Isaeus "Asi" Guiang

Posted on Nov 18

AWS Cloud Club Captain - Do you have what it takes to be the next SUPER student-leader?

#school #aws #leadership #student

What is a Student Leader?

A student leader is not merely someone who takes charge of projects or initiatives within their academic setting. It’s someone who inspires, innovates, and leads with purpose. Today’s student leaders are evolving, taking on roles that bridge academia, technology, and real-world challenges. They represent the voice of their peers, lead impactful initiatives, and pave the way for future leaders to follow in their footsteps.

AWS Cloud Club: Two Models, Regional and University

AWS Cloud Club empowers students to bring cloud computing closer to their peers. It operates under two primary models:

University Model – Tailored for a specific campus, University Cloud Clubs focus on creating localized impact. They organize events, workshops, and hands-on training for students within their school.
Regional Model – Regional Captains coordinate activities across multiple universities, amplifying their reach and connecting communities at a broader scale. They tackle higher-level initiatives, engage with AWS professionals, and promote cloud advocacy on a national or regional stage.

AWS Captains

What is an AWS Captain?

An AWS Captain is the face and voice of AWS Academic Advocacy within their community. Captains are the ones leading AWS Cloud Clubs, simplifying complex cloud concepts, and building bridges between students and industry professionals.

Types of Captains:

University Captains: Operate on campus to lead their university-specific Cloud Clubs.
Regional Captains: Guide multiple university clubs, spearhead country-wide initiatives, and represent the region in global AWS events.

Badge of a Captain:

The Captain Badge is more than just a symbol; it’s a mark of dedication, skill, and leadership in the world of cloud computing and student advocacy.

Why is Being an AWS Captain a Super Student-Leader Role?

Exceeding Standards and Traditions

Traditionally, student leaders have been tied to roles within university councils or clubs. AWS Captains break the mold, addressing modern tech challenges and creating a legacy that inspires others to explore cloud computing.

Simplifying Cloud Complexities

One common misconception is that you need to be an expert programmer to lead an AWS Club. Not true! Captains focus on making cloud computing concepts accessible, showing students that anyone can excel in this field.

Going Beyond University Curriculum

AWS Captains venture where standard academic frameworks cannot—bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.

Connecting Industry Professionals and Academia

Captains often serve as liaisons, fostering partnerships between faculty members, students, and professionals in the tech industry.

Enjoying Unparalleled Perks

Free AWS exam certifications.
Premium licenses and subscriptions for learning tools.
Swag boxes delivered to your doorstep!

Access to a Global Network of Super Student-Leaders

Imagine working with peers from different time zones, collaborating on international projects, and forming lifelong connections—all while representing your university and community.

Characteristics of an AWS Captain

Mental Strength

Balancing responsibilities, overcoming burnout, and handling high expectations are all part of the journey. True leaders find ways to recharge and persevere.

Academic Responsibility

You don’t need perfect grades to lead, but setting a good example in conduct and dedication is non-negotiable.

Emotional Intelligence

Understanding your peers' struggles and tailoring initiatives to address them is key. Leadership begins with empathy.

Physical Presence

Show up. Whether it’s shaking hands, taking pictures, or giving hugs (with consent!), being present is a superpower in itself.

The AWS Captain Superpower: C5

Charisma Inspire others and focus on providing opportunities for your peers.
Candidness Be real and passionate about your advocacy.
Creativity Think outside the box to address challenges like resource constraints or rigid policies.
Compassion Care deeply about the growth of your community.
Capability Execute projects effectively and make AWS concepts easy for students to grasp.

Scope of Responsibility

In Your School: Meeting the basic expectations of running a club.
In AWS Communities: Collaborating with AWS professionals and user groups.
Country-Level Advocacies: Regional Captains take on initiatives that impact the tech community at a national level.

Serve Hard and Recover Hard

Balance is essential. It’s okay to make mistakes as long as you learn and bounce back stronger. You’re still a student, after all!

Incorporating New Perspectives into the Blog

A thoughtful contribution from a fellow AWS Captain brings valuable insights that align perfectly with the essence of what being an AWS Captain entails. Here are the highlights, woven seamlessly into the original narrative to enhance the impact and depth of the message:

Identifying Failures and Embracing Them

Leadership is not about avoiding failure—it's about recognizing it, learning from it, and turning it into a stepping stone. Impromptu thinking and actions are vital, especially when plans don’t go as expected. A true captain adapts, recalibrates, and continues to lead with confidence.

