Cloud computing is a career path that needs qualified candidates, and the time has never been better to start a career in cloud services.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is perhaps the most prominent and popular of the cloud service providers. If you work in cloud computing, you must be proficient with the AWS Cloud stack.
Getting a job in cloud technology still requires training and some experience, even at the entry level. This guide will give you guidance on how to get a job in AWS Cloud Services, and outline the steps you need to take.
Why Learn AWS?
Cloud computing continues to grow as an industry as more companies move services to the cloud. This digital transformation has been sped up by the recent COVID pandemic, with many organizations realizing that they need to move in-house processes to cloud services.
This means increased demand for cloud professionals. This sector of the job market is projected to continue growing rapidly for the next decade.
According to an April 2021 report by Synergy Research Group, AWS is the dominant market leader with 32% market share of all cloud services. This is as much as the next two biggest cloud services combined: Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform.
Information technology professionals who are familiar with AWS best practices, who can design and build architectures and applications will be qualified for entry-level IT positions. Learning AWS and earning certifications that show expertise are an important step in starting a cloud computing career.
How Do You Start a Career in AWS?
There are a few steps you need to follow to start a career in AWS Cloud and get an entry-level job.
1. Get Familiar with AWS and Decide What Certifications You Need
Do some preliminary research on how cloud computing works and read up on AWS. Find out what AWS certifications you will need to attain certain jobs. Learning a little bit about all that AWS Cloud Services has to offer will prepare you for the next step.
2. Enroll in a Reputable AWS Cloud Training Program
Find a credible AWS training program in your area or region. You should ask questions about who is teaching the program, what the curriculum will cover, and what the job placement rate is for the program. Look at several programs and find out what the cost-to-benefit looks like for that program.
Note: Campus, formerly known as MTI College, was one of the first AWS Academy Associate Degree programs in the country, helping students prepare for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exams.
AWS Academy curriculum is developed and maintained by AWS subject matter experts, ensuring it is up to date and reflects current services and best practices.
3. Gain Hands-on Experience
While your certification will provide proof of expertise, employers often look for real-world projects that they can look at to assess your skills. Using the knowledge you gain during your training program, you can build projects to add to your portfolio that you can show potential employers.
Work-for-hire projects are often under non-disclosure agreements, so having some of your own work you can display will show hiring managers that you are highly skilled and competent in AWS Cloud.
4. Prepare for Your Certification Exam and Earn Certifications
As you near the conclusion of your training program, you should study for your upcoming certification exam. When you’re ready, schedule your examination, and earn your certification(s).
5. Create a Resume That Showcases Your Skills
Now that you have earned your AWS Cloud certifications, prepare a resume that highlights your training, your soft skills, and shares links to your portfolio of work. Include any professional references you feel are relevant to your application.
6. Network and Apply for Positions
The world of information technology and AWS professionals is tightly connected. By networking with other professionals, you can expand your network, and learn about job opportunities.
7. Interview for Positions and Start Your Career
Knowledge that you have learned in the classroom can get you an interview, but it is up to you to show your skills and expertise in an interview.
Technical interviewers might ask you questions about how you handle different situations. Once you sign an offer, and start at your entry-level position, you are on your way to gaining real-world AWS experience and moving up the ladder in your career.
Earning AWS Certifications
Currently, there are four levels of AWS certifications, twelve certifications in all. These build on each other, with the Specialty certifications focusing on specific disciplines, once you have earned Professional certifications.
There are:
- One Foundational level certification
- Three Associate level certifications
- Two Professional level certifications
- Six Specialty certifications
Associate-level certifications qualify candidates for entry-level positions, with Professional certifications corresponding to more senior positions.
Skills to Cultivate as You Begin Your AWS Career
Communication
Being able to communicate with teammates and stakeholders is crucial to information technology. Cloud computing professionals often work on a team and communicating effectively will help you in your career.
Teamwork
Organizations of any substantial size have technology teams. The ability to work together with your team is perhaps one of the most essential skills a candidate can have.
Problem-Solving
AWS cloud computing involves using technology to solve business problems. A technologist who is proactive at solving issues and anticipating them before they arise will go far in cloud computing.
Positive Attitude
Technology often has challenges that can’t be avoided. Being able to navigate unforeseen issues with a positive attitude is an important skill to possess.
Take the First Step in Your AWS Career Today
Campus has two comprehensive programs that help students get trained for AWS certification.
The AWS Cloud Solutions Architect program is open to all eligible students, who want to take a fully online course and receive the following certifications:
- Amazon AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Amazon AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
All coursework is completed online, and the program is about 24 weeks.
For students in the Sacramento area, our AWS Cloud Administration Associate program lets students complete most of the coursework online, with minimal days required in person at our Sacramento campus.
This program runs about 96 weeks and prepares students for these certifications:
- CompTIA A+ Exams 220-1101 and 220-1102
- CompTIA Network+ Exam N10-008
- CompTIA Security+ Exam SY0-601
- Amazon AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Amazon AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
If you have questions, we have answers. Call at (916) 339-1500 or use the Request Information form today.
Complete the online application and an admissions advisor will walk you through the application process.