance feedback? If so, then these recommendations will help you provide more effective, employee-enabling, behavior-changing feedback to employees. (And, thats what you wanted in the first place, right?) You need to prepare for any meeting during which you will provide constructive feedback to an employee. The boss plays a powerful role in the employees work life and you need to remember this at all times. (Yes, this is burdensome, but you chose to be a boss with the responsibility for providing constructive feedback.)Your preparation of wording, approa ch, and examples will make you more comfortable as the deliverer of constructive feedback.An additional rule has been widely recommended to managers. If you need an employee to improve his or her performance, address only one major improvement at a time. With this approach, the employee can fully comprehend the needed changes. You can spend the time offering examples, developing a course of action, and expressing confidence in the employees ability to improve. It makes sense to focus after you have given the employee an overview of the key areas of needed improvement. You might even ask the employee where theyd like to concentrate first. When discussing the employees performance, link the failings to their real impact on the business and on the employees coworkers. Help the employee see where their actions are unfavorably having an impact on their company and their career. Focus, too, on the positive results that will occur with improvement. You need the employee to believe that the y have hope on the horizon.Areas that you put forth for improvement may already be apparent to the employee. The straightforward approach allows the employee to acknowledge that he or she sees the need for improvement. In fact, the employee may be experiencing frustration about how to approach improvement and how to get better results. This is an opportunity for the manager to develop a relationship with the employee in which the manager is viewed as a helpful resource who is committed to the employees success. The outcome of the meeting should be an action plan with feedback sessions planned at regular intervals. The employee is more likely to improve with clear expectations, due dates, and your proffered regular support. Then, make sure that you do follow up with the employee to emphasize the importance of his improvement to the success of his career.In a performance review setting, provide both positive and constructive feedback while providing the opportunity for discussion. Fol lowing the entire discussion, rather than provide more positive feedback, use the time to express confidence in the employees ability to improve. Establish an action plan and critical points timeline that specifies when youd like feedback about progress from the employee. The feedback sandwich is an outdated recommendation that catered to the skills, fears, and trepidation of managers who were expected to help employees improve their performance by providing clear and honest feedback. If you follow these recommendations instead, you actually have the opportunity to help every employee succeed.

Sunday, December 15, 2019

The Right Way to Procrastinate, According to Productivity Experts

The Right Way to Procrastinate, According to Productivity ExpertsThe Right Way to Procrastinate, According to Productivity Experts Just about everyone I know is a procrastinator on some level. Going by Malcolm Gladwells 10,000-Hour Rule , basically every college student is an expert procrastinator. But procrastination doesnt mean putting off work forever and never doing it. For most people (even college students), work that gets put off must eventually get done. From this perspective, the real masters of putting off work are those who still manage to get everything done - and done well. Luckily, there are some simple productivity techniques that can make your procrastination work for you.In our culture, we tend to vilify procrastination as the antithesis of productivity. When done correctly , however, procrastination can help you focus in on your goals, gain clarity on whats important and boost your creativity. Getting all the benefits you can out of your break tim e means actually learning how to procrastinate.Effective procrastination is built around active procrastination or productive procrastination techniques. Strategies can include restructuring your tasks so that in putting off some work you actually get other valuable tasks done. You might also try pitting your task against your own boredom. (You dont have to write that email, but you cant do anything else.) Or you could default to certain helpful tasks, like organizing. In fact, active procrastination is often so productive that many people wouldnt even call it procrastination. Here are some go-to strategies from success experts .So often we dive into a project with little direction. Give yourself time before and during a project to step back, organize your thoughts or actions and get clarity on what parts of the task are important. This doesnt have to be terribly formal, either. It can be as simple as clearing the clutter on your desk for focus or clearing the clutter in your plann er to decide whats a priority. It can mean having a coffee and actively thinking about your approach to a problem or job. Whatever it is for you, do that thing that allows you to get your head on straight.Sometimes it can feel like youre juggling a million and one things at a time. When youre feeling overwhelmed, it is worth separating all your tasks, correctly prioritizing each one and then resuming action. Doing this can clear things up in your mind and leave you feeling less overwhelmed, says Jrgen Sundberg of Link Humans and Undercover Recruiter .One of the reasons procrastination is appealing to people is that it creates the needed additional stress to push us to complete tasks or projects. The added pressure of limited time can help us focus and prioritize better. So, let yourself wait until (almost) the last moment.I have tried many things in the past to get work done to-do lists, diarying the stuff that I need to do, Pomodoro. However, the best thing I have found so far i s the Just in Time method of working. You know there is a task to do by a certain date. Two days before the date you spend all your time getting it done, depends on how big the task is of course, saysStephen Aitchison of Change Your Thoughts- Change Your Life . For instance, I had a program where I needed to make 15 videos. I would normally do this over a span of 3-4 weeks. However, I spent 2 days, before the program went live, and completed the videos. This way youve got pressure, youve got a commitment and youve got the added bonus of not overthinking things, you get out of your own way and just get it done.Having trouble getting to the gym or writing that blog post? Let yourself procrastinate or dwell on one small step of that process. If you need to head for a workout, allow yourself to spend some time prepping your gym bag (once its all ready youre more likely to go). Need to get the blog post done? Spend some time getting your space right or simply crafting the thesis.The hard est part of anything is starting, and 9 times out of 10 if I start I can carry myself through and get a lot done. That other one time, where I still cant do anything? Thats when I know I should just go do something fun and try again later, says Sean Ogle of Location 180 .Procrastination allows you to pause and look critically at a project. Taking time to critically analyze what parts of the project are holding you back might help you understand whether or not you are the best person for the task.Procrastination is a gift. It allows you an opportunity to assess if you are the right person to work on that task or strategy. Overcoming procrastination only takes 15 minutes. If you are really avoiding something you need to ask yourself Is this something I MUST do? saysNeen James of Neenjames.com . If the answer is no, determine can you delete it or delegate it. If you can delete it thats fabulous. If you can delegate it, who is the best person to outsource it to? Productive procrastinat ion isnt necessarily the best fit for everyone. Depending on your situation, you may have better luck nipping procrastination in the bud. There are literally as many approaches to managing procrastination as there are people, and no one is always right. So, its important to think critically about your work, goals, and priorities when planning for your productivity.This article was originally published on Grammarly . It is reprinted with permission.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Look the Part for Your Job Search

