There are a lot of advantages to taking courses online
Online classes have flexible schedules and allow you to study from home. This is a great option for busy people who are already working full time, but who want to stay up to date and potentially improve their job prospects. Continuing education is especially important in the ever-changing tech industry. The classes you took in college may already be outdated by the time you apply for your next tech job.
Udacity is an online learning site that works in collaboration with major tech companies like Google, Facebook, AT&T, and SalesForce. The companies help create “nanodegree” curricula to help teach the specific skills they are looking for when hiring.
According to Udacity, since it is the major tech companies inventing most of the new technologies, and hiring most workers in the tech industry, “they know what skills matter better than anyone else.” Bill Blase, senior executive vice president of human resources at AT&T, seems pleased with the results of AT&T’s collaboration with Udacity. He expects that creating curricula with Udacity will “build a pipeline of talented workers for our future workforce” and “build the skills of our current employees.”
Nanodegrees for the tech industry
Through Udacity, you can learn data analysis, front-end development, and programming, as well as development for specific products like Android or iOS. Nanodegree programs include instructional videos, feedback and support from fellow students and teachers, and hands-on projects that allow you to build a portfolio of work.
Many of Udacity’s instructional videos are available for free online, but enrolling in the nanodegree program gives you access to a community of students and teachers who can give you feedback on your projects and help coach you through your next job search. You’ll also receive credentials that will show potential employers that you have marketable skills.
Udacity’s nanodegree programs cost $200 per month, with classes generally ranging from four months to one year. However, if you complete all of your course work within one year, Udacity will refund you half of your tuition. Udacity initially offered this refund for its classes in Android development, and recently expanded the deal to all of its nanondegree programs.
If you are serious about the tech industry, Udacity could be a great way to learn the specific skills big tech companies are looking for.
#Udacity
