My Journey to AWS Gold Jacket
Though I’ve never ventured into documenting professional milestones through a blog before, the significance of this particular achievement compels me to put pen to paper (may be should say fingers to key board). This blog post delves into significant milestone in my professional journey.
What is an AWS Gold Jacket
While you won’t find detailed information about the “gold jacket” on the official AWS website or in their documentation, it’s a special way to acknowledge the talent demonstrated by AWS Partners. Even though it’s not formally documented, nearly everyone in the AWS Partner community aware about it.
Earning an AWS Gold Jacket typically involves clearing all existing AWS certifications and submitting an application through your company’s AWS alliance partner. For instance, I obtained my Gold Jacket in October 2023 after completing 12 AWS certifications.
However, it’s important to note that AWS frequently updates its certifications, introducing new ones and retiring existing ones. Earlier this year, there were announcements regarding such updates. For more details on these changes, you can refer to the following link: AWS Certification Retirements and Launches
About Me
Hailing from Hyderabad, India, I made the move to New Zealand in 2014. Over 17 years ago, I kickstarted my IT journey as a desktop administrator. Along the way, I evolved into a SAP Basis Administrator, eventually finding my niche as an AWS Cloud Architect.
Why Certifications?
Certifications serve as a valuable method to both learn and validate your understanding of a subject matter. They provide confidence in your skills and knowledge while also offering recognition in the relevant field.
My AWS Certification Journey
How it Began
In mid-2016, I found myself working on a project involving the migration of SAP workloads from an Australian Datacentre to one in New Zealand. The customer opted for a hybrid approach, utilising AWS Cloud for Dev and Test, while keeping UAT and Production in an On-prem Datacentre. At that time, cloud discussions were just picking up, and only a handful of organisations were embracing cloud workloads.
By the end of this project, I came to appreciate the immense power of cloud technology. I was fascinated by how it democratises the ability for anyone to spin up servers and experiment.
The First AWS Certification
In mid-2017, I achieved my first AWS Certification, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator — Associate. At that time, the Cloud Practitioner certification hadn’t been launched yet. Although I hadn’t begun working directly with AWS technology at that point, obtaining this certification provided me with valuable knowledge and confidence. It enabled me to engage in informal discussions with individuals already working in the field and to pursue opportunities within my organisation related to AWS.
Eventually, I found myself tasked with deploying Linux servers and a database on EC2 instances. While navigating this assignment, I grappled with CloudFormation and various other AWS services. This hands-on experience proved invaluable, reaffirming the principle that getting your hands dirty is an effective way to learn, even within the realm of AWS.
The Switch
Balancing support for SAP Basis projects while sneaking in occasional AWS tasks in between was a challenging juggling act for me. Eventually, I reached a crossroads where I had to make a decision. I chose to fully immerse myself in AWS, recognising that this shift would accelerate my learning and deepen my experience in the field. It was a leap of faith, but one that I believed would pave the way for significant growth and expertise in the AWS technology.
Despite being new to AWS, my background in areas such as operating systems, databases, networking, and application architectures provided me with a strong foundation. As a result, I found that I was able to grasp AWS architectures fairly quickly. This prior experience served as a valuable framework, enabling me to understand and adapt to AWS concepts and technologies more efficiently.
The Take off
With the support of my colleagues and management, I established myself as a reliable go-to person for AWS-related tasks within my team. This encouragement and backing propelled me forward, allowing me to tackle larger and more complex projects. By this stage, I had earned all the associate-level certifications, solidifying my expertise in AWS.
By early 2020, I was doing full time on AWS stack and started involving in a large AWS projects at which point for the first time I thought about achieving remaining AWS certs a possibility.
The Roller Coaster Ride
I didn’t set a strict deadline for myself to obtain all certifications. Life’s unpredictability, including welcoming a new family member and engaging in demanding projects, made accelerating my learning challenging.
My journey involved tackling various AWS projects, with hands-on experience contributing to about 50% of my knowledge. Studying was necessary to complement this experience and pass certification exams.
By mid-2021, I had earned 7 AWS certifications. However, the next certification came 14 months later in 2022. The delay was due to my involvement in a crucial project: facilitating Covid vaccinations. During this time, my focus shifted to supporting vital initiatives and managing the effects of lockdowns, including keeping children engaged. While certification pursuits took a back seat, I don’t regret prioritizing other responsibilities.
Despite the intermittent pauses, my AWS knowledge continued to grow through practical applications in assisting customers. Finally, in October 2023, I proudly achieved all AWS certifications. The journey may have been a roller coaster ride, marked by unexpected twists and turns, but the destination was well worth the effort. :)
Conclusion
Is it worth obtaining all 12 AWS certifications?
Absolutely. Whether achieved through intensive study over 2 months or gradually over 3 years alongside practical experience, the value remains significant. There’s no guarantee of encountering projects covering all areas, but the pursuit itself enhances expertise. Regarding the pace of learning, it’s subjective and depends on personal goals and well-being. Ultimately, progressing towards one’s set objectives while maintaining balance is the true victory.
Finally my picture in the Golden Jacket!!!
