Careers on My AWS Rocks!

AWS Golden Jacket; Is it worth the race?

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

So, I’ve just completed my AWS Machine Learning Specialty certification. This now brings my total active certifications to 12, the “full suite” of achievable certification. In doing so I’m now eligible for the elusive “golden jacket” awarded by AWS to holders of all certifications.

I’ve had a few people ask my about my certification journey and as often as the how did I do it, is they why did I do it.

4x or 1x Certified - Does it matter?

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

I often see in peoples LinkedIn headline is stats around how many certifications they hold such as 6x AWS | 4x AZURE | 2x GCP. The question is what does this actually show? Does someone with 7 certificates have more knowledge than someone with 4? What about those without any certifications?

Numbers don’t always add up.

The problem with just comparing the numbers mathematically is that not all certifications are equal. 4x does not always equal 4x!

Career Routes

Mon, 03 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

There is always a huge debate on which certificates and skills are required for which role, or which certification someone should do next. So I thought I’d pitch in with my view on the matter. Please note the following is based on planning at the beginning of your cloud career. If you are changing roles later in your career the order and certifications could change drastically.

For me there are three categories of AWS roles; Architect, Engineer and Specialist. Bear in mind roles will always have overlaps and depending on the company there will be nuances. In addition, as you move up from an entry level role to a lead role it is normally expected that your depth in knowledge increases.