Create a Visual Map for Your Journey

As a captain, mapping out your goals and milestones can provide clarity and direction. Here’s how to start:

Outline the events you want to organize (consider referring to the AWS Cloud Club Handbook for inspiration).
Set personal goals for leadership growth and technical expertise.
Define community achievements, ensuring both short-term and long-term objectives are meaningful and impactful.
For captains aiming to start a new club: Ensure your plan aligns with AWS's values and resonates with their mission. If it doesn’t, it might be best to refine your vision or reconsider applying.

Promote Inclusion in All Forms

Inclusivity is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Captains should aim to foster an environment that celebrates diversity, both within their teams and the broader community. Examples include:

Hosting minority-centric events, such as women-led speaker panels.
Ensuring that inclusion doesn’t inadvertently lead to bias; strive for a balance that uplifts all voices.

Ask for Help and Offer It Freely

Collaboration is the heart of the AWS Cloud Club program. Never hesitate to seek guidance when you’re overwhelmed, and be equally willing to support your peers. This spirit of mutual growth strengthens the global AWS Captain network.

Events Are Your Voice

Your events are a direct reflection of your leadership. They embody your creativity, resourcefulness, and ability to adapt. To ensure they resonate:

Identify your audience and tailor your approach accordingly.
Be open to learning and evolving as you plan, manage, and execute.
Use your events as a platform to communicate your vision and bring meaningful change.

Clear Communication and Gratitude

Dealing with the overwhelming responsibilities of being a captain requires maintaining clear communication with your team and community. Express gratitude—not just to speakers but also to attendees and everyone who contributes to your initiatives. A simple “thank you” can foster goodwill and motivate your peers.

Impact of an Active Captain

An engaged captain leads by example. Your presence, participation, and proactive approach can inspire others to step up and contribute to your collective goals.

Integrating AWS Leadership Principles

Being an AWS Cloud Captain is not just about understanding the technical side of AWS, it's about embracing leadership principles that extend far beyond the classroom. As a student leader, integrating AWS's leadership principles into your journey can elevate your impact and help you lead with purpose and vision.

1. Customer Obsession

As an AWS Cloud Captain, your primary "customers" are the students and faculty within your community. To be a super student leader, focus on understanding their needs, struggles, and goals. Whether it's through hosting events, answering questions, or providing resources, constantly ask yourself: How can I serve my community better? A customer-obsessed leader is always ready to listen, adapt, and provide value to those they lead.

2. Ownership

Taking ownership means being fully accountable for your actions, decisions, and the outcomes of your initiatives. For AWS Captains, this can mean taking charge of events, workshops, or community-building projects. Don’t wait for someone else to solve the problems—take initiative, step up, and be the leader who leads by example. You are responsible for the success and direction of your university’s AWS Cloud Club, and that responsibility should drive you to deliver the best results.

3. Invent and Simplify

AWS is built on innovation, and as a student leader, you should embrace the same mindset. Look for ways to improve existing processes, simplify complex topics for your peers, and always think outside the box when it comes to problem-solving. For example, you might create a more accessible learning path for newcomers to cloud computing or design an event format that better fits your university’s culture. Remember, simplifying complex cloud concepts for your peers is a powerful skill that shows true leadership.

4. Are Right, A Lot

This principle emphasizes the importance of good judgment, decision-making, and seeking diverse perspectives. As an AWS Captain, your role will often involve making decisions about events, team dynamics, and community engagement. Seek input from your peers and mentors, and make informed decisions that serve the best interests of the community. Being right a lot doesn’t mean being perfect—it means making thoughtful, well-rounded decisions based on knowledge and experience.

5. Learn and Be Curious

"Learn how to learn" is a mindset that aligns perfectly with the AWS leadership principle of learning and curiosity. As an AWS Cloud Captain, you need to continually expand your knowledge of AWS services, leadership techniques, and your peers' needs. Stay curious about the cloud, technology, and how to improve your leadership abilities. This principle will keep you flexible and adaptable, ensuring you never stop growing as a student leader.

