Introduction: An Unforeseen Shift Years ago, envisioning a career outside the banking sector was unthinkable for me. After two decades in banking, I found myself at a crossroads, leading to a surprising transition into the realm of cloud computing with AWS. This is my story, from the structured world of banking to the innovative frontier of cloud technology.
Banking Years: A Diverse Foundation My banking career spanned various roles, offering a panoramic view of the industry. Initially, I juggled multiple responsibilities, from accounting to client acquisition, without deep specialization but with a broad understanding. My role evolved over time, encompassing operations management in contact centers and diving into process reengineering, where I embraced Six Sigma during 2006-2010, focusing on digitalization and efficiency.
Project Management: The Core of My Career Project management was always my central focus. Despite the evolving nature of the role and the influx of professionals into the field, I maintained a purist approach, setting high standards for project delivery. My journey in project management was a blend of continuous learning and hands-on application, from obtaining my PMP certification in 2010 to exploring agile methodologies.
Technology Projects: A New Direction Although initially I saw myself as more business-oriented, I gradually recognized the pivotal role of technology in every project. This realization came to the forefront in 2010 when I led my first technology project. Over time, I was involved in large-scale transformations, introducing digital products, and leading multimillion-dollar projects.
Continuous Learning and Agile Experimentation My commitment to learning was unwavering. I consumed a vast array of literature on project management and Six Sigma, and later, I delved into agile methodologies, deepening my expertise in various project management knowledge areas.
The Cloud Awakening: A Turn Towards AWS The year 2020 marked a significant shift. With a new IT leadership advocating for cloud migration, I embarked on a self-learning journey with AWS, starting with the basics and quickly expanding into more complex concepts. My evenings, dedicated to learning after my daughter’s bedtime, were filled with AWS Solution Architect studies and leading a cloud community within the bank.
Transition to AWS: A Leap of Faith In 2021, I took a bold step, leaving the banking sector to join AWS in the UAE as a Senior Customer Solutions Manager. This transition was not just a career change, but a leap into a new world of possibilities, allowing me to apply my project management skills to cutting-edge technology projects.
Conclusion: Launching the Blog and Looking Ahead This blog marks the culmination of my 22-year journey, filled with continuous learning, adaptation, and transformation. I hope to share insights, experiences, and guidance, particularly for those interested in cloud computing. Keep an eye out for my upcoming posts, including ‘Demystifying AWS for Beginners.’ Here’s to the next chapter of exploration and growth in the ever-evolving world of technology.