The Road to Becoming a Successful AWS Solutions Architect

I have always been fascinated and drawn towards the future, to the unknown, to the things which have more to offer than can be seen directly. It was my curiosity which unlike the cat has made me accomplish my dream as an AWS solutions architect and trust me; it feels awesome! It was the best feeling ever just like the one you get when your thirst is quenched. Now just like the crow who had to actually do a lot of labor to get the water up to the brim, this also didn’t come easy. One thing is sure if you really want something, then stay put, and nothing can stop you.

For an AWS solutions architect, let me walk you through the journey, but it is equally essential for you to have a clear understanding of what you will be looking at and after. Let us take a sneak-peek into it.

Significance of the Role of the AWS Solutions Architect

It is one of the best possible roles in the field of cloud computing and let me tell you; companies are trying inside-out to get the best-skilled personnel who are trained on AWS on board. I have personally felt things change around me after the certification.

Think, Amazon Web Services and Azure, dominate the scene of Cloud computing of which AWS is a clear winner with 47.1 percent share of the market pie. AWS today powers a huge majority of businesses in over 190 countries across the world. So, wondering what the job scope be like, bet you can’t imagine! It is simply crazy out here. Now I’m not talking about the beginners, but once into it with few years of work ex, you can actually be making way over $120,000 a year. The future falls short of the amount and scope you will have after it.

Of course, once you are certified, you are the one who will have the required skills and understanding to handle various AWS services and principles related to its architecture. You will have to make use of those skills to plan, create highly sophisticated cloud solutions, which will help your organization to shift their workload from their local servers to the cloud. You will constantly be on the move, with your imagination stimulated to find the best solutions and trying out newer curves to spur innovation. It is challenging, and that’s the essence. There is tremendous scope for growth and abundant job opportunities waiting for you.

Looks interesting, so now let me take you through the effort or the path.

The Essential Skills

The first step to live your dream is to consolidate what you already know and find out if you have the desired skills to move further to some professional certification. Yes, of course, you may stand a better chance than others if you have a degree in computer science although this is not mandatory there is much more that is required.

I have felt that employers often look for these basic skills and expertise for selection.

• Operating Systems: Here, there are no trade-offs, and you have to demonstrate your ease of working and expertise in handling the Linux operating system. Consider taking experience in execution of basic commands of UNIX and LINUX and also the container technologies like Docker as it helps.
• Softwares: Again, you will be required to have sound knowledge of basic developer skills like BASH scripting, coding in Java, or C++, or Python, etc. This becomes even more pronounced if you plan to work in Serverless architectures.
• Security: There is no compromise in any of the aspects I am mentioning, and in case of data security, there is no room for any faults of information gaps. Employers take a special interest in candidates who possess prior experience in data security essentials in line with the PCI DSS, ISO, HIPPA and other laws of compliance.
• Networking: Needless to quote, the world of cloud requires a deep association with networking skills. I can personally vote for this one as I had spent substantial time working as a system administrator where I got a chance to brush my networking skills and put my knowledge to practice. Today, I realize the significance of the effort I had put earlier. We are moving towards hybrid clouds so this becomes even more important going forward.
• AWS Experience: This has now become imperative to tell your employers that you have skilled-up yourself right from the ground level which will add to the credibility of your skills. You may begin as a Cloud strategist or a software engineer as these bottom-line profiles will aid in preparing you for the role of an AWS Solutions Architect. Your dream job of an AWS Certified Solutions Architect will follow after you have acquired around three years of work experience in AWS.

These are the basic skills which are considered by employers. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Now that you realize you have the essential skills and are also willing, it is time to take up the certifications.

AWS Certifications- Need, Duration, and Process

Talking about myself, I can say that things completely change in the job market and even after you get the job if you have the certifications. You have already bypassed a major chunk of your competition by this step. Think you will have acquired the most sophisticated knowledge and skills which are validated across the world in the cloud computing landscape. Looking at the job scene, it is essential to get into the topmost jobs as they give you a clear edge over others in terms of employer preference and of course the salaries. There are in all nine certifications which you can choose from.

• Duration: The certification can be pursued alongside full-time employment. It usually takes 80 study hours spread across two months. For freshers, I will suggest you should walk the extra mile and think in terms of 120 study hours to be completed in 3 months. This will help you to take up the elementary level knowledge first before moving on to the Solutions Architect certifications.
• Process: There is no earmarked process for getting the certifications. You have to enroll yourself for the training, pick up your study material. It is recommended that you go through the whitepapers. They are highly useful as many exam papers are covered by them. You should then take up the practice exams and only after you gain the required level of confidence you should sit for your certification exam.

JanBask Training has the best in class certifications on AWS that are complete in all respects. You may refer to the link to get a deeper look into how these are tailored to ensure that you can maintain the proper balance of work and life.

Why all this hustle? Of course for a better Salary!

I had taken me two months of proper training to get the certified tag, post which definitely with all the experience in my kitty, I landed in my dream job and there has been no looking back. The money that is linked with the profile is amazing:

• Associate Level: Associate level certification requires an experience of one year in AWS services and other skills. But once, done it will bag you a salary of $130, 833.
• Professional Level: This comes only after you have acquired the last certification and have an experience of around two years in the profile. The certification is a must and once done, you become eligible for a salary of $148, 456.

Being into this for almost five years, I feel the world has changed for me. My decision to opt for certifications gave wings to my dreams. It has been an enriching experience so far. Every day starts with coffee and ends with new learning. I love it.

You too give it a serious thought and do share your experience with us. Every thought counts.

Manchun Pandit loves pursuing excellence through writing and has a passion for technology. He currently writes for JanBaskTraining, a global Online training company.