AWS REFLECTION
The journey of completing the AWS course was quite overwhelming at the start in my opinion. Regardless, I learnt a vast amount knowledge regarding IT infrastructure services to businesses as web which is now commonly known as cloud computing. It is safe to say that I am grateful to take this as an opportunity to increase my knowledge and implement them in the near future as it brings benefits in profiting at life and career. At first, it was quite difficult for me to focus on the videos and even completing one module considering that I have a short attention span. The more time I spent learning the modules, the more it caught my interest in learning about AWS. The eagerness to know the upcoming topic was what kept me going. It took me about two weeks or so to complete all 10 modules of the AWS added with the lab exercises provided. I started the module a bit late during the end of December 2021 when I finally got the time on my hands as students were overwhelmed with assignments and tests. During the period of completing all the modules, I tried to squeeze in a module a day in my tight schedule so that it would not be a hassle for me to catch up in a rush.
It is known that AWS provides a highly reliable, scalable, low-cost infrastructure platform in the cloud in which businesses no longer need to plan for and procure servers and other IT infrastructure months in advance with low variable costs. Instead, this service can instantly spin up servers and deliver results within minutes. With the invention of cloud computing services, users no longer need to make large upfront investments in hardware and spent a lot of time heavy lifting of managing said hardware. Cloud computing enables access to flexible and low-cost IT resources where it allows users to provision suitable type and size of computing resources that the users need to operate their IT department. Users are allowed to access as many resources as they need almost instantly and only pay for what they use.
My motivation to complete this project was my sole eagerness of learning the knowledge of cloud computing which are widely and globally used in advanced technologies in the process of evolving industries. Another major factor that contributes to my motivation is that the knowledge and experience gained upon completing the modules can be applied in my future career. Cloud computing is considered to be a significant component in the IT field and had been the base element in further enhancing advanced technologies. Acknowledging the AWS course’s potential, it further perks up my interest in wanting to know more regarding the topics provided.
Personally, getting the badge was neither easy or difficult. It was moderately challenging. It is easy in a way that I only had to learn online through videos and lab exercises in order to achieve the badge. However, it was hard in a way that the contents were overwhelmingly large and confusing for a beginner that only knows the basics of cloud computing. I would say it is impossible to memorize all of its functions and services provided and the information would only stick to the mind only when it is implemented in real life rather than learning it theoretically. The lab exercises were quite challenging as well in obtaining the desired output but all was well and everything went smoothly. By experiencing these challenges, I believe that it has enhanced my skills and also gifted me with a powerful knowledge. For me, the first module was the easiest because it only expanded my basics regarding cloud computing. I find that further in the modules approaching the end were the hardest as it goes deeply justifying every detail of the services provided. For instances, module 9 and 10.
The badge is not simply ‘just’ a badge meant to be showcased or become a decoration. The badge proposes a meaning of the process of accomplishing set goals in order to obtain it. It also acts a symbol knowledge gained and a catalyst in pursing my future career.
I believe that I definitely gained a wide range of knowledge regarding cloud computing fundamentals and various services offered by AWS. Not only that, it also enhances my technical skills in IT through the lab exercises. It made me realize cloud computing’s significance in contributing to the world’s advancements. Attending this course has further expanded my limited knowledge and experiences. Cloud computing focuses on data security resulting in employers preferring job applicants to have a vast amount of knowledge of network security. It is an essential to learn the basis of cloud computing in order to strive in the field of IT.
It is a must for every company to utilise cloud computing in order to obtain business efficiency. Financially, cloud computing services enables cost-saving options rather than using orthodox ways of achieving own data centres. Companies or organizations do not need to heed of the storage space required to build data centres as cloud computing offers the exact same functions and operate virtually instead.
I believe that it is compulsory for every computer science students in UTM should learn about cloud computing. This is because it is widely known that cloud computing services are globally utilised in various aspects in life especially in technologies we use in every life. It is crucial for those taking computer science to have a clearer idea on how to optimize cloud computing to its full potential in making advances. Obtaining the badge is beneficial in career aspects where employers would know fresh graduates have strong basics and a wide range of knowledge.
An advice I would to give to those who have yet to obtain their AWS badge is it is totally worth the challenges of completing the module. They need to believe in sheer commitments and find motivation to finish them. It would be a shame if they do not take this golden opportunity to obtain the badge as not many that are given the chance.
My direction after completing the badge would be indulging deeper in my choice of course. I would like to achieve a career around the field of area and apply all knowledge that is gained for my profit. I will try my best to further expand and increase my experiences in related topics.
Upon achieving the badge, I felt a sense of satisfaction and pride to finally complete a long journey of videos and lab exercises. Although the badge was the same for anyone else’s, it means a lot to me as I reckon it to be a starting point of my career to pursue in the field of IT and gives me a general idea of what it is like to be working under the course that I am currently taking which is Data Engineering.