Great Learning: Driving Professional Growth through Advanced Learning Solutions
Great Learning, founded in 2013 by Mohan Lakhamraju, is one of India’s leading ed-tech companies that offers professional and higher education programs in collaboration with top-tier institutions. Specializing in areas such as Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Digital Marketing, and Management, Great Learning has been instrumental in helping professionals and students upskill for the modern workforce. By partnering with universities like Stanford, MIT, IITs, and IIMs, Great Learning delivers industry-relevant, high-quality education both online and in blended formats.
This blog is a complete guide providing students with all the essential insights and information needed to excel in interviews with this company.
1. Great Learning Overview
About
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founders | Mohan Lakhamraju, Hari Nair, Arjun Nair |
| Industry Type | Education Technology (EdTech) |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Gurugram, Haryana, India |
History
Early Years (2013-2015)
- 2013: Great Learning was founded with the mission to make high-quality education accessible to learners worldwide.
- 2014: Launched its first Postgraduate Program in Business Analytics to cater to the growing need for data-driven decision-making expertise.
- 2015: Expanded offerings to include an Executive Program in Management, partnering with leading faculty from global institutions.
Growth and Innovation (2016-2020)
- 2016: Began collaborations with top-tier universities to ensure that courses meet international educational standards.
- 2018: Introduced an extensive range of programs focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, and more.
- 2020: Acquired by Byju’s, marking a significant milestone that expanded Great Learning’s reach and resource capabilities.
Recent Developments and Future Outlook (2021-Present)
- 2021: Expanded into new geographies, enhancing its global footprint across multiple continents.
- 2022: Continued to enrich curriculum offerings with immersive technologies and virtual labs.
- 2023: Aimed to leverage its alliance with Byju's to scale learning experiences with improved digital platforms and future-ready programs.
Key Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Great Learning was founded by Mohan Lakhamraju with a focus on professional education. |
| 2014 | Launched its first Post Graduate Program in Business Analytics and Business Intelligence. |
| 2018 | Partnered with Stanford and MIT to offer advanced programs in AI and Machine Learning. |
| 2019 | Introduced Great Learning Academy, offering free access to a wide variety of courses. |
| 2020 | Acquired by BYJU’S, expanding its presence and capabilities in online education |
2. Company Culture and Values
Mission
Vision
Core Values
- Student Success: Placing learner achievement at the center of all initiatives.
- Innovation: Continuous improvement in educational delivery and technology platforms.
- Integrity: Maintaining transparency and trust in all operations and partnerships.
- Collaboration: Partnerships with academic and industry leaders to ensure quality educational experiences.
- Commitment: Long-term dedication to the growth and success of learners and partners.
3. Comprehensive Product & Service Offering
Professional Learning Programs
Great Learning offers a variety of professional programs designed to cater to the modern demand for technology-driven roles.
- Postgraduate Program in Business Analytics and Business Intelligence: Focuses on equipping professionals with necessary skills to excel in the analytics field.
- Postgraduate Program in Data Science and Engineering: Provides comprehensive knowledge in data science and machine learning techniques for budding professionals.
- Masters in Data Science (International): An advanced program offered in partnership with renowned global universities, blending international standards with practical skills.
- Postgraduate Program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: A thorough curriculum designed to develop expertise in AI technologies, analytics, and applications.
- Cloud Computing Program: Offers insights into cloud platforms, virtualization, and data management, critical for technologists working with cloud infrastructures.
University Partnerships
Collaborations with leading universities ensure programs cater to current and future industry needs.
- Partnership with Stanford University: Offers a unique design-thinking program targeted at organizational leaders.
- Strategic Partnerships: With institutions like Purdue University, aiming at broadening educational excellence in emerging areas.
Executive Professional Programs
Targeted at managers and executives, these programs enhance leadership and operational skills suited for upper-level roles.
- Executive Program in Strategic Digital Marketing: Designed to assist marketing professionals in harnessing digital tools effectively.
