North-West University (NWU) alumnus Jared Naude is currently one of 14 people in the country to have obtained the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Solutions Architect Professional Certification.

The certification validates advanced technical skills and experience in designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform.

Jared, who works as a software engineer, received his certification on 22 August. He started working towards acquiring the qualification at the beginning of the year.

“Being one of very few people in the country to have this qualification is a really great achievement. I feel like all my hard work has paid off,” says Jared.

He adds that being certified affords him to work and help demonstrate his knowledge and expertise to organisations. The certification will also make him more marketable should he be in the market for a new job.

When asked about why it is so hard for one to obtain this certification he says: “One needs to have a broad range of IT knowledge - on a technical, management and governance level. The exam covers a multitude of disciplines, from architecture, security, networking, databases, storage, business continuity, service implementation, operations, deployment, etc.”

Before and after the certification

Before he started studying IT he initially wanted to work towards an electrical engineering or media qualification. The Johannesburg-based 25-year-old obtained his BSc IT qualification from the NWU in 2013 and went on to complete his honours in 2014.

He currently has three other AWS certifications; AWS Certified Developer Associate, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate and AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate.

When asked about his future Jared says he wants to continue obtaining more AWS and information security certifications.

“I would like to continue building systems as either a cloud or cyber security architect,” he adds.

Jared encourages people who want to follow in his footsteps to go the extra mile and acquire more knowledge about their trade.

“Advancement doesn't come by coasting along, you need to work hard to further your education and skills. Identify what you don't know and seek to learn about it; once you've learned, pass those skills along to friends and colleagues,” he concludes.