From Study to AWS re:Invent: My Journey and Tips for Success

Today is the first day of AWS re:Invent, and I’m here in Las Vegas, ready to dive in. The conference is about to begin, and I am super excited! The cover photo for this article is a picture I took here at re:Invent—can you find my company's logo?

Two Hours, One Moment

Two hours into the most challenging exam of my career, I was locked in and making progress—until a loud conversation erupted in the room next door. My concentration faltered, and doubt threatened to creep in, and I felt like I was losing steam. But with a deep breath, I pulled my focus back. This wasn’t just a test of AWS expertise; it was a test of resilience.

When I finally refreshed the AWS Certification website later that day and saw the word “Passed,” relief and pride swept over me. That single word represented more than a professional milestone—it marked a journey of growth, perseverance, and lessons that stretched far beyond the cloud.

The Catalyst for Change

As a cloud solutions architect and software engineer, I was already adept at delivering results and solving complex problems. But something was missing. I craved deeper expertise and a fresh challenge.

When my company, Pariveda, introduced an incentive program to pursue the AWS Solutions Architect Professional certification—with the added reward of attending AWS re:Invent—I knew this was the perfect opportunity. The chance to sharpen my skills and immerse myself in one of the tech industry’s most prestigious conferences was irresistible.

This wasn’t just about personal achievement; it was about elevating the value I bring to clients. With expanded knowledge, I could create more innovative, impactful solutions that address their evolving needs.

Taking on the AWS Challenge

The AWS Solutions Architect Professional exam is known for its difficulty. Balancing intense preparation with a full-time job and personal responsibilities felt daunting. Self-doubt occasionally whispered: Can I really do this?

But the promise of growth—and the unwavering support of friends and family—kept me moving forward.

My Game Plan for Success

Setting Clear Goals and Deadlines

• Scheduling the Exam: This created a “no turning back” moment and gave me a tangible goal to work toward.
• Booking My Trip to Las Vegas: Locking in travel plans before passing the exam added productive pressure. I had to pass this thing or else I would have to refund my Vegas tickets, and that would just be sad.

Reshaping My Daily Routine

• Evenings and Weekends: I carved out dedicated time for focused study sessions. This is a must, but I struck a good balance between active and passive studying - sometimes I'd just be lying on the couch watching learning sessions on YouTube.
• Commute Time: Turning my daily drive into a mobile classroom helped maximize every moment.

Reinforcing Knowledge Through Teaching

• Explaining Concepts: Sharing AWS principles with colleagues not only helped them but also deepened my own understanding.
• Building Confidence: Teaching forced me to truly master the material and prepared me for exam day.
• Hands-on Labs: I got to do a lot of this through work and simulated heats at my company. This solidified the concepts for me and made more of an imprint in my mind.

Tapping Into Proven Resources

• Udemy Courses: Stéphane Maarek’s comprehensive curriculum covered all the bases.
• A Cloud Guru: Hands-on labs provided practical, real-world experience.
• Practice Tests: Resources like Whizlabs and AWS official practice exams were invaluable in helping me get accustomed to the exam format. The structure is demanding—you’re solving a complex problem for one company one minute, and the next, you’re diving into a completely different, highly specific scenario. Maintaining focus and switching contexts repeatedly for three hours straight is a true mental challenge so I recommend not doing that for the first time for the real exam.
• AWS re:Invent Sessions: Past conference recordings offered insights and inspiration, broadening my perspective on AWS services.

Leaning on Others

• Support at Home: My wife took on extra responsibilities, managing household chores and daily tasks so I could dedicate time to studying. Her effort made it possible for me to focus fully.
• Understanding Colleagues and Friends: Their patience and flexibility allowed me the space I needed to prepare without added pressure.
• The Lesson of Saying No: I learned the importance of saying no without over-explaining, focusing on what truly matters during intense periods of growth.
• Prioritizing with Support: Leaning on others isn’t just helpful—it’s essential when striving toward challenging goals.

Navigating Roadblocks Along the Way

This wasn’t my first experience with certification challenges. During an earlier exam, I nearly got disqualified for unconsciously reading questions aloud—a habit I didn’t even know I had!

Each hurdle brought valuable lessons:

• Adapt to Distractions: Whether it’s a noisy environment or an unexpected interruption, how you respond makes all the difference. Hint: push through and zone in.
• Optimize Your Testing Space: A quiet, focused environment is key. My studio apartment—with its playful cats and open layout—was less than ideal, but I made it work.
• Build Resilience: Challenges are inevitable, but overcoming them is where growth happens.

What’s Next

Earning the AWS Solutions Architect Professional certification is just the beginning. Attending AWS re:Invent feels like the perfect way to celebrate this achievement while exploring the forefront of cloud innovation. I’m excited to bring new ideas, insights, and energy back to my team and our clients. I'll keep you updated on how it goes.

At Re:Invent? Send me a message, I'd love to connect.