7 Effective Ways to Stand Out as a Candidate in a Competitive Job Market

At Code, we want to help our candidates stand out as the best possible fit for a job. We feel that taking extra steps to help our candidates stand out is essential to help them secure the job of their dreams. With the right strategies, we can help you to differentiate yourself and increase your chances of landing that dream position. Here are seven effective ways to stand out as a candidate: 

1. Craft an Impressive Resume and Cover Letter:

Your resume and cover letter are often the first things hiring managers see. Tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for, highlighting your relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Ensure your cover letter is well-written, showcasing your enthusiasm for the role and how your unique qualifications align with the company's needs.

2. Leverage Your Online Presence:

Optimize your online presence to make a positive impression. Create a LinkedIn profile that reflects your professional brand, emphasizing your accomplishments and expertise. Additionally, consider maintaining a personal website or portfolio showcasing your projects, skills, and achievements. A strong online presence can provide employers with a more comprehensive view of your capabilities.

3. Acquire Relevant Certifications and Skills:

Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in your field by obtaining relevant certifications and honing your skills. Many industries value ongoing learning, and showcasing your dedication to self-improvement can set you apart from other candidates.

4. Network and Attend Industry Events:

Networking is a powerful tool for professional growth. Attend industry-related events, workshops, and seminars to expand your network and gain insights into your field. Engage in meaningful conversations, share your experiences, and show genuine interest in others. You never know when a connection could open the door to a new opportunity. A perfect way to start is to check out our Coffee Club, which takes place every Friday morning or some of the meetups we host in our space. Check out the calendar here.

5. Demonstrate Your Soft Skills:

Soft skills, such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving, are highly valued by employers. Showcase these skills throughout the interview process by providing specific examples of how you've successfully utilized them in past experiences. Employers appreciate candidates who can effectively collaborate and communicate with teams.

6. Show Enthusiasm and Passion:

Express genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company during the interview. Research the organization thoroughly, understand its values, missions, and culture, and demonstrate how your goals align with theirs. Passion for your work and alignment with the company's vision can set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely committed to contributing to the company's success.

7. Seek and Act on Feedback:

After interviews or networking events, don't hesitate to seek feedback. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your approach. Demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow shows that you are proactive and genuinely invested in your professional development.

Standing out as a candidate in a competitive job market involves a combination of a strong application, effective networking, continuous learning, and genuine enthusiasm for the opportunities you pursue. By employing these strategies and showcasing your unique qualities, you can significantly enhance your chances of securing the job you desire. If you need more assistance finding your dream job, reach out to our team and we will help in any way we can. Good luck!

Code's "Together for Colorado" Toy Drive

Hello friends!

We are excited to share that we’re participating in the Together For Colorado Toy Drive. Through the collection of toys, we are helping spread the holiday spirit to thousands of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver kids.

We invite you to join us by dropping off new and unwrapped gifts at our office (3412 Blake Street. Denver, CO 80205). To ensure your gifts will be dispersed to all Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver kids in time for the holidays, please drop off your toys at our office by December 20th.  When dropping off gifts, recommended donations include art supplies, sports equipment, gift cards, clothes, or electronics in addition to toys.

Donation requirements:

·       Toys must be NEW and UNWRAPPED

·       Toys for kids ages 5 – 18

Toy Drive Collection Location:

3412 Blake Street Denver, CO 80205 (9am-5pm Monday through Friday)

By supporting the Together For Colorado Toy Drive, you remind kids across Metro Denver how much their greater community cares about them. The toy drive is a partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, CBS Colorado, King Soopers, and KBCO.

Click here to learn more about the Together For Colorado Toy Drive supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver.

We look forward to spreading the holiday cheer this year!

IMPORTANT: Please email conor@code-talent.com prior to stopping by to make sure someone will be at the office for your drop-off!

Bridging Gaps and Building Futures: Code Opens Doors for HighView Program Students

At Code, we continue to seek out opportunities where we can actively support the growth of the community. To that end, we’re excited to be hosting the HighView mentor program. For a group of students participating in the program, our space has become a gateway to a brighter future. With five students and five dedicated mentors, this collaborative effort is not only narrowing opportunity gaps but also addressing critical issues related to network and social disparities.

HighView, with its focus on first-generation and lower-income students, is making significant strides in leveling the playing field. The program doesn't just stop at providing financial aid; it goes above and beyond, tackling the root causes of inequality. By fostering mentorship, HighView is empowering students to navigate the complexities of both college and the workplace.

The impact of the mentorships taking place at Code is immeasurable. These sessions are about preparing students holistically for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. From crafting compelling resumes to demystifying college life and conducting mock interviews, these mentors are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of these young minds.

The statistics speak for themselves: HighView has awarded an impressive $175,000+ in scholarships, showcasing a commitment to making education accessible to those who need it most. Even more inspiring is the 100% college persistence rate achieved by the program, demonstrating that the support provided is not just a one-time boost but a sustained commitment to each student's journey.

During a conversation with Alexis, a representative of the program, I had the privilege of learning about a recent success story that exemplifies the transformative power of this initiative. One of the students, through their hard work and the guidance, has been offered a scholarship for Regis—a testament to the tangible outcomes emerging from this collaboration.

The partnership between Code and HighView is more than just an alliance; it's a beacon of hope for those who often find themselves on the margins of educational opportunities. 

