How can you match your cloud skills to your career goals?

Each role in the cloud comes with a list of responsibilities for an individual contributor. I consistently reviewed these responsibilities, identified my existing skills, and pinpointed areas where improvement was needed. Recognizing the gaps where I needed to invest more time and resources empowered me to conquer those skills and achieve my goals. I am deeply passionate about constructing applications, ensuring application security, and nurturing my curiosity to scale my applications for all visitors, which has led me to where I am today. Discover the domain that motivates you, compels you to delve deeply, and empowers you to master it!

To align cloud computing skills with career goals, assess your current skills, interests, and career objectives to identify gaps and opportunities. Consider obtaining cloud certifications to validate your expertise and stand out in the job market. Build a portfolio showcasing your cloud projects and actively network by attending industry events and joining online communities. In addition to mastering technical skills like cloud platforms, infrastructure, and security, focus on acquiring essential business skills such as project management and leadership. This holistic approach enhances your marketability and helps you effectively navigate the ever-evolving cloud computing landscape.

Identify what you're great at! I excelled in developing applications that scale on the Cloud. Later, I found my niche in improving application security, which led me to specialize in Cloud Security. Eventually, I made a smooth transition into Multi-cloud Architecture. Turning the distant dream of creating secure landing zones for Fortune 500 companies into reality was truly fulfilling. Today, I'm a developer; the next day, I might be architecting on AWS. Remember, success doesn't happen overnight. Start with your vision, focus on what you can do (Niche), and gradually delve deeper into the topics that matter the most to you.

In 2010, I began my journey building websites for college tech fests. The challenge of scaling my applications to accommodate a substantial number of visitors intrigued me, driving me to explore further. I initiated the creation of virtual machines, availed myself of free credits from leading cloud service providers, & engaged with learning resources such as AWS Skillbuilder & MS Learn. Pursuing certifications, participating in group studies, knowledge-sharing sessions, & occasional teach-back sessions deepened my understanding. Getting involved in user group sessions & local meetups, starting projects from scratch, and avoiding brief instructional videos ("How to...") proved beneficial. Don't hesitate to seek assistance, together we Rise!

Obtaining certification requires a significant effort—specializing in a specific domain, undergoing an approximately three-hour exam while ensuring a smooth proctoring experience. However, all these efforts are undoubtedly rewarding and worthwhile. Possessing certifications from AWS and other cloud service providers has enabled me to showcase my skills, earn the confidence of customers, and engage in more meaningful discussions.

If you're considering obtaining a cloud certification, start by launching a three-tier application. This serves as the foundational step. Avoid memorization; instead, prepare using mind maps before taking the exams. Practical experience is evident in real-world situations. Domain expertise aids in comprehending scenario-based questions, effectively dissecting options, and naturally arriving at the correct answers. The process is straightforward. Delve into the subject, understand the service's functionality thoroughly, and you might find yourself chuckling at test questions or confidently identifying the required service in work scenarios.