- Executive Program in Leadership and Strategy: Prepares business leaders for strategic decision-making and organizational strategy formulation.
Certification Courses and Bootcamps
Short-term skill-building courses that provide learners with specific industry-relevant skills quickly.
- Full Stack Development Bootcamp: Intensive program aimed at making participants job-ready for careers in full stack development.
- Machine Learning Certification: Offers hands-on learning to democratize machine learning skills for various professional applications.
4. Key Competitors of Great Learning
Great Learning faces intense competition from other edtech companies offering similar programs. Below are some of the key competitors of Great Learning:
1. UpGrad
Overview: UpGrad is an Indian edtech company founded in 2015, focusing on higher education, upskilling, and professional development programs. UpGrad collaborates with top universities, including IIT Madras, Duke University, and Deakin University.
Services: UpGrad offers a range of online certification courses, postgraduate diplomas, and degree programs in fields such as data science, digital marketing, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and business management. It is particularly strong in technology and management courses.
Market Position: UpGrad is one of Great Learning’s primary competitors in the professional and higher education space. Both companies target working professionals looking to enhance their skills through online programs. UpGrad’s focus on emerging technologies and its partnerships with global universities make it a strong contender, especially in fields like data science and AI, where Great Learning also excels.
2. Coursera
Overview: Coursera is a U.S.-based online learning platform, founded in 2012 by two Stanford professors. It offers a wide range of courses, specializations, and degree programs in collaboration with more than 200 top universities and organizations worldwide, including Yale, Stanford, and Google.
Services: Coursera provides online courses across diverse fields such as business, computer science, personal development, and data science. Its offerings include free courses, professional certificates, and full online degrees.
Market Position: Coursera is a key competitor to Great Learning on a global scale, particularly in professional education and higher education programs. Both platforms offer courses in similar fields like data science, AI, and business management, but Coursera’s collaborations with globally recognized universities and flexibility in learning formats give it an edge. While Great Learning focuses on a blended learning model, Coursera offers a broader selection of self-paced and instructor-led courses.
3. Simplilearn
Overview: Simplilearn is a global online certification training provider, founded in 2010. It offers a wide range of courses focused on professional and technical skills, particularly in areas like IT, data science, and project management.
Services: Simplilearn offers more than 400 courses, including certifications in collaboration with top institutions such as Purdue University and industry leaders like Microsoft and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Its courses focus on technical domains like cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity.
Market Position: Simplilearn competes directly with Great Learning in providing professional education and certifications. While Great Learning focuses on both management and technical courses, Simplilearn’s strength lies in tech certifications. Simplilearn’s bootcamp-style learning and partnerships with global tech companies make it a strong competitor, particularly for professionals seeking certifications in emerging technologies.
4. edX
Overview: edX is an online education platform founded in 2012 by Harvard University and MIT. It provides access to a wide range of online courses, professional certifications, and degree programs from top universities worldwide.
Services: edX offers courses in computer science, business management, data science, and engineering, among other areas. It also offers MicroMasters, Professional Certificates, and full online degree programs in collaboration with universities like Harvard, MIT, and Berkeley.
Market Position: edX competes with Great Learning in the executive education and professional development space. Both companies offer programs in business management and technical fields, but edX’s collaborations with elite global universities give it a competitive edge for learners seeking prestigious credentials. While Great Learning has a strong presence in India, edX’s global reach and partnerships make it a formidable competitor.
5. Imarticus Learning
Overview: Imarticus Learning is an Indian edtech company, founded in 2012, that provides skill development programs with a focus on financial services, analytics, and technology. It partners with industry leaders to provide job-oriented programs.
Services: Imarticus Learning offers courses in areas like investment banking, data analytics, fintech, AI, and machine learning. It focuses on providing practical, industry-relevant training and certifications in partnership with firms like KPMG and Genpact.