As we celebrate the success of these students, it is essential to recognize the potential ripple effect of this initiative. Each success story is not just an individual triumph; it is a step towards breaking down systemic barriers that have long hindered the progress of underrepresented groups. 

Check out HighView here:

HighView Website

HighView LikedIn

HighView Instagram

The Art of Professionalism: Why You Shouldn't Speak Ill of Your Prior Employers in an Interview

One of the things that we always suggest to our candidates is to avoid speaking negatively of previous employers. In the competitive world of job interviews, it's natural to want to present yourself in the best light possible. You may think that sharing negative experiences about your previous employers will make you appear more credible or highlight your desire for better opportunities. However, this strategy can often backfire. 

In this blog post, we'll explore why it's crucial to refrain from speaking negatively about your prior employers in an interview and provide some tips for navigating this tricky situation with professionalism and grace.

🔍 It Reflects Poorly on Your Professionalism

One of the most important reasons not to speak ill of your prior employers in an interview is that it can make you look unprofessional. Employers are not just looking for candidates with the right skills and qualifications; they also seek individuals who can maintain a positive and respectful attitude, even in challenging situations. Speaking poorly about your previous workplace can suggest that you may lack the professionalism needed to handle conflicts and adversity in a new job.

🧐 It May Raise Concerns About Your Attitude

Negativity breeds negativity. When you criticize your prior employers, it can make the interviewer wonder about your general attitude. Employers are eager to hire candidates who will be pleasant to work with, foster a positive work environment, and contribute to the company's culture. Talking negatively about your past employers could give the impression that you are a person who frequently finds fault in others or struggles to adapt to different working environments.

💼 It May Undermine Your Credibility

In an interview, your credibility and trustworthiness are crucial. If you complain about your prior employers, it might lead to concerns about your credibility. Interviewers may wonder whether you are selectively sharing information or exaggerating issues to make your previous workplace look worse than it was. This can lead to doubts about the authenticity of your answers and your overall trustworthiness.

👍 Focus on the Positive Instead

Rather than dwelling on the negative, it's much more effective to focus on the positive aspects of your previous experiences. Highlight the skills you acquired, the challenges you overcame, and the accomplishments you achieved in your prior roles. Explain how these experiences have prepared you for the position you're interviewing for and how they align with the company's values and goals.

⚒️ Constructive Criticism is Acceptable

If you feel compelled to address issues from your previous workplace, do so constructively. Instead of making accusations or blaming your previous employers, talk about the challenges you faced and how you proactively addressed them. Emphasize your ability to learn from these experiences and your commitment to finding solutions to problems.

In job interviews, it's essential to project a positive and professional image. Speaking negatively about your previous employers can have detrimental consequences on your prospects. Instead, focus on your strengths, achievements, and the lessons learned from past experiences. By emphasizing the positive aspects of your work history and demonstrating your ability to handle adversity with grace, you will increase your chances of leaving a lasting, positive impression on potential employers and securing the job you desire. Remember, professionalism, and discretion are key to your success in the world of job interviews.

The Power of LinkedIn Recommendations

Often it can be daunting to figure out how to stand out as a candidate when starting the job search, especially on LinkedIn. How can you build a more full picture of yourself as a potential candidate? 

People trust other people, not just your word. And LinkedIn has an awesome tool that we recommend you take advantage of as you are starting your job search. Recommendations are a significant profile enhancer and can make you stand out from the next candidate.

Credibility and Authenticity

LinkedIn recommendations act as testimonials. These endorsements validate your skills, work ethic, and achievements. When potential employers or partners view your profile and see genuine recommendations, it lends credibility and authenticity to your professional persona. 

Showcasing Expertise and Skills

Recommendations on LinkedIn allow others to vouch for your expertise and proficiency in specific areas. Having these endorsements visible on your profile provides evidence of your abilities. They help in positioning you as a qualified professional in your field.

Building Trust and Confidence

In the competitive world of job hunting, trust is key. When individuals considering collaborating with you see positive recommendations, it instills confidence. It suggests that you've not only stated your capabilities but have also been recognized and appreciated for them by your peers and supervisors.

Enhancing Professional Network

LinkedIn is all about networking, and recommendations are an extension of that. By requesting and receiving them, you're engaging with your network and fostering relationships. Additionally, providing recommendations for others may encourage them to reciprocate, further strengthening your network and widening your professional circle.

Long-Term Professional Legacy

LinkedIn is a digital archive of your professional journey. Over time, the recommendations you accumulate act as a legacy of your accomplishments and the impact you've made in your career. Future employers, colleagues, and even recruiters can gain insights into your character, work ethic, and contributions through these recommendations.

LinkedIn recommendations are an invaluable tool in building a comprehensive and credible professional image. They not only validate your abilities and expertise but also help you forge meaningful connections and enhance your career prospects. Take advantage of this feature by actively seeking and providing genuine recommendations to maximize your professional potential. Your LinkedIn profile is not just a resume; it's a living testament to your professional journey!

Photo by Pablo Zuchero on Unsplash

Unlocking your Dream Job: Tips and Tricks From Recruiters

Riley and Bret presented an amazing session at DSW and we cannot believe how many people attended! Because of the success of the session, we figured we would make an online guide following all of their tips and tricks to unlock your dream job. 

Optimizing Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

General Tips

• LinkedIn is Your Ally: A well-crafted LinkedIn profile is often more impactful than a traditional resume.

