AWS Hero: A Distinction Worth Earning

Becoming an AWS Hero is a recognition awarded by Amazon Web Services (AWS) to individuals who have demonstrated a deep understanding of the AWS platform and have made significant contributions to the AWS community.

The AWS Heroes program recognises a vibrant, worldwide group of AWS experts whose enthusiasm for knowledge-sharing has a real impact within the community. Heroes go above and beyond to share knowledge in a variety of ways including online via social media, blog posts, open source projects, videos, and forums; or in person at conferences, workshops, and user group events.

I'm always active in dev communities, but, I began my journey a few years ago by actively participating in the AWS community, sharing my knowledge with others and learning from them (for example, through technical blogs, as a speaker, and organising AWS immersion days and game days, to name a few). When I heard about the AWS Community Builders program, I applied and got selected, and I haven't looked back since then. The support I received from AWS (community managers and members) is phenomenal, and that helped me come out of my shell, recognise and invest in my own development, bring more visibility to what I do, share my knowledge with the wider AWS community, and achieve my goal. Today, I'm proud to say that I'm an AWS Hero.

What is the AWS Heroes Program?

AWS is comprised of users whose enthusiasm has created a vibrant worldwide community of experts who go above and beyond to share their extensive AWS knowledge in many ways, including through social media, blogs, events, user groups, and workshops.

The purpose of the AWS Heroes program is to recognise and honour the most engaged and influential developers who have a significant impact within the community. It also provides Heroes a place to tell their story and connect with like-minded developers. If you are looking to learn from and connect with experienced members of the AWS community, check out their bios and connect online.

Discovering the hero within is a journey that cannot be accomplished through a one-size-fits-all approach. However, I’ve got some valuable tips that I personally used to unleash my inner hero. Keep reading to learn more and embark on your own hero’s journey!

• Develop your AWS expertise: Gain a deep understanding of the AWS services and technologies through hands-on experience, attending AWS events and webinars, and reading AWS documentation and best practices. (https://aws.amazon.com/products)
• Engage with the AWS community: Participate in AWS user groups, forums, and social media, and help others with their AWS-related questions and challenges. (https://aws.amazon.com/developer/community)
• Share your expertise: Write blog posts, present at AWS events and meetups, and create educational resources to share your AWS knowledge with others.
• Get certified: Obtain one or more AWS certifications, such as the AWS Certified Solutions Architect, to demonstrate your technical expertise. (https://aws.amazon.com/certification)
• Attend AWS events: Attend AWS re:Invent, AWS Summit, and other AWS events to network with other AWS experts and learn about the latest AWS developments. (https://aws.amazon.com/events)
• Collaborate with others: Work with other AWS experts on projects and initiatives to build your network and showcase your expertise.
• Seek recognition: Apply for the AWS Community Builder program to receive recognition for your contributions to the AWS community.

You can learn more about AWS Community Builder Program: https://aws.amazon.com/developer/community/community-builders

• Focus on a specific area of AWS: While it's important to have a broad understanding of AWS, focusing on a specific area can help you become an expert in that area and make a bigger impact in the community.
• Engage with the AWS open-source community: Participate in AWS open-source projects, contribute code, and share your contributions on your personal blog or social media. (https://aws.amazon.com/opensource)
• Stay up-to-date: Stay informed of the latest AWS news and developments by following the AWS blog, attending webinars, and reading industry publications. (https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/aws)
• Participate in online forums: Engage with other AWS users and experts by answering questions, providing solutions, and sharing your expertise in online forums such as the AWS Developer Forums or the AWS Community Heroes program. (https://repost.aws)
• Collaborate with AWS partners: Partner with AWS partners, such as AWS solution providers, to learn more about AWS solutions and help others. (https://partners.amazonaws.com)
• Teach others: Organise and lead AWS training sessions, workshops, and meetups to share your knowledge with others and help them grow their AWS expertise. (https://www.aws.training)
• Seek feedback: Ask for feedback from others in the AWS community to learn what you can do better and to get suggestions on areas where you can improve.

In conclusion, becoming an AWS Hero requires a combination of technical expertise, community engagement, and sharing your knowledge with others. By following these suggestions, you can create value for yourself, demonstrate your expertise in AWS and make valuable contributions to the AWS community.

"Good luck on your journey to becoming an AWS Hero!"

Disclaimer: This blog is meant only for guidance and my own opinions based on my experience, not as a definitive path to becoming an AWS Hero. I believe that every individual has unique talent and has their own ways to work on their self-development skills.

For more information on AWS Hero programme: https://aws.amazon.com/developer/community/heroes

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