My Journey as an AWS Community Builder: Insights, Experiences, and Recommendations
Tags: aws, ai, webdev, opensource
Published: 2024-01-21 10:09:12

## Introduction
Hello, fellow cloud enthusiasts and builders! 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/friuyqf9lakjbdix5myo.png)

I am making this post to share my journey as an AWS Community Builder, which is timely given the opening of the Community Builder applications.

To those that are unfamiliar with the program, it is Amazon Web Services' initiative to foster a network of developers who are passionate about sharing knowledge and insights related to AWS technologies while learning from each other, along with getting exclusive access to certain services and features ahead of their actual release. As a member of this exceptional community, I've had an incredible journey, filled with learning, sharing, and growing alongside some of the most innovative minds in the cloud computing arena.

## Why I Joined the AWS Community Builder Program
My adventure with AWS began a bit over two years ago. At that time, I was driven by my curiosity about cloud technologies and their transformative impact. I was doing a couple of speaking opportunities at a number of conferences regarding best practices within AWS alongside implementing projects within the ecosystem. However, I wished to do more than that and would love to share my interest and be part of a community that also loves doing this in the process.



This was when I then stumbled upon the AWS Community Builder program, had a read about it, and was instantly intrigued. The opportunity to connect with a global network of cloud professionals and to contribute to a growing knowledge base was certainly something that I wished to be able to do.

## The Program Experience: Learning, Networking, and Contributing
Continuous Learning and Growth
As a Community Builder, the learning never stops. AWS provides access to a wealth of resources, including training materials, webinars, and early access to new features and services. This not only kept me updated with the latest in AWS but also helped me deepen my understanding of various cloud concepts and services. Aside from this, I have been able to take advantage of the learnings I have had to continue upskilling myself and staying updated with what is happening in the AWS world; which is one of the key components that has allowed me to maintain all 13 certifications that I currently hold up till now. 

### Networking with Industry Experts
One of the most enriching aspects of the program is the networking opportunities it offers. I've had the privilege to connect with industry leaders, AWS experts, and fellow cloud enthusiasts from around the world. It is a great feeling to bump into these folks when you are attending a conference such as re:Invent and know that there is a community there which you can directly get into. These were evident from initiatives that were held at re:Invent such as the Community Builder mixer, along with just meeting up with local AWS folk to countries that I go to. These interactions have been instrumental in expanding my professional network and gaining insights into how different professionals are leveraging AWS in different ways.

### Contributing to the Community
Contributing back to the community is a core guiding principle of the AWS Community Builder program. Throughout the program, I improved my existing craft, including in putting through more insightful content and gaining more knowledge that I can also share with others. I also started new initiatives, including my podcast Serverless Sorcery, a podcast which talks about Generative AI best practices within serverless architecture, where I invite a guest speaker from the industry each episode and chat to them about their practices. 

Being part of the community has also given me the chance to put my hand up for a number of speaking opportunities, where I continue to give back to more communities through knowledge sharing. Each of these activities was not just about sharing knowledge but also about learning from others, a process that has been immensely rewarding.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/vyzqlppufjwf242ujtcs.png)

### Shaping the Development of AWS Services
One of my favorite parts of the program is also the potential for being involved in the development of emerging or existing features within AWS services. You can put in your opinion about the continuous improvement of features or discuss them directly with the relevant folk from AWS. I have done so as well and have really enjoyed sharing my thoughts based on my experiences, while learning more on the thoughts that come into shaping certain services as well.

## Challenges and Overcoming Them
Of course, the journey wasn't without its challenges. Keeping pace with the rapidly evolving AWS landscape required dedication and a constant hunger for learning. Balancing contributions to the community with professional commitments was another area where time management became crucial. This was something that I have to do on a weekly basis, as I have to properly balance my time while also committing to responsibilities outside of these two as well. However, the supportive environment of the program and the collaborative nature of the community made getting through these challenges well worth it and only encourages me to push myself further.

## Key Takeaways and Personal Growth
Being a part of the AWS Community Builder program has been a transformative experience. It has enhanced my technical skills, furthered my skills within cloud technologies, and honed my abilities in sharing my knowledge effectively. Moreover, it has instilled a sense of community in me, knowing that there is a community I can turn to contribute to and learn from while talking about the latest trends such as about the newest developments of Generative AI with.

## Concluding Thoughts and Recommendation
In conclusion, the AWS Community Builder program is an exceptional program to be involved in and I couldn't recommend it enough if you are using AWS and want to get involved in a community. Whether you're a developer, an architect, a data scientist, or just a cloud enthusiast, this program offers you unlimited potential to grow, contribute, and learn from peers who are like-minded.

The experience is not just about enhancing your technical skills; it's about becoming part of a global family which is looking to define the future of the cloud. So, take that step, apply, and embark on an enriching journey that's as rewarding professionally as it is personally.

Happy cloud computing, and I look forward to seeing you in the AWS Community Builders community!