• Length: The one-page rule is out; focus on grabbing attention and securing interviews.

• Resume Summary: Make it concise, tailored, and impactful, highlighting your key attributes.

• Skills Section: Be honest and strategic, aligning with your experiences and job prospects.

• Experience Section: Showcase achievements, responsibilities, and contextualize the companies you've worked for.

• Finishing Touches: Include links to your work, certifications, and ensure flawless formatting.

LinkedIn Tips

• Profile Picture: A professional photo is a must for a complete LinkedIn profile.

• Recommendations: Collect endorsements and recommendations from colleagues and supervisors.

• "Open to Work": Utilize this feature but ensure your profile is comprehensive before activating it.

Where to Find Jobs

• LinkedIn: Leverage its extensive job search capabilities and networking potential.

• BuiltinColorado.com: A platform specifically tailored for tech job opportunities in Colorado.

• Wellfound.com: Formerly AngelList, a platform connecting startups and job seekers.

• Company Career Page: Often companies post job openings directly on their websites. Set up alerts to stay updated.

How to Get an Interview

• Self-Assessment: Ensure you're prepared and committed to the job search process.

• Network Building: Foster relationships within your industry and attend meetups.

• Mentorship: Seek guidance from experienced professionals to navigate your career path effectively.

How to Partner with a Recruiter

• Clear Communication: Clearly articulate your expectations and preferences to recruiters.

• Organizational Skills: Stay organized and follow up on applications and communications.

• Calendar Reminders: Use reminders to keep track of how often you would like to reach out to recruiters.

Interview Preparation

Initial Interview Prep

• Research: Thoroughly research the company, role, and industry trends.

• Question Preparation: Have insightful questions ready for the interviewer.

• Compensation Discussion: Be prepared to discuss your compensation expectations.

Technical Interview Prep

• Practice: Engage in mock interviews and technical practice sessions.

• Collaborate Effectively: Understand the requirements, plan, and document your technical solutions.

Behavioral Interview Prep

• STAR Method: Structure your responses using the Situation, Task, Action, and Response approach.

• Company Alignment: Align your responses with the company's values and culture.

How to Receive and Take Feedback

• Constructive Approach: See feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

• Professionalism: Respond with gratitude and utilize feedback to enhance your skills and performance.

Common Rejection Reasons

• Negative Talk: Avoid speaking negatively about previous employers or experiences.

• Lack of Clarity: Clearly articulate your experiences and contributions.

• Interest and Preparation: Show genuine interest and adequate preparation for the role.

The Offer Stage

Compensation Negotiation

• Know Your Worth: Research salary information and determine a reasonable target compensation.

• Negotiation Tactics: Understand when and how to negotiate, using your acceptance as a bargaining chip.

Career Advice

For Established Professionals

• Specialization: Consider mastering a specific domain rather than being a generalist.

• Strategic Job Search: Explore new opportunities when you're already employed for better negotiation leverage.

For Entry-Level and Juniors

• Experience Matters: Prioritize gaining valuable experience over high salaries.

• Startup Involvement: Consider joining a startup to broaden your skill set and experience.

Navigating your tech career requires a strategic and informed approach. By optimizing your online presence, effectively searching for jobs, preparing meticulously for interviews, and making informed career decisions, you'll be well on your way to a successful and fulfilling career in the tech industry. Stay persistent, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of a strong network and continuous self-improvement. Good luck on your tech journey!

Check out their full presentation here:

Cracking the Code: Fine-Tuning the Process

Just like a guitarist tunes their guitar or a pit crew tunes the mechanics on a racecar, engineers must also fine-tune AI models to achieve optimal performance. With a simple search, you could find a multitude of articles highlighting the dangers of untrained (or just poorly trained) AI models, especially in high-involvement and high-risk domains such as healthcare or finance. Fine-tuning these LLMs to specific domains and tasks so that they can handle unique scenarios and circumstances is integral to their success.

Re-understanding the Foundation: Pre-Training

Before we delve into fine-tuning, it's essential to re-grasp the foundation upon which these LLMs are built. In addition to the complex architecture of neural networks that are developed, in the pre-training phase, these models are exposed to massive amounts of text data to learn grammar, syntax, semantics, and even a semblance of world knowledge. This enables them to generate coherent and contextually relevant text. GPT-3, for example, with its 175 billion parameters, becomes a linguistic powerhouse through pre-training.

The Gap to Bridge: Contextual Adaptation

While pre-training grants models a general understanding of language and allows them to perform a variety of impressive tasks, it doesn't equip them with the ability to perform specialized tasks (especially in specialized fields) accurately. This is where fine-tuning steps in, bridging the gap between general language skills and task-specific prowess. Fine-tuning customizes these models for particular applications, allowing them to excel in areas like translation, content generation, code writing, and more. 

Why Fine-Tuning is Vital:

Domain Relevance: Every domain possesses its own jargon, context, and nuances. Fine-tuning tailors large language models to speak the language of a specific field or brand. This ensures that the model generates content that resonates with experts and users in that domain, whether it's medical, legal, or technical. Also, for many industries tone and style of communication must align with the brand or context so fine-tuning models with this in mind is also extremely important. 

Task Adaptation: Different tasks demand different writing styles and structures. For example, by fine-tuning an LLM, the bank can make the chatbot more effective in understanding and responding to customer queries related to account balances, transaction history, loan inquiries, and more. A model not trained on this specific info is more prone to providing answers with errors and inaccuracy.

