How to become AWS Solutions Architect in 2025
Are you looking for a high-paying job with stability in your career? If your answer is yes, then you are thinking in the right direction.
These days thousands of businesses are migrating infrastructure to AWS cloud. AWS Solutions Architect jobs are in high demand and companies are paying good amount of salaries for this AWS Solution Architect job. If you want to work with top companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, then you need more than just certifications - practical experience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think like a Solution Architect.
A good plan will help you to make your career as an AWS Solution Architect.
In this blog, we will cover all steps in detail that will make you not only job-ready but also help you to take job offers from top tech companies. We will cover all this plan in 8 strategic steps. If you follow this plan in a complete way, I am sure you will be able to make a successful career in AWS cloud space.
STEP 1: Cloud Foundation and Account Setup (Week 1–3)
List of tasks:
1. First, create AWS account.
2. Learn basics of cloud computing and AWS services.
3. Understand the architecture of AWS globally.
Details:
• Start by creating a free AWS account. Once it is created, then lock this root account and apply two-step verification method (MFA).
• After that, create different accounts using IAM (Identity and Access Management) and as per need, give the permissions.
• Also set billing alerts so that you should not get charged all of a sudden.
In next step, start learning about 3 AWS tools:
1. AWS Console: It is a web-based interface which is used to manage AWS services visually.
2. AWS CLI: It is a text-based tool which is used to interact with AWS services with the help of certain commands.
3. AWS CloudShell: It is a browser-based terminal which is preloaded with AWS CLI and SDK.
You should also learn these 3 basic things about AWS:
1. Regions: It is a geographic area like Asia Pacific, US East, US West etc.
Note: A region can have multiple Availability Zones (AZs).
2. Availability Zones: It is a distributed data center in a region.
3. Edge Locations: Used to cache the content and for faster delivery.
After that, start learning about basic AWS services:
1. EC2 – Virtual machine to run website applications
2. S3 – Storage service for files
3. IAM – User access and permission
4. Lambda – Serverless computing service
5. VPC – Virtual network to launch resources
6. CloudWatch – Monitoring and logging service
Now it is time to do some hands-on practice:
1. Deploy a simple WordPress website using EC2 server with RDS database and VPC services
o It will help you to understand how a real-world application is hosted on AWS cloud.
2. Create a simple Lambda function that triggers when you upload a file inside a S3 bucket
o It will give you an understanding of how event-driven automation works in practical world using AWS serverless architecture.
Please note that the first step will make your foundation level strong which is essential to work as an AWS Solution Architect.
STEP 2: Applied AWS – Projects and Practical Exposure (Weeks 4–6)
List of tasks:
1. Make a small good project using AWS cloud services.
2. Try to learn how these multiple services work together.
3. Finally, make your GitHub profile to show your work to recruiters.
Till now, you have understood basic AWS services. It is time to build and make some real-time AWS projects.
Always start with a small project:
1. Static Website:
- Host this website on S3 Storage
- Use CloudFront service (CDN) for fast delivery of content
2. Use Cognito to create login functionality
3. Create an API using Lambda services
- Connect it with API Gateway
- Store user data in a NoSQL database called DynamoDB
Now it is time to understand multiple networking components like:
• VPC
• Subnets
• Routing tables
• Security groups
• NAT Gateways
These components help to manage the flow of traffic and provide security to your AWS resources.
You can also use CloudWatch service to create dashboard, metrics and generate alerts for monitoring your application.
To deploy your resources automatically, you can write scripts using AWS CLI.
At last, start documenting your project into GitHub by writing a good README, architecture diagram of your project, and shell scripts of your project.
Based on my experience, I have seen that recruiters always give preference to those candidates who not only work in a smart way but can also show their work confidently.
STEP 3: System Thinking and Architecture Design (Weeks 7–10)
Main Objective:
1. At this time, you should start thinking like an AWS Solution Architect and keep a larger picture in your mind.
2. You should start designing systems that are scalable, secure, and cost-efficient.
3. You should have answers why you chose a particular AWS service.
In this phase, you should start thinking how top-notch companies like Amazon, Netflix, Microsoft design Cloud Systems.
You can start with a 3-Tier Web Application liked e-commerce platform.
(a) Your front-end should run on EC2 (Web Servers)
(b) Next one is the middle layer which uses services like Load Balancer and Auto Scaling to handle incoming traffic.
(c) Your third layer should run your database services like RDS with Multi-AZ for achieving high availability.
(d) You can store your files like Images or Videos in S3 buckets.