Look the Part for Your Job SearchLook the Part for Your Job SearchInvest in your image on and offline with a budget-conscious haircut, updated clothes, makeup, and a professional head shot for your online profiles. This week I want you to go shopping for your personal brand.Thats right, you heard me shopping. Sure, you can tell your significant other that Amanda made you do it. And for those of you with tight budgets, Ill show you ways to invest in your brand without breaking the bank.In all seriousness, to be successful in the job search you have to look and feel your best. Isnt it easier to put yourself out there to network and interview when youre feeling good about how you look?And while its not fair, experts agree that a persons appearance can affect the outcome of ones job search and potential for advancement in the workplace. Your personal grooming, professional wardrobe even your haircut play a role in your personal brand.Here are three ways to upgrade your look to improve your brand on and offline.Get groomed.Invest in a professional haircut and other grooming services such as waxing, makeup for the ladies, and a professional shave for the gentlemen. Look on Groupon or LivingSocial for daily deals on these types of services. Often, salons will offer free or discounted cuts for their academies, such as Aveda or Vidal Sassoon. Unless youre in a highly creative field, stick to a more traditional haircut style. Ladies can take advantage of the cosmetics counter at the nearest department store or Sephora location for a free makeover. You may be guilted into buying a lipstick, but overall it will be great deal.Get tailored.During this holiday season most of you will be out and about buying presents for your loved ones. Put yourself on the list this year. Take advantage of the holiday sales to update your job-search wardrobe and accessories. Use sites like Deal News to find the best promotions, and shop sites like Overstock for discounted products. I am a big fan of Marshalls and TJ Maxx for great deals on high-quality clothing and accessories. Is your family nagging you for gift ideas? Scope out the stores and ask for specific items or gift cards to boost your job-search attire.Get a glamour shot.Did you know that your LinkedIn profile is 40 percent more likely to be clicked on if you have a photo? But not just any photo. This image needs to be professional, friendly, and in alignment with your personal brand. Your selfie is not going to score you any points with prospective employers. And while you have a great family and your dog is adorable, neither of these images belongs in your profile picture.If youre thinking about getting a family portrait taken at the local mall, ask if they could throw in a head shot of you as well. jcp offers discounts on portraits throughout the year, especially around holiday time. Really strapped for cash? Ask the photographer at the next event or wedding youre attending to take a shot of you. Just m ake sure your attire and the background are suitable for your professional image.With a small investment you can boost your self-esteem and personal image for the job search, so give these tips a try this week. Next week, well talk about making your professional resume mobile.

