Category: Careers Blog

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Conquer the American Dream: How to Apply for Jobs in the U.S. from Colombia

Bogotá (Colombia), november 2023. In a globally connected environment, the idea of “chasing the American dream” has deeply resonated in Colombian culture. This aspiration represents boundless opportunities and a promising future in the United States, and now, with the ease of technology, it can be achieved without the need to emigrate.

Finding employment in Colombia can pose a significant challenge, which may explain why so many people have embraced the “American dream.” In the local job market, characterized by intense competition and a scarcity of opportunities in certain areas, many professionals encounter limitations such as a saturated pool of candidates for specific careers or positions, the prevalence of informal jobs, a lack of continuous training, among others.

In this context, job opportunities abroad become irresistibly attractive, especially those coming from the United States. Given the interest in working in this global powerhouse, the idea of crossing borders in search of a promising career has become a fascinating option for many individuals.

International job offers bring numerous benefits, particularly in the context of remote work. These positions offer significant flexibility by eliminating, for example, commute times; expanding the professional network internationally; improving mental health by providing a balance between work and personal life, etc. Likewise, the opportunity to earn income in dollars opens up new financial prospects, such as the possibility of accessing a wide variety of investment alternatives and savings in other markets, which can enhance wealth growth options. Additionally, professionals have the advantage of accessing cutting-edge technology, specializing in the latest trends, and collaborating with highly skilled professionals and different cultures, further enriching their development and growth in the workplace.

Preparation is essential to successfully apply for positions abroad. Since most of these opportunities require effective communication in English, speaking this language is crucial, at least at a B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Additionally, having solid technical knowledge and soft skills, such as the ability to work in a team, is necessary to stand out in a highly competitive environment.

“The constant desire to learn and continuously upskill is fundamental to shine in the job market. In North America, Colombian professionals are highly valued, but to excel in these spaces, it is necessary to maintain a high commitment to personal and professional growth,” says Diego Gamboa, Chief Technology Officer of the software consultancy Mismo, a company that remotely connects Latin American talent with opportunities in Silicon Valley and currently has available vacancies.

The set of skills and continuous training mentioned by the executive are particularly relevant in high-growth industries such as Engineering and Software Development. These fields provide exciting and well-compensated opportunities for those seeking to build an international career without leaving home.

“Our vision at Mismo is to empower Colombian professionals not only to seek employment abroad but to conquer it with excellence and determination, thanks to the momentum and support we provide to the professional trajectories of each of our employees through the educational and professional growth programs we offer,” adds Gamboa.

For those aspiring to work in such areas, building a solid network of contacts in the desired industry is crucial. Platforms like LinkedIn become valuable allies for establishing connections that can open doors to job opportunities. Similarly, companies like Mismo can provide vacancies, guidance, and support in this process.

As the individual strengthens their network and establishes valuable connections, they will be in an ideal position to prepare an effective application. To stand out in the competition, it is vital to create an impactful English resume and cover letter. The CV should highlight technical skills, relevant achievements, and specific experience related to the applied position.

Ensure that the resume is personalized and reflects your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Similarly, emphasize how your skills and background can bring unique value to the company, not only in the professional environment but also in the dynamics of working with colleagues.

Those interested in applying for these opportunities can do so at Mismo.

Engineering

Practical Introduction to Data Science in Python

Data science has emerged as one of the fastest-growing and most exciting fields in the world of technology today. With the increasing amount of information generated across every aspect of our lives (from our cell phones, social media, online banking, etc..), data scientists have become critical to the success of businesses around the globe because they understand the underlying business problems and can translate it into actionable recommendations for decision makers. In the past, data analysis was a tedious and time-consuming process, but with the rise of advanced tools and techniques, data scientists can now quickly and accurately analyze and interpret data.

Python is one of the most widely used programming languages in data science, thanks to its user-friendly syntax and extensive libraries that make analysis and visualization easier and more efficient. Python offers a range of powerful tools and libraries that make dataset manipulation, analysis, and visualization straightforward and efficient.

In this article, we’ll briefly introduce you to some of the essential tools for data science in Python, including Jupyter Notebooks, Pandas, Matplotlib, and scikit-learn. We’ll provide examples of usage for each library.

