AWS re:Invent 2025 - Reinvent your career: From developer to cloud leader (DEV101)
Source: Dev.to
Introduction
In this session, Fernando Pena, Head of Cloud Services and AWS Community Builder, shares strategies for reinventing a tech career. He notes that 94 % of tech professionals consider a career change, often driven by rapidly evolving technologies such as AI and cloud. Drawing from his own path—from SAP developer to cloud leader—he emphasizes the importance of a T‑shaped career: deep expertise combined with broad, complementary skills.
Key themes include
- Overcoming common concerns (starting over, salary impact, age)
- Building a bridge between current and target roles through certifications, personal branding, and community involvement
- Leveraging AWS User Groups, the Community Builders program, and events like re:Invent for networking and trust‑building
My Career Journey
Early Years (2004‑2018)
- Began in technical support and development.
- Moved into the SAP ecosystem as a developer and specialist, later becoming a Solutions Architect.
First Pivot (2019)
- Explored chatbots and NLP before the rise of generative AI.
- Started learning cloud technologies, especially AWS.
- Delivered my first major conference talk in Brazil, creating content around SAP and AWS.
Community Builder Breakthrough (2021)
- Joined the AWS Community Builder program, which provided visibility, networking, and credibility.
Leadership Role (2022‑2023)
- My manager encouraged me to create a cloud division; I accepted the challenge despite limited business experience.
- Launched the division and became Head of Cloud Services.
Relocation & Community Leadership (2023‑2025)
- Relocated from Brazil to the United States, rebuilding my network from scratch.
- Became active in the Miami AWS User Group, eventually leading the group in 2025.
Common Concerns When Changing Roles
| Concern | Typical Question | Quick Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Capability | “Do I have the skills to move into a new area?” | Leverage your existing expertise as a foundation; supplement with targeted learning. |
| Starting Over | “Will I have to begin as an intern again?” | Not necessarily—focus on transferable skills and position yourself as a senior professional in a new domain. |
| Compensation | “Will my salary take a hit?” | Research market rates for the target role; certifications and proven projects can justify parity or growth. |
| Age | “Is it too late to switch in my 40s?” | Experience is an asset; continuous learning and community involvement demonstrate relevance. |
Building the Bridge: The T‑Shaped Career Model
What Is a T‑Shaped Career?
- Vertical bar: Deep expertise in your primary domain (e.g., SAP, backend development).
- Horizontal bar: Broad skills across other technical areas (AI/ML, data engineering) and soft skills (leadership, communication).
How to Develop It
- Identify Gaps between your current role and the target role.
- Select Learning Paths
- Technical: AI/ML courses, data‑engineering labs, cloud certifications (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect).
- Soft: Leadership workshops, public speaking, project management.
- Apply While Employed: Work on side projects, contribute to open‑source, or pilot initiatives within your organization.
- Document Progress: Update your resume, LinkedIn, and personal website with new skills and achievements.
Example Gap‑Filling Diagram
Current Role (SAP Architect) ──► Learn AI/ML basics ──► Earn AWS ML Specialty ──► Lead AI‑enabled projects ──► Target Role (AI Solutions Lead)Community Involvement: The Accelerant
- AWS User Groups: Attend meetups, volunteer as a speaker, and help organize events.
- AWS Community Builder Program: Provides mentorship, visibility, and access to AWS resources.
- Re:Invent & Other Conferences: Use these platforms to showcase expertise, network with peers, and build trust.
“Community is the catalyst that turned my career pivot into a sustainable leadership path.” – Fernando Pena
Practical Steps to Reinvent Your Career
- Self‑Assessment – List your core strengths and the skills you need to acquire.
- Set Milestones – Define short‑term (certifications, small projects) and long‑term (new role, leadership) goals.
- Create a Learning Plan – Allocate weekly time for courses, labs, and reading.
- Engage the Community – Join a local AWS User Group, contribute to forums, and seek mentorship.
- Showcase Your Work – Publish blog posts, give talks, or create demo projects to demonstrate competence.
- Network Strategically – Connect with professionals in your target field on LinkedIn and at events.
- Iterate – Review progress quarterly and adjust the plan as needed.
Conclusion
Reinventing a tech career is a structured, intentional process rather than a leap of faith. By building a T‑shaped skill set, leveraging certifications, and immersing yourself in the AWS community, you can bridge the gap between where you are today and where you aspire to be tomorrow—without sacrificing your existing experience or compromising your livelihood.
Take the first step today: assess your current position, identify the bridge you need, and start laying the first stone. The journey may be challenging, but the community and resources are there to support you every step of the way.