Friday, December 6, 2019

The Unexpected Truth About How to List Volunteer Work on Resume

The Unexpected Truth About How to List Volunteer Work on Resume How to List Volunteer Work on Resume Secrets You will be hearing from the hiring manager in no moment. Superior resumes show as opposed to tell. You will receive a remarkable job only so long as you place in a challenging work. Youre requesting a particular job. Becoming a volunteer isnt always as simple as it seems. Volunteer work covers a wide selection of activities and can vastly enhance your odds of receiving an interview for your perfect job if you understand how to put volunteer work on your resume in a sense that shows your strengths, dedication and enthusiasm. Besides the skills needed for that specific job profile, volunteer experience brings highly desired qualities. Internship work experience overseas is a wonderful method to equip yourself with new knowledge and techniques. The New Angle On How to List Volunteer Work on Resume Just Released If done right, obtaining a volunteer resume section may help you stick out in a crowded area of job applicants. A career highlights section is most effective for a seasoned job seeker and ought to be used in place of an objective. Should you do, please tell us in the comment section below. Its available to read, but its set in the center of the entry where its not highlighted. New Ideas Into How to List Volunteer Work on Resume Never Before Revealed Consider what youve accomplished previously and that which you may offer later on. The very first thing you ought to know is that theres nobody right approach to craft your volunteer resume. Youre able to include deep, meaningful experiences which you would want to go over in a work interview in hopes of making a great impression on the interviewer. In nearly any work market, shedding an interview as you possess lots of experience is an annoying setback in the job search practice. For clues, look to the work description that will help you understand what the employer is searching for . Concentrate on the items that youre in a position to give instead of what you might gain from your employer. plattl the courses you truly feel pertain to the job youre applying for. So list such experience only supposing its highly regarding the job which youre seeking. Some individuals meet their community service requirements by spending a couple of hours or a day or two volunteering with a great deal of unique places. If possible, request information about how your work has helped the agency and when you have permission to utilize it like an instance of your success. Volunteer work may have a larger impact for you than a seasoned candidate, and that means you wish to draw the reader in from the beginning. It can be a wonderful way to feature a variety of valuable skills such as fundraising, community planning, patient care, or event management. Employing a resume builder enables you to make quick edits. Resume Contractor The work application builder is extremely simple to use. If you have lots of social work experience, you should think about employing an expert summary. Its imperative to highlight your digital work experience, especially if youre searching for a flexible job. Quite a few types and designs to choose from, Curriculum vitae Now-Resume contractor is the best location to bring in job earning resumes. Make sure that your resumes and cover characters have the same kind of quality papers and printed using just the same kind of printer or ink. Resume Constructor The work application building procedure is extremely quick. Picking out the ideal format for a job continue is among the most vital facets of building an extremely effective resume. The Truth About How to List Volunteer Work on Resume It has to be able to discuss just how you know the geschftliches miteinander youre applying for. Or, if youre asking for a social networking position at an advertising business, you may list volunteer experience as the social networking d irector at a neighborhood festival. Resume cover words are very crucial as that they let you interact with the prospective firm. If you want to make an organization app and have an idea concerning whats appropriate for the little business or organization, dont be scared to ask a lawyer. New Ideas Into How to List Volunteer Work on Resume Never Before Revealed Volunteering abroad proves that you could organize your journey and adapt to quite a different environment in another nation, demonstrating resourcefulness and flexibility. Volunteers perform various unique activities, based on the sort of organization for which theyre volunteering. Being a real volunteer and doing charity work are admirable pursuits and should youve ever volunteered you should be pleased with yourself. Your course work could compensate for your deficiency of hands-on experience in the business. Knowledge of a work seekers volunteer work may also assist a hiring manager determine whether the individua l will probably fit well within the business culture, particularly if it aligns with the organizations values. When you include examples of your achievements in voluntary positions youre also displaying the results of your private involvement and therefore giving the hiring manager with concrete instances of how youll be an ideal fit for their company. Many organizations using volunteers give extensive training that can be invaluable in the very long run. The Meaning of How to List Volunteer Work on Resume Make sure the term volunteer appears somewhere within that entry so that you dont mislead an upcoming hiring manager. Highlights the event and skills you might have that are connected with the work you will be attempting to find. Volunteer work can be a really important portion of your resume and will be able to help you to impress your prospective employer, as Forbes discussed last calendar year. Consequently, its important to talk about the work related skills at length.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Why the Tech Skills Gap Is an Opportunity for Those Willing to LearnĂ‚ 

