JetBrains Product Insight: JetBrains Academy
Blog|by Leanne Bevan|15 August 2024
In our next instalment in the JetBrains Product Insight series, we interviewed Anastasiia Pogorelova, JetBrains Academy Product Marketing Manager, to learn more about this amazing learning platform for developer teams and individuals.
What is JetBrains Academy?
At JetBrains Academy, we provide opportunities for learning and teaching computer science your way.
JetBrains Academy for Teams is specifically tailored for companies looking to upskill their developers in key tech stacks. The platform offers project-based learning courses hosted on the Hyperskill platform and supported by JetBrains tools. This approach enables teams to apply new knowledge directly by creating real-world applications using the same professional tools they use daily.
The learning platform builds on the more than 20 years of expertise behind JetBrains’ industry-leading developer tools, which are trusted by 90 of the Fortune Global Top 100 companies. We don’t just create the tools – we know how to teach them effectively. If your company already uses JetBrains tools JetBrains Academy offers seamless integration and a familiar learning environment.
Who is JetBrains Academy for and why should they use it?
JetBrains Academy for Teams is a valuable resource for companies looking to keep their development teams up-to-date with the latest coding practices and technologies. Here’s how it benefits different roles:
- Company owners: Bridge the knowledge gap between teams. With 45% of engineering companies struggling with skill gaps, upskilling can ensure your team is ready for new projects and initiatives.
- HR/L&D heads: Boost engagement and retention. According to LinkedIn Learning, 94% of employees would stay longer at a company that invests in their careers. Investing in training can increase morale and reduce turnover.
- Team leads/senior developers: Make onboarding of new hires and interns smoother. Continuous learning ensures smoother transitions, whether you’re bringing on new team members or preparing for tech stack migrations.
- Team members: Get practical experience with the same IDEs you use at work. Learning to use the tools is just as crucial as learning to code. JetBrains Academy offers personalised study plans, allowing team members to learn at their own pace and skill level.
Do you have any case studies or examples of the type of organisations using the platform?
Yes, of course! Here are some common ways organisations use JetBrains Academy:
- Upskilling tech support, QA departments, or junior developers.
- Preparing for new projects that require skills the team currently lacks.
- Helping non-IT employees gain a basic understanding of technical skills, enhances collaboration with tech teams.
For example, one of our clients with a large development department uses the platform to upskill junior developers and ensure their knowledge stays current.
What is your favourite JetBrains Academy feature and why?
Many team leads and senior developers highlight the Knowledge map as their favourite feature, and I couldn’t agree more. It provides a comprehensive view of the learning content, including prerequisites and dependent topics, and visualizes the learner’s progress.
One senior developer told us he used it to assess and delegate tasks to juniors based on their understanding, demonstrating its value for both individual learning and team management.
Do you have any JetBrains Academy tips and tricks to share?
Absolutely! Here are some tips to maximise your learning experience with JetBrains Academy:
- Consistent practice: Make coding a daily habit, even if it’s just for 15 minutes, to retain concepts and improve your skills.
- Project selection: Start with beginner projects and gradually tackle more complex ones to build confidence and competence.
- Utilise IDEs: Take full advantage of the integration with JetBrains tools to enhance your hands-on learning experience.
Do you have any resources you recommend customers watch or read?
I recommend starting with our free trial to see the platform in action. Additionally, explore our product page to learn more about key features, and browse our course catalogue for a deeper dive into what we offer.
How is JetBrains Academy different from its main competitors?
JetBrains Academy stands out with its project-based learning methodology, unlike many platforms that focus on video lectures and quizzes. Here are some key features that set us apart:
- Integration with JetBrains IDEs: Get immediate hands-on experience with JetBrains tools.
- Hands-on learning: Engage in practical, project-based learning that provides real-world experience.
- Personalised plans: Customise your learning content to align with specific needs.
- Creative problem solving: JetBrains Academy encourages learners to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions.
Find out more about JetBrains Academy and pricing
Grey Matter is a JetBrains Platinum Reseller and is on hand to provide licensing advice. We can provide quotes on the different options available. Please complete the contact form below to request a quote.