Udacity AI for Business Leaders Nanodegree Review
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence may sound like two concepts that were invented for geniuses only. However, contrary to this belief, these two concepts are quite easy to master. And understanding how they work could be a big deal for your business or career going forward, allowing you to start making smart business decisions based on the data that you collect from your clients and prospects. This is the direction businesses are taking, with most businesses taking to data science to help make business decisions and stay ahead of competition.
Some businesses may not take notice yet, but once it hits their industries, Artificial Intelligence techniques will gain more traction, helping businesses to be more efficient than ever before. And getting the skills needed to get businesses to this level is priceless. However, finding a course that fits into your busy schedule can be a daunting task. This is why we are here to introduce you to online AI for Business Leaders Nanodegree program from Udacity. This is a newer course on this premium online learning platform. It is packed with a ton of helpful information you need to break into the world of Artificial Intelligence. Plus, this online AI course has been created in collaboration with BMW, making it worth watching out for. In this post, we have taken a deeper look into this online course and the job market, helping you decide if it is a right fit for you and your career.
About Udacity
Udacity (read review here) has been making itself as the go-to online learning platform for IT and tech related courses since its founding in 2012. They are known for offering world-class online tech courses of all learning levels and for their rich list of collaborations. They have completely revolutionized online education, putting together courses that are guaranteed to produce knowledgeable and job-ready graduates. This platform offers courses ranging from basic to advanced courses. Some of their courses are free while others are paid for. Paid Udacity courses are known as Nanodegree programs, a Udacity exclusive.
So what is a Nanodegree?
This is an online course that takes only a couple of months to complete. It is designed to cover one area of a larger field, generally going in-depth to allow learners to get in, grasp the concepts and get started with their careers. Udacity’s Nanodegree programs are popular for a couple of reasons, one of them being the fact that each program comes with the knowledge you need to break into some of today’s hottest careers. The other being perks that come with these programs. By enrolling for any Nanodegree program, you will be scoring the following:
- The freedom to set your own study schedule: You will be able to log in and learn whenever and wherever you want
- A sense of community: You will connect and interact with other learners and possibly build networks
- A mentor: Just in case you run into trouble, your mentor will be on hand to help you out
- Hands-on projects: You will gain experience using real techniques to solve real problems that businesses face
- Career preparation: Brush up your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn profile, and even get a mock interview complete with feedback to prepare you for the actual interview.
But, before you get started
While some might be able to sign up and complete this Nanodegree without breaking a sweat, others might want to come prepped with a few skills before getting started. This program has been created with the thought that you already have some experience in business settings, especially in the aspect of IT. Additionally, Udacity recommends that you have a basic understanding of the following:
- Math – including geometry and algebra
- Statistics (mean, median, and mode)
- Probability and concepts built from probabilities
About course instructors
Before we take a look at the program, let’s check out who will tutoring you. Udacity searches far and wide for their tutors, attempting to pick up the best in the industry for their learners. For this online program, you will be taught by the following:
William Ross
William is an experienced investor, which has resulted in him being a great product manager. He has worked with IBM and is currently a founder of a startup at Silicon Valley.
Luis Serrano
Luis is currently an AI engineer at Apple. Before this, he worked with Google, putting PhD in Mathematics to use as an engineer.
Josh Bernhard
Josh is an instructor for both Udacity and Galvanize, with a strong passion for sharing his knowledge with his students. He is also a data scientist with Nerd Wallet, taking his rich industry experience from process automation to cancer research.
About the Course
As already mentioned, this online course was created in collaboration with BMW. Not only is it created in collaboration with an industry giant but, it comes with everything you will need to master how to build and deploy AI technologies into daily organizational practices. The course comes with seven modules plus, a capstone project at the end to tie everything together. Here is a look at what you will be covering in each section of the course:
The Paradigm Shift
This module introduces you to terminology that you will use throughout the program. Alongside a more introductory look to get started with, you will be given cases to analyze for businesses, looking to see if you can make impact and feasibility.
The Magic Numbers
Machine Learning models are powered by data and models. This is emphasized in this module, along with a look at how you can optimize and classify specific types of applications. Towards the end of the module, you will learn how predictive modeling can be applied in creating models along with reinforcement.
