Improving Job Choices with Marketable Skills

Rolly Hernando

13+ years

Software Developer

International Security and Communications Co

Software Developer on project basis

Underwriter Laboratories

As documented by Rolly Hernando

It stands to reason that, the more skills you have, the more job positions you qualify for. And the more job positions you qualify for, the more control and choices you have over where you work. A healthy skill set means more options all around, which leads to greater job satisfaction and a happier home life.

That’s what I discovered during my experience finding the best IT job that gave me the ideal work-home balance I was looking for. Fortunately, Simplilearn gave me the advantages I needed, especially with their Cloud Architect Master’s Program.

A Bit About My Background

I am an IT professional with almost 15 years of related experience, which I’ve always tried to supplement by upskilling myself to stay current with the never-ending parade of new technologies.

There were not many IT opportunities in the Philippines, my native country, so in 2008 I moved to Saudi Arabia for IT-related work. I worked in Saudi Arabia for almost 14 years with a series of IT companies. I missed my family and my home and wanted to move back to the Philippines, but the job choices were limited.

The Challenge: Qualifying for a Better Job Closer to Home

If I wanted to work closer to home, I’d have to ensure that I was qualified for the right positions. As I mentioned before, I always made a good effort at upskilling and keeping up with new IT innovations. I knew there were ample opportunities in the field of cloud computing. I was working in a similar field and yes, I was in touch with cloud technology.

But I realized that it wasn’t enough. I needed a streamlined course that could effectively increase my cloud-related skill set. I was also on the lookout for better opportunities. I really wanted to get a good IT position closer to home.

All I needed was a step in the right direction, and that’s where Simplilearn came into the picture.

Post Graduate Program In Cloud Computing

Master Classes taught by Caltech CTME instructor

My Experience with Simplilearn

In the first half of 2021, I was already working as a lead developer with the International Security and Communications Company. At the same time, I was conducting my research into possible avenues of upskilling, with an eye toward greater IT career choices. I wanted a program that lined up with my goals.

While I was doing all this research, I was actually contacted by Simplilearn’s sales team, a very fortunate coincidence! They explained the process to me, and I was convinced, so I signed up in May 2021. I also sent out my resume to firms outside Saudi Arabia.

I conducted my studies during the weekends and maintained my normal work week. Simplilearn’s flexible learning model made it easy to pursue my upskilling goals while not taking me away from my job’s responsibilities. I love this flexibility, and it made things so much easier.

My experience with Simplilearn was great. I really enjoyed the course, and especially liked the Azure and AWS classes. The self-learning classes and practice labs really helped me understand the concepts and gave me the necessary in-depth knowledge. I am also grateful to all the course instructors since they helped make the whole process easier as they explained difficult concepts and answered my questions.

The Results: Coming Home to Career Success

In February 2022, after 10 months of taking the course, I got a software development project from a client in the United States named Underwriters Laboratories. They were looking for people with knowledge of Azure and of cloud computing and architecture, which were all things I had learned during the course.

I think that, apart from my experience, the added knowledge of Azure and cloud computing, which I got through Simplilearn, also helped me get a suitable job. My salary here is the same as I was getting in Saudi Arabia, but when you factor in the lifestyle we have in the Philippines, I end up saving a lot of money.

ROLLY ENROLLED FOR

Cloud Architect Master’s Program

Did you know?

Annual Expected Salary of a Cloud Architect is

$137k - $150k

Source: Glassdoor