Log of what of Ciara Dawkins has learned at Techie Youth

Fri. Aug. 12, 2022

Day 27 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about creating mobile apps and apple ios development. Working as an app developer, if you are not building your own app you must know how to get potential clients. A good place to start looking for jobs is on Stack Overflow. This site is a tech forum to both ask and answer questions other programmers have. Another tach-focused platform to find employment is Github. GitHub is used to save and share code that you are working on, but their job board is an ideal place to find mobile app developer jobs. There are also sites where you can advertise your app development services in order to find contract jobs. In apple ios development I learned that iOS apps only run on Apple mobile devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. They are coded in Xcode using a language called SwiftUI.

Thu. Aug. 11, 2022

Day 26 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about Java and how to get hired working as a web developer. Java is considered among the more-challenging languages to learn to a level of expertise. Java is used for many things such as mobile applications, desktop applications, web applications, web servers and application servers, games, and database connections. Java has methods which is a block of code that only runs when it is called you can pass data known as parameters into a method. Methods are used to perform certain actions and they are also known as functions. I watched videos on how to get your first web developer job, learned about creating a job ready portfolio as a junior web developer, and how the technology hiring process works.

Wed. Aug. 10, 2022

Day 25 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about how to use Python. Python is a popular general-purpose programming language. It is used in machine learning, web development, desktop applications, and many other fields. You can freely use and distribute Python, even for commercial use. It has a very simple and elegant syntax. It's much easier to read and write Python programs compared to other languages like C++, Java, and C#. You can move Python programs from one platform to another, and run them without any changes. It also allows you to write programs in fewer lines of code than most programming languages. Python works on different platforms such as Windows, Mac, and Linux. It can connect to database systems, read and modify files, can be used to handle big data, and perform complex mathematics, and it can be used for rapid prototyping.

Fri. Aug. 5, 2022

Day 23 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about web design, google analytics, and learning to code websites. I watched a lot of creative videos on web design for inspiration on how to design websites. I learned how to get web design clients when you do not yet have a portfolio or work history, how to market your web design and development services, how to get and find your first web design client, and learned some common web design mistakes to avoid. Google analytics is a free web service that tracks your web site traffic and provides insights about who is accessing your website. I watched videos on learning the basics of google analytics. Lastly, I learned about coding. You can write code in any text-editor, like Notepad, but most developers increase their coding productivity by using an integrated development environment.

Thu. Aug. 4, 2022

Day 22 at Techie Youth

Today I learned a lot about databases, relational and non-relational databases, SQL, and NoSQL. A database is information that is set up for easy access, management, and updating. Computer databases typically store aggregations of data records or files that contain information, such as sales transactions, customer data, financials, and product information. Relational databases "normalize" the data and non-relational data lumps each block of relevant content into a single monolithic record. I also learned that this can also be referred to as denormalized data. Denormalized data would contain all of the data for that user including their name, addresses, email, password, order history including the products within each order, and so on. SQL stands for structured query language which is the interface language that is used to interact with most relational databases, almost universally. Non-relational databases, often referred to as NoSQL, do not universally use the same language the way relational databases use SQL. Today I also resubmitted an assignment.

Wed. Aug. 3, 2022

Day 21 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about web administration, version control, and WordPress. In web administration, I learned how to set up a website. The main components are the domain name which is essentially a shareable address for your website and web hosting that shares access to your website publicly. I watched a lot of great videos on how to share web hosting and manage hosting. I also got to learn the basics of SSL which stands for Secure Sockets Layer short, it's the standard technology for keeping an internet connection secure and safeguarding any sensitive data that is being sent between two systems, preventing criminals from reading and modifying any information transferred, including potential personal details. Version control is a system used to manage the files on your website. WordPress is the most popular free content management system used to build and maintain websites.

Tue. Aug. 2, 2022

Day 20 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about creating websites and web development roles. In creating a website I learned the basics of HTML which websites are written as well as CCS. CCS is cascading style sheets that are used to style and lay out web pages. I watched videos on learning HTML and CSS Layouts, CSS Layouts with Flexbox, the differences between a front-end developer and a back-end developer, and between a web designer and a web developer. I also learned about becoming a web architect, data architect, system administrator, quality assurance engineer, and release manager.

Mon. Aug. 1, 2022

Day 19 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about music production and web development. In music production I learned about Remote careers roles within the music sector. There are many roles you can have in the music business such as a music producer, a disc jockey, film composer, and selling beats online. I also watched videos and read articles on how to produce music on a computer. Then I learned about monetizing music which you can make ways to profit off of your music. Last but not least I got to look into music career resources such as sound better, music jobs, careersinmusic.com. As well as gig work sites such as flex jobs, up work,virtual vacations, and freelancer.

