A question we’re often asked is why we started with teaching AWS. Surely teaching AI would be a far more lucrative, sought after, booming subject to start with?
Potentially. But we deliberately chose AWS as our starting point - and for good reason.
Why Not Dive into AI Right Away?
While the allure of AI is undeniable, starting with it could dilute what makes NextWork truly different. For the first time there is an opportunity for an education company to really differentiate itself based on how we teach—not just what we teach.
Instead of outsourcing content creation to a third party (and along with it, the control of customising the how-you-learn experience), thanks to generative AI we can now generate content in-house. This brings a whole world of opportunity for improving how you learn, which were previously unavailable.
If we began with AI, a hyped and trendy topic, it would undoubtedly bring large numbers of signups and engagement with the app. But it would be challenging to discern whether people are learning with us because of our innovative learning experience or simply because of the subject matter’s current hype.
By focusing on AWS, which already has hundreds of courses and options to learn available, we ensure that learners come to NextWork for the how-experience rather than the what. This allows us to refine our methodology, evaluate its impact, and build a platform that’s about transforming the learning experience.
So, NextWork will never teach AI?
Rest assured, projects on AI are on the way. Learning AWS is not the standalone achievement—it’s our test data to build a differentiated product. Once we are confident in our student’s success and enjoyment on the platform, we plan to use AWS as the gateway to teaching AI. The cloud computing infrastructure provided by AWS underpins many AI systems today. By mastering AWS first, learners gain a practical, technical foundation that equips them to dive into AI with a deeper understanding and better preparation.
A note on building product
Choosing to start with AWS might not be the flashiest or sexiest decision, but it is undoubtedly the most strategic. This approach allows us to:
- Focus on building a differentiated product.
- Deliver actual impact in a skill area that is both in demand and accessible to compare against competitors.
- Build a scalable product that prepares us to tackle more complex topics like AI in the future.
When building product you have a duty to do what you believe is best for the experience of the end user, and not get distracted by what’s hot or in fashion at any given moment. Finding the balance of staying true to your end vision while taking advantage of unique opportunities in the market is one of the big challenges for all founders.
