AWS (Amazon Web Services) is one of the most popular and widely used cloud platforms in the world. It offers a range of services and solutions for various domains and industries, such as web hosting, data storage, machine learning, IoT, and more. Learning AWS can be a valuable skill for anyone who wants to pursue a career in cloud computing or enhance their existing IT skills.
However, learning AWS without an IT background can also be challenging and frustrating. There are many pain points that beginners may encounter when they try to learn AWS on their own or prepare for certification exams. Some of these pain points are:
The vastness and complexity of AWS: AWS has over 200 services and features that cover different aspects of cloud computing. It can be overwhelming and confusing to navigate through the AWS console or documentation and figure out what each service does and how it relates to others. Moreover, some services have similar names or functions but different use cases or pricing models, which can add to the confusion.
The lack of guidance and structure: Unlike traditional education or training programs, learning AWS online does not provide a clear roadmap or curriculum for beginners. There are many resources available online, such as blogs, videos, courses, books, etc., but they vary in quality, depth, relevance, and currency. It can be hard to find reliable and up-to-date sources that match your learning goals and style. Additionally, some resources may assume prior knowledge or experience that you may not have.
The difficulty of applying theory to practice: Learning AWS concepts and terminology is one thing; applying them to real-world scenarios is another. Many beginners struggle with translating what they learn into practical projects or tasks that demonstrate their understanding and skills. They may also face challenges with setting up their own AWS account, configuring security settings, managing costs, troubleshooting errors, etc.
The gap between learning and certification: Getting certified by AWS is a common goal for many learners who want to validate their knowledge and skills and boost their resume. However, passing the certification exams is not easy; it requires a lot of preparation and practice. The exams test not only your factual recall but also your ability to analyze scenarios and choose the best solutions based on best practices and principles. The exams also cover topics that may not be covered by some online resources or courses.
So how can you overcome these pain points? Here are some tips that may help you:
Start with the basics: Before diving into the details of specific services or features, learn about the fundamentals of cloud computing and how AWS works as a whole. You can start with the "cloud practitioner" exam which covers the basic concepts, terminology, and benefits of AWS. This will give you a solid foundation and a big-picture view of what you are learning.
Follow a structured learning path: Instead of randomly picking resources online, follow a structured learning path that guides you through the topics and skills you need to learn. You can find such paths on various platforms, such as Coursera, Udemy, or A Cloud Guru, that offer courses designed by experts and aligned with certification objectives. You can also use free educational materials provided by AWS itself, such as tutorials, whitepapers, or webinars.
Practice as much as possible: The best way to learn AWS is by doing. Practice what you learn by creating your own projects or tasks using the free tier or sandbox account offered by AWS. This will help you reinforce your knowledge, develop your skills, and gain confidence in using AWS services and tools. You can also practice for certification exams by taking mock tests or quizzes that simulate exam questions and scenarios. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and improve your test-taking strategies.
Seek help from others: Learning AWS alone can be lonely and frustrating sometimes. Seek help from others who are on the same journey as you or who have more experience than you. You can join online communities, such as forums, blogs,or social media groups, where you can ask questions, share tips, or get feedback from other learners or experts. You can also find mentors, tutors, or coaches who can provide personalized guidance and support for your learning goals.
Learning AWS without an IT background is not impossible; it just requires more time,
effort, and patience. But if you follow these tips, you will be able to overcome the pain points and achieve your learning objectives. Remember that learning AWS is a continuous process that requires constant updating and improvement. Keep learning and practicing, and you will soon reap the benefits of AWS in your career or business.
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