Data Efficiency: Training large language models (like ChatGPT or Llama 2) from scratch requires massive amounts of data, computational power and $$$. Fine-tuning utilizes the already pre-trained knowledge (the raw LLMs), and allows companies or individuals to train the models with more specialized data sets to accomplish what they need to get done, this is often cheaper since they are using significantly less data. More finely tuned open-source LLMs are being released consistently (even industry-specific already), so the amount of post-training data to use for fine-tuning may continue to decrease over time

Ethical and Bias Mitigation: Pre-trained models may inadvertently produce biased or inappropriate content - because as we said the models don’t possess critical thinking abilities. Fine-tuning allows for targeted corrections to reduce biases and ensure ethical and responsible AI interactions. It is by no means foolproof at this point in the development of these models, but significant strides are being made. 

Improved Accuracy: Fine-tuning enables models to grasp the intricacies of a task, leading to higher accuracy and relevance in generated content. This is essential in fields like medical diagnosis, where precision is of the utmost importance.

What does Fine-Tuning look like?

This obviously depends on what you are trying to accomplish. But the fine-tuning data is not some collection of 1s and 0s, depending on the end goal the models are being trained on conversations or real-world examples of scenarios. Here are a couple of examples:

1. You are trying to train a model on how to properly deal with mental health questions, the model may be fine-tuned with hundreds to thousands of variant questions such as:

Source: https://huggingface.co/datasets/heliosbrahma/mental_health_chatbot_dataset

2. You’re trying to fine-tune a model so it can more accurately identify clothing and shoes vs bags and accessories. You’re doing this by taking established image IDs, classifying their vectors, and allowing the model to identify what makes a piece of clothing one vs another:

Source: https://huggingface.co/datasets/detection-datasets/fashionpedia_4_categories 

What is Fine-Tuning Accomplishing?

Translation and Language Conversion

Models can expertly perform delicate translation tasks, converting text from one language to another. They're not limited to direct translation; they can understand the context and nuances of languages, resulting in more accurate and contextually relevant translations.

Sentiment Analysis and Emotional Context

Applications can begin to understand sentiment more. This is useful for understanding customer feedback, social media interactions, and public sentiment toward products, services, or events. No longer will we need to rely on the binary the frowny face or happy face meter to summarize your experience of a service or event. 

Content Recommendations

A more accurate analysis of user preferences and behavior provides better, personalized content recommendations. We experience this in video streaming platforms, news websites, e-commerce platforms, and more, where users are presented with content aligned with their interests.

Code Generation and Code Completion

Developers can use LLMs to assist in code generation and autocompletion. They can provide suggestions for completing code snippets, writing documentation, and even generating basic code templates. These models, such as GitHub Co-Pilot and ChatGPT Code Interpreter are already taking the developer world by storm. 

Legal and Medical Document Analysis

Complex analysis of legal contracts, medical reports, and technical documents. They can extract key information, identify compliance issues, and provide summaries for easier understanding.

Interactive Storytelling and Gaming

In the gaming world, we can see much richer and more intricate storytelling experiences where users interact with the narrative and influence its progression. In gaming, LLMs can also provide more dynamic and personalized dialogues for characters.

Content Moderation

LLMs can be employed for content moderation, analyzing user-generated content to detect inappropriate or offensive language and images.

The Challenges and Considerations:

Despite its benefits, fine-tuning is not without its challenges. Striking the right balance between overfitting and underfitting, selecting an appropriate amount of task-specific data, and refining hyperparameters are crucial aspects of the process. Additionally, the continuous monitoring and evaluation of fine-tuned models are necessary to ensure their ongoing accuracy and effectiveness.

Cracking the Code - ChatGPT and Other LLMs

Alright, let’s talk about it. What is all of this and why should you care about it? The LLM space is much larger than just ChatGPT, but for simplicity’s sake, let’s start there. 

To understand what ChatGPT is, let’s start with what it isn’t:

1. It is NOT a knowledge base. ChatGPT isn't this repository of pre-existing knowledge like an encyclopedia or a database like Google

2. ChatGPT does NOT have personal experiences, emotions, or consciousness. It doesn’t truly understand the world like a human does.

3. It does NOT possess critical thinking abilities. It can't evaluate information for accuracy or context in the same way humans can (reasons why you should not completely lean on this technology)

4. Unlike humans, ChatGPT does NOT learn from interactions in the same way. It doesn't remember previous interactions or adapt based on individual conversations.

Alright…so then what is it?

ChatGPT fits into a category of technology called Large Language Models. Large Language Models are essentially super-smart text generators that have learned how to compile responses based on a high amount of training data. In the last article, we talked about how models need to be trained on massively large data sets, well, ChatGPT was trained on 570GB of datasets, which includes web pages, blogs, books, scientific journals, and even stuff like Wikipedia and Reddit. So this means that ChatGPT has not only learned a large amount of vocabulary but also a wide array of grammatical structures, context and sentiment analysis etc.

How Does This Work?

