Kevin Leihy

🎉 Gotcha! Guess who's flexing his brand-new AWS Data Engineer Certification today? Yep, that’s me! 💪🏽 This cert prep wasn’t your typical grind—it felt more like an adventure! 🌍✨ Here’s a quick breakdown of the journey: Huge shoutout to Stéphane Maarek and Frank Kane for their invaluable courses on Udemy. You guys are legends! 🧠🎓 Special thanks to Jon Bonso, Tutorials Dojo for those laser-focused practice tests. Honestly, those were tougher than the actual exam, so the real deal felt like a breeze! 💨😅 And now, for the fun part: AWS Cloud Quest: Data Analytics on AWS Skill Builder. It wasn’t just studying; it was hands-on fun with services I wasn’t too familiar with. Docs practice = win! 📚💻 Also, shoutout to the AWS Power Hour on Twitch with Trevor Spires, Erica Vismer, Brad Werner and Darko Mesaroš. You made learning so much fun, and the insights you dropped were 🔥! PS: Amazon Web Services (AWS) AWS Training and Certifications is currently offering 50% off on all associate certifications—don’t miss out! 📉 Grab your chance to get certified! 🎯 https://lnkd.in/eWbVkGMK #AWSCertified #CloudEngineering #DataAnalytics #NeverStopLearning

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I highly recommend reviewing this list of resources supporting women in cybersecurity.

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Excited to announce that I'll be attending AFROTECH for the third consecutive year! 🎉 Each time I've attended, I've gained valuable insights, cementing this conference's spot on my annual must-attend list. While I typically go with the flow 🌊 , after attending several major conferences like this one, I've realized the importance of preparation. There are tons of exclusive company-sponsored events, on the spot interviews, and more, all reserved for those who came ready so they didn't have to get ready! 🚨 Some Key Tips to Get Prepared 🚨 🔑 Research: The conference schedule is live (https://lnkd.in/g_Ega8Ec) and includes all sessions and associated speaker information. Start identifying relevant talks you may want to listen in on. Some sessions allow time for a Q&A at the end, so going into these spaces knowing what you want to get out of it will maximize your chances of leaving with just that! 🔑 Plan: Create a daily schedule to ensure you see everything you want to. Select backup options as well, as most of the popular sessions will reach capacity. 🔑 Use social media: Find the conference's hashtag and use it to search for event-related discussions on social media. You may come across some of those exclusive events like private dinners and happy hours, giving you prime opportunity to directly connect with employees at your target companies, looking to share how the steps to get in! 🔑 Network: This should go without saying, but have your tools ready! Make sure your LinkedIn is up to date and doesn't have a profile photo that you're embarrassed of 😅 . Most companies have digital QR codes where you can apply to their talent networks directly from the booth, so have a copy of your resume saved to your phone for quick access. 🔑 Be intentional: If you don't know what you're looking for, how will you find it? If you are targeting a specific role, be sure your resume is up to date and ready to submit. Review the list of companies that will be in attendance and their current open roles. Most companies allow the ability to apply to direct roles or join their talent networks beforehand, which can result in on the spot interviews at the conference. 🔑 Follow up: After the conference, connect with new contacts via LinkedIn, email, and continue conversations. ➕ Bonus Tips: 💡 Wear comfortable shoes: Show up as your best self, but leave the painful shoes at home! You do not want to miss out an opportunity because you need to go rest your feet. 💡 Drink Responsibly: Many companies will offer corporate sponsored networking events and many of these include an open bar. Be sure to keep it very demure, very cutesy ✨ Can't wait to see y'all in Houston! 🤠 #AFROTECH #TechConference #Preparation #Networking #MinoritiesinTech

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Resources that support women in cybersecurity! Let’s go!

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This Data Management - Applications D427 course was definitely the hardest course so far in the Cybersecurity & Information Assurance program at Western Governors University. So glad I passed the Objective Assessment & I'm done with the class lol 👍 #wgu #datamanagement #applications

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“The White House has officially endorsed skills-based hiring for cybersecurity and IT positions, recognizing that a degree is not the only path to a successful tech career. NetworkChuck breaks down this groundbreaking announcement, highlighting the importance of certifications, apprenticeships, and practical skills in landing high-paying jobs in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. Discover how you can take advantage of this shift in hiring practices and kickstart your IT career without a traditional degree.” Thank you NetworkChuck for your insights!

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