On May 8th of 2019, I enrolled in the Deep Learning Specialization on Coursera. Coursera had offered a “30-day free trial” on the three-month long course program and I took that offer as a personal challenge. By June 5th I had completed my first certification without spending a dime.

It’s easy to see why hiring managers might be skeptical of micro-certifications like this one. I mean, if I was able to complete the in program in 28 days, how hard could it really be? At the same time, I also know that I was only able to accomplish this feat because I had substantial background knowledge in linear algebra and computer programming to begin with.

The reality of the situation is that I didn’t take the course for the certificate, but solely because it sounded fun. And it was. It reminded me how much I enjoy the process of learning and helped me to find joy in my teaching again. I’d do it over again in a heartbeat.

So I did.

On February 14th 2020, I started the “IBM Data Science Professional Certificate”. I completed the five-month course sequence by April 2nd.

On September 29th, 2021, I started the “IBM Full Stack Developer Professional Certificate”. I completed the four-month course sequence by October 31st.

I know quite well that learning is not a race. Finishing these courses early is not necessarily a valid indicator of skill. However, I do think the manner in which I completed them provides insight into the type of person I am and my attitude towards self-improvement.

For better or for worse, I’m a thrill-seeking-binge-learner. When I get curious about a topic, I just dive right in. The more difficult the task, the more I want to do it. I’m the type of learner who desires challenge so fiercely that I would place additional time constraints on myself as a handicap.