In the last few years, the demand for cloud computing resources has massively increased. Looking at the trends, it seems like this popularity will continue to grow exponentially in the future, all thanks to the convenience, opportunities for innovation, scalability, and relatively low costs ensured by these technologies.
Currently, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the leading cloud computing providers with millions of clients all over the world and 10+ years of operational experience. Through the AWS platform, you will have access to a wide range of cloud services recognized for the expertise they offer. Apart from this, AWS also offers several credentials. One of the most popular credentials is the AWS Cloud Architect. Read on to learn more about this certification and how it can help you with your career.
Who is an AWS Cloud Architect?
As an AWS Cloud Architect, you will be responsible for managing the cloud computing architecture of your organization. This role requires an in-depth knowledge of the architectural services and principles used so that you can develop a technical cloud strategy, provide guidance on addressing high-risk issues, reviewing workload architecture, and assisting with cloud migration efforts.
Here are a few other things you will be responsible for as an AWS Cloud Architect:
1. Meeting with customers
Your primary job as an AWS Cloud Architect will be to architect solutions. A part of your day will be spent on meeting with the customers. This can be a conference call or an in-person meeting where you discuss the needs and problems of your client. This will depend on the company you are working for and the role you have in the company. Some Cloud Architects are more focused on products than customers. However, most of them create solutions that solve the problems of their clients.
The work you do as a Cloud Architect for your clients will also depend on the tasks, where you are working, and where your customer is in terms of AWS adoption level. If they are still in the early stages, you might be having high-level talks.
2. Solving problems
As mentioned above, one of the main jobs you will have as the AWS Cloud Architect is creating solutions that meet the business goals and customer needs. You will be developing pre-sales deliverables and technical solutions that support the goals of your clients. So, you will have to spend your time on problem-solving. You will be formulating solution plans and guiding the best practices of AWS architecture. It will be your job to estimate costs, find cost control mechanisms, and choose the right AWS service based on computing, security, database, and data requirements.
A part of your day will be spent designing and arranging fault-tolerant, scalable, and highly attainable systems on AWS. You will also be identifying how to migrate the existing on-premises applications to the AWS platform.
3. Variety
It might sound like your day as an AWS Cloud Architect would be predictable, but they won’t be. This is because your job will include a wide range of tasks. You might be spending your day planning new environments or reviewing existing ones. Depending on your exact role and where you are working, you might be busy in meetings or traveling to onsite meetings to discuss with the clients. You might work on migrations, write scripts, troubleshoot, or keep up with the latest AWS features. Also, you will have to work with other in-house teams like engineers and sales.
Benefits of getting the AWS Cloud Architect certification
Once you see the cost of the AWS Cloud Architect certification exam and the list of all the topics and subtopics you will have to study, you might wonder whether investing so much time and money would be worth the results or not. To help you make this decision, here is a list of some of the most important benefits you will be able to enjoy as an AWS certified Cloud Architect:
1. The popularity of cloud computing continues to grow
An organization that implements cloud computing also gains a lot of perks to enjoy. AWS is a globally recognized body that offers a multitude of services. Because of this, more and more companies have started considering using AWS solutions that allow professionals like you to build a lucrative and secure career. Becoming an AWS Certified Cloud Architect will lead to more expansive opportunities.
2. Cloud computing professionals grab higher salaries
With the AWS certification in your CV, you will be able to validate your ability to design, develop, and implement secure applications on the AWS platform. The certification shows that you can use architectural design principles to create solutions and implement these principles by using best practices. Currently, there is a huge demand for these skills. And once you get certified, you can expect to grab a very lucrative salary.
3. Cloud computing requires professional expertise
When it comes to AWS certifications, AWS has set several prerequisites. So, before you enrol for a certification exam, you have to make sure that you meet all the eligibility requirements. One of the most important prerequisites is having at least a year of experience building available, scalable, and cost-effective solutions on the AWS platform. Also, you should know about all the topics laid out in the exam outline.
4. Get globally recognized as an expert
AWS certifications are recognized worldwide, which means that your knowledge and skills will be recognized globally as well. Also, to maintain your certification, you will have to demonstrate your updated knowledge and skills periodically through recertification. This will ensure that you are on par with the industry trends and are ready to face any challenges.
The AWS Cloud Architect certification is one of the best credentials you can have as a cloud computing professional. It allows you to expand your knowledge and open yourself to new career prospects.
