I'm trying to make a switch from a non-technical background in sales to a career in cloud computing, especially since I've had a bit of exposure working at a large cloud data warehouse company. Here's my plan: 1) Get certified as an AWS Cloud Practitioner, 2) Obtain the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification, 3) Learn Python 3 through Codecademy, and 4) Build a portfolio showcasing my skills. I'm planning to dedicate full-time to this and expect to earn both certifications in about 9 months. I'm wondering if this pathway is realistic for landing an entry-level role in cloud computing, and if there's potential for freelancing to boost my income. Although my research indicates there's a high demand for cloud jobs and the salaries are appealing, I'm worried that my timeline and plan might not lead to any job offers, especially if many companies require 3+ years of experience and prefer candidates with degrees.
5 Answers
It's great that you've done your research about the cloud job market, but I can see where your concerns come from. The demand for cloud roles is definitely there, but breaking in without a technical background can be tough. Stick to your plan; getting certified is a good start, but be flexible about timelines. Try focusing on specific skills or areas within cloud computing that are in demand—like data migrations or real-time data processing—to make yourself more marketable.
Getting certified is often seen as a ticket to a new career, but it doesn't always guarantee job offers. Certifications are valuable for resume filtering, but practical experience matters more. Focus on building a strong portfolio with real-world projects that demonstrate your skills. Don't just rely on the certifications to impress potential employers.
Just a heads up, many recent grads are finding it tough to land technical roles, even with internships. Companies often prefer to hire those with hands-on experience. So, if you're making this switch, really emphasize any projects you can showcase, and consider networking with local AWS partners, as they often seek employees with specific certifications.
I’d recommend checking out local AWS Partners since they may have requirements to hire people with certain certifications. Building a strong portfolio can definitely help you stand out in this competitive field.
Thanks for pointing that out! I'll definitely look into local companies that might be hiring.
Honestly, if you’re expecting to get hired with just a few certifications, you might want to reevaluate. It’s important to have realistic expectations. The tech field moves rapidly, and sometimes the best foot forward is to gain practical skills beyond certifications alone.
I see your point. It’s good to have a balanced perspective.
Thanks for the insight! I get what you're saying about being flexible and focusing on marketable skills.