In the previous article, we discussed how Neural Networks are the heart of Deep Learning - their architecture takes inspiration from the structure of the human brain. They are responsible for generating the responses that we see when prompting ChatGPT. To understand this, let's start with a simple prompt and ask ChatPGT what the difference is between Java and Javascript:

It will generate a response such as:

The text we provide as a prompt to the model serves as the "Input Layer," while each word that ChatGPT generates in its response forms part of the subsequent stages. Within ChatGPT's architecture, deep neural networks are organized to construct responses based on the calculated likelihood of a word to follow the one before it. These weights (such as 0.4, 0.5, 0.02, and so forth) are pivotal elements of the "Hidden Layer." This process unfolds across the entirety of the response, word after word. That’s the whole thing - all this LLM is, is a model that simply predicts future words based on statistical probabilities established in its training. If, for instance, the initial sentence starts off with "Java," a specific set of weighted word choices related to "Java" guides the subsequent words, and this pattern repeats until we get our full response.

BUT, if you think ChatGPT always selects the word with the greatest weight to succeed the preceding one, you're mistaken :) It incorporates an inherent element of randomness, this was deliberately built into the model to add a touch of creativity to the responses we get. To see this in action, let me prompt the same question again:

Now, since this sentence starts off with "Certainly," the model deals with an entirely different set of weighted word choices than we would have seen in the first response that began with “Java”, and an entirely new set of randomness. The example above is obviously simplified as there are deep neural networks built out with innumerable layers, but you get the general gist 🙂

Like I said at the beginning of this article, the realm of LLMs stretches far beyond just ChatGPT. And guess what? ChatGPT wasn't even close to being the first LLM around (that idea goes way back to the 1950s). Now we have a bunch of snazzy LLMs like PaLM and Claude, each bringing their own cool stuff to the table. But let me tell you, right now might just be the most exciting time ever for this tech to take off.

The Current State of LLMs - Why is NOW so exciting?

For the longest time, all the major Large Language Models (such as the few I listed above) were closed-source models. “Closed-Source” means that the larger tech community outside of the organizations that made this technology can’t see the original source code of these LLMs. So the general public doesn’t understand how these models were trained and they can’t make iterations to the original code to build upon the product further. But, Llama2 (a Meta and Microsoft product released in July of 2023) became the first major LLM to be released as an open-source model - and the gates have opened. “Open-Source” means that people outside of the corporations that develop these models can work with the original source code and even improve/edit early iterations of the models. There is a plethora of talent and passion for cool tech outside of the organizations that create the technology, so once that larger tech community gets its hands on it, it’s game over. The Open Source community doesn’t work with restrictions you see in large corporations such as strict product pipelines or compliance considerations, so we get a lot of advancement very quickly (and I mean QUICKLY). You can see here some of the top iterations that have been made to models such as Qwen 7B (Alibaba's recent open-source LLM) and Llama2.

https://huggingface.co/spaces/HuggingFaceH4/open_llm_leaderboard

All of this is important as we see what unfolds over the course of the next year. The ChatGPT you interact with is an application that sits on top of the ChatGPT LLM. And not every LLM has an accompanying application that sits on top of it - so what we’re seeing right now is the explosion of the infrastructure behind future applications. 

Great AI Podcasts that cover the biggest trends and advancements in the space:

• NVIDIA AI Podcast

• ThursdAI

Good video resources:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAiqNav2cRE - How Does ChatGPT really work?

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ao7Z8duDXc - Chat GPT Explained in 5 Minutes

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUjWMdR_Kw8 - 32 ChatGPT Tips for Beginners https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPRSBzXzavo - How ChatGPT is Trained?

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aircAruvnKk - But what is a neural network?

Denver Startup Week is Next Month! Check out Riley and Bret's Session

We are starting to get so excited for DenverStartup week! September 18-22 will be filled with inovation and opportunities. One of the sessions will be hosted by Bret and Riley, two members of our team. Check out their session overview below: 

Are you ready to take the next big step in your career? Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced professional looking for a change, you don't want to miss! Join us for an informative and interactive session designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and strategies to secure that coveted position you've always dreamed of.

During this engaging event, our expert panel of seasoned recruiters, will share their valuable insights and insider tips on how to stand out in today's competitive job market. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the recruitment process and learn practical techniques to enhance your resume, ace interviews, and leave a lasting impression on potential employers.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge and take charge of your career! Register now to secure your spot at this transformative event.

The event will be on Wednesday, September 20th at 1:30 pm.

Make sure to register for this session and others here.

Cracking the Code - The Basics of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has long been a captivating buzzword, evoking both fascination and fear. Unfortunately, much of the fear stems from a lack of understanding about this technology. Fear not! Like any complex concept, AI is built upon a collection of basic topics that are entirely manageable. The challenge lies in not complicating it with the overwhelming sea of hyper-niche jargon and complex debates that flood the news. But fear not again! We are here to ensure that no one feels left behind, as these concepts are entirely digestible. So, let's embark on a journey together, with a teacher-student analogy, to demystify AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning, and discover how they shape the current AI landscape.

The Nest of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Think of AI as the overarching concept of what we’re discussing. The goal of AI is to match or exceed human capabilities in various areas, including development, discovery, inference, and reasoning, among others. AI achieves this by emulating human-like attributes such as knowledge, motion, voice, text, and vision. In our analogy, imagine we have a blank slate of a student. AI represents a student's desire to mimic human intelligence and perform tasks that usually require human thinking. It's like teaching the student to be clever and autonomous, capable of making decisions, recognizing patterns, and even learning from experience. AI encompasses a broad spectrum of techniques, with Machine Learning and Deep Learning as essential subjects in the AI curriculum.

