Do You Need a Nanodegree in Self-Driving Cars?
If you pride yourself on being on the bleeding edge of technology, then you may want to consider signing up to get your nanodegree in self-driving cars. The new program, being offered by Udacity, is designed to bring more focused talent into the workforce, where there is currently a high demand for engineers and programmers that can work on self-driving vehicles.
If you are light on the programming experience, you'll likely fall behind in the technical areas rather quickly, but there's more to this program than programming. The introductory course, and perhaps some of the general knowledge courses, being offered, could prove rather valuable in wooing potential clients working on these matters.
Where Do I Sign Up?
You can sign up for the introductory program online at Udacity.com. Udacity is a for-profit educational organization that offers online classes primarily focused on vocational courses for professionals. Tuition for the introductory course is $800, which could still be worth it despite not providing any of those pesky MCLE credits. But if you can translate taking the course into one new client, it could be more than worth it.
If self-driving cars aren't your thing, then Udacity also has a course on flying cars (but if you're doing one, you might as well do the other as self-driving flying cars are sure to be the next next big thing).
Why Should I Sign Up?
No, it's not time to give up the law and learn to code. But, if you are looking to represent tech clients working in the self-driving car industry, it can help to be in the places where the tech is being made. The more you learn about the ins and outs of the industry, the better poised you'll be to impress.
Also, if you're savvy with your networking and marketing, when it comes to emerging technologies, just taking the right courses (even online) can set you apart from your peers. When you're networking with potential clients with new technologies, it puts them at ease when their attorney understands the fundamentals and principles underpinning their business.
Related Resources:
- When Is It Time to Trash Old Tech? (FindLaw's Technologist)
- Can One Driverless Car Change Auto Liability? (FindLaw's Technologist)
- 7 Top Things Lawyers Need to Know About Self-Driving Cars (FindLaw's Technologist)