A career in tech is calling (and this program can help) 💻

Bootcamp curriculums are up to date with current industry trends, so students gain knowledge + experience they can use in the real world. | Photo provided by Flatiron School

Did you know? Employment in the tech industry is expected to grow ~15% by 2031 — adding 680,000+ jobs to the US labor force. Read: If you’re looking to switch jobs or enter the industry, now is a good time to expand your skills (and make your resume more attractive).

One educational option? Flatiron School, which offers online or in-person options to fit most budgets, lifestyles, and experience levels — whether you’re a college graduate just starting out or a seasoned professional in a mid-career pivot.

Course options:

Software Engineering: This course is crafted for all skill levels — whether you have zero coding knowledge, are self-taught, or are somewhere in between. Flatiron’s approach focuses on applying skills through hands-on, collaborative experiences, whether that’s pair programming, code reviews, or coding challenges. Students will further hone their communication skills and become part of the tech community as they build, share, and refine their Github portfolios.
Data Science: Data is only as valuable as the person behind it, and Flatiron trains you to be that person. Experienced instructors show students how to extract and visualize data, leverage it to find actionable insights, and make powerful predictions with machine learning — all rare yet highly-desired skill sets.
Cybersecurity: Employers are actively seeking and hiring cybersecurity professionals at more than twice the rate of the average job outside of the tech industry. This course focuses on the core aspects of cybersecurity, including network security, Python (no, snakes aren’t involved), pen testing, threat intelligence, cryptology, and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (one of the most important building blocks in the curriculum).
Product Design: Students gain hands-on UX/UI (user experience and user interface) design skills using modern tools like Figma + Webflow, building a professional portfolio (intentionally crafted to catch hiring managers’ eyes upon graduation).

Flatiron School students sit at a table and work on their laptops — Build long-lasting relationships with your cohort and establish a community for you to lean on for the rest of your career. | Photo provided by Flatiron School

How it works:

Flatiron offers both full-time programs (15 weeks) and flexible-pace programs (up to 60 weeks).
Both program options are available online. Flatiron also has Denver, CO + New York City campuses for in-person courses.
Flatiron offers graduates up to 180 days of one-on-one career coaching to help students succeed during their job search.
Flexible financing is available with a 12-month, no-interest installment plan. Chat with Admissions to see what works best for you financially; some students qualify for additional support, like cost of living loans.

How to apply:

Interested? Prospective students can chat with admissions virtually to see if Flatiron might be a good fit, then complete an online application followed by an admissions interview + assessment. Pro tip: Enrollment is open year-round, so you can apply anytime.

See you in the (virtual) classroom, Columbia.*

APPLY TO FLATIRON

This content was created in partnership with Flatiron School and written by Rachel Taylor-Northam.*

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EVENTS

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Friday, March 10

Laurie McIntosh: Gatherings. My World in Linocut | Friday, March 10-Sunday, Mar. 12 | Times vary | Stormwater Studios, 413 Pendleton St., Columbia | Free | The exhibition is a collection of more than 30 images created using linocut reduction and multi-block processes.
Sarah Shook & The Disarmers + Sunny War | Friday, March 10 | 7:30-11 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St., West Columbia | $15-$18 | North Carolina-based songwriter Sarah Shook mixes country and punk with a little twang in each tune.

Saturday, March 11

Cottontown Art Crawl | Saturday, March 11 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Cottontown Neighborhood, 2222 Sumter St., Columbia | Free | The fifth annual Cottontown Art Crawl will welcome 140 artists to show and sell their original work in the downtown Columbia neighborhood of Cottontown.
2023 Shuckin’ on the Shoals Oyster Roast Fundraiser | Saturday, March 11 | 3-6 p.m. | Saluda Shoals Park, Cattail Shelter 5605 Bush River Rd., Columbia | The 16th Annual Shuckin’ on the Shoals Oyster Roast Fundraiser to support Saluda Shoals Park is presented by Gregory Technologies.
French Wine Tasting at Hampton Street Vineyard | Saturday, Mar. 11 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Hampton Street Vineyard, 1207 Hampton St., Columbia | $40 | Taste six French wines with advanced sommelier Jonathan Lopez in this immersive tasting that spans all the major regions of France.*

Sunday, March 12

Cherry Blossom Brunch at Boku | Sunday, March 12 | 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Boku Kitchen + Saloon, 916 Gervais St., Columbia | $10 | With a local DJ spinning bright + fun music, cherry blossom popup throughout the restaurant and our dim sum menu, this is a brunch party you don’t want to miss.
March Sketchout | Sunday, March 12 | 3-5 p.m. | The Hanger at Hunter Gatherer, 1402 Jim Hamilton Blvd., Columbia | Free | Indoor and outdoor spaces will be available depending on the weather and options to order snacks and drinks while you sketch.