Jupyter Notebooks

This is an essential tool for data scientists and Python programmers alike. They provide an interactive environment for writing and executing code, as well as visualizing and sharing data. They also have many features that make them valuable tools for data scientists. For example, you can include markdown text in your notebook, which allows you to add notes, explanations, and visualizations to your code. You can also add visualizations and charts using Python’s Matplotlib or other libraries. 

Pandas

Pandas is a popular Python library for data manipulation and analysis. It offers data-structures and functions that facilitate its analysis and manipulation.

One of the most important data structures in Pandas is the DataFrame. A DataFrame is a 2-dimensional labeled data structure with columns (like a table) of potentially different types. 

Now, let’s say we want to group the data by the Gender column and calculate the mean age for each group. We can use the groupby method to achieve this:

In some cases, our data may contain missing values (NaN). We can drop these values using the dropna method:

These are just a few examples of what you can do with Pandas. The library offers many more tools and methods for manipulating and analyzing data, including filtering, merging, and transforming data. 

Matplotlib

Matplotlib is a popular data visualization library for Python that provides a variety of tools for creating high-quality visualizations. With Matplotlib, you can create a wide range of charts, plots, and graphs, including scatter plots, line plots, bar charts, and more.

Some examples of different plots include:

 

  • Scatter Plot: A scatter plot is a great way to visualize the relationship between two variables.
  • Bar Chart: A bar chart is a great way to visualize categorical data
  • Histogram: A histogram is a great way to visualize the distribution of a dataset. 
  • Line Plot: A line plot is a great way to visualize the trend of a dataset. 

Scikit-learn

Scikit-learn is a powerful machine-learning library for Python that provides a wide range of tools for data mining, analysis, and modeling. It is built on top of other popular scientific Python libraries, including NumPy, SciPy, and Matplotlib, and provides an easy-to-use interface for building machine learning models.

Scikit-learn includes a variety of machine learning algorithms, including regression, classification, clustering, and dimensionality reduction. It also provides tools for feature extraction and selection, data preprocessing, and model evaluation. With Scikit-learn, you can build and train machine learning models on your data, evaluate their performance, and use them to make predictions.

Conclusion

Python is a versatile programming language that offers a range of powerful tools for data science. We introduced you to some of the essential libraries and tools for data analysis, manipulation, and visualization in Python. By mastering these tools, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient data scientist in Python. 

As technology evolutions, we can expect to see more powerful and sophisticated algorithms that can analyze and interpret vast amounts of data. Additionally, we may see increased adoption of machine learning and AI technologies in various fields, such as healthcare, finance, and transportation, to name a few. With these advancements, we can expect data science to play an even more crucial role in decision-making processes, innovation, and problem-solving across industries.

Édgar Alexander Dávila

Software Engineer

References:

Altintas, I., Porter L. (2022). Python for Data Science [MOOC], UCSanDiegoX DSE200x [Online course]. edX.
 https://learning.edx.org/course/course-v1:UCSanDiegoX+DSE200x+3T2022/home 

Parenthetical citation: (Altintas et al., 2022)

Narrative citation: Altintas et al. (2022)

 

Find Remote Work

How to earn in Dollars and spend in Colones: A new reality for Costa Rican professionals

San José (Costa Rica), October 2023. In a world where interconnection and digital revolution converge, Costa Rican talent finds itself in an enviable position to seize the opportunities of remote work. This scenario not only opens the door to earning in dollars but also brings a series of benefits that are transforming how Costa Rican professionals approach their careers. Competition has never been so intense as the consolidation of remote work and global labor globalization have created an ideal environment for many Costa Ricans to realize their dream: earning in dollars and living in colones.

The fluctuation of the local currency against the US dollar has made dollar-based salaries an attractive option for professionals from San José, Heredia, Alajuela, Cartago, Atenas, and even small municipalities, as long as they have internet access. Opting to work remotely can offer different financial benefits such as economic stability, investment capacity, significant savings, and a higher global return on investment. Additionally, adopting this remote work approach can lead to savings related to transportation and work attire, contributing to stronger financial management.

