Choosing the Right Course: AWS Architect vs AWS Developer

Are you a 2-year experienced cloud consultant looking to switch your career path into AWS? One of the critical decisions you need to make is choosing between an AWS Architect course and an AWS Developer course. This article provides a detailed breakdown to help you decide which path is best suited for you.

Overview of AWS Courses

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Focus of AWS Architect Course

The AWS Architect course focuses on designing and deploying scalable and highly available applications on AWS. This path covers architectural best practices, cost management, security, and compliance.

Who is it Ideal For?

This course is particularly ideal for individuals interested in roles such as Cloud Architect, Solutions Architect, or Technical Architect. These positions align with individuals who enjoy high-level design and strategy.

Skills Acquired

By the end of the AWS Architect course, you will have gained a profound understanding of AWS services, architectural patterns, and how to create robust and efficient cloud solutions. This includes hands-on experience in designing and deploying cloud applications with a focus on scalability and availability.

Focus of AWS Developer Course

The AWS Developer course, on the other hand, is more geared towards building, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications. It involves extensive hands-on coding and working with various AWS services from a development standpoint, providing a more technical focus.

Who is it Ideal For?

If you want to pursue roles such as Cloud Developer, DevOps Engineer, or Software Engineer, this course would be more appropriate. It caters to individuals who enjoy programming and development tasks.

Skills Acquired

In this course, you will gain in-depth knowledge of using AWS Software Development Kits (SDKs), developing serverless applications, and implementing Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. This path is more hands-on and technical, providing a deep dive into coding and application development.

Considerations for Your Decision

Current Skills

Before making a choice, assess your current skillset. If you have a strong development background, the AWS Developer course might be a better fit. Conversely, if you are more oriented towards system design and architecture, the Architect course could be more suitable.

Career Goals

Thoughtfully consider where you see yourself in the next few years. Do you want to be involved in designing systems or writing code? Understanding your long-term career aspirations can significantly influence your decision.

Job Market

Research job postings in your area or target companies to determine which roles are in higher demand and what qualifications are required. This can provide valuable insights into the current job market and potential career opportunities.

Conclusion

If you have a keen interest in designing cloud solutions and your career goal is to become a Cloud Architect, Solutions Architect, or Technical Architect, the AWS Architect course is your best bet. If you are more aligned with coding and building applications, then the AWS Developer course is the way to go. Both courses offer valuable skills and certifications, so consider what excites you the most and aligns with your career goals.

Additional Resources

For those looking to further explore the possibilities within the AWS ecosystem, consider looking into AWS Specialty certifications such as AWS Security, AWS DevOps, and AWS Specialty (such as IoT, AI, or Data Analytics). These certifications can enhance your skills and make you a more versatile cloud professional.