Machine Learning (ML)

This is a subset of Artificial Intelligence. ML allows AI systems to recognize patterns, make predictions, and take actions based on examples and experiences provided in the form of training data. For advanced systems to be able to have human-like (or superior) decision-making, they have to first be trained with massively large data sets. These are the 3 basic building blocks:

Supervised Learning - This uses labeled data to train ML models - there is human intervention in these models to structure, label and train this data. Imagine a teacher guiding a student by giving them examples (structured data) and telling them the correct answers. The AI system learns from these examples to make future predictions or decisions when it is given new, unseen data. For instance, in image recognition, let’s say the student is shown images with labels like "cat" or "dog," she then learns to recognize cats and dogs in new pictures. 

Unsupervised Learning - Models take in unstructured (unlabeled) data to train machines with no fixed output variable. Think of this as learning without a teacher to guide you. In this method, the AI system explores the data on its own to find patterns or structures within it. It doesn't have labeled examples, so it tries to group similar data points together or discover hidden relationships. Unsupervised learning is often used for tasks like clustering, where the AI groups similar items together without knowing what they represent.  

Reinforcement Learning - Reinforcement learning uses an agent and an environment to produce actions and rewards. This is like teaching the student through rewards and punishments. The AI agent interacts with an environment and receives rewards for making good decisions and punishments for bad ones. It learns to take actions that maximize the total reward it receives over time. A classic example of reinforcement learning would be training the student to play a game of chess – she learns by trying different moves and getting rewards for making good moves and penalties for bad ones until she becomes better at the game.

Great Resources: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FZ0A1QCMWc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RixMPF4xis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6kJ71tEYqM

Deep Learning

Deep Learning is an exciting subset of Machine Learning, taking inspiration from the human brain's structure. It's like having a bunch of interconnected neurons, just like the brain's decision-making cells, working together in multiple layers. Think of it as a group of clever students working together, each layer learning different aspects of a problem.

At the core of Deep Learning are Neural Networks, which act as complex nodes capable of analyzing information both forward and backward. Imagine a student tasked with sorting fruits like oranges, cherries, and apples from a basket. In traditional Machine Learning, a teacher would explain the specific features (let’s say just size, stem, and texture) that help the student identify each fruit.

Deep Learning, however, changes the game! There's no teacher involved. The student is like an adventurous explorer, free to investigate each fruit in its entirety. Instead of being told what makes an orange different from a cherry or an apple, the student's neural networks can take in a variety of data from the fruits (environmental setting, weight, color, comparison to other fruits around it) and figure out the distinctions all by themselves.

In this way, Deep Learning enables the student (AI) to process diverse information and make specific decisions based on the inputs they receive. It's like having clever students who can learn on their own and become experts in identifying different types of fruits just by exploring their unique characteristics. This autonomy makes Deep Learning a powerful tool in recognizing patterns, understanding complex data, and solving tasks without needing explicit instructions from a teacher.

Applications of Deep Learning

In upcoming blog posts, we will delve further into the massive influence of Deep Learning and explore the diverse array of AI products spanning different industries. Broadly speaking, Deep Learning's remarkable ability to identify intricate patterns and comprehend complex data has significantly transformed various sectors:

Computer Vision: Deep learning powers image and object recognition systems. It can identify objects, faces, and even detect anomalies in medical images.

Natural Language Processing (NLP): Deep learning models can understand and generate human language. It enables chatbots, voice assistants, and language translation.

Autonomous Systems: Deep learning is at the core of self-driving cars and drones, enabling them to navigate and make decisions in complex environments.

Healthcare: Deep learning aids in disease diagnosis, analyzing medical images, and predicting patient outcomes.

Recommendation Systems: Deep learning is used in personalized recommendations for products, movies, and content based on user preferences.

Great Resources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M5VXKLf4D4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmmW0F0biz0

The foundation of AI rests upon these fundamental concepts, and its remarkable progress has given rise to a plethora of awe-inspiring products. We’re going to dig into some of these products and further foundational concepts in the world of Artificial Intelligence (LLMs, Transformers, Generative AI etc).

5 of the Best Co-Working Spaces in Denver!

Remote work has so many perks, but sometimes it can feel like you're stuck at home. Because of this, the co-working trend has gained immense popularity. People are looking for flexible and inspiring workspaces that allow them to get out of the house. Denver, known for its vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and innovative community, offers a number of co-working spaces to cater to diverse needs. Check out 5 of the best co-working spaces in Denver:

1. Venture X - Denver North

Venture X Denver North is a premier co-working space located in the thriving business district of Denver. Boasting a prime location with easy access to major highways, this modern workspace is an ideal choice for entrepreneurs, startups, and remote workers seeking a dynamic and collaborative environment. Venture X Denver North stands out with its contemporary design, featuring open-concept workspaces, private offices, and well-equipped meeting rooms to cater to diverse professional needs. With high-speed internet, 24/7 access, and a range of amenities, including complimentary refreshments and on-site administrative support, members can focus on their work and grow their businesses. Beyond the physical infrastructure, Venture X prides itself on fostering a tight-knit community where networking opportunities and skill-sharing events abound. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or part of a team, Venture X Denver North offers an inspiring space that promotes productivity, creativity, and success.

