4 Tips For Anyone Who Wants To Start Learning AWS Cloud

Welcome to Meta Skills Mastery, a weekly newsletter where I share tips, frameworks, helpful resources, and actionable content on Cloud Computing, DevOps, Software Engineering, and Personal Growth.

This week I will be sharing 4 tips that will help you get started in the Cloud.

Based on my 3+ years of experience working with AWS Cloud and interviewing several candidates for Cloud positions, I believe these tips will help you focus your efforts on things that matter and avoid frustration.

Learning a new skill can be overwhelming and challenging. However, my goal in this issue is clear the confusion and get to what matters.

Let’s dive in.

1. Use certifications as a guide

AWS offers a range of certifications focused on various aspects of AWS Cloud.

Many beginners focus on getting certified without gaining skills.

Remember, employers are looking for hands-on experience.

Having interviewed candidates for Cloud positions, I have observed the following:

• People achieve AWS Professional level certifications but struggle to explain fundamentals and land a Cloud job.

• Companies use certifications to meet the requirements for a job position. However, interviews focus solely on your skills and experience working with various AWS services.

Certifications are great for structured learning. They should be the by-product of the learning and experience you gain while working on projects, not the goal.

2. Gain skills through hands-on experience

Focus on gaining hands-on experience by working on real-world projects.

Here’s why they are essential:

• They help you cement your understanding of concepts by getting feedback through direct application.

• Given a business problem, projects enable you to identify and evaluate which services can be used to solve a given problem in the most efficient manner.

• Additionally, you can build a portfolio of projects you can discuss during the interview.

Based on my experience, a candidate who has worked on projects can clearly articulate their thought process and answer questions related to the project better than a candidate who is certified but does not have hands-on experience.

Remember skills > certifications.

3. Understand the why

Don't fall into the trap of learning an AWS service because it is hot and trending.

I see many beginners make the mistake of chasing the next big thing (DevOps, MLOps, AIOps, etc.) since that makes them marketable or earn $$$.

Chances are the company interviewing you might not use that service, or you might end up getting frustrated only to give up.

Instead, focus on understanding when a service should be used to solve a business problem. Spend time understanding the advantages, challenges, limitations, and cost implications of using the service.

Play the long game and closely observe what appeals to you.

What area in the Cloud makes you want to learn more about it? Double down on that.

For example, I am highly interested in Cloud Architecture and DevOps and see myself spending a lot of time specializing in these skills in the near future.

4. Find the right mentors

The best way to get to where you want to be is to learn from people who have already been there.

Experience is the most fantastic teacher.

Finding the right mentors will speed up your learning and help you avoid costly mistakes. You will also learn what it takes to work in your desired roles.

It is always nice to have someone you can rely on for feedback, and advice, or if you feel you are stuck and need help.

Based on my experience, I have noticed people are open to helping out. All you need to do is just ask.

Building a long-term relationship with your mentors and getting the proper guidance at the most opportune time is invaluable.

Key takeaways:

To summarize, here is what you need to remember:

• Use certifications as a guide. Getting certified does not guarantee a job.

• Gain skills through hands-on experience. Skills matter. Certifications should be the byproduct of your learning.

• Understand the why. It is what will differentiate you from the herd.

• Find the right mentors and build a long-term relationship with them.

Following these tips should make learning the AWS cloud a lot of fun.

Stay tuned to my future newsletter issues, where I will share helpful resources and a step-by-step guide on getting started in AWS Cloud.

Thanks for reading!

Talk to you next week.

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