How can you improve your cloud computing skills while working full time?

When I embarked on my cloud journey, I set a clear target: become a Solutions Architect within 36 months. I meticulously charted a course backwards from my desired role, dissecting it into smaller, achievable tasks. A significant milestone in this roadmap was attaining AWS certifications. To build a routine, I committed to watching at least one AWS re: Invent video every day, linking theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world applications. This daily habit not only kept me abreast of the latest cloud technologies but also steadily built my expertise, aligning with the incremental progress toward my goal.

I love the SMART framework. In my experience, hands-on experience with cloud technologies can greatly improve your understanding and skill level. Most cloud providers offer free tiers or trial periods, so you can use these to experiment and learn. You can also work on personal projects that utilize cloud technologies. For example, you could build a small website and host it on the cloud, or create a cloud-based data analysis tool. Continuous learning is crucial in the field of cloud computing due to its dynamic nature. Another thing I've found helpful is subscribing to relevant blogs, newsletters, or forums such as the Microsoft Azure Blog. These resources can keep you updated on the latest developments, best practices, and tips.

Elevate your cloud computing skills while working full-time by setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) objectives. Define clear, incremental goals, allocate time wisely, and track progress. This method optimizes learning efficiency and ensures continuous growth within the constraints of a busy schedule.

One thing I have found helpful is to integrate learning from online resources into my daily routine. Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer courses that I can tackle during my commute or on a lunch break. This habit of 'micro-learning' has allowed me to stay updated with the latest cloud technologies without overwhelming my schedule. Moreover, engaging with cloud communities on platforms such as Reddit and Stack Overflow not only broadens my perspective but also keeps me connected with the pulse of the industry’s challenges and innovations. It’s like having a constant open channel to the collective knowledge and experience of cloud professionals worldwide.

What i would really do is this: Start my own project. If i have no idea, i would try GitHub or Stack Overflow. Then, try out the various platforms; Maybe choose 2 hyperscalers (say AWS and AliCloud), 2 alternate cloud providers (SCloud and Vultr). Use the provided documentations and be hands-on to learn each CSPs platform. You'll realise your whole world about cloud opening up to not just the documentations, but online videos, forums, and such. Most importantly, work the project to completion. Also, don't forget about offline learning opportunities too, especially site tours/visits organised by your local IT societies to the data centers or CSP offices. You'll get a unique chance to network and learn directly from them!

Nowadays there are endless resources online. For example Microsoft Learn, Google Skill Boost, or AWS Academy. Platforms such as COURSERA also offer distance learning courses that we can take from anywhere in the world aimed at learning about the main cloud services.

One time at work, I took the initiative to redesign an existing monolithic application into a microservices architecture on AWS. This hands-on project was not part of my assigned tasks, but it allowed me to deeply engage with AWS services like ECS, Lambda, and RDS. By breaking down the application and deploying each service independently, I not only honed my skills in managing cloud resources but also gained a real-world understanding of how scalable and resilient cloud-native architecture operates. This experience was invaluable—it taught me more than any course could about the intricacies of cloud-based solutions and their lifecycle.

Use GitHub to find open-source projects where you can work with experts in other fields who may use cloud. Your skills will play supplementary and complementary to them! Make use of your skills and experience in navigating the hyperscaler platforms or even alternate cloud providers to your advantage. This way, things can move smoothly and more seamlessly, and speed up to production earlier. Don't forget to also use your understanding of the pricing mechanism to achieve costs savings for your team. They will be sure to appreciate! Lastly, always document progress and note your projects in your professional portfolio such as LinkedIn, and GitHub.

Most of the cloud providers publish white papers covering the real world projects. Tap into that treasure. You would get close to what the real world looks like, rather creating a simple nginx working prototype.

In my experience, actively seeking feedback and mentorship has been pivotal for my growth in cloud computing. For example, after implementing a complex cloud deployment, I'd arrange review sessions with senior architects to dissect the work. This open-door policy not only provided me with constructive criticism but also exposed me to different approaches and techniques. Additionally, by cultivating relationships with mentors both within and outside of my organization, I've gained invaluable insights into industry trends and best practices. These mentors have sometimes served as my navigators through the cloud computing landscape, helping me avoid common pitfalls and accelerate my learning curve.

Really hard, but not impossible. The easiest and perhaps best ways are provided through your school or if you're already past schooling, then organisation. Mentoring is a long-term commitment, not just voluntary or both parties. Mutually, both need to recognise the benefits and impact they can have on each other in order for the relationship to materialise. In such busy societies, who have the time and energy anyway! Nonetheless, as long as you keep yourself open to learning, you'll be sure to meet so many 'mentors' anyway! In an unofficial manner that is. In healthy workplaces, your seniors and colleagues will be willing to share and support each other. So, be open and mentor as you would be mentored!

I serve as a mentor and coach for both junior and senior engineers. My approach is to encourage them to go the extra mile and seek solutions independently. I guide them and provide suggestions for alternative sources of information, for instance. I also demonstrate how to execute specific tasks and challenge them to apply similar methods to different business cases.

Balancing a full-time job with continuous learning can indeed be challenging. In my role, where staying at the forefront of cloud technology is crucial, I've found that setting aside dedicated time for skill development is essential. I schedule blocks of time early in the morning before the workday begins, treating them as non-negotiable appointments with myself. This disciplined approach allows me to explore new AWS features, delve into whitepapers, or experiment with cloud architectures without impacting my work commitments.

I'm a Early Bird, I wake up early around 4:30 AM everyday and that gives me a uninterrupted 2 Hours Per day for My personal goals. Additionally, listening to Podcasts and Audio books during my Commute has also helped a lot. One more method I found helpful is to create contents based on my Learning and sharing them in LinkedIn and other media to help others. By Helping others I have found that i learn even better as I try to explain things in a much Simpler way.

Whether it's jotting down reminders in Google Calendar or making to-do lists on Trello, consider it your script for success. Think of those pockets of free time during your commute, lunch breaks, or even lazy weekends as your bonus – use them to sneak in some extra cloud learning

Alternatively, use Kirkpatrick's 4 Levels of Evaluation: 1) Reaction: Assess how you reacted to the training or learning experience to measure satisfaction, engagement & perceptions of the training's quality & relevance. Often via surveys & feedback. 2) Learning: Measuring what knowledge & skills you've gained from the training. Pre- & post-tests & quizzes are used to measure the increase in knowledge & competency. 3) Behavior: Evaluates the application of knowledge & skills in the workplace or real-world context to assess if you're applying what you've learned & if its leading to improved performance. 4) Results: Assesses the training impact on you such as increased productivity, reduced errors etc to determine the ROI of the training.

Dedication, time management, and the commitment to prioritize your activities to achieve one or several goals are essential. I recommend adopting a long-term mindset. Visualize what you will know in the next 3 to 6 months if you focus on studying one or two technologies. The compounding effect, combined with repeated memorization, will help you retain information and condition your brain to be open to embracing new things to learn.

I can highly recommend signing up for a course on cloud computing in your spare time to improve your skills. GCP for example offers a free get certified program, see https://inthecloud.withgoogle.com/get-cloud-certified/register.html Sign up for a course, stay dedicated to the schedule, put in the commitment and effort and you will not only improve your cloud skills but also obtain a certification which you can proudly show to your employer and prospective employers!