“The phenomenon of the work revolution has led to the demolition of geographical barriers in the search for talent worldwide. This has generated a growing demand for Costa Rican employment abroad, a trend that has experienced significant growth in recent years,” states Diego Gamboa, Chief Technology Officer of Mismo Software Consulting, regarding this trend in the labor market. It reflects the quality and versatility of Latin American talent, specifically from Costa Rica, in the academic and technological fields.

To access these job opportunities in the global market, the requirements are clear. A minimum of B2-level English proficiency, as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), is required to ensure effective communication in international environments. Additionally, expertise and experience in fields such as web interface design, software development, and data analysis are valued. Soft skills, like adaptability to different cultures and work environments, the ability to work autonomously and manage time, a willingness to acquire new knowledge, and the skill to stay motivated and productive without direct supervision, are essential in this highly competitive setting.

In Costa Rica, remote employees in information technology areas, such as web development, design, and quality assurance, have the potential to earn substantial incomes in dollars. Earnings can vary based on experience, academic qualifications, and specific skills. Working directly with US-based companies, some experienced professionals with specialized knowledge can earn up to three times what they could earn in colones. This is due to the considerably stronger value of the US dollar compared to the local currency. This situation represents a unique opportunity in the current economic landscape.

“At Mismo, we offer exciting opportunities for Costa Rican Software Engineers who wish to work remotely for American companies. We have various job openings that professionals can access from the comfort of their homes. We are committed to connecting local talent with Silicon Valley startups and fostering mutual growth in the competitive field of technology,” adds the executive.

Thus, the opportunities for Costa Rican professionals to earn in dollars and spend in colones are real and constantly growing. With the right combination of technical skills, experience, and English proficiency, professionals can make the most of this global trend and improve their financial prospects while contributing to the international job market. Those interested in applying for these opportunities can do so at Mismo Team Platform.

Find Remote Work

Silicon Valley offers remote job opportunities for Costa Ricans: Get to know the requirements

San Jose (Costa Rica), August 2023. Silicon Valley, known as the hub of technological innovation, has become an attractive place for Latin American talents seeking remote work. In an increasingly interconnected world, these leading technology companies provide opportunities for professionals from different nations, especially Costa Rican talents, who have proven to be creative, proactive, and with a constant passion for learning.

Startups have shown a growing interest in hiring remote Costa Rican software engineers, recognizing their significant contribution to the technology field. Local talent is highly valued in the global tech industry due to their mental agility, problem-solving skills, educational background, and passion for their work. These companies embrace cultural diversity and the unique perspectives that talent from the region brings, actively seeking highly skilled professionals.

For Costa Ricans interested in applying for these opportunities, the requirements are demanding but attainable. Proficiency in English at a B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is essential to communicate in international settings effectively. Additionally, knowledge and experience in web interface design, software development, and data analysis are highly valued skills in today’s technology field. Companies also seek professionals with soft skills like teamwork, adaptability, and resilience.

Discover the requirements for remote work from Costa Rica:

English Proficiency: Ensuring global communication. To make headway in the international professional landscape, a minimum B2 level of English proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is a fundamental requirement. This competence ensures efficient communication in global contexts, preparing individuals to tackle worldwide challenges and cultivate relationships that transcend geographic boundaries.

Technical Mastery and Experience: Leading technological change. The tech field demands professionals with broad skills and experience. Those passionate about web interface design, software development, quality assurance, and data analysis have the opportunity to lead change in large-scale projects and create innovative solutions.

Soft Skills: The compass to collaborative success. Beyond technical talent, organizations seek professionals with outstanding soft skills. The ability to work in a team, express oneself effectively, and adapt to challenges in the workplace is essential to excel in the global business landscape. Candidates with a positive attitude and collaboration skills stand out in today’s business environment.

“If you aspire to join the dynamic tech world, it’s essential to dedicate time and effort to improve your technical skills, whether through specialized courses, immersion in relevant content, or constant practice in challenging projects,” says Diego Gamboa, Chief Technology Officer of the software consulting firm Mismo.

He further explains, “Silicon Valley companies appreciate candidates who maintain a strong online presence, sharing projects and contributions on platforms like GitHub and LinkedIn. This kind of engagement demonstrates their passion and commitment to technology and the professional community.”