Monday, March 13

CMA Chamber Music on Main | Monday, March 13 | 6-9 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | $5-$42 | The CMA welcomes a trio of fan-favorite Chamber Music on Main musicians for an evening of sensational chamber music.*

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

FINANCE

Average retirement savings by age: Are you on track?

When it comes to building your retirement savings, there’s no better time to get started than right now. | Photo by SmartAsset

Many Americans worry they’re not saving enough for retirement, and rightfully so. Do your current savings meet the recommended amount for people your age? Find out. 👀

The amount some people have saved may be shocking, but it’s not too late to seek advice. A financial advisor could help increase your returns and alleviate stress. Try this free tool to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area.*

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NEWS NOTES

Weather

65º | Morning rain | 95% chance of rain

Closing

The Starbucks in Five Points at 747 Saluda Ave. is closing in early April after 20 years. This Starbucks was one of the first in the Soda City. Fear not, frappuccino fans, there are four new Starbucks within two miles of Five Points. Our recommendation? Walk to Drip. ☕️ (The State)

Coming Soon

Get your quarters ready, Irmo. Aldi is opening a grocery store on the 1100 block of Dutch Fork Road, near the YMCA. This will be the German grocer’s sixth location in the Midlands. Find one near you. 🛒 (The State)

Eat

Bub ‘n Mutha’s — a gourmet dry rub company now headquartered in Cola — is sponsoring a team of veterans at this weekend’s DOKO Ribfest. On top of that, it will supply two new smokers for the competition and donate them to The Big Red Barn for use in veteran programs. 🍖

Watch

The Nickelodeon Theatre is hosting a Red Carpet Awards Party on Sunday from 7-11 p.m. for the 95th Academy Awards. The event will be hosted by Patti O’Furniture, include an open bar, and be catered by Hudson’s. Grab your ticket here. 🎬
Have you prepared your speech? The 95th Academy Awards takes place this Sunday, March 12 at 8 p.m. Not sure where to watch? Stream it with a free five-day trial of DIRECTV STREAM. Bonus: Invite your fellow film buffs over for a watch party. *

Plan Ahead

The Beamer Ball is returning to Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday, April 29. Celebrate Gamecock Athletics with dinner and drinks on the field with Gamecock Football and Athletics staff. The evening also features live music and auctions featuring exclusive items and experiences. 🏈

Transit

The City of Columbia seeks volunteers for its biannual pedestrian + bicyclist count to help prioritize pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, along with other safety improvements. Sign up here for an open slot. 🚲

Job

Do you eat, breathe, and dream about editorial content? We’re hiring a Managing Editor to support the strategic growth and development of 6AM City’s editorial team, specifically as it relates to content management, creation, and strategy. See details + apply.

Health

Did you know? Protein is said to be a good way to enhance workout performance and recovery. MUSC Health Athletic Trainer Aaron McCarley, ATC, Cert-DN explains the details on the importance of protein.*

Seasonal

Looking for a spring wardrobe update (or maybe just an excuse to shop)? We love looking for the best deals on Zulily’s current obsessions list, like these flattering wide-leg pants or this textured pink blouse.* 👚

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NEWS

Spring forward ⏱️

An analogue clock with several timezones (Bangkok, Tokyo, Sydney, Beijing, etc.)

At least our phones and computers set their clocks for us. | Photo by Iana Pugachova via Pexels

It’s time to set the clock forward — daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. local time this Sunday, March 12

So far, only two states opt out of daylight saving time (or DST) — Arizona and Hawaii — but changes could be on the horizon for our local clocks as well. South Carolina and many other states have made moves towards “year-round daylight saving time” which would mean no longer changing the clocks twice a year (each spring and each fall) by permanently adjusting everyone’s time zone forward by one hour.

Want to learn more? You can read up on which states have introduced DST laws, bills, and resolutions, and see where permanent DST bills have failed. (Our state is on the list.)

So why are we still moving the clock? Well, federal law doesn’t yet allow permanent DST. So, even if the state approves, it’s up to Congress to set the clocks… so the DST debate is something we’ll have to sleep on.

For now, if you can’t remember which direction to set the clock, remember: Spring forward and fall back. Or, maybe we should make like the astronauts and tell time by the moon.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by David.

Editor’s pick: The 2014 “Walking to Drip” meme found new life when it was announced that Starbucks in Five Points was closing yesterday. Funny enough, the first mention of it I can track down on Twitter is a post from Greg Slattery, co-founder of Curiosity Coffee. I do believe it was originally posted by local musician Ryan Morris who simply shared that he was “walking to Drip.”

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Read about Columbia’s impact award winners, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Samantha Robertson, David Stringer, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith| Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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