2. Enterprise Coworking RiNo

Enterprise Coworking RiNo is a vibrant and innovative co-working space nestled in Denver's eclectic River North (RiNo) neighborhood. With a prime location amidst the city's thriving arts and culture scene, this co-working facility attracts a diverse community of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and businesses. The space is thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity and collaboration, featuring modern workstations, flexible private offices, and spacious meeting rooms equipped with cutting-edge technology. Enterprise Coworking RiNo goes beyond the traditional co-working experience by offering members access to a variety of amenities, including a wellness room, fitness center, and onsite cafe serving delicious refreshments. The engaging community events and networking opportunities further enrich the co-working experience, encouraging meaningful connections and partnerships. Whether you're a solopreneur seeking a bustling atmosphere or a team looking to grow, Enterprise Coworking RiNo provides an exceptional environment where productivity and innovation thrive.

3. Green Spaces

Nestled in the historic Five Points neighborhood, Green Spaces stands out as Denver's first eco-friendly co-working space. Beyond offering a serene and sustainable atmosphere, the space boasts numerous green initiatives, including energy-efficient systems, recycled materials, and natural lighting. Green Spaces provides various membership plans to cater to individual preferences, and its unique blend of co-working and community collaboration encourages environmental awareness among professionals.

4. Thrive Workplace - Ballpark

Thrive Workplace has earned a reputation as one of the most well-rounded co-working providers in Denver, with several locations across the city. The Ballpark location, situated near Coors Field, offers an inspiring environment that suits both startups and established businesses. The chic interiors, comfortable lounges, and well-equipped meeting spaces make it an ideal place to collaborate and grow professionally. With flexible membership plans and on-site business support services, Thrive Workplace caters to the diverse needs of its members.

5. Coming soon - Code Talent! 

We are so excited to start inviting the community into our space! On Friday mornings, we are going to open our office, which includes around 10 workspaces, along with community areas and meeting spots. We will be providing coffee and snacks. Our office is a wide open space, but also very quiet and conducive to a productive workspace. We will be announcing our first co-working day very soon, so stay tuned! 

Denver's co-working scene has come a long way, offering professionals a wide array of options to work, collaborate, and grow their businesses. Step into these co-working havens and embark on a journey of creativity, collaboration, and success. 

And don't forget to follow us on our socials to hear about when we are starting our co-working Fridays! 

Thriving Remotely: Best Places to Live in the US as a Remote Worker

Remote work has revolutionized the way professionals operate, providing teams with the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world. In this blog, we'll explore some of the best places in the US for remote workers, combining factors such as tech opportunities, quality of life, and a supportive community.

1. The Golden Gate of Opportunities: San Francisco Bay Area, California 

Home to Silicon Valley, the San Francisco Bay Area remains a powerhouse for technology and innovation. With a rich ecosystem of startups, renowned tech giants, and venture capital firms, the area offers endless networking and career growth opportunities for software engineers. The region's diverse communities, cultural events, and stunning natural landscapes contribute to a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle. However, keep in mind that the high cost of living in this area might be a consideration.

Check out the Remote Worker Guide for San Francisco.

2. Urban Buzz and Tech Brilliance: Seattle, Washington 

Seattle has emerged as a tech hub with a thriving software engineering community. Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and numerous startups call Seattle home, providing ample job prospects for remote software engineers. The city offers a high quality of life, with a vibrant downtown, stunning waterfront views, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Additionally, Seattle's coffee culture, music scene, and culinary delights make it an exciting place to live and work.

Check out this article on Seattle's remote work scene.

3. Tech Oasis of the South: Austin, Texas 

Austin has swiftly grown into a dynamic tech city, attracting remote software engineers seeking a lower cost of living without sacrificing opportunities. The city's eclectic atmosphere, lively music scene, and diverse cuisine create a unique cultural experience. Additionally, Austin hosts renowned tech conferences, events, and co-working spaces, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among professionals. The warm weather and abundance of outdoor activities further enhance the appeal of this Texan gem.

See why Austin Is the perfect city for remote workers and digital nomads.

4. East Coast Excellence: Boston, Massachusetts 

Boston, often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of the East," offers a thriving tech ecosystem combined with the charm of a historic city. Home to prestigious universities like MIT and Harvard, Boston attracts top-tier talent and provides excellent networking opportunities. The city's rich cultural heritage, world-class museums, and vibrant neighborhoods contribute to an intellectually stimulating and inspiring environment for remote software engineers.

See the impact of remote work on Boston's start-up space.

5. Innovation Meets Urban Cool: Denver, Colorado 

Denver has emerged as a leading tech city, known for its entrepreneurial spirit and innovative mindset. The city offers a lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs, combined with stunning natural beauty and abundant outdoor activities. Denver's vibrant downtown, craft beer scene, and a strong sense of community make it an appealing choice for remote software engineers seeking a well-rounded lifestyle.

Check out the Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Denver, Colorado

There are an array of options for remote workers looking to settle down in a thriving tech community. Where are you located? 

📍 Find Your Meetup Home at Code

Are you in search of a dedicated space to host your meetup or looking for a vibrant community to join? Look no further than Code! We offer a spacious and well-equipped venue for meetups in the Denver area. With a range of amenities and a supportive environment, Code is the perfect place for like-minded individuals to gather, learn, and connect.

