Introduction
Getting an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certification can bring a lot of value to your professional profile. By getting certified, you can give yourself a specialized skill set that will equip you with the tools to take on exciting AWS projects at leading enterprises.
However, an AWS certification is a big investment, and its value depends on how you will use it. Despite its benefits, you should still consider a few things before you jump right into your first AWS certification course. Here are some key considerations:
What to Consider When Getting an AWS Certification
Employment opportunities
If your goal is to get a job in I.T., then an AWS certification is one way to do it. In terms of cloud services certification, AWS holds the lion’s share of the market and consistently ranks among the highest paid IT certifications worldwide.
Additionally, companies like Google and Microsoft require cloud professionals to create servers, enhance network infrastructures, improve storage, boost security, and more. By having this certification, you can easily apply for various roles from cloud developer to security specialist and many more.
Skill sets to acquire
When it comes to widening your skillset, an AWS certification can also help. Studying the AWS cloud platform involves familiarizing yourself with cloud computing systems and big data, which requires you to learn a few skills.
These skills include proficiencies in various programming languages like C++ and Python, experience in cloud migration and cloud security, software development and operations, etc. So whether or not you decide to pursue a career in AWS, you will acquire a solid skillset in software and I.T.
Paygrade
According to the Global Knowledge 2019 IT Skills and Salary Survey, the average salary of an AWS-certified professional in the United States is $129,868. The average also varies depending on the type of certification, which ranges from $130,000 to $150,000.
High demand for AWS certifications
With more systems migrating to cloud computing software, the demand for AWS professionals is high. A recent report by LinkedIn cited that Cloud Computing ranked 2nd in the list of In-Demand Skills. Furthermore, over 80,000 AWS jobs were posted on the popular job search platform last year.
- 82% of hiring managers say cloud certifications make a candidate more attractive.
- 87% of hiring managers value hands-on experience and certifications over a university degree when hiring.
While cloud skills have been in demand for years now, there is still a shortage of AWS-certified professionals that can take on the job, which explains the reason behind high salary rates.
What Jobs Can You Get With an AWS Certification
Once you’ve made up your mind to get certified, you can use your AWS Certification for several jobs such as:
AWS Big Data Specialist
This role designs and executes big data services to draw value from available information. AWS Big Data Specialists focus on the analysis and visualization of data.
AWS Networking Specialist
AWS Networking Specialists design and develop cloud-based solutions using AWS. They also implement AWS services by automizing certain tasks.
AWS Solutions Architect
In charge of planning and implementation of cloud asset designs, these individuals create technical cloud strategies to benefit their respective organizations.
AWS SysOp Administrator
Responsible for the deployment, operation, and management of systems on the AWS platforms, SysOp Administrators gather data on how to help improve company internal controls.
Cloud Developer
Individuals hired as Cloud Developers mainly create applications that serve specific uses on the platform. They also design, code, and debug systems and solutions.
Cloud Sales and Purchase Manager
Cloud Sales and Purchase Managers ensure clean hand-offs from pre-sales to service delivery and work closely with cloud service providers when in search of new business prospects.
Cloud Software Engineer
Employees hired as Cloud Software Engineers are tasked with structuring an organization’s cloud architecture. Some of their duties include monitoring specific applications for debugging and ensuring cloud system security.
Conclusion
Overall, an AWS certification is a great choice for you to accelerate your I.T. career. Aside from various job opportunities, you will open doors to work at Fortune 500 companies worldwide. Be ahead of IT professional job marketing trends by getting certified today!