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AWS Upskilling, Harvard CS50, and Should You Go Freelance?

Author

Michael Bowden
March 01, 2025

In partnership with

THE_LOG_FILES#SHOW LOG

IN TODAYS EMAIL:

  • CERTIFICATIONS & SKILLS TO WATCH: AWS Expands AWS Skill Builder

  • ADVICE AND TIPS: How IT Certifications Can Boost Your Income

  • RESOURCE OF THE WEEK: Harvard CS50

  • THE TAKEOVER: Freelancing vs. Full-Time in Tech

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CERTIFICATIONS & SKILLS TO WATCH:

 AWS Expands AWS Skill Builder

🚀 AWS just launched 17 new digital products on AWS Skills Builder, its a subscription based training platform. Now’s the time to build cloud skills and stay ahead as more companies move to the cloud.

💡 Why it matters:

✅ Hands-on AWS training—learn real-world cloud skills.

✅ Boost your career—cloud expertise can mean new job opportunities or a pay raise.

✅ Accessible—open to anyone ready to level up.

🔗 Start learning today: AWS Skills Builder

ADVICE AND TIPS:

 How IT Certifications Can Boost Your Income

🚀 Want to stand out in IT? Get certified. A degree alone won’t always set you apart, but adding a certification can. Many IT grads skip this step—don’t be one of them.

💰 3 Big Benefits of IT Certifications

1️⃣ Salary Increase

✅ Certifications can justify a promotion or raise.

✅ Some companies offer pay bumps for earning certs.

✅ Example: A desktop tech with CompTIA A+ can level up to IT support. A network tech with CCNA → CCNP can move into engineering.

2️⃣ Increased Marketability

✅ Certifications prove you have specialized skills employers want.

✅ Emerging certs, like Cisco’s DevNet, show you’re ahead of industry trends.

✅ Companies hiring for new tech roles often list certs as job requirements.

3️⃣ High Return on Investment

✅ A cert validates your skills and opens new career doors.

✅ It’s one of the best investments in IT for career growth.

✅ But—having a cert isn’t enough. Keep learning and be ready for interviews.

📩 What’s your take? Do certifications still matter in IT? Reply and let me know!

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK:

Harvard’s CS50

Computer Science: A Degree That Runs the World

A Computer Science degree is one of the most in-demand paths today. It equips you with problem-solving, analytical thinking, and technical expertise that power industries worldwide.

💡 Core skills you’ll gain:

✅ Programming & Software Development

✅ Data Structures & Algorithms

✅ Databases & SQL

And that’s just the beginning. The best part? You can learn these skills for free.

🚀 Start Here: Harvard’s CS50 course—one of the best free CS resources available. Check it out here.

THE TAKEOVER:

Freelancing vs. Full-Time in Tech

🚀 The IT industry is changing! More professionals are ditching traditional 9-to-5 jobs for freelancing, consulting, and contract work. But is freelancing really the future, or is full-time employment still the best move? In this video, we’re comparing Freelancing vs. Full-Time IT Jobs—breaking down earnings, flexibility, career growth, and more!

💡 Freelance Platforms Mentioned:

 🔹 Upwork – Great for IT freelancers (software dev, networking, cybersecurity)

🔹 Fiverr – Gig-based IT jobs (tech support, WordPress, scripting)

🔹 Field Nation – On-demand IT & networking support gigs

📢 Question for You: Would you rather freelance or work full-time in IT? Or do you do both? Drop your thoughts in the comments!