Seeking a cloud job? Stand out with a digital badge from AWS Education Programs

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that cloud computing employment opportunities will grow by 15% by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. That means there’s no better time for you to dive into learning new cloud skills.

But even qualified job seekers can struggle with showcasing their cloud skills when applying to cloud-computing roles. Standing out in a sea of applicants can be tricky, so it’s important to set your resume and experience apart. What’s the best way to prove your cloud fluency, especially when you’re trying to switch careers or land that first professional role? Earning and showcasing a digital badge from AWS Education Programs can help.

Build your cloud skills with AWS Education Programs

AWS Education Programs are part of AWS Training and Certification’s offerings to help individuals build and validate cloud skills. AWS Education Programs are specifically designed to prepare the next generation of diverse, cloud-skilled talent for in-demand cloud roles around the world.

Here’s a quick breakdown of a few of the programs available to help you find the one that is right for you and your goals:

• AWS Educate: Any individual­­­ ages 13 and older–regardless of their education, technical experience, or career journey—can build their cloud skills, at their own pace, on their own time, and for free. Cloud beginners are invited to check out hundreds of hours of self-paced online training resources and hands-on labs to learn, practice, and evaluate their cloud skills. And there is no need to create an Amazon account. AWS Educate is a great place for any new-to-cloud learner to start.
• AWS Academy: Students enrolled at a higher-education institution that is a member of AWS Academy can take courses designed by the experts at AWS. Within, students learn in-demand cloud skills, prepare for industry-recognized AWS Certification exams, and are ready to pursue careers in the cloud.
• AWS re/Start: A free-to-the-learner, multi-week, cohort-based workforce development training program that equips individuals with little to no technology experience with the skills for entry-level careers in the cloud, including connecting them to potential employers.

Don’t know which AWS Education Program is right for you? Start your cloud journey with AWS Educate today.

Earn digital badges from AWS Education Programs

Digital badges are awarded to individuals who complete the above AWS Education Programs. AWS re/Start graduates earn a single badge upon program completion, whereas AWS Academy and AWS Educate offer badges for all courses that include a hands-on lab. Badges can be shared on your social networks like LinkedIn to help bolster your cloud experience and skills descriptions. Ultimately, you can use these digital badges to stand out to recruiters and prospective hiring managers.

But you don’t need to take our word for it. Employers agree that a digital badge from an AWS Education Program can help your resume and experience catch the attention of recruiters and help you land your next career in the cloud.

Tia Dubuisson, president and cofounder of Belle Fleur Technologies, says that individuals with digital badges are more committed to their roles for two reasons: First, they’ve invested in building their skills and have a strong desire to continue learning. Second, by going through an AWS Education Program and earning a badge, individuals learn about cloud, their place in it, and know how to add value in their role.

Validating the benefits of AWS Education Programs digital badges

We also had an opportunity to further validate the benefits of digital badges to those who’ve earned them, and the value their employers see in them. A May 2022 survey of learners who earned at least one AWS Education Programs digital badge found that 99% of respondents considered their badge valuable, with 62% seeing value in less than six months. Of the benefits cited, 85% earned a raise, landed a promotion, or got a new job. “I come from a non-tech background and I’ve completely changed my life at 37 years old. I have a job in the industry and am over the moon,” said an AWS re/Start graduate and badge earner.

The survey also revealed that 94% of learners experienced an increase in job satisfaction. One AWS Academy Cloud Foundations badge earner said, “Receiving my AWS Education Programs digital badge has qualified me for new roles in my company, resulting in a promotion, job security, and a raise.”

Overall, survey results point to the fact upskilling and earning digital badges with AWS Education Programs has proven a worthwhile endeavor.

Build a career in the cloud by earning AWS Education Programs digital badges

Another benefit to earning a digital badge is receiving an invitation to the global AWS Emerging Talent Community. The AWS Emerging Talent Community is an exclusive, invite-only hub designed to help learners from AWS Education Programs continue to advance their cloud skills and pursue cloud careers. Members get access to personalized content recommendations, AWS Certification preparation resources and discount exam vouchers, mentorship opportunities, and more.

Whether you’re looking to make a career switch, upskill, or reskill, earning a digital badge (and joining the AWS Emerging Talent Community) from an AWS Education Program is a great way to jumpstart your cloud career.

Connect with talent from AWS Education Programs

AWS Education Programs are preparing graduates for cloud roles in cities and towns around the world. We designed our curriculum by working backward from employer requirements so that graduates are qualified and prepared with the skills needed. Find cloud-skilled talent to fill your open roles today.