Is a Udacity Nanodegree Worth Pursuing for a Career in Machine Learning?
Audience member: Really, no one has ever completed this program and gotten a job. If they did, it was at Starbucks.
I’ve worked at Microsoft and Uber. I’ve written a couple of books on machine learning, and I created an entire platform specific to learning machine learning. We actually filter out resumes with Udacity and Coursera on them:
As a Random Employer, I don’t have time to go through Udacity’s curriculum. Even as an educator, I have projects, and I lack the time or technical resources to review your assignments and projects to assess your coding aptitude. Furthermore, if I did, how would I know if the answer is not plagiarized? I would take your nanodegree into account if you pass a technical interview.
Udacity has programs that partner with various companies like Google and ATT. I’m not certain if the partnership is content-related or if these companies vouch to hire some of the graduates. If the latter is true, that’s probably the most significant route.
Lastly, I have never seen anyone getting hired anywhere just because they completed a course or a certificate. These might help you get an interview, and there will always be a technical interview that actually matters in the end.
Understanding the Value of Udacity Nanodegree for Machine Learning Jobs
Another contributor stated that they value such certificates or 'degrees' because the subject matter delivery and content are current and focused compared to traditional degrees. This highlights the fact that many professionals seek to keep their skills up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of machine learning. However, the perspective of a job seeker is different.
The Perspective of an Educator
As someone with extensive experience and a curriculum vitae filled with machine learning projects and professional achievements, I must say that as an employer or educator, this perspective is valid. Evaluating candidates based on the completion of a nanodegree program directly from Udacity can be challenging, especially when you lack the resources and time to validate the authenticity and proficiency of the work done by candidates.
Having said that, there are several ways to use the Udacity Nanodegree to your advantage. Completing the nanodegree can demonstrate your commitment to learning and your ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and platforms. It can also provide you with a portfolio of projects that you can showcase during job interviews, which is crucial in today's competitive job market.
Real-World Utility of Nanodegree Programs
Some companies, especially those that partner with Udacity, may value graduates of these programs more highly. The partnerships can tighten the connection between academia and the workplace, providing a pipeline of well-trained professionals ready to tackle real-world machine learning problems. If such a partnership exists between the company and Udacity, it might guarantee you a leg up in the job market.
Networking and Personal Portfolio
Ultimately, the most effective strategy is to combine a nanodegree with a strong personal portfolio, professional networking, and relevant work experience. Prioritize building a community and meeting people in user and interest groups. Join a hackerspace, or find a community where you can meet people and build a reputation. Networking can be a powerful tool in your job search, and it can lead to opportunities that a nanodegree alone cannot provide.
Conclusion
While a Udacity Nanodegree can be a valuable asset in your career, it should be one of several factors you consider. It can't hurt and can significantly help, but it can't be the sole foundation of a job search. Invest in building your network, contributing to open-source projects, and developing a strong personal portfolio to truly stand out in the job market.