My Cloud Transition
Mechanic to Cloud is my project blogging website. Inspired by the Cloud Resume Challenge created by Forrest Brazeal, I have decided to take on this challenge. However, I shall be hosting a blogging site rather than a resume.
Why the change?
Having previously worked as a vehicle mechanic for a number of
years, I felt as though this was not my long term calling. Like a
number of 'blue collared' workers before me whom have transitioned
from other hands-on sectors such as construction, I felt a much
needed change. In fact, the Cloud Resume Challenge (CRC) mentions a
plumber coming from zero cloud computing experience, completing the
challenge and becoming a full time cloud DevOps engineer.
I had always obtained an interest in IT, in particular the hardware
side. Having enjoyed building, upgrading and troubleshooting PC
builds; I felt as though I wanted to discover cloud computing, and
pursue this further.
Beginnings
Initially my intent was to go down the IT recruitment role, so I
began learning about the various areas of the tech sector. The area
that interested me were the cloud roles. The more I delved into this
area the greater my interest. I quickly came to the conclusion that
I would rather work within this sector, rather than recruit for it.
The question is how I would go about starting this journey.
Coincidently having a conversation with a work colleague, he
mentioned being involved with Amazon Web Services (AWS) academy
program. After hearing the details on said program I decided to sign
up to a webinar. After hearing the details on said program I decided
to sign up to a webinar.
The lead speaker of the webinar was very knowledgeable, having
worked at Microsoft for years and now for AWS. I remember it was
fascinating hearing about the intricates of the technology behind
not just the cloud specific side, but also the way in which the
internet and all devices communicated with each other and the
infrastructure. After the webinar I decided this would certainly an
avenue I wanted to pursue and signing up to the academy would be a
great start.
The Learning Process
Commencing my first academy lessons in November of 2023, I was
tought the fundamentals of the AWS cloud infrastructure and
services. From virtual compute like EC2s to the global
infrastructure such as Regions, Availability Zones and Datacentres.
There was a huge amount to learn and having access to the AWS labs
certainly helped. Over time I started using AWS's 'Cloud Quest'
accessed through the Skill Builder, this is a type of
game-as-you-learn tool. Giving you some real world scenarios and
utilising the lab, but with some 'DIY' sections without the
step-by-steps.
Over time I studied and passed my AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.
Nevertheless I needed something to prove my knowledge, one
particular subject that kept coming up were projects. This I felt
was key in showcasing to future employers and recruiters the skills
you've learnt and what you can do. However, what types of projects
to do was another matter. After scanning through various sources
such as YouTube and some Discort groups, I discovered on the
academy's sharepoint the CRC.
After reading through I knew
this was precisely how I needed to test my current knowledge, but
more importantly progess along the way and ultimately challenge
myself.
The CRC Project Journey
Follow my journey throughout this project to see my advancements as well as set-backs, and how I overcame them.
