Turning daydreams into solutions: My AWS Cloud Institute experience

If you could choose any career, what would give you a lifetime of joy and fulfillment?

Even with a rewarding career as a scientist, it’s a question I pondered often during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many others, the pandemic pushed me to reflect deeply on what truly mattered and reshaped my perspective.

My scientific career began in college when a summer internship unexpectedly became a full-time opportunity that funded my education. Over the next decade, I gained experience across multiple industries, including academic research, large-scale manufacturing, and clinical sciences.

While these roles allowed me to apply my analytical thinking and problem-solving skills in meaningful ways, I increasingly felt I’d barely scratched the surface of my creative potential. With a passion for neuroscience and engineering, I confided to close friends that “I just want to create the things I see in my head.”

That desire for creation eventually led me to pursue a career in cloud computing, marking the beginning of my software engineering journey. Little did I know, enrolling in AWS Cloud Institute would empower me to dream even bigger.

How I discovered AWS Cloud Institute

Determined to immerse myself fully in software engineering, I returned to school to study computer science, where I explored books and tutorials and built side projects. My search for like-minded people led me to attend my first tech conference, AfroTech, where I discovered I wasn’t alone in wanting to transform my passion into a tech career.

Two key moments from the conference stood out. The first was a session on HAQM Bedrock, where an AWS Solutions Architect demonstrated how developers could build, train, and deploy custom generative AI models. This resonated deeply with me, bridging my passion for neuroscience with cutting-edge computer science.

The second was speaking directly with recruiters conducting onsite interviews. They repeatedly emphasized the value of AWS Certifications, reinforcing a crucial realization that writing code alone wasn’t enough, and real success required a deep understanding of system design and cloud solutions.

I returned home inspired and energized. I found the AWS Cloud Institute website and immediately applied because the structure and immersion was exactly what I needed to fully transition into cloud computing.

My AWS Cloud Institute experience

AWS Cloud Institute provided exactly what I was looking for—a program that combined foundational knowledge, technical expertise, and industry-respected certifications.

The curriculum went far beyond theory, making the complex world of cloud accessible and practical. Every lesson was paired with hands-on learning and real-world simulations that mirrored the kinds of challenges software engineers face in the field. I learned how to design scalable serverless applications, refactor monolithic software, optimize cost and security, and train and deploy AI models. The capstone projects, including a pet adoption app and a bicycle e-commerce platform, gave me the chance to apply the skills I learned to meaningful, portfolio-ready projects that I could proudly showcase to potential employers.

Another aspect that stood out was the exceptional quality of instruction. Each class featured two instructors, who weren’t just knowledgeable—they were industry-seasoned engineers genuinely passionate about our growth. And with sessions offered both live and on-demand, I could rely on this flexibility to work around my work and family commitments.

Beyond foundational lectures, we regularly participated in highly interactive labs, collaborative workshops, and open office hours where instructors freely discussed real-world challenges and solutions. Having direct access to experts actively working in cloud computing significantly enriched my learning experience. I also gained a supportive network of peers who made the learning journey collaborative and inspiring, which is proof that you don’t have to go through this transformation alone.

What I didn’t expect was how deeply invested the AWS leadership team would be in our success. Mentorship wasn’t just a bonus, it was a core part of the experience. I’m especially grateful to my mentors, Jayjay Jose and Kevin Kelly, for their continued support. From career guidance to mock interviews, they’ve continuously made time for me.

With cloud computing becoming central to innovation across every industry, I feel both prepared and excited to contribute meaningful solutions in this evolving space. And I’m confident that others feel this way, too.

Ready to Get Started?

AWS Cloud Institute offers a structured, nine-month path to becoming a cloud developer, complete with live instruction, hands-on labs, portfolio-ready projects, and preparation for three industry-recognized certifications. Along the way, you’ll join a community of learners and mentors, with access to career support and mock interviews.

If you’re ready to gain practical cloud skills, applying takes just five minutes. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. The program is designed to support motivated learners from all backgrounds. And, now through May 16, 2025, a limited number of learner grants are currently available to help cover program costs.

To future students: you get what you put in. Engage fully, ask questions, and take advantage of the mentorship and community around you.

And to my fellow dreamers: may you find joy in the journey and the confidence to turn your daydreams into reality.