6 lessons from a cloud MCP

Paco de la Cruz, a senior development consultant specializing in Microsoft Azure, has learned a lot since he first began his certification process 10 years ago. Between the time he passed his first certification exam and the day he earned his Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) for Cloud Platform and Infrastructure last February, six lessons in particular helped shape his life as a successful consultant.

1. Get certified, even if you have a degree in IT

Paco has a bachelor’s degree in computer systems and two master’s degrees. Even with this impressive education, he hasn’t stopped learning. Paco continues to advance his education with certification in leading-edge technologies—and it pays off. After earning his MCSE for Cloud Platform and Infrastructure, he’s now a successful cloud consultant.

2. Improve the skills that need it the most

As a developer, Paco decided to pursue his first certification (Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer [MCSD]) ten years ago. Recently while working on his latest certification, he realized that infrastructure was a weak spot among his skills so he started to explore Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure. He gained many new insights that carried over into the work he would later deliver to his clients. He also became familiar with areas of the platform that were outside of his day-to-day responsibilities. “For me,” Paco says, “the exams are a good excuse to study the things that I still don’t know.”

3. Take time to explore the unknown

As a lifelong learner, Paco was already checking out IaaS and networking with Azure even before he became certified, but certification enabled him to delve deeper into those unfamiliar realms. As Paco puts it, “The certification was an excuse for me to play around.” He spent time during the certification process learning IaaS, networking, and Azure Active Directory end to end. The exams would test him on his true knowledge of these technologies, and his curiosity allowed him to learn even more through exploration of the subject matter.

4. Gain opportunities with new technologies

To be successful, Paco says, “[Your training] needs to be in the leading edge of technology.” No matter which tech discipline you’re in, it’s important to refresh your skills and knowledge as the industry evolves. For Paco, that was cloud platform and infrastructure. As more businesses adopt cloud-first strategies, cloud talent is harder and harder to find. Take advantage of new opportunities with cloud certification, just as Paco has. To ensure you’re getting the most up-to-date training, learn with Microsoft.

5. Look to yourself for motivation

Paco is inspired to learn and always seeks opportunities to increase his knowledge and experience. When we asked about his drive to get certified, he talked about self-motivation, which is valuable to employers because it shows determination and commitment. Paco was also motivated by his company. Managers and employers take notice of efforts to further education and skills with certification, and they might even finance your training.

6. Stand out with cloud certification

After you finally have the cloud certification that you worked so hard for, show it off with a badge on your LinkedIn profile. Paco’s Cloud Platform and Infrastructure MCSE title sets him apart and highlights his skills and abilities for his clients to see. “It’s [about] having those credentials on my profile, which are always important for the customers.”

Ready to learn new technology, test your skills, and play around in a new developer environment? Earn your Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification, which is a literal badge of honor and can be a VIP pass to better opportunities. Explore the cloud, learn lessons of your own, and gain the knowledge and experience you need to set yourself apart.

Tags: azure, server