VCU

I had the privilege of speaking at the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Engineering on March 3rd, presenting “Cracking the Cloud: How AWS Certifications Can Launch Your Career” to a group of engaged Computer Science seniors. The Presentation My talk focused on how early-career technologists can differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive field. Three themes anchored the session: strategic certifications — particularly AWS certifications as a way to validate cloud skills before you have the job title to back them up — self-directed projects that demonstrate practical problem-solving, and building genuine relationships in the industry. That last one always gets a laugh because I tell students it sometimes means getting away from the keyboard entirely and, as I like to say, “doing a little grass touching.” ...