How Working at AWS Transformed my career

There are moments in your career when you realize you need a change. For me, that moment came when I knew I wanted to leave financial technology. I was ready for something new, something that challenged me, something that would reignite my passion for building. But making that transition wasn't easy. It was filled with unertainty, self doubt, and failures that tested my resilience.

Failure After Failure: Taking a Leap with Interview Kickstart

I knew I needed to prepare for a carerr shift, so I started studying rigorously for interviews. But despite my efforts, I faced rejection after rejection. Each failed attempt made me question whether I was truly ready for the transition. That's when I decided to take a structured approach and enrolled in Interview Kickstart, an inensive interview prep course designed to help engineers land jobs at top tech companies.

It was one of the best decisions I could have made. The progtam not only sharpened my technical skills but also helped me build the confidence I needed to succeed in interviews. It wasn't just about passing coding challenges; it was about understanding how to approach problems, communicate effectively, and think like an engineer at a high-performing company.

Unlocking My Creativity at AWS

Landing a role at AWS Activate Startup was a career defining moment. I expected to grow as an engineer, but I didn't expect to discover how creative I was. Working at AWS exposed me to endless possibilities. I wasn't just solving problems, I was designing scalable solutions, improving customer experiences, and thinking beyond code.

The Power of Great Leadership

One of the most transformative aspects of my time at AWS was the mentorship and leadership I received. I had the privilege of working under two incredible managers both Black men in tech. As one of their first Black female engineers, I was lead with intention, support, and empowerment.

Their leadership played a crucial role in my growth. They pushed me to refine my technical skills and encouraged me to trust my own voice. Having leaders who understood the challenges I faced as a Black woman in tech made all the difference. They didn't just see my potential; they made sure I saw it too.

From Fear to Confidence

When I first joined AWS, I was scared to speak up. I hesitated to ask questions, afraid that I’d reveal gaps in my knowledge. But over time, I realized that growth doesn’t happen in silence.

Little by little, I started pushing past my fears. I asked more questions, voiced my thoughts in meetings, and began introducing new ideas that improved our team’s existing work. The moment I stopped holding myself back was the moment I became a better engineer.

AWS gave me the opportunity to present my work, lead discussions, and build large-scale projects that I once thought were out of my reach. The confidence I gained from these experiences transformed the way I approach engineering today.

A Journey of Growth and Gratitude

Working at AWS was more than just a job—it was an accelerator for my career. I put in the time, the energy, and the effort, and in return, I walked away as a stronger, more confident developer.

Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the challenges, the failures, the leadership, and the opportunities that shaped my growth. AWS taught me to believe in my creativity, trust my voice, and never stop pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve.

To anyone who is facing setbacks or feeling unsure about their place in tech—keep going. Growth isn’t always linear, and sometimes the best opportunities come after the hardest failures.