6. Hire and Develop the Best

While you might not be hiring employees in your role as a captain, you are certainly developing your peers. The best leaders nurture talent, encourage growth, and help others reach their full potential. Foster a learning environment where everyone can thrive. Recognize potential in your team, mentor new captains, and promote leadership opportunities within your club. This can create a self-sustaining cycle of growth and excellence within your community.

7. Insist on the Highest Standards

Always hold yourself and your community to the highest standards, whether it's in your academic work, the quality of your events, or how you support your peers. The ability to maintain high standards despite obstacles or setbacks is a key trait of a strong AWS leader. Encourage your team to aim for excellence and consistently improve—never settle for “just good enough.” Your leadership will inspire others to do the same.

8. Think Big

The AWS leadership principle of thinking big encourages you to have an ambitious vision for the future. As a captain, think beyond your local university or region. Aim to connect with AWS leaders, build partnerships with other schools, or even contribute to larger AWS initiatives. The world of cloud computing is vast, and your leadership journey should reflect the same ambition and vision. Strive to make a global impact.

9. Bias for Action

Being a super student leader means not only thinking about what needs to be done but also acting decisively. The ability to take action quickly, especially in fast-paced or uncertain situations, is crucial for success as an AWS Captain. Whether it’s organizing an event at the last minute or troubleshooting an issue with AWS resources, make decisions quickly and move forward with confidence.

10. Frugality

Leadership doesn't always require a big budget. In fact, being resourceful and creative with limited resources can often yield the best results. As an AWS Cloud Captain, you’ll need to be frugal with your time, finances, and energy while delivering value to your community. This principle teaches you to prioritize what matters most and make the most of what you have.

11. Earn Trust

Trust is the foundation of strong leadership. As an AWS Cloud Captain, your peers will look to you for guidance and support. By demonstrating honesty, transparency, and integrity, you will earn their trust. Be reliable, follow through on commitments, and ensure that your actions align with the values you uphold as a leader.

12. Dive Deep

As a student leader, it’s essential to dig into the details—whether it's a technical challenge, a team issue, or event logistics. Don’t shy away from deep dives into topics that matter. Understanding the intricacies of AWS services, or thoroughly researching a problem before making decisions, will make you a better leader and a stronger advocate for your community.

13. Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit

There will be times when you may disagree with the direction of a project, team decision, or AWS policy. But as a leader, it’s important to voice your opinion respectfully. Once a decision is made, regardless of your stance, commit to it fully and help move the initiative forward. Your ability to stand firm, make decisions, and commit to them is a hallmark of strong leadership.

14. Deliver Results

Finally, to be a super student leader, you must deliver results. Whether it's executing an event, mentoring a peer, or contributing to a global AWS initiative, it’s crucial that you consistently deliver on your promises. The ability to execute and achieve tangible outcomes is what separates good leaders from great ones.

You need more than just technical expertise—you need to live and lead by the AWS Leadership Principles. By embracing these principles and applying them to your role as an AWS Cloud Captain, you will not only become a more effective leader but also inspire those around you to do the same. Remember, it's not just about building your university community—it’s about creating a lasting, positive impact on the global AWS community.

By incorporating these thoughts, we enrich our collective understanding of the AWS Captain’s journey. These additions emphasize resilience, planning, inclusivity, and the human side of leadership, rounding out the already comprehensive vision for what it means to be a Super Student-Leader.

To all aspiring captains: Map your journey, embrace collaboration, celebrate diversity, and most importantly, lead with purpose. Your legacy begins here.

Perks and Benefits Beyond AWS Academic Advocacy

Networking with industry leaders.
Securing internships and mentorship opportunities.
Building a strong reputation for becoming a future industry leader.

How to Apply as a Captain

Interested? Check the AWS Student Hub for application details and step-by-step guides on starting your own club. I designed a framework for your reference below to have a successful community building! Reach me out on slack or linkedIn if you need more guidance!

Get the full picture + templates here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGW2jN3lvE/DFznhvUIKm4ynYQM3ubgGA/edit?utm_content=DAGW2jN3lvE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Succession Planning for AWS Captains

Maintaining the legacy of your club requires thoughtful planning. Ensure you pass the torch to capable hands. This framework I designed is for successful and smooth transfer of power, feel free to readjust this guidance that fits your culture or way of leaderships.

