If you’ve ever been involved in the world of AWS, whether as a developer, architect, or enthusiast, you’ve probably heard whispers about the AWS Community Builders program. It’s a unique initiative that brings together passionate individuals from all over the globe, creating a vibrant community dedicated to sharing knowledge, solving problems, and celebrating AWS technologies.
Whether you’re just hearing about it or have been curious for a while, this guide is here to help everything you need to know about the AWS Community Builders program and how you can join this amazing community.
What Is the AWS Community Builders Program? ✨
The AWS Community Builders program is a global initiative by Amazon Web Services designed to support and recognize individuals who actively contribute to the AWS ecosystem. Whether you’re creating content, hosting meetups, or developing tools that benefit the AWS community, this program provides resources and networking opportunities to amplify your efforts.
Community Builders come from diverse backgrounds—from seasoned AWS experts to budding cloud enthusiasts. What unites them is a shared passion for AWS and a commitment to helping others learn and grow in the cloud.
Who are the AWS Community Builders? 💪
AWS Community Builders are individuals passionate about Amazon Web Services (AWS) who actively contribute to the AWS community by creating content, sharing knowledge, and engaging with other AWS users. They are developers, architects, technologists, and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds who share a common goal: to learn, build, and grow with AWS while helping others do the same.
You can see the details of all the community builders in this directory.
Benefits of Joining the AWS Community Builders Program 🤩
Joining the AWS Community Builders program comes with a host of benefits that can significantly enhance your professional growth and contributions to the AWS ecosystem. Here are some of the key perks:
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Access to Product Teams:
- Hear directly from AWS product teams about new services and features.
- Stay ahead of the curve with insider information and updates.
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Mentorship from AWS Subject Matter Experts:
- Learn from AWS experts on a variety of topics through weekly webinars.
- Gain insights and tips from seasoned professionals to improve your skills.
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AWS Promotional Credits and Other Resources:
- Receive AWS Promotional Credits to support your content creation and projects.
- Access other helpful resources to amplify your impact within the AWS community.
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Opportunities to Connect:
- Build relationships with like-minded developers and technologists.
- Expand your professional network through collaboration and discussions.
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AWS Swags and more:
- As a token of appreciation, all the builders that are selected for the program get an awesome swag kit. For the First year It includes swag like an AWS CB cap, a diary, stickers, and much more.
- Bellow is my First year photo of receiving AWS Swag Kit. (more photos)
How do I apply to the AWS Community Builders Program? 📝
Now that you’re excited about the program, let’s dive into the application process. The AWS Community Builders program has an open application window that typically occurs one a year (earlier it was twice a year) and you have to apply within that duration. If you don’t see an open application, you can add your name to the waiting list, which will notify you once the application begins.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:
Step 1. :: Apply for the program
Go to the → AWS Community Builder Program page and click on apply.
Step 2. :: Prepare Your Application
When applying, you’ll be asked to:
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Share Your Contributions: Highlight how you’ve contributed to the AWS community in the past. This could include:
- Blog posts you’ve written about AWS topics.
- Speaking engagements or webinars you’ve hosted.
- Open-source tools or projects you’ve contributed to.
Explain Your Goals: Discuss what you hope to achieve as a Community Builder and how you plan to contribute further.
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Choose Your Specialty: AWS offers several categories to focus on, such as:
- Cloud Operations
- Containers
- Data
- Dev Tools
- Front-End Web & Mobile
- Machine Learning
- Networking & Content Delivery
- Security
- Serverless
Pick the one that aligns best with your expertise and interests.
Step 3. :: Submit Your Application
When applying to the AWS Community Builders program, one of the most crucial parts of your application is explaining why you want to join and showcasing your contributions to the AWS community. This section isn’t just about listing achievements—it’s about sharing your story, your passion for AWS, and how you’ve positively impacted others. Once you’ve prepared your answers, submit your application.
Step 4. :: Wait for the Response
After submitting, the AWS team will review your application. As it is a global program, it may take a while to examine all the applications and get to the final results, so patience is key. If accepted, you’ll receive an email welcoming you to the program.
📌 How can you increase your chances of being accepted?
Write Blogs / Articles
Sharing your knowledge through blogs is an excellent way to contribute. Write about real-world case studies, practical use cases, or your experiences implementing AWS services. Ensure your content is original and insightful, as plagiarism is a strict no-no. A well-written blog can become a go-to resource for others in the AWS ecosystem.Create Technical Videos
If you’re comfortable on camera, creating video content can be a powerful medium. Record tutorials, walkthroughs, or use case demonstrations that can help others in their cloud journey. Platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn are great for reaching a wide audience.Host Webinars or Seminars
Conducting webinars or in-person seminars is another impactful way to contribute. Share your expertise with a group of people in your college, workplace, or local community. These events not only spread knowledge but also build your reputation as a thought leader in the AWS space.Engage with the Community
Active participation in AWS communities is one of the most authentic ways to connect and contribute. Join AWS User Groups, participate in forums, or become a mentor on platforms like AWS re:Post. Engaging with others fosters collaboration and mutual growth, making it a win-win.Contribute to Open Source
Build tools, libraries, or scripts that solve common AWS challenges. Share them on GitHub or similar platforms with clear documentation. This demonstrates your technical skills and willingness to give back to the community.Leverage Social Media
Use social platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram to share your AWS journey. Post quick tips, lessons learned, or insights about AWS services. Engaging with AWS-related hashtags and tagging the AWS team can increase your visibility.
What if you get rejected? 🤔
If your application don’t accepted in first try don’t worry, mine was accepted on my second attempt! The application process is highly competitive, making it challenging to get selected on the first try. Don’t let this discourage you—use the experience to refine your approach and prepare for the next cohort’s application.
Real-Life Stories from Community Builders 🙂
Here are a few inspiring examples of Community Builders:
Jaymit Bhoraniya: Serverless Builder since 2020, One of the Oldest in India, A Guru in my CB journey, who has always help the community to grow by creating technical content around the Serverless and many AWS Services.
Nirav Shah: Dev-Tools Builder since 2023, A true mentor and well known speaker in the AWS community. If you need best practices in cloud architecture he is the right person.
Poonam Patel: Serverless Builder since 2023, Our Serverless - No Code Low Code Technology Maestro and very humble human being.
Chetan Hirapara: Machine Learning Builder since 2023, our Go-to-anything AI person, who eat and drinks AI everyday.
and many more…
Conclusion
I hope now you have a better understanding of the AWS Community Builder Program and its application.
Remember, the application process is not just about showcasing your skills—it’s about demonstrating your commitment to the community. So, start creating, sharing, and engaging today. Who knows? You might just be the next AWS Community Builder making waves in the cloud world.
For more details and updates, keep an eye on the AWS Community Builders page.
If you still have any queries, feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn.
All the best! :)
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