Amazon Web Services (AWS) has emerged as one of the core fields where IT professionals want to build their skills. Alongside Microsoft Azure, AWS is one of the leading cloud infrastructure platforms. In addition, AWS serves as the infrastructural backbone of numerous companies of various scales around the world. This is why the demand for AWS training courses has risen steadily. As a result, the job prospects in this field are diverse and lucrative, with many of the Fortune 500 companies seeking skilled professionals.
What are the certifications that you would need?
AWS has launched multiple role-oriented certifications that help to develop the skills that specific job roles call for. This approach is undoubtedly significant, as candidates can now learn exactly what they need, and the employers can make sure that the candidates have received the necessary training. However, choosing the right course may initially seem confusing. Here is an overview of the different tiers of AWS certification in R that one might pursue:
Foundation level
This is essentially your first step in obtaining AWS certifications. It comes with only one certification: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner. This certification is an essential criterion for many of the AWS jobs. It validates that the candidate has at least six months of fundamental AWS Cloud and industry knowledge.
Associate level
The AWS associate-level certifications validate that the candidate possesses at least a year of experience in implementing solutions and solving problems using the AWS cloud. It consists of three certifications that prepare the candidates for three separate job roles: architect, developer, and SysOps administrator. In addition, an associate-level certification would make you ready for the certifications of higher levels.
Professional level
One would need two years of experience in troubleshooting, designing, and operating AWS cloud infrastructure. This certification level consists of two categories: AWS DevOps and AWS architect. Obtaining professional-level certifications would make you eligible for various highly-paid jobs.
Specialty level
The specialty level certifications are of the highest tier and are extremely hard to obtain. As the term suggests, the certifications validate the candidates as specialists in their specific fields. The specialty level certifications cover fields like machine learning, Alexa, data analytics, etc.
Thus, each tier of certification validates the candidate’s level of expertise. You would have to pursue a certification level based on the eligibility criteria of the jobs you aim for. It is also necessary to choose your certification pathway carefully, as each pathway prepares a candidate for a specific role, such as security, developer, administrator, etc.
What jobs can you secure upon learning AWS?
As mentioned earlier, this field is very lucrative with plenty of job opportunities. Thanks to the comprehensive nature of AWS and its importance in cloud infrastructure, the job roles vary greatly. This allows professionals to secure jobs that fall under their field of interest. Some of the best jobs that a professional adept in using AWS may be eligible for are:
- Cloud developer
- AWS cloud architect
- Cloud Sales & Purchase Manager
- SysOps Administrator
- Cloud DevOps Engineer
- Key Account Manager, Cloud
- AWS Networking Specialist
- AWS Big Data Specialist
- Cloud Software Engineer
- AWS Networking Specialist
These are not the only job roles you may opt for once you establish yourself as a skilled professional in AWS. The opportunities are plenty, and you may always pursue the field that interests you the most.
Can you learn AWS by yourself?
For sure, there are self-learning courses available online that you may undertake and learn at your own pace. However, it is advisable to undergo AWS certification training at one of the reputed IT institutions. Even though self-learning may seem like a good idea to some, it lacks the professional touch that one needs while training for something complex. Here are some of the reasons why training at a good institution is necessary:
- Good institutes typically have all the necessary infrastructure and facilities for hands-on training. Practical experience always comes in handy in such technical fields.
- You would likely receive training from experienced professionals, considering that you choose one of the top institutes.
- Joining an institute would help you be part of an active community of other professionals trying to build a career in AWS. This opens up the path for plenty of discussions and group activities that enhance the learning process.
- Systematic training is always helpful while learning complex concepts like AWS. This is one of the key areas where learning from an institution beats self-learning.
- The top IT institutes can provide you with the best course materials to help you prepare better. But, generally, it isn’t easy to obtain up-to-date and reliable courseware.
Essentially, it is highly beneficial to get yourself enrolled in one of the leading institutions like Koenig that offer AWS training. The AWS training and certification would go a long way in helping you build a lustrous career in cloud solutions and infrastructure.