Get the full picture + templates here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGW2jN3lvE/DFznhvUIKm4ynYQM3ubgGA/edit?utm_content=DAGW2jN3lvE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

To Make a SUPER Student Leader at AWS:

Being an AWS Cloud Captain is not just about technical knowledge—it's about cultivating an environment of leadership, curiosity, and community. Here's how you can truly embody the role:

Know AWS from a Technical Perspective:

A super student leader must understand the core services that make AWS the powerhouse it is. Whether it's compute services like EC2, data storage solutions such as S3, or machine learning tools like SageMaker, each service has a unique purpose in the ecosystem. But it’s not enough to know what these services do—you must also be able to communicate their potential to your peers in a way that's clear and impactful.

This is where the "Learn how to learn" mindset comes into play. It's my favorite quote, and it truly captures the essence of leadership. It encourages curiosity, adaptability, and a growth mindset. You must be constantly learning, not just for yourself, but to teach others and inspire those around you to do the same. Embracing this mentality will allow you to evolve as a leader, even when faced with unfamiliar challenges.

Fostering the Right Environment:

While understanding AWS services is critical, the environment you create as a captain is just as important. The AWS Cloud Club is not just a technical hub; it's a space where leadership is built on principles of collaboration, inclusion, and respect. As a captain, you must guide your team, your university, and your community in a way that reflects these values.

Your leadership journey should not be limited to just your university or local group. Interconnectivity is key. As an AWS Cloud Captain, your influence should extend beyond your immediate community. Whether it’s supporting fellow captains across regions or contributing to global initiatives, your ability to collaborate virtually or on-site adds an exciting dimension to your leadership experience.

Why This Journey is Exciting:

Being a Super Student-Leader at AWS means that you're not just changing your university—you're shaping the future of cloud computing globally. Your journey becomes much more exciting when you realize that your work, ideas, and efforts can impact students and professionals across the world. Helping other regions or countries, whether remotely or in person, provides a fulfilling sense of interconnectedness and global leadership. It’s a continuous exchange of ideas, learning, and growth.

To be a SUPER student leader at AWS, you need to balance both technical expertise and leadership principles. "Learn how to learn" and apply this mindset to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and expansive environment. Strive to connect with and support your peers, not just within your university, but across the globe. This is the journey of leadership at AWS—exciting, dynamic, and full of possibilities.

Closing Remarks

Being an AWS Captain isn’t just about technical knowledge—it’s about inspiring, empowering, and leaving a lasting impact. As you navigate this journey, remember that you’re part of a global movement shaping the future of tech advocacy.

Through our collective efforts, we provided readers with a more comprehensive opinion and a solid basis for understanding student-leadership in the AWS Cloud Club landscape in our tenure. We aim to empower our community with these perspectives and an inspiration to aspiring future captains in the 2025 Cohort

The author's blog is a comprehensive collaboration and peer reviewed with his outstanding co-captains in the AWS Cloud Club Program. This lineup of collaborators represents the best of the best, bringing together a wealth of knowledge and experience from various backgrounds. Each captain has demonstrated exceptional leadership and mentorship in their respective communities, ensuring that the insights shared in this blog are not only well-informed but also diverse and multifaceted.

About the Author:
Regional Captain Isaeus "Asi" Guiang

Regional Captain of AWS Cloud Clubs Philippines and a dedicated student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. With a strong passion for cloud computing and cybersecurity, Asi has played pivotal roles as the Former Captain, of AWS Cloud Club - PUP Manila, driving collaboration and innovation in the tech community.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Asi has a wealth of experience, including being an AWS re/Start Course Coordinator Intern and a Soft Skills Review Instructor. He teaches practical AWS workshops and is now a Security Risk Assessment and Compliance Intern at Globe, enhancing his expertise in the field.
Currently studying and focusing on Cloud Financial Operations and Security Compliance.

                           **Collaborators**

Regional Captain Nikolaos Douranos

Regional Captain and Founder of AWS Cloud Club Greece

Nikolaos Douranos is deeply passionate about the Computer Science industry. He is currently pursuing a dual degree in Computer Science at The University of Manchester and Management Science and Technology at Athens University of Economics and Business. Having moved to the United Kingdom five years ago, he earned an exceptional academic record and graduated from Cox Green School, achieving the second-highest score in A-Level exams. With excellent communication skills, Nikolaos excels in conveying complex ideas to diverse audiences. He recently completed a highly successful internship at Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Madrid, enhancing his skills in cloud computing and AI technologies. This year, he gained further practical experience at IBM in cutting-edge technologies and is currently pursuing his second internship at AWS in Madrid as a Solutions Architect.