Why the Tech Skills Gap Is an Opportunity for Those Willing to Learn Weve all heard about the tech skills gemeinsame agrarpolitik thousands of jobs available, but not enough people with the right skills to fill the positions. As an industry, technology is expanding at a faster rate than any other. However, it suffersfrom a huge gap in basic education. Children arent being trained in tech skills like Web development at school, and many adults are unaware of how the products they use every day are built or maintained. With technology enteringalmost every sphere of ur lives, its crucial that we somehow pass on the skills ofcoding and computers to the younger generationsif we are to continue to benefit from the huge advantages technology can offer us. But itsnot all doom and gloom the job opportunities are therefor those who are willing to train in sought-after skills like Web development and UX desig n.Sypros Fotiou is one of the new generation of DIY career-builders who recognized the tech skills gap and saw an opportunity for a career change. One of CareerFoundrys recent success stories, Spyros had been unemployed for some time, despite having racked up the hours studying electrical and computer engineering at university. All of the jobs he wanted to apply torequired skills he didnt specifically have. He weighed his options and decided his best option was to sign up for tech boot camp. In just a few months, Spyros had completed CareerFoundrys Web development coursebefore he knew it, he had become a busy freelance programmer.Society as a whole dependsmore and more on technology in every aspect of life fromstudying to working, leisure timeto socializing which means the variety of jobs available to those in the know isalmost limitless. The jobs arent confined to the tech industry alone every industry is crying out for talented techies, from the sciences to the arts, retail to b usiness.Every industry now relies on technology more than ever before, and this reliance is only growing. Programmer Spyros Fotiou hard at workIt has become the role of tech boot camps and online educators who have stepped in where universities and schools have failed to teach skills to a generation that isstruggling to find work in this creative, challenging, and lucrative industry.Where Can You Learn?There are numerous online and offline options for those who are willing to grasp this opportunity with both hands. For those without the access or financial support to attend an offline coding school, the Internet offers many online options,both paid and free.OfflineIf techis a total career change for you, a good way to start is to look out for upcoming tech events in your area. Hackathonsare happening all over the world every week, and they are worth checking out to see whats involved and what aspects of development and design might be of interest to you. Local and in aller herren lnder tech conferences such as Campus Partyalso usually have free codingworkshops to give people a taste of whats involved. Volunteering at the event usually gets you a free access pass to all areas This is a great way to see whats going on in the industry and rub shoulders with some of techs brightest stars.Theres a whole other article to be written about women in code, but in the meantime, check out nonprofit organization Rails Girl,whichoffers free Ruby on Rails workshops across the globe with the sole purpose of getting more women into tech.General Assembly is an offline coding school that immerses students in technology from day one, with programming experts teaching and supporting eachclass.OnlineMany online platforms will offer ashort courseas a free sample to give you a taste of their learning options. There are also numerous websites likeCodecademy and Coursera, which offer free Web-based tutorials to get you started on the path to your new career. If that doesnt suit you, there are dozens of free apps you can download that will help you practice new skillson your phone, on the train, and on your way to what will soon be your old job.CareerFoundry is an immersive program that offers comprehensive online training in Web development and UX Design. Students can learn at their own pace and from whatever location they choose. Importantly, CareerFoundryaims to get people jobs, so students are mentored throughout the program to create a portfolio project that becomes their first work sample as theylaunch theirnew careers.Lynda.com has been around for almost twenty years and offers thousands of courses to millions of users. Fees are paid monthly and give you access to alibrary of online courses that covers software design, programming languages, game design, and more.As you are learning the skills and once you have completed the training you will inevitably discover that the tech community is a very active and engaged crowd of people. There are regular even tsin big cities and small towns across the globe every single day. There are always enthusiastic programmers, designers, and general tech heads that will be more than happy to chat with you about the learning process, career opportunities, or just cool tech stuff in general.Ifyou have even the slightest interest in tech or if youhave had any doubts about your current career now is as good a time as ever to start changing your plans. In just a few months you could have a brand new career and belong to a new exciting community that will carry you effortlessly into the future. As long as the tech skills gap exists, learning opportunities will continue to flourish and a new career in tech will be yoursfor the taking.