Unlocking Potential: Udacity's Data Empowerment Initiative at Siemens Smart Infrastructure

In response to the fast-paced evolution of our world, Siemens SI sought to enhance its internal efficiencies while maintaining its reputation as a technology leader. Daily, Siemens SI employees grapple with vast amounts of data, prompting them to leverage data science techniques to optimize existing business processes.

This initiative aims to provide both individual contributors and managers with a shared understanding of leveraging data for business value. It is tailored to empower everyone at Siemens SI to engage in more productive discussions about data, make swifter and well-informed decisions, and deepen their expertise in data-related subjects.

Siemens SI, in partnership with Udacity, launched a structured hybrid program combining self-paced online learning with mentor-led sessions. This initiative, known as the Data Empowerment Journey, fosters a culture of lifelong learning and accelerates innovation through a solid data foundation. The program targets individual contributors and leaders across various departments, enhancing data skills and driving business outcomes through practical application and mentorship.

In collaboration with Udacity's Solution Architects, Siemens SI and Udacity devised a tailored framework:

1. Data Empowerment Nanodegree program: Udacity curated a comprehensive Data Empowerment Nanodegree program covering Data Literacy, Data Governance, Data Analytics, and Data Storytelling, culminating in a business ideation project where learners developed new data use cases.

2. Application of Skills: A core objective of Udacity’s content is skill application. Learners engaged in hands-on projects to apply their skills, developing real-world data use cases as part of their training. This process was supported by ideation sessions and culminated in final use case presentations during the graduation ceremony.

3. Program Approach: To ensure the program's success and boost group engagement, Udacity's Customer Success team designed a dynamic learning journey featuring interactive feedback, ideation sessions, and a graduation ceremony.

4. Mentorship: Udacity provided dedicated mentors who offered guidance and support through structured live sessions, 1:1 interactions, and detailed project feedback, ensuring a seamless and enriching learning experience for all participants.

Udacity's renowned expertise in top-tier technical upskilling, along with the program's structure and comprehensive curriculum, played a pivotal role in the partner selection process. Once implemented, Udacity’s Data Empowerment Journey showed unprecedented results at Siemens SI, helping to increase productivity and decrease costs, delivering a 200+% ROI for every dollar invested in creating digital talent.

Further, several additional key performance indicators showcased success:

• 96% of graduates reported their data management skill proficiency increased.
• 73% of graduates reported they were able to apply data skills in a professional manner in their respective roles.
• 83% of graduates reported becoming more efficient in their roles attributed to the adoption of the new data-driven working style.