Three things you’ll gain when launching your cloud career with AWS Cloud Institute

As organizations across industries embrace cloud innovation, the demand for skilled cloud talent continues to soar. IDC predicts that by 2026, over 90% of organizations will face an IT skills shortage. Aiming to help solve for this problem by upskilling the next generation of builders, AWS Cloud Institute is a virtual cloud-skills training program that will help you launch your career as a cloud developer in as little as one year – regardless of your technical background.

But embarking on a new career can feel daunting, especially when venturing into tech where information overload can be a very real issue. Getting insider advice from those who have been in your shoes can make all the difference. We caught up with five current AWS Cloud Institute students who are living this career transformation firsthand. In this blog, we’ll explore their journeys and the three things they say you’ll gain as a learner in this program: community, confidence, and clarity.

Community

One of the standout strengths of AWS Cloud Institute is the passionate, collaborative community of instructors and fellow learners. With weekly office hours led by expert AWS instructors, Fun Fridays focused on new topics and career advice, a Slack channel available 24/7, and a group of fellow learners who are always willing to lend a hand, AWS Cloud Institute offers a vibrant, supportive learning community. Learners never have to go it alone – tap into this invaluable support network.

“Don’t be a lone wolf. You’ll get so much more out of this if you engage with the community,” advises Ashton, who used to work in financial services. “Between the Slack channel and office hours, I’ve found that everyone is so encouraging of each other. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. [AWS Cloud Institute] is self-paced but you’re really not doing this on your own.”

Miguel, who was out of work and looking for a way to break into tech before joining the program, echoes Ashton’s thoughts. “The community has been very passionate. You feel it on every level – the interactions, the willingness to help answer repeated questions. It’s a great feeling of community. No one is left behind.”

Sherri, a former customer service representative, agrees. “The instructors are so down to earth and I’ve met so many supportive new friends on LinkedIn. The more experienced students are always willing to help out. Everyone is on the same page and is just really passionate about learning and sharing.”

Confidence

For many entering the tech world, imposter syndrome can loom large. But AWS Cloud Institute creates an environment where you can overcome those doubts and develop real confidence in your abilities. You’ll build the skills you need to land a cloud application developer role with 12 digital training courses, either live instructor-led or on-demand, 100 interactive labs, two capstone projects, and prep for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Certified Developer – Associate Certification exams. Throughout the program, you’ll also create assets that can be put into a portfolio to show your technical knowledge and skills to potential employers.

“AWS Cloud Institute has helped me feel really confident to do the tasks and be part of this field. It’s helped me not feel like an imposter,” shares Miguel. “I now have confidence that I can learn.”

The same holds true for Moises, who hails from retail and was considering an Associate’s degree. “AWS Cloud Institute is getting me ready for a career change. I can now talk to employers and let them know I have hands-on experience. For job interviews, I now have a reason why they would hire me over others.”

No tech background? No problem. Take it from Nora, who was working as a veterinary technician for 11 years with no prior tech experience before joining AWS Cloud Institute. “What’s been most surprising is that I can do it! I’m doing well and it’s surprising. I thought I needed a college degree before I could do anything like this, but I’ve already learned so much in just five months.”

Clarity

If you’re looking to break into cloud computing, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of available training options. But AWS Cloud Institute removes the guesswork with a structured pathway built by AWS experts with input from companies who need cloud talent.

“I had an interest in cloud, but didn’t know where to start,” explains Moises. “There’s tons of information online but it was too hard to know how to make progress towards a career. An Associate’s degree wouldn’t have helped me, but this gives me a pathway to make progress toward my cloud goals.”

For Ashton, AWS Cloud Institute has provided direction. “I was feeling stagnant for the last two years of my career, not knowing what to do. I now have the tools to no longer have that stagnation. It’s opening new paths with endless opportunities and I’m really excited about that!”

Now that she’s deep into the second quarter of AWS Cloud Institute, Sherri agrees: “I’m excited to get into a career that I’m passionate about and that will allow me to live comfortably. AWS Cloud Institute will help me do something I enjoy, where I’ll look forward to going to work every day.”

Take the next step towards an exciting cloud career

By taking advantage of AWS Cloud Institute’s vibrant community, you’ll gain confidence and clarity through a transformative and hands-on training experience. Nora encourages anyone who’s looking for a change to consider the program. “I’d highly recommend it. Don’t worry about doing it all at once. Put yourself out there because everyone’s willing to help. Stick with it!”

Want to join aspiring cloud application developers like Ashton, Miguel, Moises, Nora, and Sherri? Learn more about AWS Cloud Institute today.

AWS Cloud Institute learners left to right: Sherri, Ashton, Moises, Nora, and Miguel