Essential Guide

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Editor's note

Before you land that dream job, an AWS career path is often beset with twists and turns. Luckily, the right combination of skills, smarts and dedication can guide you where you want to go.

For many AWS jobs in the enterprise, certifications and an expansive skill set are two of the most appealing assets in a candidate. While certifications can prove to employers that you have a standardized level of expertise, hands-on experience is also critical, as it demonstrates you're more than just a strong test-taker.

In addition, it's important to keep up with the latest AWS technologies and trends and know how the vendor compares to other public cloud providers in the market.

Use this comprehensive guide to dig into more details around what employers look for in a cloud job candidate, how to gain the skills you need and ways to ensure your AWS career path is built to last.

1Stay relevant in the AWS job market

As AWS and other public cloud providers expand their portfolios, IT job seekers need to stay up to date. A strong grasp of emerging technologies will help prospective employees stick out, so when possible, experiment with new cloud services.

Master multi-cloud, DevOps and serverless technologies to give yourself a leg-up. It's also important to develop your automation and business skills, as enterprises pursue well-rounded staff who can handle a mix of technical and professional tasks to reduce the bottom line.

Amazon and third-party vendors offer training programs relevant to these areas -- and more. But also make sure to get your hands dirty in the cloud, as on-the-job time displays a certain level of expertise that can distinguish one candidate from another.

2Keep a close eye on the public cloud market

With competitors nipping at its heels, AWS will feel pressure over the next few years to continue its rapid pace of development. In addition to staying on top of the latest AWS technologies, it's important for cloud professionals to have a sense of how the vendor compares to rivals, such as Google and Microsoft.

For example, as basic cloud infrastructure and storage capabilities become mainstream, the leading IaaS providers will look to distinguish themselves with services higher up the stack, such as those for big data and machine learning. What's more, as hybrid and multi-cloud deployments continue to rise in the enterprise, knowledge of how AWS stacks up against its rivals in those key areas will be a valuable trait in cloud job candidates.