Working for American industries from Costa Rica offers several attractive benefits for professionals. The primary one is receiving salaries in US dollars, strengthening purchasing power against local currencies and providing economic stability. These startups also offer budget allowances for home office setup, access to quality technology and internet connections, as well as budgets for professional development and continuous education. Additional benefits include flexible working hours, an innovative work environment, and the opportunity to work on global-scale projects.

The opportunities for Costa Rican talent in Silicon Valley are diverse and exciting. These include positions for full-stack engineers and front-end and back-end developers, which are essential for creating technological projects. Similarly, DevOps engineers, experts in infrastructure, are in demand. These engineers, along with data scientists, play a vital role in the product and service development life cycle.

If you are a passionate professional with outstanding technical skills and a proactive attitude, we invite you to explore the available opportunities and apply to become a part of this innovative and ever-evolving community. Those interested in applying for these positions can do so at Mismo

Interviews

Remote Work: 5 tips for an English job interview

Bogotá (Colombia), June 2023. In an increasingly interconnected and globalized world, being bilingual or multilingual has become a vital skill, both personally and professionally. Being bilingual has several advantages, such as a greater intercultural understanding, the ability to communicate with people worldwide, increased job opportunities, and access to a wider range of positions. Mastering a second language has become a key factor in a highly competitive business environment, demonstrating adaptability, flexibility, and a global perspective.

English has become the global language for business and is widely used in international workplaces. If a Colombian wants to apply for a remote job in a company located in another country that requires English proficiency, it’s essential to have fluent communication skills in the language to interact with colleagues and clients from diverse cultures and nationalities.

It’s worth noting that international corporations focus on several important aspects when selecting an employee: proficiency in a second language, soft skills, and interpersonal, educational, and professional skills. Industries are looking for candidates capable of effective communication with multicultural teams and in different contexts, facilitating the development of strong relationships and collaboration, regardless of distance.

Furthermore, soft skills like teamwork, assertive communication, adaptability, and resilience are highly valued. Organizations recognize that successful remote employees must effectively manage their time and build trust-based relationships, despite the physical distance.

“My advice to job applicants is to invest time and effort in improving their language skills, whether through courses, exposure to content, consistent practice, or immersion in an environment where the target language is spoken,” says Diego Gamboa, Chief Technology Officer of the software consultancy firm Mismo, which has been offering IT solutions to North American companies through Latin American talent for over a decade. Currently, Mismo has various job vacancies available for Colombians.

He also emphasizes that “soft skills, especially teamwork, are highly valued by companies. Demonstrating good collaboration and effective communication skills within a team can make a difference in the selection process.”

In this regard, having a solid command of a second language becomes a key factor to shine in an English job interview, especially when the minimum required level is B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). To assist Colombians looking to apply for remote positions, we provide five useful tips to help them prepare and excel in a job interview in another language.

  1. Research the Company and Understand the Position: Thoroughly research the company, its history, market area, and competitive environment. Understand the requirements and responsibilities of the position, focusing on strengthening weaker areas.
  2. Prepare for Common Questions: In an English interview, it’s recommended to anticipate common questions. Practice clear and organized answers about strengths, weaknesses, past work experiences, and career goals.
  3. Master Technical Language: If the job requires technical knowledge in English, it’s important to become familiar with the language’s specific vocabulary and terminology. The ability to explain technical concepts and processes in English clearly and concisely is essential. Transparency is key; if the candidate is honest about their knowledge and language skills, even if they’re willing to learn, they’ll demonstrate a high level of competence and professionalism.
  4. Showcase Soft Skills: Companies value soft skills such as adaptability, teamwork, and effective communication. Create specific examples of how these skills have been applied in previous work situations. Candidates can showcase their personalities and demonstrate creativity, passion, and drive through video presentations, as this medium allows the physical demonstration of skills like public speaking and communication.
  5. Improve Fluency: To gain confidence and fluency in the interview, it’s recommended to refresh one’s knowledge through content in the required language, such as readings, technical articles, podcasts, videos, and more. This will help candidates become accustomed to the terminology, accents, and common expressions.

