This Week at Udacity, July 13 edition
Stories where unlucky transforms into opportunity, and a conclusive answer to: “How do you pronounce ‘Udacity?’”
In some parts of the world, Friday the 13th is considered unlucky. But that’s a word we don’t really use at Udacity. We prefer to think of it as, unexpected opportunity!
We shared a wonderful example of this on our blog this morning, and after you read the post, you’ll see what we mean. Because after all, was Alexandre Campino actually unlucky not to have found an aerospace job?
“I think the aerospace job search was really challenging and tough at times. But now I view that whole period as giving me the opportunity to be really resourceful and look for other areas to apply my skills. What I’ve managed to achieve is really beyond the dream scenario I had when I originally signed up for the Nanodegree program. I thought I might be able to give my career a little push, perhaps get a start in something. But what I do is absolutely amazing and goes far beyond what I thought I could have achieved. I am really happy with where I am right now.”
This week was a great week for #StudentSuccess stories, and it was such a pleasure to highlight these 5 students from India. When you read their stories, you’ll see how “unlucky” can transform into opportunity!
Thinking about luck is like thinking about magic. Does it really exist?
There was a time when that same question was asked about things like a round earth, electricity, or a Croatia-France World Cup final. Truth is, certain things just don’t seem possible. Flying Cars are another example. Even after we’d launched our Flying Car Nanodegree program, people still wondered whether any of this was real. Well, if you’re still not sure, you can ask our first graduates of the program. Here’s one right now!
In our data-powered age, concepts like luck and unlucky may be approaching extinction. Markus Spiering, VP for Student Experience at Udacity, recently wrote about the impact data has on how Udacity serves our students:
“By establishing, maintaining, and constantly refining this feedback loop, we’re able to apply insights derived from millions of feedback signals in the service of offering the best learning experience possible. In embracing this approach, our students are empowered to play an active role in creating that experience, and our internal teams are empowered to do their best work.”
It’s been said that aspiration is the parent of luck. Put another way, you make your own opportunities! It’s also been said that the scope of your opportunity is the mirror to the scope of your ambition. If that’s the case, then Elizabeth Obisesan can look forward to a LOT of opportunity, because she has incredible ambition! Check it out:
“A big thanks to Google, Udacity, and Andela for this wonderful opportunity to revolutionize the face of Africa in technology.”
To revolutionize the face of Africa in technology! Love it!
Speaking of making one’s own opportunities, it’s important to remember that the ability to get online is a literal life-changer for people. There are those out there who still don’t understand online learning, who still disparage it as some sort of “less-than” phenomenon. But here’s Lydia Low, of telecommunications company Digi, setting that record straight:
“Digi has also invested heavily in global learning platforms such as Lynda, Udacity and Coursera. This helps us truly democratise learning. In the past, it would have been unthinkable to send a whole lot of our frontliners to some of the top business schools in the world for training. But now some of the best researchers, trainers and professors are available through mobile learning so our employees can learn on their own time.”
You can read the full article here: http://www.humanresourcesonline.net/features/learn-unlearn-and-relearn-proofing-your-workforce/
And with that, it’s time for …
The Tweet of the Week!
In honor of it being Friday the 13th, we’re sticking to tweets only from today. And we found a good one. It’s a lovely chance to provide a bit of a service:
The answer?
You’re welcome!
And THAT … is This Week at Udacity!
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This post was written by Christopher Watkins, Senior Writer and Chief Words Officer, Udacity