Architecture of Systems in AI
In this module, you will learn how to tell between the different applications and architectures. You will look further into Natural Language Processing (NLP) and understand how voice activated technologies work. You will end this module by building your own architectures, focusing on chatbots and visual classifiers.
Working with Data
Correct data labeling is another important machine learning process. In this module, you will learn how to label data and data sets for better supervised learning processing. While learning the process of correct data labeling, you will also take a look at the different kinds of scenarios organizations face, focusing on the readiness for proper data evaluation.
Accuracy, Bias and Ethics
In this module, you will learn proper labeling. You will also learn how to create ethical and accurate learning models.
Collecting Feedback
Feedback is an important tool when creating better models and designs. In this module, you will learn how to create surveys and other forms of feedback collection that you can analyze and provide answers that will help you improve.
Think Bolder and Bigger
In this module, you will learn how things come together. You will learn how AI can be applied in several difference cases and fields, constructing a roadmap that will get you the results you are looking for. At the end of this module, you will be tasked with creating a proposal that will lead you to a transformational view of the world of business.
Capstone
The capstone project at the end of the course will require you to put together all the skills you have learned in this course to create your very own AI strategy. Then, you will move from making a strategy to creation to delivery, making your way through the entire process to reinforce all the knowledge you have learned in this Nanodegree program.
Course Duration
It may seem like will be learning a lot, and you will. However, you can finish this online course within a month if you are dedicating 10 to 15 hours per week to learning. Udacity estimates that you can complete this course in 8 weeks if you are setting aside 5 hours per week to learning. However, you do have the liberty to create your own learning schedule, which can be a big plus if you are trying to balance learning, work and family lives. That said, it is important that you come up with a learning program that fits into your schedule and stick to it in order to get the most from this Nanodegree program.
Coursera Pros and Cons
There are two ways you can pay for this course as Udacity gives learners options to suit their budgets and learning schedules. The best way to decide the right option for you is to take a look at how much time you can dedicate to the course and how long it might take you to complete it. Then, you can choose from one of these payment options:
Pay as you go
This is a monthly fee that takes as long as you would wish. While it gives you the liberty to learn at your convenience, it is important to keep in mind that the monthly fee, which is $799, can add up pretty quick if you are not careful. However, if you estimate that you can finish the course in the quickest time possible then this is a great option.
Udacity deal
If you feel you may need more than one month, 2 months to be certain, then you can take up Udacity’s bundle deal. This will fuse the course’s cost to 2 months and knock off 15%. The total comes to $1598, making it a great deal if you feel you need two months to complete the course. Additionally, Udacity is currently running a Covid-19 promo offer where you get one month off when you sign up for this course right now.
What previous learners say about this course:
Do not just take our word for it. Here is what previous learners have to say about this online AI for Business Leaders Nanodegree program:
“With the new A.I. leadership programs, Udacity joins a host of other firms that have debuted A.I. training programs and education materials for corporate leaders who may be confused about the trending technology. For instance, the World Economic Forum created A.I. guidelines for business leaders to familiarize themselves with the benefits and potential pitfalls of applying A.I. to their companies…” – Johnathan V.
“AI for Business Leaders” Executive Program in close cooperation with the BMW Group. The program introduces the technical foundations and business applications of artificial intelligence (AI) to executives responsible for making strategic technology decisions within their companies.” – Anderson C.
A Look at the Job Market
The shift to Artificial Intelligence is inevitable. Businesses around the world are changing the way they operate, leveraging on the power of AI and systematic technological approaches to solve emerging business challenges. A recent study revealed that the demand for AI and Machine Learning skills is on the rise with the global AI market size expected to reach $390 billion by 2025. With evolving business practices, the demand for business leaders with AI skills is expected to grow exponentially, making it a great time to jump in and acquire AI skills now.
Final thoughts
The opportunities that come with Artificial Intelligence are enormous. This is especially true from a business perspective, making it an excellent time to jump in and start building a company that will beat market evolution to its punch. Those who already possess business skills are hugely advantaged, having the grasp of how to run a successful business. To start gaining the skills necessary to take advantage of the powerful AI and machine learning practices, a course like AI for Business Leaders by Udacity can help. This online certification comes with all the skills you need to get started. Wait no longer. Sign up today and receive 50% discount on this online Nanodegree program.
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