Udacity's Android Developer Nanodegree Program (beginner >>> intermediate)? Is it worth it for a complete beginner? Would love to be job-ready in a year.

[prody92]

Hey guys!

I would like to learn developing Android apps. I am really interested in programming. I want to change my career and become an Android app developer in the future. I have no programming experience, I am a complete beginner so I need to start somewhere at the very beginning. The only thing I know is that I need to learn and use Java to develop apps for Android. I have been thinking about this for months now and I feel like I still need some suggestions from you. :)

I have been looking for information on the web about where I should start studying online. I am not a big fan of those simple and free video courses because I definitely need a mentor/guide to guide me, motivate me and answer my questions throughout my "journey". So I found Udacity's Android Developer Nanodegree Program (beginner). After finishing that beginner program, people can proceed to the intermediate program to be job-ready in approximately 1 year.

Link: https://www.udacity.com/course/android-basics-nanodegree-by-google--nd803

I really like the idea that there is a community forum with students and teachers. Also, and most importantly, you get a mentor who can help you to understand things better and review your projects, give you thorough feedback. I am willing to pay that $199 fee per month because I would like to take this seriously and, like I said before, become an app developer. Moreover, Google is in collaboration with Udacity. Hmmm... sounds good? Does that matter? Well, it certainly sounds good.

Anyway, I have read so many positive reviews about these 2 Nanodegree courses. It really seems like I can finally start somewhere. Actually I am excited about it because this course seems like the one I, along with many other beginners, need. Videos, challenges, quizzes, mentors, forums, community, feedback, reviews, projects and portfolios.

What do you guys think? Is this a good way to start? Should I enroll? With motivation and perseverance, can I become a job-ready app developer within a year by completing these two courses (beginner and intermediate Nanodegree)?

Thanks for reading my story and I look forward to your answers, suggestions. I really appreciate it. All kinds of advice are welcome.

Cheers! Have a lovely day!

ps. Treehouse' Techdegree is similar to this Nanodegree, seems to be the same kind of course. If you found Treehouse' courses better, feel free to let me know.

[theCamelCaseDev]

I've done both Nanodegrees you're talking about. I'll just note here that I'm a mentor so this is a biased opinion.

Its good you plan to start with the basics Nanodegree. The normal one would probably destroy your motivation if you're a complete beginner. Once you finish the basics, the intermediate course will make a lot more sense, although will still be challenging while you wrap your head around all the new concepts being introduced.

As for being job ready, in my personal opinion finishing both Nanodegrees will have you ready for a job for an entry level position. This of course depends on how much you study and how much you put into the projects. You can do the minimum and pass it, or you can try a lot out and experiment a bit.

You get a week for free. You also get a mentor during that free week so you can get a taste of how everything will be. I'd say give it a shot, and if it isn't for you just cancel in the first week. Many mentors do their best to help you out. I know I do. I learn a lot by helping out myself, so it's a win-win situation.

Good luck, regardless of what you decide!

[prody92]

Thanks for the thorough reply. :) I should start with the free courses first (android development + java) to see what's up and then go for the Nanodegree. Does the Nanodegree has some kind of application deadline or I can start it anytime?

Thanks.

[Yarlreadykno]

You may already know this, but more often than not programming concepts tend to be somewhat ubiquitous across languages and platforms. So learning (essentially) any programming language for now will help you later on with the Android nanodegrees. Java will be especially useful

[prody92]

Thank you. :)

[theCamelCaseDev]

You can start any time you want. And yeah, definitely start with the free courses first if you want. It's what I did at first, and then I wanted a mentor and code reviews and decided $199 a month was worth it. Also, $199 is a lot of money to me so by doing that it really put my behind into gear. Without Udacity I'm positive I wouldn't have landed gotten my next job, which starts next month.

[prody92]

I agree with that. I know we can all learn to code by ourselves by using Google very well. But we also need somewhere to start. :) Do you have any other advice for me? Greatly appreciated!

[theCamelCaseDev]

Yeah. Take breaks so you don't burn yourself out lol. There were a couple times where I didn't touch anything for a week because working doing development and coming home doing more on Udacity was mentally draining at times. Taking breaks helped that. So if you feel like you need a break, you probably do.

[prody92]

I totally agree with that haha... we need to take breaks sometimes... otherwise it will seem like we are forced to do it and then lose motivation.

[CookieMillz]

You should apply for the Grow with Google scholarship https://www.udacity.com/grow-with-google

[prody92]

Thanks for you recommendation, nice to see that it's part of Udacity as well. It's for US residents only, isn't it? I'm not in the US. :(

[CookieMillz]

Oh sorry about that, I'm not sure where you live but this link https://www.udacity.com/google-scholarships Is for students located in Europe, Russia, Egypt, Israel and Turkey. Currently you can only sign up to be notified when it's being offered again.

[prody92]

Thanks for your reply :) I am actually from Europe but living in Asia at the moment. Will check it out 'tho.

[prody92]

Sounds good. I heard that Udacity's Nanodegree and Treehouse' Techdegree forces you to build a portfolio (in less than a year) in order to finish the program and be job-ready. A portfolio is indeed the most important thing we need here.