MY AZUBI AWS RE/START JOURNEY
Interestingly, I have 15 years + of experience in fields such as Customer Service, Business Development, Retail Sales, and Operations. Though I have a background in computer science and graduated when there was hardly a home with a desktop computer not to talk of laptops in my geographical region. I found myself doing other things because that was what I could do due to some reasons such as raising a family.
I couldn’t do what I wanted to do. It was not about me but the family. I had to put them into consideration before making decisions. I put in my best and excel in my endeavors but was not satisfied with myself. I needed to do more. I wanted new challenges and to achieve my childhood dreams.
A few of my dreams are traveling around the world, solving a global problem, and making a positive impact in my world. Travelling is what I’m already doing especially with my travel blog. What best to go into if not technology? With technology, I can easily achieve other dreams.
So, I started developing a new interest in learning new technological skills. I stumbled on Azubi Africa AWS Re/start program and applied. I want to learn about cloud computing and all AWS has to offer. I was told the program is not for my region but I applied all the same. I hoped to compete and get a slot even if geographically, I wasn’t qualified. I participated in the competitive tests and scaled the first hurdle. I also did the interview and though It went very well in my opinion, I received a rejection mail stating limited slots as the reason. I felt bad about this but as usual, I moved on.
Almost 2 weeks into the program, I received a call, then a mail, giving me a chance in the program. Saying I was excited is an understatement. Although I already had other things planned I had to make way for it. It is an opportunity of a lifetime.
It has been awesome so far. Challenging because I started late and the courses are extensive but highly educative under a fun-learning environment. The trainers who we call TeachOps eg Paul Solomon are extremely amazing. They teach with passion and make sure one understands the teachings even if they need to sacrifice their time. They make it easy to learn and understand. Amazing people they are.
I have great and fantastic coursemates too. Adefioye Adeyeye from my country, always making sure I attend sessions, Harry Kay my study buddy is always out to explain and run the assignments together with others. I call him my first Ghanian friend and I disturb him a lot. Earl Felix will call me to remind my session is on…. A whole lot of wonderful people like Stanley Ocran, Earl_Teye, Ethel Danquah, Samuel Fianko Asare, Becs Seade, Terkwor Kwadjo, Erick Ofori, etc, I have the honour and privilege to meet and interact with, in the course of this program.
Wow! I haven’t even told you about my learnings. Where do I start from? First, let me tell you what AWS re/Start curriculum is about. It teaches AWS Cloud fundamentals to help learners succeed in entry-level cloud positions. Through real-world, scenario-based exercises, labs and coursework, learners build Linux, Python, networking, security, and relational database skills. Learners receive job-specific training on building effective front-line support, trouble-shooting, escalation, and task automation techniques.
AWS re/Start also provides learners with professional skills including effective communication, collaboration, resume writing, and interview coaching to prepare them for employer meetings and interviews. Interesting! This is awesome! A full package.
In just a month, I have learned about introduction to cloud foundations, Linux, Networking, Introduction to security, Cloud roles, Goal setting, Career goals, Amazon Web Services, IP networking in the AWS Cloud: Amazon VPC, Emotional Intelligence, Digital presence to mention a few. I told you, it is comprehensive with total dedication and passion to achieve great things.
Hopefully, I will inform you of the end of the program, my first AWS Certification, my move to the next stage, and other remarkable things on my path to be a tech guru and build a start-up that will solve a global problem.
