My Full Journey To Cloud Engineer
Have you ever felt like the traditional education system just doesn't work for you?
Like you're meant for something more than just memorizing facts and theories from a textbook?
I know exactly how that feels because that was my story too.
As someone who moved from a third-world country to the Netherlands at age 3 and then to the UK at 10, I've always had to adapt and find my own way.
I want to share my unconventional journey from struggling student to successful tech entrepreneur and how embracing practical, hands-on learning transformed my life.
Growing up, I was never great at learning via books and theory in classes.
I was the kid who was always tinkering with gadgets, fixing everyone's tech problems, and dreaming of one day starting my own business.
While my friends were focusing on their studies, I was busy selling sweets and drinks on the school playground, flipping iPhones and iPads for profit, and even starting small side hustles like a clothing brand and tech accessories business.
But it wasn't until I landed a technology apprenticeship at 19 that my life really changed.
Out of 2000 applicants, I was one of only 20 people who got a placement.
The apprenticeship was a game-changer.
I worked full-time for a tech company while they sponsored my computer science degree.
I was earning a full-time income and gaining practical experience without any university debt.
I threw myself into the role, building relationships, taking on new challenges, and quickly earning a reputation as a rising star.
My colleagues even started calling me "CEO"!
After 5 years of working across IT operations, software engineering, and cloud engineering, I realized that climbing the corporate ladder wasn't my true calling.
I wanted to create something of my own and share my knowledge with others.
So in 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic, I launched my YouTube channel, "Tech with Soleyman", to teach others the practical cloud and security skills I had learned through years of hands-on experience.
Today, "Tech with Soleyman" is the number one channel for cloud engineering with over 91,000 subscribers. I've also launched the Cloud Engineer Academy to provide aspiring cloud engineers with the practical, project-based learning that I know is key to success in this field.
But my journey is far from over.
I'm on a mission to build a purpose-driven cloud security business that tackles the biggest challenges facing companies today.
I know that with the right mindset, practical skills, and continuous learning, anything is possible.
Throughout my new companies, I am going to give work experience and opportunities to the students inside my Cloud Engineer Academy.
I’ve already hired two to help me grow.
If my story resonates with you and you're ready to start your own journey into the lucrative world of cloud engineering, I invite you to check out the Cloud Engineer Academy.
But whether you join the Academy or follow your own path, remember these three key lessons that I've learned along the way:
1. Continuous learning is essential in the fast-paced world of tech. Stay curious, stay humble, and never stop growing.
2. Practical experience trumps theoretical knowledge every time. Get your hands dirty, build real projects, and solve actual problems.
3. Soft skills like communication and leadership are just as important as technical expertise. Invest in developing these skills alongside your technical abilities.
My unconventional journey has taught me that success doesn't have a singular path.
Whether you're a struggling student or someone who just doesn't fit the traditional mold, you have the power to create your own destiny.
Embrace your unique strengths, focus on practical learning, and never stop pursuing your dreams.
The world of tech is full of incredible opportunities for those who are willing to seize them.
If a kid from a third-world country can become a successful tech entrepreneur, then imagine what you can achieve.
Your journey starts now.
Soleyman
P.S. Ready to accelerate your journey into cloud engineering and cybersecurity? Join the Cloud Engineer Academy today and get $100 of the price with code AWS100
Day 26 / 30