Thu. Jul. 28, 2022

Day 18 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about pricing, inventory planning, selling, and stocks. Some pricing tips are to start with lower pricing to build traction, reviews and trust, and once you have gained a follower base and proof of demand then increase your prices, be sure to log and track sales. I also learned learn how to analyze stocks intelligently to increase the likelihood of making successful trades. Cryptocurrencies are traded constantly 24/7 without any set market hours, so you can earn or lose money at any hour. Cryptocurrencies are unpredictable assets to trade. They can frequently shift value up or down by large amounts.

Wed. Jul. 27, 2022

Day 17 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about different artist software. There are many different artist software such as adobe illustrator, adobe photoshop, Corel painter, Inkscape, gimp, Krita, and paint.net. Most of them are free and some are not but they all have really professional illustrations. I also learn about clothing, jewelry, fashion items, and wearable tech. I watched videos on how to create professional looking screen-printed garments at home, customize garments using bleach drawing, and on-demand garment production.

Tue. Jul. 26, 2022

Day 16 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about Retrofitting electronic products and digital art. Retrofitting is updating or adding equipment, sensors, or services to existing hardware so that it is able to make use of new technologies. In digital art, I learned about creating and selling art. There are many methods you can use to turn your vision into a digital art piece. Some methods are Computer-based sketching, drawing, and painting for a traditional-style artwork created digitally, manipulating and retouching photos, collaging them together, adding filters and visual effects, tracing over an existing image, and then coloring it. You can sell art online on many platforms but you must be careful of scams.

Mon. Jul. 25, 2022

Day 15 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about a microcontroller and transitioning projects from prototype circuit boards to microcontrollers. A microcontroller is like a tiny computer. You can build a robot mp3 player, cellphones, and more. Then I watched tutorials on the basics of programming a microcontroller. The main benefit of microprocessor chips is that they are less expensive than prototype circuit boards. I also watched a video on how to convert an Arduino Uno project to run on an ATmega328 microprocessor. Converting to a microcontroller from Arduino is easier and more logical.

Fri. Jul. 22, 2022

Day 14 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about robotic products. Robotic products are functional objects that can be interacted with physically and are powered by custom electronics and/or a programmable microcontroller. Products that you sell must be functional. While watching all the videos there are many steps in creating and selling products. There are many platforms to help you get started, for example, Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Arduino and Raspberry Pi are powered by programmable microcontrollers. I also finished learning the section about laser cutting. I learned about Inkscape, Librecad, and coledraw, which are software for laser cutting.

Thu. Jul. 21, 2022

Day 13 at Techie Youth

Today I learned more about laser cut products, design tips and how to get objects laser cut. Before you begin modeling in the software the first thing you should do is try to draw and cut out the design that you plan to make on a piece of paper or card-stock and glue it together. That way you can get a feel for the shapes that you want to make, where you want to cut and the size of everything once assembled. Then I learned about tolerances and how to design to print the highest quality object and how to design to achieve low printing costs. Last but not least I watched a 3hr video on Adobe illustrator techniques.

Wed. Jul. 20, 2022

Day 12 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about solidworks, outsourced 3D printing, printing from your own printer, and laser cutting. Laser cutting is a laser is used to precisely cut out shapes from various materials. Lasers can engrave or cut into all sorts of materials, for example, cardstock which is a common inexpensive material. With the addition of glue or adhesive, you can create 3D objects using 2D laser-cut parts, such as creating a cube from six squares. Laser cutters are very precise and detailed. They are suitable for smaller objects that have low manufacturing costs and sell for a premium such as earrings and small figurines. Solid Works is a 3D experience company. I watched a SolidWorks tutorial on smart dimensions and learned how to work with smart dimension and how to define sketches. Outsourced3D printing is suitable for minimal cost and troubleshooting problems.

Tue. Jul. 19, 2022

Day 11 at Techie Youth

Today I learned more about 3D printed products and how to create a project. I watched Blender 8 part tutorial on how to use modifiers to change objects and edit mode to modify them on an element by element level changing vertices, edges and faces. Then I watched a 2 part tutorial from Autodesk Meshmixer which gives you a block of clay and you sculpt and mold it. I also watched a 9 part tutorial from Autocad which is not free but has cool features. Autocad is one of the defacto standards for most technical drafting work and has been used to design many objects like toys and plans with both 2D and 2D functionality.

Mon. Jul. 18, 2022

Day 10 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about selling computer designed objects and technological crafts. The first step I learned was brainstorming what to make. The next step is planning the project. Things that should be included in the project are the description, resource list, skills, sales channel, and budgeting. I also learned about creating 3D printed products. I watched many tutorials from the software Tinkercad which is free and easy to use and Blender which is also free and Ideal for curvy shapes.