After that, you can start working on a data streaming project:
(a) You can use Amazon Kinesis to collect real-time streams from multiple sources like Website clicks, Mobile applications etc.
(b) You can process this data using AWS Lambda services that can listen to new incoming data and run your custom processing logic like filter out bad data, adding time stamps etc.
(c) Finally, you can store processed data in a cloud-based data warehouse called Amazon Redshift.
You should also create serverless systems using SQS, SNS, and Step Functions.
(a) SQS (Simple Queue Service):
It is used to hold messages sent by multiple applications.
(b) SNS:
It is used to send real-time alerts or messages to users or applications.
(c) Step Functions:
It is a visual workflow tool that is used to manage a sequence of steps.
In your project, you should always learn to explain:
1. Why have you used Lambda (not EC2)?
2. Why have you chosen DynamoDB (not RDS)?
3. When should we use serverless or when not?
You should always make a habit of drawing simple architecture diagrams and also add comments against each component. This practice will help you at your interview time, and there you would be able to speak even a minor detail with clarity and confidence.
At the end of this phase, you will be able to start thinking like a real Solution Architect, and you will also learn how to design a scalable, fault-tolerant system keeping long term in mind.
STEP 4: Prepare for AWS Solutions Architect Associate Exam (Weeks 11–13)
Main Objective:
1. Pass the certification exam AWS SAA–C03
2. Perform complete practical labs after understanding theory
3. Learn how AWS pricing works for different AWS services so that you could build cost-effective solutions for your client
This certification is a proof that you can design secure, cost-effective, and scalable solutions for your client after understanding their pain points.
1. Study the AWS SAA–C03 certification blueprint.
AWS has clearly mentioned the list of topics covered in this exam. It covers:
a) How to design high availability system?
b) How to secure your application using services like IAM, Cognito etc.?
c) How to connect on-premise with your AWS Cloud (using Direct Connect, VPN)?
d) How to reduce the overall AWS service cost?
2. You should simulate each exam question by building the actual architecture using AWS cloud services. If you follow this practical approach, then you would broaden your thinking level like a Smart AWS Solution Architect.
3. You should also start understanding AWS pricing for different services:
a) Understand the difference between Reserved, On-Demand and Spot Pricing
b) How to reduce cost using Auto Scaling and S3 life-cycle rules
c) Use AWS Pricing Calculator to estimate cloud costs
4. Always focus on important topics, like:
a) High availability
b) Cost optimization
c) Hybrid Cloud Solution (How to connect AWS Cloud with another cloud vendor platform or local data center)
d) Identity federation, as it allows users to connect AWS using Facebook, Google or Company-specific SSO accounts
5. Always think like an Architect and always ask “Why?”
a) Why is this the right service?
b) What are the trade-offs from cost, performance and security perspective?
This approach will not only help in your exam but also help you during interview time as well.
Must read: AI Career Guide 2025: How to Begin Your Journey in Artificial Intelligence
STEP 5: Resume, LinkedIn and Online Brand Setup (Weeks 14–15)
Main Objectives:
a) Make a smart and online profile that should impress recruiters.
b) You should build a one-page resume that should highlight outcome-driven work.
You should always focus to create a sharp one-page resume.
A smart resume always highlights what you have achieved, not just what you did in a project.
Few examples are:
• Deployed a Secure Serverless API using Lambda, API Gateway, and DynamoDB
• Optimized a CI/CD pipeline with CodePipeline + CodeDeploy that reduced deployment time by 40%
Make your LinkedIn profile:
a) You should always write a catchy headline (e.g., AWS Certified | Cloud Projects | Building Scalable Systems)
b) Share your story and cloud journey in your About section
c) Always add your AWS projects under Featured
You should continuously post on LinkedIn about the outcome-driven work you are doing in a project. In your post, you should always add a diagram to show your architecture, and always use simple language to explain your work.
It will help you to make a personal brand and people would start following you.
Always pin your work on GitHub and ensure it has clear READMEs, architecture diagrams and shell scripts.
Please don’t forget to add your GitHub link to your LinkedIn and resume.
If your resume is outcome-driven, your LinkedIn profile tells your complete story, and GitHub shows your proof of work, then recruiters will think that you are job-ready and will start reaching out to you!
STEP 6: Deep Dive into System Design (Weeks 16–19)
Main Objective:
a) You should prepare for system design interviews
b) Learn how to break down a large complex system and explain it confidently
1. You should practice solving real system design problems.
Example Interview Questions:
a) How would you design an application like WhatsApp?
b) How would you design a video platform like Amazon Prime, Netflix, or YouTube?
