Introduction
Industries are being unlocked with the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain. But, with technology advancing faster than most traditional education systems can accommodate, is there a more straightforward way to reach success? What matters more: a degree or skills and experience?
There is no doubt degrees have been the basic requirement to obtain well-paid jobs for several decades. It was most certainly the case in medicine, engineering, or law, but the development of new technologies and the rise of the AI and blockchain industry seems to have changed the landscape completely. Dropping out of college to develop innovative technologies is not unheard of. With the changing hiring patterns, the need for skilled professionals keeps increasing but companies seem to be stressing actual experience, competency, and creativity versus ‘what school did you go to’ or ‘what degrees do you have?’
The challenge posed to the traditional education system by AI and blockchain is as astounding as the technologies themselves. With new technologies emerging, most universities are left in the dust trying to catch up with the advanced curricula. There is a great likelihood that the four-year degree program will be totally inefficient at keeping pace with the advancements in AI, DeFi, smart contracts, and cryptography. This reality has commonly come an increase in alternatives such as online learning, boot camps, and self-learning, as well as contributing to open-source software.
Nonetheless, degrees have components that are hard to dismiss like open opportunities in the job market. Degrees give credibility, a structured approach to learning, and a theoretical base. Fields such as computer science, data science, mathematics, or fundamentals of cryptography are good starting points for professionals in AI and blockchain. But is that all that is required? Is it not possible for someone without a formal educational background but an extensive skillset and real-life experience to succeed?
So on this blog, we will analyse the depth of need for formal education in AI and blockchain, depict the real life examples of professionals with and without degrees, and determine if traditional academic qualifications can be substituted with practical experience, as well as self-learning and certifications.
Why Degrees Matter
1. Education to the Next Level
A college education comes with a well-designed syllabus that incorporates the basic theories and practices. Colleges and universities offer broad courses to ensure that students appreciate the nitty-gritty of the subject.
As an example, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University are famous for their Artificial Intelligence programs. Graduates of these institutions have an unparalleled understanding of the theoretical and practical sides of AI which makes them highly employable.
2. Official Recognition
Degrees obtained from recognized institutions are credible and reliable. Many employers consider a degree to be proof of a candidate’s comprehensive knowledge and skills.
For example, graduates from the University of Cambridge have far-reaching recognition due to their Blockchain program and their contributions to the field. This enables them to secure highly coveted jobs and partnerships.
3. Building Professional Connections
Academic institutions are a rich source of contacts. Students can liaise with professors, field experts, and other students who would provide information and guidance on many issues.
For instance, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) provides AI and Blockchain courses to students which give them leads to top professionals who will significantly improve their chances in the job market.
4. Availability of Tools and Material
Most institutions of higher learning contain unparalleled research, laboratory and technology services. It is these facilities that enable students to test theories and create new things.
For example, the University of Tokyo's AI lab is one of the most celebrated labs in the world for its research outputs and provides students the platform to work on novel initiatives.
5. Paralanguage Development
Attaining a degree train’s one on how to critically analyse, solve problems, communicate and work with others. These skills are important in all industries. The National University of Singapore (NUS) pays attention to them in its AI and Blockchain programs to ensure that students can make an impact.
The Case for Not Getting Degrees
1. Acquired Skills Advantage
The tech world places a premium on hands-on experience and particular skill sets. A number of individuals have achieved victory in their careers through generation, hackathons, and internships.
2. Continuous Innovation in Technology
Adoption of new instruments and exponents tends to happen much quicker than education can accommodate. People in the field tend to know more about these trends and tools.
A good example is the way Google and IBM have come to understand that knowledge and skill is more valuable than formal education, so they offer other learning opportunities through online courses and certifications.
3. Alternative Learning Paths
With online courses, boot camps and certification programs, specialized skills and knowledge can be acquired without the grand expenditure of time and money that comes with a formal degree. EdX and Coursera are examples of platforms that offer verifiable certifications in AI and Blockchain.
For instance, the online AI certificate program offered by the University of Toronto allows professionals to upskill at their convenience.
4. Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Formal education is not a prerequisite for creativity and innovative minds. Most technology corporations and startups are now believing and accepting that education is secondary to a creative mind. Alternative self-educators provide a different approach to traditional education.
For example, many skilled and talented people have been recruited by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, based on their talent and practical skills instead of a formal education.
5. Cost and Accessibility
Unfortunately, these highly educated individuals and institutions set out a high barrier to entry. Higher education is expensive and therefore inaccessible to a lot of other capable individuals willing to strive in life, but choosing not to pursue a formal degree.
As an illustration, people in developing countries seek inexpensive or free online platforms to get trained in AI and Blockchain.
Benefits of a Degree in AI and Blockchain
- Learning Pathway: Programs in universities are designed to teach algorithm, data structure, cryptography, and machine learning.
- Innovation: Most of the advanced inventions in AI and Blockchain came from university research labs.
- Many high paying jobs use these institutions as a gatekeeper. Having a degree from one of the best schools at MIT, Stanford, or IIT can help get these employers.
Achieving Equilibrium
In conclusion while degrees do serve as a gateway, having a formal training is not essential to prosper in the industry. The industry pays attention to the skills one has, interest and thirst for knowledge, and being flexible to new problems. The combination of formal schooling with hands on work, with some elements of aggressive being taught can yield a fortune for the individual.
Real-World Success Stories: Degree vs. No Degree |
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|
Name |
Field |
Degree |
Contribution |
|
Demis Hassabis |
AI |
PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience |
Co-founder of DeepMind |
|
Vitalik Buterin |
Blockchain |
Dropped out of university |
Co-founder of Ethereum |
|
Elon Musk |
AI & Blockchain |
Physics & Economics |
Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink |
|
Changpeng Zhao (CZ) |
Blockchain |
Degree in Computer Science |
Founder of Binance |
|
Geoffrey Hinton |
AI |
PhD in AI (Background in Psychology) |
Inventor of Deep Learning |
Final Thoughts: The Choice is Ultimately Yours
In the end, whether a degree holds value really depends on the student’s objective, style of learning, and their career goals. Each has their own advantages, and finding ways to balance them is what makes the industry exciting and rewarding.
Share your story on the comments below if you have had experiences about moving into Aritifical Intelligence or Blockchain without a formal degree.