Fri. Jul. 15, 2022

Day 9 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about creating a product, getting clients, sales, contracts, and hiring. It's important to be hands-on with your business, regardless of whether your services or products can be formed or built by you or if you need to have a team in order to reach the minimally viable product. I learned how to maximize the profit earned from selling products. It’s essential to understand how inventory purchasing can affect your profit margins, and what you can do to maximize profits when buying inventory. When it comes to hiring a team of employees, the first step is to identify what management style best suits you. Managing employees effectively to maximize productivity and your return on investment is a skill that every business leader needs to learn. Business leaders also need to learn how to fire, terminate, or lay off because sometimes employees do not work out as planned.

Thu. Jul. 14, 2022

Day 8 at Techie Youth

Today I learned a lot about how to set up business entity’s, partnerships, sole proprietors, corporations, and how to obtain funding to support a business. Every business operates as a company entity. There are several types of business entities; the simplest is a sole-proprietorship. To become a formal sole-proprietor you need to file an application with the county clerk's office in your municipality. What I learned from obtaining funding is that Some businesses can be started with nearly no money, these are referred to as shoestring startups. Most businesses need initial capital to be able to reach the break-even point where the business earns more than it spends. Also, it's important that you must know the financial value of each of your customers to avoid losing money with each customer who buys from you.

Wed. Jul. 13, 2022

Day 7 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about planning a business and what I must do to startup one. The main steps are to find the model of the business, revenue streams, profit models, customer, and market. Your business model should have a specific demographic a customer can relate to. You should always provide well so your customers stay happy. It is really important to plan out how your business will make its revenue and be profitable, also you should identify any risks that might happen so you can be ready to fix them. There will always be competition so you have to find out who is your competition and how can you always stay on top. I also learned about the exit strategy which is building a business, growing customers and market shares, and then selling the business to a larger company.

Tue. Jul. 12, 2022

Day 6 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. You need to have the motivation to start your company and not give up. The three key ways to start a company are passion, ideas, and technology. What makes a business and to have a successful business you need to have a leader with great leadership skills and a great team. I learned how to present myself as a leader by taking some tips from the videos, learned how to confidently make a public presentation and speak prolifically in front of an audience, and learned how to speak professionally and engage your listeners.

Mon. Jul. 11, 2022

Day 5 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about earning income by living a jet-setter lifestyle, and entrepreneurship. You can earn income by traveling to fun places and doing fun activities. For example, YouTube, where you can vlog and blog about your life and get paid for whatever you like to do. You can also become a digital nomad who earns an income by traveling from one place to another. There are many ways to travel for less or even free. Then I touched on learning about entrepreneurs who earn money independently through a business venture they started. I also learned the basics of business leadership—for instance, the lessons for each leadership role.

Fri. Jul. 8, 2022

Day 4 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about health, productivity, stress management, and identifying positive role models and mentors. Poor health can lead to poor productivity. It’s essential to have physical and mental well-being. To improve your desire to work and productivity you should maintain a healthy lifestyle. I learned that happiness is a choice. I watched helpful videos that taught me how to handle stress and improve my happiness. Also, I realized that it’s essential to have someone to look up to throughout my education and career. Mentors are really important because they can give you the support that you need and advice. Then I read a really good article about how to find a mentor and maintain a positive relationship.

Thu. Jul. 7, 2022

Day 3 at Techie Youth

Today I learned about how to be aware of scams, networking with other people, time management, financial awareness, and financial management. Scams come in many different forms and I was able to identify the common tactics that scammers use so I can avoid them. I learned that it’s important to always read the fine print on every opportunity. I also learned how to master networking and make strategic contacts at professional events. It’s important to have personal connections to advance your career. Then I learned important skills to have for time management for example organization, goal setting, prioritization, and planning. Last but not least I learned the difference between gross income and net income and how to use a salary calculator. Also what I should and should not be investing my money in.

Wed. Jul. 6, 2022

Day 2 at Techie Youth

Today I learned how to search for remote employment opportunities. I watched helpful videos and articles that helped me find different companies that have remote jobs. Remote working is great because it works with your own schedule. Also you get to take as many breaks that you need. I also learned about tips for interviewing. It's good to research and learn about the company before you have an interview. Then I learned about how to be a leader and what I should not do in an interview. Last but not least I learned how to successfully work in a remote job by having collaboration, productivity, and communication.

Tue. Jul. 5, 2022

First day at Techie Youth

Today I learned a lot of information that was really helpful. I learned about remote working, mastering your own time, how to write checks, how to create a resume, how to create a cover page, social media pages, what employers look for and why they reject you, and what I should have and not have in my Linkedin profile.