10 YouTube channels that will teach you more than any university degree: ⤵️

1. Colin and Samir:

If you want to become a content creator or learn about the creator economy, this channel is a must-watch. They interview the world's biggest creators and break down their growth and business strategies.

youtube.com/@ColinandSamir

2. Thomas Frank:

Whether you're in high school, college, university, or already working, Thomas will teach you to be more productive. He shares study tips, advice on beating procrastination, and much more.

youtube.com/@Thomasfrank

 3. Valuetainment:

Patrick Bet-David went from being broke to starting his own company and he's now worth $150+ million. He shares the secrets to success from his own life and lessons he's learned along the way.

youtube.com/@VALUETAINMENT

4. The School of Life:

The School of Life shares ideas on how to better understand ourselves through philosophy and psychology, improve our relationships, deepen our social connections, and much more.

https://youtube.com/@theschooloflifetv?si=A9HsYY6igIPG3hjL

5. Alex Hormozi:

If you want to learn sales (probably the most important skill in business), study Alex–he's a master at it. His channel is worth binge-watching.

youtube.com/@AlexHormozi

6. Ali Abdaal:

If you want to become more productive, Ali is your guy. He's a Cambridge University doctor turned productivity guru who will help you accomplish more with less.

youtube.com/@aliabdaal

7. Bro code:

This channel is perfect if you're looking to learn coding. You can understand a whole programming language from just one video.

It's easy, straightforward, and doesn't cost anything.

youtube.com/@BroCodez

8. Andrew Huberman:

Stanford neuroscience professor Andrew Huberman discusses neuroscience and science-based tools that will help you live a healthier and longer life.

youtube.com/@hubermanlab

9. Khan Academy:

With a specific focus on science and math, this channel is brimming with valuable educational videos that make learning fun and engaging.

youtube.com/@khanacademy

10. Crash Course:

Crash Course is the high school professor you wished you had. They make high-quality educational videos on 30+ topics including literature, biology, world history, and many more interesting subjects.

youtube.com/@crashcourse

5-Golden Steps to Start YouTube Channel

Everyone should own a YouTube channel.

Sadly, most people have no idea how to start.
Here’s a full 22-day plan you can start today:

 Step 1: Niche Selection (Day 1-2)

Your niche must meet 2 criteria:

1. Viral potential

2. Sustainability

If demand is too low it will be hard to generate views

If your channel is trend-based, it could become irrelevant in 1-2 years

Step 2: Research Competition (Day 3-5)

Download the NexLev Check YouTube Monetization Status Extension

Then:

1. Search for 10 monetized channels in your niche

2. Make list of 100 outlier videos in your niche

3. Generate your own list of 20-30 ideas

Here’s how the tool works:

Step 3: Set up your channel (Day 6-7)

First, create your Google Account and Channel

Next, select your channel name (use Namelix for ideas)

Then, use Canva to create your channel logo and banner

Finally, use ChatGPT for your channel description

Here’s the setup process:

Step 4: Build your team (Day 8-21)

First, set up an account on Upwork

Next, either:

- Hire 1 person to create full videos

- Hire multiple people for each video component

The first is easier to manage

The second is better for cost management

Here’s how you hire on Upwork:

Step 5: Channel Launch (Day 22)

Maintain the schedule and you’ll be ready to post in 22 days

Will you make money right away? No

Expect it to take 2-3 months to get monetized

Want to speed this up? Focus on education

This is how my student got monetized in just 4 videos

For a standard 10-minute video expect to pay $60-100 each

Posting 1 video a week will cost you $240-400

After your channel gets monetized

You will soon recoup that initial investment

With everything else being profit

Here’s an example…

Niche: Sports

RPM: $5 per 1,000 views

Videos/mo: 4

Views: 1,000,000

Income: $5,000

Expenses: $400

Profit: $4,600

Then as your views grow, so will your income…

Credit: Adam YouTube

 

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/u1t6LNXdPaAEzz3G/

Proficiency Level

What Is Proficiency Level?

Proficiency level refers to the degree of competence, skill, and knowledge that an individual has in a particular field or activity. It reflects how well someone can perform tasks, solve problems, and apply their expertise in a specific area. Proficiency levels are often used to categorize individuals based on their abilities, experience, and understanding, helping to assess their readiness for certain roles or responsibilities.

