Cloud Certification Spotlight #2

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👋 Hello to our Cloud Learners! It’s always a joy to connect with this incredible community of cloud enthusiasts and professionals. We hope this week’s newsletter brings you fresh inspiration and practical insights for your certification journey.

Last week, we launched our inaugural "Cloud Certification Spotlight," and the response was incredible! We have a couple people who stepped up and volunteered their insights and we are really appreciative. This week, we’re thrilled to feature Emily S., an IT Manager from the Midwest with a deep passion for cloud computing and a commitment to her family and career growth.

Take it away Emily…

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Personal Background

Geographical Location:

I live in the Midwest, specifically in a city known for its strong financial services industry. It’s a great place to raise a family with plenty of parks and outdoor activities.

Educational Background:

I have a four-year college degree. I studied Computer Science at a local university, which provided me with a strong foundation in programming and IT systems. It’s been really valuable as I’ve progressed in my career.

Family Life:

I’m married and have two young children in grade school. My family is a huge influence on my career decisions, especially since I strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance. They motivate me to keep learning and growing professionally so I can provide them with a stable future while being present for them.

Professional Journey

Current Role:

I currently work as an IT Manager at a large financial institution. My role involves overseeing IT systems, managing projects, and supporting cloud initiatives within the bank.

Career Path:

I started as an IT support specialist after graduating and gradually moved into project management and system administration. Over time, I focused on cloud computing as I realized its importance in the financial sector. A key moment was when I led a cloud migration project, which really helped solidify my interest in cloud technologies.

Professional Level:

I would classify myself as mid-level, although I aim to move up to a senior leadership role in the next few years. In my region, the typical salary range for my role is between $85,000 and $120,000. I’m currently on the higher end, thanks to the added responsibilities I’ve taken on in cloud projects.

Outside Interests

Hobbies and Passions:

Outside of work, I love spending time with my kids, whether it’s playing at the park or attending their school events. I also enjoy reading, particularly about new advancements in technology. Staying connected with family and keeping a healthy work-life balance is really important to me.

Community Involvement:

I volunteer at my children’s school and participate in women’s tech meetups. These experiences help me stay grounded and remind me of the importance of diversity in the tech field. It also keeps me motivated to push forward in my career.

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Learning and Development

Learning Techniques:

I learn primarily through online courses and reading blogs. I follow several key tech influencers and subscribe to newsletters related to cloud computing. I also attend webinars and virtual conferences to stay updated. A mix of hands-on practice and theory works best for me.

Passion Projects:

Right now, I’m working on improving my cloud infrastructure knowledge by setting up personal projects using Azure and AWS. This hands-on practice helps me reinforce what I’m learning in a real-world context and enhances my ability to troubleshoot in my current job.

Cloud Certification Pursuits

Motivation for Certification:

I decided to pursue cloud certification to better align with the bank’s shift to cloud-based services. I believe these certifications will make me more competitive for senior positions and increase my value within the organization.

Specific Certifications:

I am aiming for the Microsoft Azure Administrator certification as it aligns with my current role and the technologies we use at work. Eventually, I’d like to pursue AWS Solutions Architect as well.

Study Resources:

I use a combination of official study guides, online courses (like MS Learn), and hands-on labs. I try to study in the evenings once the kids are in bed and stay disciplined with setting aside time for practice exams. Of course using the Learn Azure app is helpful in practicing what I have learned up to this point.

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Experiences and Insights

Certification Journey:

I’ve passed the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals exam, which was a great starting point. It wasn’t mandatory for my job, but it gave me confidence in understanding cloud concepts. One of the biggest challenges was finding time to study consistently while managing work and family.

Helpful Strategies:

I found practice exams to be very effective in preparing. Additionally, breaking down my study sessions into smaller chunks and focusing on one topic at a time really helped me retain information.

Advice to Others:

My advice would be to pace yourself and don’t try to cram all the information at once. Cloud certifications can be overwhelming, but if you stick to a structured study plan and take breaks when needed, it becomes more manageable. Also, don't hesitate to reach out to the community for support and tips.

Future Aspirations

Post-Certification Plans:

After obtaining my certification, I plan to look for opportunities within the bank to lead larger cloud migration projects. My goal is to move into a senior IT leadership position that focuses on cloud strategy.

Long-Term Goals:

In the next 5-10 years, I see myself in a senior leadership role, possibly as a Director of IT or Cloud Strategy. I want to be at the forefront of cloud adoption in the financial sector, helping drive innovation while mentoring the next generation of IT professionals.

Additional Thoughts

Community Impact:

Being part of the Learn Azure / Learn AWS community has been incredibly valuable. The shared experiences and advice from others help me feel more connected to the field, even as I balance my career and family life. These communities are a great resource for finding both technical advice and emotional support.

Feedback:

I’d love to see more resources focused on balancing family life with career growth. It’s a challenge many of us face, and having access to tips on time management and avoiding burnout would be really helpful.

Emily’s journey is a reminder that no matter where you are in life—whether you’re balancing a demanding career, raising a family, or starting your cloud journey—determination and the right resources can help you achieve your goals. 🌟💼☁️

Have a story like Emily’s? We’d love to hear it! Reply to this email to share your journey and be featured in an upcoming "Spotlight" series.

Until next week, keep learning and building.

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