In summary, in today’s highly competitive job market, English language proficiency and soft skills play a crucial role in standing out, especially when seeking employment opportunities abroad. English fluency has become an essential requirement for accessing international career opportunities and achieving success in the professional world. Fortunately, there are numerous free language courses available on various platforms, universities, and applications, making it accessible and convenient to start learning another language.

If you’re interested in applying for these opportunities, you can do so at Mismo

Find Remote Work

Remote Work: Argentinians wanted in the U.S. – Here are the requirements

Buenos Aires (Argentina), May 2023. More and more Argentine professionals are choosing remote work for various reasons. Remote work offers greater flexibility and time control, allowing for a better work-life balance. It can also reduce commuting costs and other expenses associated with working in a physical office. Additionally, remote work can enhance safety and health by minimizing exposure to temporary viruses and other illnesses.

Globalization and the growing demand for remote services have unleashed unprecedented opportunities for Argentine and Latin American professionals. This new era has given them the freedom to extend their reach beyond previous boundaries. As a result, local talent is now making waves in companies worldwide.

Furthermore, many international companies are seeking remote employees in Argentina due to the multiple benefits. It speeds up the hiring process and provides access to highly skilled talents. The remote work trend is a unique opportunity for both companies and workers, fostering a better balance between professional and personal life and offering a more flexible approach to remote collaboration.

In Argentina, the technology sector has experienced significant growth in remote work in recent years, leading to a high demand for software engineers. These professionals have a competitive edge in remote work because most of the tools they use for software project development and management are cloud-based, allowing them to access these tools from anywhere globally with an internet connection. Additionally, individuals in these fields have the opportunity to constantly learn and update their skills due to the innovative culture and collaborative work environment characteristic of these globally distributed companies, with San Francisco (CA) being one of the major hubs.

This remote hiring model is favored by Silicon Valley startups. However, what are the requirements for these vacancies? U.S. companies looking to hire Latin American remote talent often have specific criteria for candidates. They expect professionals to have at least a B2 level of English proficiency since communication is key in remote and multicultural teams. Experience in programming and software development, along with advanced skills in popular programming languages such as Java, Python, Ruby, or Javascript, is also required. Technical and soft skills, including teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving, are crucial. Leadership skills and the ability to work in a dynamic and changing environment are also highly valued.

“If someone chooses to work remotely, they must understand the commitment and responsibility that this virtual environment entails. Having a proactive attitude toward continuous learning is crucial, as the tech industry is constantly evolving and staying up-to-date is essential. This also means having the opportunity to learn and enhance your skills constantly,” says Diego Gamboa, Chief Technology Officer of the software consultancy firm Mismo, which has been providing IT solutions to North American companies for over a decade.

To apply for remote job opportunities, it’s important to highlight remote work skills and experiences on your resume, along with relevant technical competencies for the position you’re applying for. Emphasizing your ability to work autonomously and demonstrating a proactive attitude towards continuous learning is also crucial. During interviews, it’s essential to discuss previous experiences with remote work and how you’ve overcome the challenges it may present.

“Applicants should highlight their communication and collaboration skills in a virtual environment, as well as their flexibility to adapt to different time zones, teams, and cultures,” adds Gamboa. He also emphasizes that “demonstrating the required language communication skills, proactivity, and problem-solving ability is critical for applicants.”

If you’re interested in applying for these opportunities, you can do so at https://mismo.team.

Find Remote Work

The Art of International Job-Seeking

In the last few years, we have been hearing increasingly often that the technical talent from Latin America has been captivating technological companies all around the globe; with article after article praising the efforts of countries like Costa Rica, Brazil and Argentina that prioritise technical education over more traditional studies. As a Technical Recruiter specialised in the LatAm job market myself, I can attest to that, as I have had the opportunity to work amongst extraordinarily bright and highly skilled software engineers. Latin America houses an excellent pool of technical talent that is yet to be entirely exploited by Silicon Valley. One of the main reasons for this could be that engineers haven’t completely polished their job-seeking strategy to catch the opportunities that the job market has put out for them.

There are many steps that can lead you to success in applying for a foreign company, but, in my experience, the most important one is to possess an English level higher than B2 (based on the scoring system of the Cambridge Advanced Exams for Speakers of Other Languages). This is the basic starting point as most projects available in the market are going to be managed by US-based, multicultural companies. All engineers joining these teams would need to have the ability to communicate fluently and fully in English with their peers in order to ensure effective communication while working towards their technical goals.

