My Journey to Becoming an AWS Community Builder 2025

I'm excited to share that I've recently been accepted into the AWS Community Builders program! This milestone represents not just recognition of my work with AWS technologies, but also marks a new chapter in my technical journey. As someone who identifies as an introvert, this path has been both challenging and rewarding.

I believe the best time to create content was in 2005, and the second best time is now. Don't let the feeling that you're late to the game stop you from starting your content creation journey today.

Who are AWS Community Builders?

AWS Community Builders are a global network of passionate and experienced individuals dedicated to helping others learn about and use AWS technologies. They share knowledge and expertise through blog posts, videos, tutorials, presentations, and community events. Community Builders gain access to exclusive resources and training, along with opportunities to collaborate with AWS on new products and services.

For a great overview of the program, check this out: AWS Community Builders Overview

My Journey to Becoming an AWS Community Builder

As an introvert, stepping into the spotlight wasn't easy for me. I started by making simple YouTube videos about AWS concepts I was learning. These videos were not professionally made, just honest attempts to share my learning journey.

I found that I enjoyed writing more, as it allowed me to organize my thoughts and share detailed insights. I began publishing articles about AWS technologies, troubleshooting, and tips from real experiences.

What began as personal learning documentation grew into work that connected with others in the AWS community. Each video or blog post was a step outside my comfort zone, leading to my application to the AWS Community Builders program.

The Application Process and Tips for Others

The AWS Community Builders program now opens its application window once per year—a change from the previous twice-yearly cadence. This makes the opportunity even more precious for those looking to join this community.

The application process is reviewed by a team of AWS experts who evaluate applicants on their technical expertise, community involvement, and passion for AWS. Based on my experience, here are some tips for those interested in applying:

1. Share your technical expertise: Build a strong understanding of AWS services and demonstrate your expertise in specific areas through AWS training courses, certifications, and open-source contributions.

2. Get involved in the AWS community: Attend AWS meetups and conferences, participate in AWS forums and establish yourself as an active community member.

3. Document your community contributions: Keep a record of your blogs, videos, projects, speaking engagements, or any other ways you've shared AWS knowledge.

4. Be specific about your expertise: The program has specialized tracks (as shown in the categories image), so clearly articulate your areas of focus and experience.

5. Showcase your AWS projects: During the application, highlight your AWS projects, community contributions, and any speaking engagements or workshops you've participated in.

Benefits of the AWS Community Builders Program

As a new Community Builder, I'm looking forward to leveraging the impressive benefits this program offers:

Connecting with Others - The biggest benefit is joining a safe, inclusive community where builders connect, ask questions, help each other, and solve technical challenges together.

Certification Exam Vouchers - One free Foundational, Associate, or Professional/Specialty exam voucher.

Exclusive Swag Kits - A welcome kit full of special AWS Community Builders swag in your first year, with different renewal swag if approved for additional cycles.

AWS Credit - $500 AWS credit to help learn, experiment, and grow by trying new AWS services, with potential for an additional $500 if you use the first credit and have a specific project that will result in public content.

Free One-Year Subscription to QA (formerly Cloud Academy) - Access to one of the leading global cloud learning platforms.

Event Discount Passes - Significant discounts for AWS events like re-invent and re-enforce

My Areas of AWS Expertise and Passion

I was excited to be accepted into the Cloud Operations category as a Community Builder, which fits well with my experience and the content I've been creating. Cloud Operations covers the essentials of making AWS environments run smoothly, from managing infrastructure to monitoring and optimizing.

While Cloud Operations is my main focus, I'm also becoming more interested in other AWS areas: data, serverless, and GenAI.

As I continue my journey as an AWS Community Builder, I plan to share more knowledge about these three connected areas, demonstrating how cloud operations principles can be used in both data and serverless setups.

My Goals as a Community Builder

As an AWS Community Builder, I have set several goals for myself:

1. Create more detailed technical content: Develop guides and tutorials that go beyond the basics, especially in Cloud Operations.

2. Link knowledge between areas: Make content that shows how Cloud Operations principles can be used in Data and Serverless setups.

3. Help newcomers to AWS: Assist those who are new to the cloud in navigating the large AWS ecosystem.

4. Contribute to open-source AWS projects: Get involved in community-driven tools and solutions.

5. Connect with other builders worldwide: Grow my network and learn from different perspectives.tives

How I Plan to Contribute

My contribution strategy as a Community Builder builds on my strengths while pushing me to grow:

1. Regular written content: Publishing articles on AWS best practices, implementation patterns, and troubleshooting guides for Cloud Operations

2. Expanded video tutorials: Creating more structured video content, building on my initial YouTube experience but with deeper technical insights

3. Code samples and repositories: Sharing practical examples across Cloud Operations, Data, and Serverless domains

4. Community engagement: Actively participating in AWS community forums and events, both online and eventually in-person

5. Cross-domain learning resources: Developing content that helps operations-focused professionals expand into data and serverless domains

Stay Committed and Engaged

Becoming an AWS Community Builder is not the end but the beginning of my journey. Now that I've been accepted into the program, I'm committed to staying engaged with the AWS community. This means attending regular meetings, collaborating with fellow AWS Community Builders, and actively contributing to AWS initiatives.

As someone who started as an introvert creating basic content, I've learned that consistency and authenticity are more important than perfection. Each contribution, no matter how small, builds your expertise and your community presence.

Becoming an AWS Community Builder represents both validation of past efforts and motivation for future growth. For other introverts in tech who might hesitate to share their knowledge, my experience demonstrates that starting small—with simple videos or written guides—can lead to meaningful recognition and community connection.

I'm looking forward to this next chapter of my AWS journey and the opportunity to contribute to this vibrant technical community. If you're considering applying to the program during the next application period, I encourage you to start building your community presence today!

To learn more about the AWS Community Builder program, visit the official AWS Community Builders page.