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by robomartin 2095 days ago
I see a lot of negativity in this thread. What’s wrong with Google giving a bunch of people a taste and the opportunity to grow?

I prefer to believe in the ability of people to reach beyond their station in life. Sometimes all they need is inspiration. If Google can provide that it’s great.
2 comments
SpicyLemonZest 2095 days ago
The concern is whether Google actually is giving them an opportunity to grow. As was mentioned downthread, most existing training certificate programs offer no real growth and exist only to create a stagnant job pool in service of the commercial interests of the company issuing them. I'm optimistic that this program will be different, but I understand why someone who distrusts Google might be concerned.
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robomartin 2095 days ago
Strictly speaking, neither Google nor any other single entity is responsible for giving anyone any opportunity of any kind; to work, learn, grow, etc. That they do is is very cool.

From my experience, the best people at anything (it doesn't have to be coding, anything in life) are those who caught a glimpse of something that resonated with them and, from that point forward, could not let it go.

In other words, from my perspective, the opportunity to grow is created by the person, not by external actors.

Here's a simple example: How often the children of very rich people end-up being complete losers? They don't lack resources at all. They don't lack opportunity at all. What they lack is hunger, exposure, discipline, struggle and that something that creates that spark that inspires so many to excel.

This is why I said that what Google is doing is great. You don't need to put people through a full CS curriculum for them to be useful and, more importantly, to change their lives. What they do with the experience and insight after that is up to them.

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farfegnoogin 2095 days ago
I don't get the negativity either. For someone with experience they could do it essentially for free if they have time and form their opinion that way.

They even give people a $150.00 cash card if they commit to completing the course in X number of months.

Overall, as I posted elsewhere I think the IT one is a pretty good intro to the subject, definitely best for people who have some skills and passion for the topic tho.

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