The very second step to getting your dream job is to study the opening and the company you are applying for. It is essential that you be aware of what you are applying to and what you think the company is looking for. This simple review will help you establish the starting point for the application. You should focus your efforts on highlighting those qualities about yourself, understanding that you are now going to start “marketing yourself” as precisely what the target audience, the recruiters, are looking for. Become familiar with the company’s stack and technical requirements as they will become crucial moving forward.

It may not come as a surprise for the average LatAm applicant that the following step towards a successful international job search is to always have your resume fully updated and in English; however, this has more than the apparent purpose of facilitating the information on the hiring manager’s (likely) native tongue. Your resume not only works as a means to showcase your suitability for a role, but it is also the first impression of your language and communication skills. When you put together your resume, you should always dedicate a significant portion of your time to polish it to perfection. Always remember to add all the technologies and technical expertise you have that are relevant to the target role as this will increase your eligibility. Bear in mind that your resume should match your qualifications, you don’t want to overstuff your resume just because you want that job! Try to keep it concise and complete.

Even without the added difficulty of applying for a job in a foreign country, job-seeking can be a complex endeavour. Nowadays, it not only requires the applicants to have a tailor-made resume in, at the very least, two languages, but it also requires building a robust network on platforms like LinkedIn where all the magic happens. Having an updated LinkedIn profile is a fundamental step to starting the search. A survey from 2016, showed that 87% of recruiters claim to use LinkedIn in their everyday sourcing efforts; and I, personally, expect this number to have gone up since the boom of remote working. So, be sure to have your business social media just as primed as your resume. If you’re looking to go the extra mile, we suggest you do the same with GitHub and StackOverflow which are some of the other trusted sourcing tools in a technical recruiter’s Mokeskin pouch.

If the previous steps go well, you will land an interview. This step’s advice is twofold: there is a content aspect and a special aspect. On the one hand, this is your opportunity to figure out if the company is right for you. And, of course, the company will also analyse your skillset to see if you are the right candidate for them. You can adapt all of the aforementioned tips for this as well: Learn the job description by heart and prepare to elaborate on aspects about yourself that highlight your suitability for the job. Last but not least, always be yourself…the best version of yourself though. On the other hand, if you are applying for a remote job, chances are, the interview will be remote too, which means you are going to face a few challenges that you would not face in an in-person interview: unreliable internet connection and environmental interruptions. Make sure to take the interview in a quiet location to ensure good sound quality. In addition, check that you have a strong internet connection for the day so you will not have to ask for a rain check that can cripple your possibilities of a second round.

These are the basic five aspects to successfully getting started in a process for Silicon Valley. Obviously, job hunting is an art, and for art, there is no formula. This is not to say that this is the only way to get the job you have been waiting for, but it can get you on the right path toward your dream job if you’re a LatAm Software Engineer looking for a new challenge in the US market.

 

References:

  1. Ranking Countries and Industries by Tech, Data, and Business Skills
  2. Countries Companies Should Target For Hiring Their Next Tech Talent
  3. Reasons for outsourcing software development to Costa Rica in 2022
    Mind-Blowing LinkedIn Statistics and Facts
  4. Jobvite Recruiter Nation Report 2016
Find Remote Work

Remote work: These are the most sought-after profiles in 2023

San Jose (Costa Rica), March 2023. Remote work remains the top choice for Costa Ricans when applying for jobs, especially international ones, given the benefits it offers, ranging from dollar salaries without leaving the comfort of home to paid flexible hours.

According to the latest Global Hiring Report by Deel Lab for Global Employment, Latin America continues to see the highest growth in foreign hiring, with a 161% increase. This study also highlights Costa Rica as one of the most attractive countries in the region for remote hiring. Positions related to technology and software development are particularly favored by multinational companies, given the access to a pool of high-quality talent.

But, what are the most sought-after profiles in Costa Rica for these companies? Thanks to the Digital Era, which has not only transformed how people interact but also pushed companies to reinvent themselves constantly, employees with expertise in web interface design, software development, and data analysis are in high demand.

