As naive as I was, I used to think the cloud was actually floating up in the sky somewhere. I’d casually talk about backing up my photos to iCloud without ever wondering where this ‘cloud’ really is. But hey, I was just one of the 99.999999% of people around the world who’ve thought the same!
What changed? How did I move from zero knowledge to being a certified AWS Solutions Architect-Associate? In this article, I’ll walk you through the first steps I took on my AWS journey and share tips to help you get started too.
WHY CLOUD?
In today’s digital world, where we’re seeing everything from self-driving vehicles to augmented reality and smart cities, massive amounts of data are being generated every second.
But have you ever stopped to wonder:
- Where is all this data stored?
- How is it processed to power real-time decisions?
- How does it travel across the globe with millisecond latency?
The answer lies in the cloud.
Cloud computing is the invisible backbone making modern innovation possible, and that’s exactly what drew me into this space. Because whether it’s communication, entertainment, healthcare, finance, or education, our world now revolves in the cloud.
WHERE TO START
If you’re thinking of getting into cloud computing, AWS is (in my opinion) the best place to start. Here’s why:
Endless learning resources — From beginner guides to advanced use cases, there’s no shortage of material to help deepen your cloud knowledge.
Free Tier access — You can gain hands-on experience and build real projects without spending a dime while learning the theory.
Recognized certifications — AWS offers globally respected certifications to help validate your skills and build credibility as you grow.
WHAT NEXT?
Sign up on AWS Skill Builder, a platform that provides all the necessary contents you need to excel. You know the interesting aspect? It is self paced, learn at your own convenience, earn some digital badges, practice with the labs and you are good to go.
Create an account on the AWS Managment Console: This is where the hands-on magic happens. With the AWS Free Tier, you can explore and practice using many services at no cost.
Friendly advice: Always remember to terminate your resources after each use, this will help you avoid unnecessary charges while learning.
Starting something new, especially in tech can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Taking small, consistent steps can lead to amazing growth.
I’m still learning too and sharing as I go.
So, if you’re just starting out or considering the cloud, I hope this helped give you a nudge in the right direction.
Top comments (0)