Characteristics of Proficiency Levels

1. Knowledge: The depth and breadth of information an individual has about a particular subject.

2. Skills: The practical ability to perform tasks and apply knowledge effectively.

3. Experience: The amount of time and exposure an individual has had in the field, leading to greater familiarity and capability.

4. Autonomy: The degree of independence with which an individual can perform tasks without supervision.

5. Problem-Solving: The ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems within the field.

6. Innovation: The capacity to create new methods, ideas, or products and contribute to advancements in the field.

Proficiency Levels in IT and Computer Science

Here’s a breakdown of proficiency levels specifically in the IT and computer science fields:

1. Novice:

   - Knowledge: Basic understanding of fundamental concepts.

   - Skills: Can perform simple tasks with guidance.

   - Experience: Minimal to no experience.

   - Autonomy: Requires close supervision.

   - Problem-Solving: Limited problem-solving skills.

   - Example: A first-year computer science student.

2. Beginner:

   - Knowledge: Basic theoretical and practical knowledge.

   - Skills: Can handle straightforward tasks with some supervision.

   - Experience: Some experience through coursework or internships.

   - Autonomy: Needs moderate supervision.

   - Problem-Solving: Can solve basic problems.

   - Example: An IT intern.

3. Apprentice:

   - Knowledge Growing understanding of key concepts.

   - Skills: Developing practical skills through hands-on learning.

   - Experience: Practical experience under mentorship.

   - Autonomy: Works under the guidance of a mentor.

   - Problem-Solving: Improving problem-solving abilities.

   - Example: An apprentice network technician.

4. Intermediate:

   - Knowledge: Solid understanding of the field’s principles.

   - Skills: Can perform a range of tasks independently.

   - Experience: Several years of experience.

   - Autonomy: Requires minimal supervision.

   - Problem-Solving: Can handle moderately complex problems.

   - Example: A junior software developer.

5. Skilled Worker:

   - Knowledge: Proficient in specific areas through experience.

   - Skills: High level of practical expertise.

   - Experience: Extensive hands-on experience.

   - Autonomy: Works independently.

   - Problem-Solving: Effective problem-solving skills in their area of expertise.

   - Example: A self-taught web developer with years of experience.

6. Professional:

   - Knowledge: Comprehensive and specialized knowledge.

   - Skills: Performs tasks consistently and competently.

   - Experience: Formal education and significant practical experience.

   - Autonomy: Fully autonomous.

   - Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving capabilities.

   - Example: A certified network administrator.

7. Expert:

   - Knowledge: Extensive and in-depth knowledge.

   - Skills: Highly skilled and proficient in a specialized area.

   - Experience: Recognized by peers, often with contributions to the field.

   - Autonomy: Works independently, often leading projects.

   - Problem-Solving: Solves complex and advanced problems.

   - Example: A cybersecurity expert.

8. Master:

   - Knowledge: Deep, intuitive understanding of the field.

   - Skills: Innovates and pushes boundaries.

   - Experience: Long-term recognition and influence.

   - Autonomy: Complete independence.

   - Problem-Solving: Exceptional problem-solving and innovative capabilities.

   - Example: A master software architect.

9. Pioneer/Legend:

   - Knowledge: Groundbreaking and transformative knowledge.

   - Skills: Pioneers new methodologies and technologies.

   - Experience: Enduring legacy and iconic status.

   - Autonomy: Absolute independence.

   - Problem-Solving: Changes the landscape of the field.

   - Example: Linus Torvalds, creator of Linux.

Proficiency levels help in assessing and categorizing individuals based on their capabilities, which can be useful for career development, hiring, and educational purposes.

Happy Mothers Day (12/05/2024)

Thanks, Mom and Dad. It Was Worth Every Penny

Binh Cong Nguyen tells how his family’s support made all the difference in his education and Cisco career.

Xuan Mai, Vietnam 2009

“Mom, I want to take a course.”

“What course?”

“CCNA, mom. It's about network administration. But it’s quite expensive.”

“How expensive?”

“More than 10 million VND, mom.”

“Take it. I'll tell Dad.”

My parents are just like that. Whenever my sisters and I ask for money, as long as it's for studying or books, they do their best to support us.

Binh during his internship at the Cisco Hanoi office in 2010.

