AWS REFLECTIONS, BADGE AND CERTIFICATION

AWS Cloud Foundation Reflection

     Before this, I had never heard of Amazon Web Services and had only a surface level idea of what cloud computing was. It all started when I started at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and a lecturer instructed us to do and complete the AWS Cloud Foundation. I was initially confused by the guidelines and how to navigate the site, but after discussing with my friends, I was able to figure out how to begin and finish all of the given modules. I began my first module in December, and the difficulty level grew as the modules progressed. The learning process is simple and knowledgeful because it includes video, a student guide, and lab tasks which helps me a lot. Most of the module's knowledge check was quite easy but the lab is sometimes confusing for me, regardless of that I was still able to complete all 10. What motivated me to complete the AWS modules is that after we complete all ten modules, we will receive a certificate from Amazon themselves.   I completed the modules around the middle of January 2022 which took me about two months to finish even when I was bombarded with a lot of other assignments. The badge is simple, yet it holds a lot of significance for my future.

A summary of what you have gained from completing the course            

     I learned a lot about cloud computing fundamentals including computation, databases, infrastructure management, application development, and security after finishing the AWS Academy Cloud Foundations course. Completing all ten modules is a tough challenge since we must truly understand each one. They also included a student guide with these modules, making it simple for me to brush up on my knowledge before the Knowledge Check. Along with the Knowledge Check, there is also lab exercises that are quite simple yet require you to understand what you learned to know what you are doing. Overall, studying about AWS Academy Cloud Foundations is intriguing since we need to have a better understanding of how cloud computing works to enhance our skill in the IT department as well as to acquire the AWS Academy Cloud Foundations certification so that I am more desirable for the employers in the future.

Your motivation to complete this project?

     I am motivated to complete the AWS Cloud foundation is when I’ve been told about the certification or badge that the course would give me. This is because the certification will help me a lot in the future when I am trying to apply for a job opportunity as it gives me an advantage over everyone else who does not have it. Furthermore, I am always reminded by my lecturer, Mr Hairudin, to complete the modules as fast as I possibly can.

Your opinion whether getting the badge is easy or difficult? Which module is the easiest/most difficult?

     From what I have experienced myself from completing all 10 modules, I can relatively say that the AWS modules are easy and self-explanatory because they provide us with videos and student guides which is more than plenty to attempt to answer the Knowledge Check and also to do the lab exercise. In my opinion, the first module which is module 1, is the easiest to do amongst the 10 modules as it only teaches us about cloud concepts overview which explains that there are 6 advantages of cloud computing, and what cloud computing really is. The most difficult for me is module 8 which is mainly about databases which I am not really a big fan of.

What’s a badge worth?

     As we all know, finding a job in Malaysia is really difficult right now. Some companies may be interested in hiring us since we have a broad knowledge base in cloud computing which can we can show that we have some skill of cloud computing by showing the AWS badge in our resume. Other than finding a job, it is because the badge has the potential to help us develop our careers and earn more money because of the said skill.

 Feedback whether getting the badge improve your knowledge and skills on Cloud Computing

     From what I can say is, yes, my knowledge and skills of cloud computing improved after I’ve received the badge as I’ve gone through all the knowledge that is given to me. I'm familiar with cloud computing ideas and how it works but however, I still need to improve my abilities and knowledge as there is always space to improve on. The lab activities in the courses have taught me a lot about cloud computing and its concepts, which has helped me master it.

Your opinion whether every company should shift to Cloud Computing?

     Every company, in my point of view, should migrate to cloud computing since it provides numerous benefits. The company, for instance, can save expenditures in their company by implementing cloud computing. The company just needs to pay for the services it has received. Furthermore, rather than using physical servers, storing data in the cloud is safer because cloud computing has a high level of security and can prevent data breaches. Workers, on the other hand, have more freedom when adopting cloud computing as they may access the data from anywhere with an internet connection.

Your opinion whether every computer science/UTM student should learn Cloud Computing 

     All computer science students, in my opinion, should understand or at the very least know something or two about Cloud Computing. It's because today's employers are looking for employees who are skilled in cloud computing. The majority of businesses nowadays choose to adopt cloud computing since it saves money and provides numerous benefits.

 Any advice to your friends who have not get the AWS badge yet?

     An advice that I can share with my fellow classmates and friends is that you should try and complete the AWS module as fast as possible since it will make it easier for us to find and get a job opportunity in the future which is due to cloud computing skills are in high demand among today's companies. Today, there is a scarcity of qualified cloud computing specialists and as a result, those with cloud computing skills may earn a lot of money even though It is easy to master.

What is your direction after completing the badge?

     What I will be doing after completing the badge is I would further improve and enhance my skills in cloud computing which can make me an expert in the field. Other than improving my skills, I would also like to try and explore the Artificial Intelligence field by starting to start a course by Microsoft which is called Microsoft Certified: Azure AI fundamentals.

Your opinion about getting the AWS badge that is included in SECP1513 subject 

     In my opinion, I am glad that this SECP1513 course include the AWS Module and made it mandatory for us to complete it. This is because, if the AWS cloud foundation is not included in the course, I would have never known about cloud computing and would have never been able to expand my knowledge in the IT field. I am exposed to a lot of new technologies that I have and have never heard of before that is important to us a new generation of computer scientist and computer engineers.