How you would learn AWS

Ready to level up your IT skills with AWS? Here are three steps to kickstart your journey and land that dream tech job! AWS Cloud technologies offer a suite of services built for today’s fast-paced and innovative business environments. These services boost efficiency, cut costs, and — just as importantly — help businesses speed up innovation.

Given all this, learning AWS architecture is a must for anyone looking to lead in today’s tech world and stay on top of the latest advancements. I was inspired to write this article after watching Lucy’s recent video on YouTube. In this guide, we’ll dive into the basics of AWS technologies, different learning paths, and certifications to help you get started on your AWS journey.

Learn AWS in three steps

Start with the Basics of Cloud Computing: Before diving into AWS, it’s key to understand cloud computing fundamentals. Think of cloud computing as using the internet to store and access data, software, and other resources instead of relying on your local computer. It’s the foundation for understanding how AWS works.

Fill in Knowledge Gaps: It’s normal to have some gaps when learning something new, especially with the complex concepts and terminology around AWS. Identifying these areas early on is crucial. Spend time brushing up on areas where you’re not confident to build a strong foundation as you move forward.

Follow a Three-Step AWS Roadmap: Learning AWS can be more effective when you break it down into three structured steps:

• Learn about AWS Services — Start by familiarising yourself with the different services AWS offers.
• Understand How to Use These Services — Go beyond theory — learn how each service works and fits into the larger cloud ecosystem.
• Practice with Real-World Examples — Apply what you’ve learned by working on practical examples or small projects. This hands-on approach helps reinforce your learning and gives you real experience using AWS.

By following this roadmap, you’ll have a structured and well-organised approach to mastering AWS.

Learn cloud computing by getting the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification

Start your cloud computing journey with the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification. This entry-level certification covers the basics of cloud concepts, AWS services, and best practices, making it a great foundation for understanding AWS and cloud computing as a whole. Even after getting the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification, you might find there are still some areas where you need more understanding. In the IT world, it’s common to seek out online resources to fill in those gaps. Explore articles, videos, and forums to dive deeper into specific concepts or services — there’s always something new to learn, and online resources are often the quickest way to get the information you need.

AWS Certification Resources:

Adrian Cantril’s Video Courses: https://geni.us/adrian-cantrill

Stephane Maarek’s Udemy CCP Course: https://geni.us/udemy-stephane-ccp

Tutorials Dojo’s Udemy Practice Exams: https://geni.us/udemy-jon-bonso-ccp

The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification offers a clear and structured pathway to learning cloud computing and AWS. This program provides an organised approach, making it easier to grasp key concepts and AWS services. Moreover, the certification is widely recognized by employers, serving as a solid indicator of your foundational knowledge of cloud technologies. Having this certification on your resume can help demonstrate your skills and commitment, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Study resources for AWS certifications

• Free 6-Hour Cloud Practitioner Essentials Course by AWS: To get started, AWS provides a free course called Cloud Practitioner Essentials. It’s designed for beginners, offering an introduction to cloud computing and the various AWS services. This course helps you build a foundation and is a great way to prepare for the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification.
• Consider Pursuing the AWS Solutions Architect Associate Certification: After earning the Cloud Practitioner certification, a great next step is the AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification. This validates your skills in designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS. It’s a deeper dive into AWS architecture and demonstrates your ability to build effective solutions in a cloud environment.

To build AWS skills, do hands-on labs and use available resources

Workshops on workshops.aws for Self-Paced Learning: The site workshops.aws offers a variety of self-paced workshops that cover different levels of difficulty. These workshops provide hands-on experience with AWS services, helping you build practical skills and deepen your understanding of how AWS works. It’s a great resource for enhancing your learning through real-world exercises. AWS Ramp-Up Guides for Tailored Learning: For beginners looking for a structured way to learn, the AWS Ramp-Up Guides are an excellent resource. These guides are tailored to help you build AWS skills and can be filtered based on your role (like developer or IT professional), the solution you want to learn about (like compute or storage), or even by industry (such as healthcare or finance). This makes it easy to find content that aligns with your specific interests and career goals.

Centralised materials, Udemy courses, and tips for effective learning

The AWS Ramp-Up Guides bring together essential materials like white papers and self-paced labs. These resources are great for building your skills and deepening your knowledge of AWS services, offering a solid mix of both in-depth reading and hands-on practice.

If you prefer a more interactive learning style, Udemy offers various courses on AWS and cloud computing. These courses often include hands-on labs and video demonstrations, which can be more engaging for visual learners and provide practical experience with AWS services.

Remember, learning AWS doesn’t have to be a linear journey. You can tailor your learning path to your needs and preferences — whether that’s focusing on specific services, mixing resources like videos and labs, or exploring different certifications at your own pace. Choose what aligns best with your learning style and career goals.

Focus on topics covered in AWS certification and validate knowledge through practice questions and hands-on exercises

When preparing for AWS certification, it’s best to concentrate on the topics covered in the exam. Use practice questions and hands-on exercises to validate and deepen your understanding of these areas. Instead of trying every single workshop or watching an entire video course from start to finish, stick to the resources that align directly with the exam objectives. This targeted approach will keep your learning efficient and focused.

Keep your bigger picture in mind — whether it’s landing a tech job or enhancing your cloud skills — and set small, achievable milestones. Breaking your goal into smaller, actionable tasks helps track progress and keeps you motivated. For example, completing a module on cloud security or practising with an AWS service can be great milestones on your path to certification and career success.

Conclusion

Learning AWS Cloud technologies is a smart move for anyone looking to enhance their IT skills and pursue a tech career. By following a three-step learning roadmap, addressing knowledge gaps, and leveraging resources like courses, workshops, and guides, you can build a solid foundation in AWS. Achieving certifications will showcase your skills and knowledge to employers, helping you stand out in the job market. Remember to set clear milestones and stay focused on your end goal, like landing your dream job in tech. As AWS continues to shape today’s business landscape, investing in these skills can lead to more efficient processes, cost savings, and innovation, benefiting both individuals and businesses.