“In addition to work experience, adaptability, self-management, problem-solving through timely ideas, and the ability to work in teams are highly valued in organizations. Soft skills are thus gaining increasing importance in the selection processes,” says Diego Gamboa, Chief Technology Officer of the software consultancy firm Mismo, which has been providing IT solutions to North American companies for over a decade.

Here are the top 3 in-demand profiles for 2023:

Data Engineer: Engineers in this field handle storing, analyzing, and managing a company’s data to make it efficiently usable for decision-making.

“Companies have their eyes on engineers in Latin America, especially Costa Ricans, due to their geographical location, time zone, proactivity, and ability to turn ideas into tangible projects, qualities highly appreciated by global executives,” adds the CTO, whose mission with Mismo since 2012 has been to connect and position Latin American talent with Silicon Valley startups.

Full-Stack Engineer: In 2023, visiting websites daily, whether for grocery shopping, ordering lunch for delivery, or even scheduling a medical appointment, is common. Those responsible for the user experience on a website (Front-end) and the programming and maintenance of its internal architecture (Back-end) are Full-Stack engineers. Knowledge of technologies like CSS, HTML, JavaScript, among others, and analytical and critical thinking are essential for those applying for remote positions in this profile.

Front-End Developer: Front-End web developers are responsible for creating the interface of a website or application. Anything a visitor can see or interact with on that page is the responsibility of the Front-End engineer. Skills required for developers in this role include knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, among others, and techniques to enhance the user experience with the website.

If you’re interested in applying for these positions, you can do so at https://mismo.team/.

Careers Blog, Data Science

Coding in a data-driven Company

What does it mean to be a data-driven company?

A data-driven company has a culture where the data is respected and adequately utilized to make business decisions across an organization. It means that each business decision, minor or significant, must be justified based on numbers/metrics.

This process demands different steps; first, you must collect the data, which implies that you have control and track of what happens in your product. It means not only the final number (like, how many ‘x’ products you sell) but also the user’s entire behavior, such as clicks, pages visited, and so on. Secondly, you must normalize the data, which means cleaning the data, for example, removing redundant details that you do not need to process or doing minor modifications on the fields to unify the values. The last step is analyzing and showing the information. Perhaps the most difficult one, given that it implies the challenge of knowing how to interpret your data to present it. This approach permits avoiding bias for personal hypotheses and insolation resolutions. Of course, it can not promise that it will always make the best decision, but it is a powerful tool to increase the guarantee of success.

According to a new research related to the value of becoming a Data-Driven business (Ejofodomi, 2022), there are other benefits, such as helping you outperform your competition, improving customer retention, and identifying your business needs, just to name the most relevant ones. In this context, we are talking not only at the management and product level but also at the entire company, from the development, sales, and human resources departments.

In this post, we will discuss data-driven from the engineering perspective, the benefits of applying it in your company, and how this can improve your daily life.

Learning by example

Let’s take as an example a company that generates a two-sided marketplace that connects companies with qualified professionals. When new tech candidates visit the website, they have to follow an onboarding process with multiple steps including complete different information related to their career, education, work history, skills, etc.

On the other side, the marketing team tracks the conversion numbers daily. So, for example, let’s say that on Oct 4, we got 81.57% of the new candidates to complete the onboarding and fill in all the required data. So, the percentage of new users finishing the onboarding process and completing the steps is 81.57%. This number is related mainly to our ‘Conversion Cost’; in raw words, how much money the company invests (or it costs) in Ads, Marketing, events, and so on.

Example of an onboarding Conversions simulation for last weekWhen a new feature is requested

Let’s say, for example, the product team requested a new feature that makes it mandatory to update a resume. It’d impact the platform in two ways. On one side, the fact that each candidate has a resume uploaded will make them more complete, but on the other side, our conversion numbers could decrease.

Tracking and tracing

Behind the scenes, we might track what the users do all the time. So, for example, at the specific step described before, in which the user must decide whether to upload the resume, we keep tracking in our database what their decision was. But we do not track only the specific decision; we also add extra information related to the user’s context, such as his skills, years of experience, which features have been enabled, etc. Finally, we might experiment with it activating only 50%, with the objective of, after doing analytics, comparing results and taking action on it.