Captain Alex Even

Captain of AWS Cloud Club London

Alex Even is a finance and machine learning undergraduate at Bayes Business School with a proven track record in global organizations like Amazon, Greystar, and Swiss Re across EMEA and APAC. In these roles, he’s led financial data analysis, cloud solutions, and business insights, driving measurable impact. As the founder of the City Innovation Hub, he built a community of 500+ members, bridging the tech skills gap for University of London students. Alex is also 1 of only 3 AWS Cloud Captains in London, spearheading cloud initiatives/ events and fostering further innovation at City, University of London.

Regional Captain Rukhsar Bakhtaj

Captain of AWS Cloud Club Pakistan

Rukhsar Bakhtaj, known as "Rukhsar AI," is shaping the future of tech in Pakistan. As a 2023 Google Generation Scholar, she leads from the front—founding AWS Cloud Club Pakistan and AWS Cloud Club AWKUM, creating spaces where innovation succeeds. A founder & former president of the Technology and Innovation Society at AWKUM, Rukhsar is all about empowering others, from coaching in AWS's New Voices Program to organizing tech events at scale. Her work in AI, cloud computing, and community-building speaks for itself.

Captain Rashi Dashore

Captain of AWS Cloud Club International Institute of Professional Studies

Rashi Dashore serves as a Centralised Placement Cell Coordinator at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), where she manages student data, collaborates with HR professionals, and organizes on-campus placement drives. Through her dedication, Rashi has successfully facilitated numerous recruitment events, helping many students achieve their career aspirations. Her role also involves gaining valuable experience in project development and strategic planning.
Currently pursuing a Master of Computer Applications (MCA) degree, Rashi holds a Bachelor of Computer Applications from the International Institute of Professional Studies (IIPS), DAVV, Indore. Her technical skills include proficiency in Java, Spring Frameworks, MySQL, Python, and AWS. She has also completed several certifications and virtual experience programs, such as the Wells Fargo Software Engineering Virtual Experience Program and the SQL Skill Verification by HackerRank.
Rashi is deeply passionate about problem-solving, programming, reading, and lifelong learning. Her proactive approach to self-improvement highlights her commitment to personal and professional growth.

Regional Captain Upendra Prasad Neupane

Regional Captain of AWS Cloud Club Nepal

A Computer Engineer specializing in DevOps and Cloud technologies. Known for being an excellent team player with strong leadership abilities, I am dedicated to continuous learning and professional growth. Passionate about communication, I enjoy sharing knowledge with others and building connections within the community. I actively contribute to community-building efforts, engaging with like-minded professionals to exchange insights and ideas.

Captain Dulari Bhushan

Captain of AWS Cloud Club CHARUSAT

A driven leader and enthusiast in AI/ML, currently serving as the Club Captain for AWS Cloud Club at CHARUSAT. Dulari has gained hands-on experience in AI research, particularly in explainable AI for emotion detection models, during an internship at CHARUSAT. Additionally, they have a background in firmware development through an internship at VOLANSYS and have demonstrated leadership skills as the Business Development Team Lead at AIESEC in India. Dulari is passionate about tech innovation and team development.

Captain Mohammed Bangie

Captain of AWS Cloud Club University of Witwatersrand

Mohammed Bangie is the founder of the first AWS Cloud Club in Southern Africa and a 2x AWS Certified professional. As a Software Development Engineer (SDE) Intern at AWS, his mission is to make cloud technologies accessible to students and aspiring professionals.

With experience leading cloud initiatives at the University of the Witwatersrand and mentoring on AWS and Azure certifications, Mohammed has presented at Africa's largest AWS Summit. He has practical expertise in AWS services, particularly Networking, IAM, and Security, and is preparing for additional certifications in Solutions Architect, Machine Learning, and Developer.

Mohammed is passionate about educating, inspiring, and connecting people in tech, sharing insights through his blog and workshops. He is committed to customer obsession, delivering high-quality content and solutions to the tech community.

REFERENCES


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