Kathy Durfee ⋅ Bradenton, FL TechHouse: Integrated Information System Solutions, inc. ⋅ 26 years experience

Hi Steven,

We are a Microsoft Gold Partner in Cloud computing for small and mid-market customers in the US. Over the years, certifications rise and fall in their value in the marketplace. Right now they are definitely more valuable.

Typically, as a technology consultant, you will want to get a complete certification, especially if you do not have as much specific experience. What makes experience specific will be working with the desired technologies for a similar customer to what the consulting company serves. The more leading-edge and in-demand the technology, then the more certifications can outweigh experience.

This link provides a good starting point to explore the levels of certification "badges" that can be reached by passing 1 or more exams. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/browse-all-certifications.aspx.

Microsoft Partner companies benefit from employee certifications that help the company reach their business certification requirements. Those requirements can be found here: https://partner.microsoft.com/en-us/membership/competencies.

I started this consulting business over 25 years ago and have found this career meaningful and satisfying. It is an opportunity to constantly learn and to help others.

Private message if you'd like to chat further.

Sincerely,
Kathy

Amit Chaudhary ⋅ San Jose, CA Doordash, Silicon Valley Software Company ⋅ 20 years experience

I used and know AWS (multiple services incl. ECS, Aurora and ElasticCache) as an Software Engineer and the teams have networking folks with expertise in Kubernetes/Docker, etc, and Vmware before AWS.

For any tech career, one needs to pick one or two areas of deep knowledge and light one of others
Azure is likely to be in Tech department of large corporations, compared to AWS in Tech companies. Within these, use linkedin to narrow down what roles people are working at (below is a search for Azure hybrid in SD), what skillset they have, courses they took. This should give you food for thought for your next certification as you finish your degree.

As you work, you will also develop specific industry speciality, one I know helps Finance companies with move to cloud, another is into hybrid cloud, more options incl. desktop in cloud, performance and cost auditing, etc

It might be harder to start in consulting without experience and with a job, you will have some space to learn, in your first year or two.

https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/people/?facetGeoRegion=%5B%22us%3A732%22%5D&keywords=azure%20hybrid&origin=FACETED_SEARCH

All the best!

Steven Rodriguez ⋅ San Diego, CA U.S. Navy, Petty Officer Second Class ⋅ 6 years served

John,

I'd like to move into Consulting as a service for Cloud Architecture and Security. I'll private message you.

John Faber ⋅ Arlington, VA Booz Allen ⋅ 2 years experience

Hi Steven,

Congratulations on obtaining the AZ-900 certification. What exactly do you want to know? Are you interested in learning more about how to get into this field?

I work in cybersecurity and I am focusing on becoming a security engineer on Azure right now. I have previous experience serving as a security control assessor helping cloud pilots achieve ATO (Authority to Operate) primarily with AWS. I'd be happy to meet over the phone if this helps.

Best,
John