Analytics

We might sync all data with a big data analytics software like Looker, which permits easy exploration, analysis, and sharing of real-time information. This will give us complete control over what is happening on the platform. With all the data synced, we might create specific graphs (using SQL) to track the conversions. If we activate only 50% of the cases it’d mean that half of the users will have to upload their resume.

Submit profile, control vs. with resume.

 

The image above shows how the new request affects the conversion rate (the user must upload the resume). In general, we lost (in yellow) around 10%-20% of conversions. But, on the other hand, we have Candidates with better completeness profiles, which can impact more hires. This also shows that you shouldn’t make decisions based on this graph alone. Instead, you must consider and complement it with the company’s vision and its targets. For example, the company might evaluate if the preference is to have less active candidates with more quality profiles or prioritize quantity over quality.

Conclusions

Nowadays, it is a must to work using data analytics to feel comfortable and, most importantly, to have complete control of each contribution to change in the app.

Every time you deploy a new feature, you will have enough business reports to know that if a problem appears, you will likely catch it sooner; As a consequence, it will save you lots of money.

Working with this kind of structure will make your day more enjoyable and relaxing, given that you have less stuff to worry about and focus on the business when you are coding; in the end, that is all that matters.

References:

Business Intelligence (BI) & Data Analytics Platform. (s. f.). Looker. Recuperado 18 de octubre de 2022, de https://www.looker.com/ 

Ejofodomi, E. (2022, 7 enero). What’s The Value Of Becoming A Data-Driven Business? Forbes. Recuperado 18 de octubre de 2022, de https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2022/01/07/whats-the-value-of-becoming-a-data-driven-business/?sh=4167ded43776 

Hodgson, P. (s. f.). Feature Toggles (aka Feature Flags). martinfowler.com. Recuperado 18 de octubre de 2022, de https://martinfowler.com/articles/feature-toggles.html 

Careers Blog, Find Remote Work, Job Applications

Working in the U.S. remotely: How to apply for a job?

Buenos Aires (Argentina), March 2023. Fully remote employment, which benefits both companies and their employees, comes with certain features, such as saving time and money on commutes and the ability to work from anywhere in the world, reducing stress levels and improving mental health.

Certainly, working remotely (especially in the field of engineering and IT development) offers numerous attractive benefits for anyone, as achieving a balance between personal and professional life is a top priority and need in today’s world.

But what does it take to apply for one of these dream jobs that offer not only dollar salaries and job flexibility but also the opportunity to work and learn from emerging startups in Silicon Valley?

What you need to apply

Having at least a B2 level of English (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is essential to access these positions and stand out among other candidates, considering that for companies like Mismo (which offers software consulting), there are no distinctions of gender, age, or race when hiring.

“Speaking a second language is a powerful competitive advantage because it allows us to thrive in multiple cultural and professional spaces. Mastering another language, in addition to your native one, will enhance opportunities, meaning the possibility of entering a global workforce increases significantly,” says Diego Gamboa, Chief Technology Officer of Mismo.

Furthermore, continuous training and development of the skills that the job market is currently demanding, such as software development and data science, are necessary to take the first step toward remote work in the digital world. For American companies, these skills are a differentiating factor, but they are aligned with soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and creativity.

It’s worth noting that in the current global situation, where economic instability has led many companies to conduct mass layoffs, Mismo continues to strengthen its IT workforce due to its talent selection and training processes. This effectively positions and incorporates Latin American engineers, specifically Argentinians, who have become essential not only because of the time zone and geographic location but also due to their commitment, passion, and technical and professional expertise over the years.

Forum Desai, co-founder and CEO of the software consultancy firm with over a decade of experience providing IT consultancy through Latin American talent to American companies, primarily located in San Francisco, CA, says, “At Mismo, we seek to inspire, showcase, and connect Argentine professionals with leading IT firms. We are aware that we may be facing a global recession, but here, we believe in the transformative power of our talent and the contributions each of them makes to the organizations we connect them with to create materialized opportunities.” She adds, “One of our goals is to recognize the importance of working together with a clear objective to boost our clients’ results and our employees’ growth.”

Ready to Apply?

Those interested in applying for these positions can do so at Mismo Jobs