29
June
2023
CLASS Certification Learning Pathway Instructor Insights: Getting AWS SAAC Certification-Ready
By Apryl Motley - Technical Writer & Communications Lead, Internet2 Trust and Identity/NET+ Service
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
As our current cohort (June 28–September 8, 2023) of AWS Solutions Architect Associate Certification Training gets underway, we asked instructor Sharif Nijim, to share his insights on its benefits. Nijim is academic co-director, Master of Science in business analytics, and associate teaching professor of IT, analytics, and operations in the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame.
Q: What do you hope attendees will learn from the AWS SAAC training?
SN: I hope they will build foundational knowledge about core cloud competencies, get practical experience implementing solutions in AWS, and come away with a deeper appreciation of an IT domain that is not their core strength.
Q: Why are these important topics to cover?
SN: It is crucial for IT professionals to increase their comprehensive “IT IQ.” Gaining practical experience with networking, storage, databases, identity and access management, and high availability will help participants gain a broader perspective into overall IT service delivery.
Q: What do you enjoy most about facilitating the training?
SN: Meeting IT professionals from around higher education and continuing to build the cloud community.

Fun Facts About Sharif
Favorite Book or Song:
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Best Advice You Ever Received About the Cloud (and from whom):
“Focus on experimentation and time to value.” (Adrian Cockroft)

Q: What have past attendees told you is their biggest takeaway?
SN: Bringing a new perspective to initiatives currently underway – asking more informed questions.
Q: What’s the #1 reason people should attend AWS SAAC training?
SN: Investing in yourself is vital to staying current, and the cloud is here to stay.
Learn more about AWS Solutions Architect Associate Certification Training. To hear more about upcoming training opportunities, sign up for the CLASS mailing list.
We hope to see you in CLASS soon.
ICYMI
CLASS Learning Pathway: AWS Solutions Architect Associate Certification Training to Begin June 28