Framework to become an AWS Community Builder

On 15 May 2021 when the whole world was going through a Pandemic, I received an email stating that I have made it — I had been selected as an AWS Community Builder.

Since then, a lot of people reached out to me asking how to become part of this community. I wrote a post sharing about this on LinkedIn but thought of writing a detailed blog on WHAT, WHY, WHO, WHEN, and HOW about AWS Community Builder Program.

WHAT

The AWS Community Builders program offers technical resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to AWS technical enthusiasts and emerging thought leaders who are passionate about sharing knowledge and connecting with the technical community.

Throughout the program, AWS subject matter experts will provide informative webinars, share insights — including information about the latest services — as well as best practices for creating technical content, increasing reach, and sharing AWS knowledge across online and in-person communities. The program will accept a limited number of members per year. All AWS builders are welcome and encouraged to apply.

WHY

Being part of the AWS Community Builder Program gives you a lot of benefits

CONNECTING WITH OTHERS:

The single biggest benefit of joining this community is the ability to connect with other builders. You can ask questions, help each other, and learn more about your journey as a builder. This is a safe, inclusive place to ask questions and dig into helping solve each other’s tech challenges. Everyone is here to help each other.

WEBINARS & BRIEFINGS:

Regular webinars will help you level up as a builder, both from a technical perspective with product overviews and deep dives, but also with your skills as a writer, presenter, and conference speaker.

CERTIFICATION EXAM VOUCHERS:

Each Community Builder is able to claim one Foundational, Associate, or Professional/Specialty Exams. You can pick from one of the three levels. Only one voucher can be claimed per 12 month period in the program; you can claim your second voucher if you are renewed as a year-two Community Builder.

SWAG WELCOME KIT:

All builders will receive a welcome kit full of exclusive AWS Community Builders swag in the first year you join the program.

AWS CREDIT:

Each member will receive a $500 AWS credit to help you learn, experiment, and grow by trying our new AWS services.

A FREE ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION TO CLOUD ACADEMY:

Cloud Academy is one of the leading global cloud learning platforms, and we’ve partnered with them to offer this fantastic benefit to our all Community Builders.

And many more…

WHO

There are no hard criteria for the people who can apply for this program, but to extend on that if you are someone who is having a little industry exposure with AWS, love to share knowledge with others - You are the one who can definitely apply for this program.

The application process is open to AWS technical builders worldwide, and all interested individuals are welcome and encouraged to apply. The AWS Community Builders program seeks applicants from all regions, demographics, and underrepresented communities.

WHEN

Applications are open twice a year by AWS and available on the AWS Community Builder page; the best and most up-to-date resource on the process. The application will ask for information both about yourself and your involvement in the AWS Community.

The program runs in 12-month increments for each member, but if you feel you need to learn new skills, say in a different subject, you can reapply to stay in the program. Re-application is a slightly different process than applying for the first time as an AWS community builder.

HOW

You will definitely need prior knowledge on AWS and should have contributed via different methods like Blogs, Podcasts, YouTube Videos, answering questions on various technical communities like StackOverFlow, or by building something using AWS.

Because when you apply for this program, you will be asked to share your contribution to the AWS community — since people apply globally so if you have contributed to AWS to a little extent that will give you a slight chance to get selected for this program when you apply for the first time. Prospective Community Builders from backgrounds not traditionally represented in the tech sector are highly encouraged to apply!

This is also a great stepping stone for anyone who wants to become AWS Hero, becoming a Community Builder is an excellent place to start for them.

Conclusion

Finally, for me, AWS Community Builder was an eye-opener. If you would have told me about it in 2020 I would have asked you what is “AWS Community Builder” but here you go all the details you needed to know I have tried my level best to put them together in one place for you.

If you are a technology enthusiast who is passionate about sharing the knowledge of cloud computing with the world and love meeting like-minded people around the world then you’re a potential AWS Community Builder!

I hope this blog helps and motivates you to start with this program. Wish you all the luck!