Let’s meet you (Your Name, What You do, where you currently work) 

My name is Abiodun Eniola, I am a Brand and Visual Designer. I work with Apel Asset Limited, an investment bank based in Lagos.  I also work with the IT team 
 

Can you share your journey from attending Utiva Cloud Development School to your current role as an AWS Community Builder, Information Technology Support Engineer / Visuals Designer at Apel

I enrolled in Utiva's Cloud Development School in 2022 to enhance my tech skills and transition into cloud engineering, because I had a computer science background. 

The program provided invaluable insights into cloud technology and hands-on projects, particularly Azure. 

In 2022 I passed my Azure and AWS foundation exams.

I later joined the AWS and Azure user groups, eventually becoming a lead designer for AWS Cloud Security West Africa. 

In 2023, I was accepted into the AWS Community Builder program. These experiences paved the way for my current role as an Information Technology Support Engineer, where I continue to gain hands-on experience in the tech support field.

How did your time at Utiva Cloud Development School prepare you for a career in cloud development, and what specific skills or knowledge from the program do you find most valuable in your current role?
 

My time at Utiva Cloud Development School was an eye-opener to cloud technology. It provided a solid foundation for my career in cloud development.

It gave me the hands-on skills needed in the cloud industry and taught me how to manage cloud systems effectively, especially the Azure Cloud.

These skills have been invaluable in my current role as they allow me to handle Networks, Servers, Deployment, and other IT tasks with confidence.

Plus, the program helps me to build connections with other professionals in the tech ecosystem quickly.

As an AWS Community Builder, what motivated you to engage with the AWS community, and how do you balance your responsibilities as a community builder with your other role at Apel?

As an AWS Community Builder, my motivation stems from a passion for collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the tech community. 

Being part of the AWS community allows me to learn from other cloud experts, share my experiences, and contribute to the collective growth of the cloud community.

Balancing my responsibilities as a community builder with my role at Apel requires effective time management and prioritization.

The community-building role is fully online and I allocate specific time to participating in forums and other activities with that, I can focus on my responsibilities and I ensure I fulfill my duties effectively and efficiently.

Can you share insights into your experience as an AWS Community Builder and how your involvement in the AWS community has impacted your professional growth and development?

Being an AWS Community Builder has been a beautiful experience that has greatly influenced my professional growth and technical skills. 

It has provided me with access to valuable resources, including workshops, webinars, Swags, Exam vouchers, Credits, etc.

Overall, my involvement in the AWS community has been instrumental in broadening my professional network, acquiring new skills, and staying at the forefront of the rapidly evolving field of cloud technology.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and best practices in cloud development and IT support, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your work at Apel?

I stay updated with the latest trends in cloud development and IT support through events, webinars, blogs, and cloud user groups, and other tech communities.

Also, through regular assessment of systems, and processes and implementing new technologies to improve efficiency and also sharing new trends with my colleagues.

Can you discuss a specific project or initiative you have worked on that exemplifies the intersection of your role as a cloud developer, IT support engineer, and visuals designer, and what were the outcomes achieved?

Sure! One standout project where my role converged was leading the design team for the 2023 AWS Community Day West Africa in Lagos. I got to flex my creativity by crafting eye-catching designs for promotion and setting the artistic direction for the event. Guiding other designers, we ensured everything looked fantastic. As a community builder, I also got to inspire fellow cloud enthusiasts, helping them kick-start their journey and land opportunities like the AWS Community Builder program. It was a fulfilling experience seeing our efforts bring the community together and spark excitement for cloud technology.

What advice would you give to individuals aspiring to pursue careers in cloud development or related fields, based on your experiences navigating multiple roles within the tech industry?

My advice to those aspiring to enter cloud development or related fields is to dive in and start learning. 

Whether you have a tech background or you want to transition from a non-technical background. Start taking courses, get hands-on experience, join tech communities, volunteer for tech events, and don't be afraid to network with professionals in the industry. 

Stay curious and open to learning new technologies, as the field is always evolving. And most importantly, believe in yourself and your abilities – with dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your career goals in tech.

 

Looking ahead, what are your goals or aspirations within cloud development and technology, and how do you plan to continue leveraging your diverse skill set and experiences to drive impact in your career?

Looking ahead, my goal is to continue growing in the cloud development field. I aspire to become a leader in the industry, making a positive impact by solving complex problems and driving innovation. 
 

I plan to leverage my diverse skill set and experiences to stay adaptable and always keep learning. By staying curious, staying connected with the tech community, and embracing new challenges, I aim to make meaningful contributions to the industry and advance my career.

Abiodun is a Visual Designer who loves crafting designs that tell compelling stories for brands. Whether boosting sales, raising awareness, or captivating audiences, I take pride in creating impactful visuals that get the job done.
 

Also, he is a Cloud Engineer, specializing in building and managing cloud-based systems. He is passionate about staying ahead of the curve in cloud technology, constantly learning and earning certifications to stay sharp.

In essence, He is a dual-role professional: a Designer by day, and a Cloud Engineer by night, driven by a love for creativity and innovation in both fields.

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