A Welcoming Space: At Code, we have a 4,000 square foot open space, designed to accommodate meetups and community events. With 40+ folding chairs and several tables, we provide ample seating arrangements. Additionally, we offer comfortable casual seating areas, allowing for a relaxed atmosphere for networking and discussions. To enhance your presentations and workshops, we have a projector, screen, and a full sound system at your disposal. Our AV setup includes adaptors, a microphone, and speakers, but you're welcome to bring your own equipment. During the summer months, we love opening our garage doors, allowing fresh air and natural light to flow in.

Thriving Meetup Community: Code is already home to a diverse range of meetups, fostering a vibrant tech community. Here are just a few of the meetups that regularly utilize our space:

1. AI Tinkerers: Explore the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and machine learning with fellow enthusiasts, sharing insights and projects.

2. Denver Microservices: Dive into the realm of microservices architecture, discussing best practices, challenges, and emerging trends in this rapidly evolving field.

3. DenverScript: For JavaScript enthusiasts, DenverScript provides a platform to share knowledge, discuss frameworks, and showcase exciting projects.

4. Denver DevOps: Join professionals interested in DevOps practices, automation, and collaboration to exchange ideas and explore industry advancements.

5. Denver Leadership: Connect with aspiring and established leaders, learning from their experiences and gaining insights into effective leadership strategies.

6. API Denver Meetup: Dive into the world of APIs, exploring topics such as design, development, and integration in this interactive and educational meetup.

7. Black Tech Denver: A community dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, fostering connections and providing support to Black tech professionals.

Join the Code Community: While our existing meetups thrive at Code, we have plenty of room to accommodate more exciting groups! If you're interested in using our space for your meetup or want to learn more, please reach out to me at Emily@code-talent.com. I will get you all of the necessary information you need and answer any questions you may have.

Finding the right venue for your meetup can be challenging, but Code offers the ideal space for tech enthusiasts to gather, collaborate, and grow. Code provides the perfect backdrop for meaningful interactions and knowledge sharing. Whether you're looking to start a new meetup or seeking a welcoming space for your existing group, Code is here to be your home away from home. Reach out today and embark on a new chapter of your meetup journey at Code!

The Power of Networking: Building Strong Connections for Success

Code has always held networking in a place of high importance. Now, it has become even more crucial not only in professional growth, but also personal. Now we aren't saying that just having 500+ LinkedIn connections is enough. Networking is about cultivating meaningful relationships that can lead to new opportunities, support, and collaboration. That requires an investment of time and effort, but trust us, it will yield invaluable benefits. 

We aren't going to leave you in the dust though. Here are a few tips for building a network that is strong and beneficial:

Tips for Building a Strong Network

1. Attend Industry Events (aka Meetups)🎤

There are so many events happening in Denver! Attend conferences, seminars, and meetups related to your field of interest. Events like these provide an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and establish connections. We can help you out here. Code hosts around 5 meetups every month, all of which are open to anyone who may be interested. So stop by our space for a drink and maybe some food and just meet some people! We promise they don't bite. 

2. Volunteer and Join Organizations 🌎

Join professional associations, nonprofit organizations, or community groups related to your interests. It's an easy way to get to know passionate individuals who share common goals and your time is going to a good cause. The relationships that foster from these groups are really special, because you have worked together on something you are passionate about and for a good cause. 

3. Be Authentic and Add Value 👏

Be genuine in your interactions and focus on building meaningful relationships rather than simply collecting contacts. People can tell when you aren't genuine. So make sure to be yourself and show that you want to foster a connection, you don't just want to add another number to your following. People also really appreciate when they get value out of the connection. Sharing insights, offering assistance, or connecting people within your network are great ways to give back to your network and for you to show genuine interest in people. 

4. Maintain Regular Communication 💬

This is something that needs to be fostered and built upon, or no one will really gain anything from the connection. Networking is an ongoing process. Stay in touch with your connections by periodically reaching out, sharing updates, or inviting them to relevant events. Nurture your relationships by offering support when needed and celebrating their achievements. And your network will prove to do the same for you. 

But why......

Here are 3 reasons why a solid network is so important: 

1. Expanding Horizons and Gaining New Perspectives

Networking opens doors 🚪 to diverse perspectives and experiences that can broaden your horizons 🌅. Engaging with people from different industries, backgrounds, and areas of expertise allows you to gain insights that you might not have otherwise encountered. By embracing diversity in your network, you can tap into a wealth of knowledge 🧠 and develop a more well-rounded understanding of the world.

2. Uncovering New Opportunities

Networking acts as a catalyst for discovering exciting opportunities. Whether you are seeking a new job, searching for potential clients or investors, or looking for partnerships, your network can serve as a valuable resource. Often, the most promising opportunities arise through word-of-mouth 🗣️referrals or connections made within your network. By building 🧱 relationships and nurturing them over time, you increase the likelihood of being top-of-mind when opportunities arise. Remember, every conversation is an opportunity waiting to be explored.

3. Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

Networking fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing, which are essential ingredients 🥘 for personal and professional growth. Engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds allows you to tap into their expertise and leverage their skills. Collaborative projects and partnerships can lead to the exchange of ideas, the creation of innovative solutions, and mutual growth. By actively participating in your network and sharing your own knowledge, you contribute to a collective environment of learning 💡 and improvement.

Building a strong network is a long-term investment that yields both personal and professional benefits. So get up and go! Make sure to attend events or join groups where you can meet those in the same industry or with the same interests. And then make sure to communicate regularly and be yourself! Be authentic and show that you value your network. Who knows what they will do for you in return.