I was born and raised in Xuan Mai, a small town 30 kilometers (just over 18 miles) from Hanoi, Vietnam.

Xuan Mai is located at the gateway to the city, on the only road connecting the capital and the northwestern mountainous region. The town was full of goods from the highlands carried by bulky and dusty trucks. There were fruits and vegetables. There were chickens and cows. And there were drugs.

It wasn’t strange for us kids to hear about the police catching someone here and there or to see syringes stuck behind a tree stump with a urine smell.

Our family lived on the premises of the factory where my father worked. Only my father worked. His monthly salary was 6 million VND (240 USD) for a family of five. I was a good student, but I was also into pleasure-seeking.

Billiards, video games, anything. As long as it was fun, I was interested. I played every time, everywhere, and when I didn't have money to do it, I stole it.

The only thing that saved me was probably my parents' tolerance. My family still sometimes teases me about those days.

Binh (first row, second from right) at the Cisco Vietnam Internship Closing Ceremony in 2011.

I started to have concerns about my career after some time at university. Thanks to my professor, I got my first job in my third year: a part-time programmer. Working 20 hours a week, I received about 120 thousand VND (5 USD).

Playing games with colleagues after lunch was cool, but the work of a new programmer was really boring for me. I wondered, “Will I have to do this for the rest of my life?”

“I want to talk to people. I want to travel. I want to connect things, just like when I play computer games.”

One day, I was taking a final exam. The exam supervisor brought in someone who was a senior student. After failing the exam many times, he had to retake the exam with us. He sat next to me, and, after the exam, he asked, “What do you want to do in the future?”

“I don’t know. Still thinking. Maybe something related to networking,” I replied. I was talking nonsense because I was getting fed up with the coding job.

“Then go with CCNA.”

“What is that?”

“CCNA certification from Cisco. Check it out at BKACAD.”

“Cis- what? Ridiculous,” I thought.

Binh with his Cisco colleagues at the Hanoi office in 2012.

This guy retaking the exam was giving me career advice. I’m not sure why, but I did some research on CCNA, certifications, and Bachkhoa Information Technology Academy (BKACAD).

After my parents gave me money, I registered. The nine-month course cost two months of my dad’s salary or five years of my tuition fee — it was really tough.

Three evenings a week, it was all theory, then practice, then test, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol, Open Systems Interconnection model, Cisco Packet Tracer, Registered Jack-45, console, Virtual Local Area Network, and more.

Everything opened up like a new horizon for me, a part-time programmer who had just quit his job.

That summer, the academy announced a regular internship program in collaboration with Cisco Vietnam and partners. After completing five exams — networking, IQ, English listening, reading, and writing — and another round of interviews, I was one of 13 selected.

The interns were all very competitive. Some of them had multiple Cisco certifications, were taking the CCIE Lab exam, and were very fluent in English. Collaborating with such an excellent group helped me improve myself a lot during the time.

At the end of the program, after my graduation thesis defense, I was offered an extension, working as an Associate Systems Engineer with the local Service Provider team.

Together, we worked on many projects with many different customers. That was the most challenging yet valuable time that would eventually shape my career.

In early 2012, I had the opportunity to apply for one of the first local High Touch Engineer positions at Cisco Vietnam. After a few rounds of interviews, I was hired, and I’ve stayed with the company since.

My whole journey with this professional, challenging — yet extremely friendly — environment all started with an unexpected question in the exam room.

Binh’s mom admires Binh’s homemade appreciation certificate on a community wall at Cisco’s Hanoi office in 2019.

I still remember hearing my parents talking that night.

"Our son is asking for money for a course. He said it costs more than 10 million VND."

"Let him. Not sure if it’s worth it but let him."

It is, Mom and Dad. Every single penny.

Binh Cong Nguyen has worked at Cisco Vietnam for 12 years and is currently a Network Consulting Engineer. As of 2001, all Cisco Networking Academy Courses in Vietnam are licensed free to educators and nonprofit organizations.

In 2016, Cisco set a ten-year goal to positively impact one billion lives through our social impact grants and Cisco Networking Academy programs. A total of 1.1 billion people were positively impacted through these programs between FY16-FY23

Source: Thanks, Mom and Dad. It Was Worth Every Penny (cisco.com)