How to win the Snakes & Ladders Game for your AWS Learning Journey
Tags: aws, communitybuilder
Published: 2024-01-19 02:23:38

Sometimes, I feel that our AWS learning journey is like playing a game of **Snakes and Ladders**.

The Snakes and Ladders is a classic board game that is played by two or more players. The game is played on a square board divided into a grid of squares with a series of "ladders" and "snakes" drawn on it.

Each player starts at the bottom square of the board and takes turns rolling a dice to move their game piece forward a certain number of squares. If a player lands on a square with a ladder, he can move his game piece up to the top of the ladder. If he lands on a square with a snake, he must move his game piece down to the end of the snake's tail. The first player to reach the top square of the board wins the game.

These constant back-and-forth movements were exactly what many of us were facing when we first started to learn about AWS services many years ago. 

We might enjoy some quick wins in the beginning period (like moving up to the top of the ladder with some beginner's luck), and then found ourselves struggling to understand the subtle differences among different AWS services, resulting in making the wrong choices for our architecture designs - as if we landed on a square with snake resulting in taking a few steps backward.

How best it would be - if we can have some "Snake Experts" to help us removing the snakes, and at the same time, we can have as many ladders as we want? Sure win, right?

Enter the **AWS Community Builders Program**.

**AWS Community Builders Program**

The [AWS Community Builders program](https://aws.amazon.com/developer/community/community-builders/) is an Amazon Web Services initiative designed to support and recognize individuals actively contributing to the AWS community. It offers members mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to AWS resources, including early information on services. Participants, typically developers and IT professionals, share their AWS expertise through blogs, social media, and events. The program provides AWS credits and fosters a collaborative environment for skill growth and community engagement.

## Here come the Ladders

So, besides the chance to know many "[Snake Experts](https://aws.amazon.com/developer/community/community-builders/community-builders-directory/)", there are many "Ladders" for you too.

1. **Networking Opportunities**: The program connects members with a global network of like-minded professionals, enhancing knowledge exchange and professional connections.

1. **Learning Resources**: Access to exclusive webinars, training sessions, and educational materials to stay updated with the latest AWS technologies and best practices.

1. **AWS Promotional Credits**: Members are typically awarded AWS credits ($500), which can be used to explore and build on the AWS platform without incurring costs.

1. **Professional Development**: Achieving an AWS certification demonstrates expertise and commitment to mastering AWS technologies, enhancing a professional's marketability and career prospects. You'll be provided with 1 free voucher for AWS Certification, and a 12-month free access to the Cloud Academy.

1. **Recognition and Visibility**: Being part of the program raises a member's profile in the AWS community, which can lead to increased visibility and career opportunities.

and many more benefits such as **50% off AWS re:Invent Tickets**, free **AWS Swags** and so on.

So what are you waiting for? 

Application to become an AWS Community Builder is open until 28th Jan 2024.  [Apply now](https://pulse.aws/application/ZDVCOXKA).

## About the Author
Chan Chee Siong is an AWS Community Builder with many years of IT professional experience. He can be connected at http://www.linkedin.com/in/chancheesiong.