Market Position: Imarticus Learning competes with Great Learning, particularly in the fields of data analytics, fintech, and AI. While Great Learning has a broader course offering, Imarticus Learning’s deep focus on finance and technology, combined with its partnerships with global financial firms, gives it a strong position in the finance and data science education space.
5. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The company focuses on providing quality education, enhancing digital literacy, promoting skill development, and empowering underserved communities. Below are some key CSR initiatives undertaken by Great Learning.
6. Future Outlook and Strategic Plans
Great Learning is focused on expanding its offerings, entering new markets, and leveraging digital tools to provide high-quality education to professionals and students globally. Below are some of the key strategic initiatives for Great Learning:
Expansion into International Markets
Great Learning is expanding its reach to global markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The company aims to offer its educational programs to international professionals and students looking for skill development and career advancement.
- Forming partnerships with global universities to offer internationally recognized certifications.
- Targeting emerging markets where there is a growing demand for online upskilling and professional courses.
Focus on Skill Development and Upskilling
Great Learning is committed to helping professionals acquire in-demand skills to stay competitive in the global job market. The company offers programs in data science, artificial intelligence, business analytics, and more to meet industry needs.
- Expanding the course catalog to include more advanced and specialized programs in technology, data science, and business.
- Offering mentorship and career support to help learners successfully transition into new career paths.
Integration of AI and Machine Learning in Education
Great Learning is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to personalize learning experiences and improve engagement. AI-powered tools are used to track learner progress, provide feedback, and enhance course content.
- Implementing AI-based adaptive learning technologies to tailor learning paths for individual students.
- Expanding the use of machine learning in analytics to provide better insights into learner behavior and improve course effectiveness.
Partnerships with Universities and Corporates
Great Learning is partnering with top-tier universities and global corporations to offer industry-relevant courses and certifications. These collaborations help provide learners with valuable credentials that are recognized by employers.
- Collaborating with renowned institutions like Stanford, MIT, and IITs to offer specialized courses and professional certifications.
- Partnering with corporates to deliver custom training programs for employees, helping companies upskill their workforce.
Adoption of Sustainability and Social Impact Initiatives
Great Learning is focused on creating a positive social impact by making quality education accessible to underserved communities. The company is adopting initiatives to bridge the skill gap and provide affordable learning solutions.
- Offering scholarships and financial aid to students from low-income backgrounds.
- Collaborating with non-profits and social organizations to provide educational resources to underserved communities.
Expanding Corporate Learning and Enterprise Solutions
Great Learning is expanding its corporate learning offerings by providing tailored solutions to businesses. The goal is to help companies upskill their workforce in areas like data science, AI, and digital transformation.
- Offering custom learning paths for enterprises to train employees in specific skill areas.
- Partnering with companies to provide end-to-end training solutions and help them navigate the digital transformation journey.
7. Latest News & Updates about Great Learning
8. Conclusion
Great Learning is a leader in the online education space, known for its innovative approach to upskilling and professional education. With a focus on global expansion, AI-powered learning, and industry-relevant courses, Great Learning offers exciting career opportunities across engineering, content creation, sales, and marketing. Aspiring candidates can prepare for a rewarding career at Great Learning by aligning their skills with the company’s mission to empower learners through quality education.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Great Learning Candidates:
- Research the Company: Understand Great Learning’s offerings in upskilling, data science, AI, and business analytics. Be familiar with the company’s partnerships with universities and its focus on making education accessible.
- Prepare for the Interview Process: For technical roles, focus on coding, system design, and EdTech innovations. For business roles, be ready to discuss marketing strategies, content development, and customer engagement techniques.
- Demonstrate Cultural Fit: Great Learning values innovation, teamwork, and a passion for education. Highlight your ability to contribute to the company’s goals of delivering impactful learning experiences.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest trends in EdTech, AI, and upskilling. Understanding these trends will help you stand out during the interview process.