2. As a Solution Architect, you should break a large complex system into small parts and draw a simple architecture diagram.
This structured approach will also help you explain your work confidently.
3. You should also learn to explain comparison between two or more AWS services.
During interview time, you will be asked why you chose a particular AWS service over another one.
Your chance of clearing this interview round will be much stronger if you can clearly explain trade-offs between cost, scalability, and performance.
4. Please note, you should continue practicing to communicate in a clear way.
Always practice edge cases (What if a particular server fails?).
You should always question: How your application will scale up (like handling one million users)?
This approach will help you to show your strong cloud knowledge.
STEP 7: Prepare for Behavioral Interviews (Week 20–21)
Main Objective:
a) You should get ready for non-technical/soft skill interview
b) In this round, one should be able to tell long stories that show your teamwork, decision-making power, and leadership style.
Please note that top companies like Amazon, Google, and Netflix not only check your technical skills. They also test how you solve a particular problem, lead a team, and work with others.
1. Always use STAR to tell your stories.
STAR means:
a) Situation – What was going on in your project?
b) Task – Mention your role in the project.
c) Action – What did you do?
d) Result – What was the outcome at the end?
2. You should always focus on leadership principles like:
- Ownership
- Team collaboration
- Customer comes first
- Earn trust
- Think big
- Deliver result
3. In advance, you should prepare your own stories of past projects.
For example:
a) How you solved a particular problem?
b) How you guided a team to deliver results?
4. Keep practicing with your mentor or friends.
Always remember: Practice makes a man perfect.
Please note that top companies always hire those candidates who are not only good team players but also can take good decisions during difficult times.
STEP 8: Apply for Jobs and Practice Mock Interviews (Weeks 22–28)
1. Firstly, you should make a list of top 10 companies in which you want to work (like Snowflake, Stripe, Accenture, Netflix, Shopify, Google, etc.)
2. You should not send the same resume to each company.
Your resume should always match the skills and tools that the company is looking for. So adjust your resume accordingly.
3. In your resume, please share your GitHub projects and LinkedIn post link.
4. You should start networking and reach out to people on LinkedIn and politely ask if they can refer you through internal hiring processes.
5. You should practice mock interviews with your mentor or friends.
Final tip: Please don’t forget to use an Excel file to track your job applications for AWS Solution Architect Role.
Conclusion
This is not just a study plan. It is a complete strategic guide to make you job-ready in top tech companies.
In other words, it is a complete roadmap to transform your career.Each phase gives you clarity to learn skills and become confident during interview time.
Till now, you have built 4–5 real-time cloud projects, and you should have learned how to design large-scale and secure systems. You can also answer deep questions like "why" you have selected this AWS service over others. You should have learned how to speak confidently in different interview rounds, so by this time, you would be job-ready.
Please note that if you follow this 7-month plan in a serious way with proper focus, discipline, and practice, then top companies will start noticing you, and you will be in high demand for AWS Solution Architect Role.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much time does it take to become an AWS Solutions Architect?
Ans: If you study and practice labs (both) by giving 15 hours a week, then you can complete and become an AWS Solutions Architect in 6-7 months.
2. Is there any coding prerequisite?
Ans: You should only have knowledge of Python and Bash to perform automation.
3. How much salary can I expect?
Ans: In the USA, you can earn between $100K - $130K with no experience. After 3+ years of experience, you can earn between $160K – $250K.
4. How can I showcase my work?
Ans: LinkedIn, GitHub, and Medium are the most popular platforms to showcase your project work, including architecture diagrams, script code, etc.
5. Can certification alone help me get a job in top companies?
Ans: No, certification alone won’t help.
The following list will help you get a job in top companies:
a) Types of projects
b) Practical hands-on experience
c) Problem-solving skills
d) Ability to design scalable, secure, and cost-effective systems
e) Ability to talk clearly and confidently
6. Do I need to learn GCP or Azure as well?
Ans: It is not mandatory. First, learn AWS Cloud and gain some experience. Once you become an expert in that area, then you can learn GCP or Azure.
7. Mention any biggest mistake
Ans: Most candidates think that only certification would get them a job, but practical hands-on experience will help you get a job, so certification is an add-on.
8. Is it mandatory to take training?
Ans: Bootcamps or live training help you become an AWS Solutions Architect faster.
At Open Cusp, we focus on three things:
a) Delivering right knowledge
b) Hands-on practical labs
c) Real-time projects
d) Conducting mock interviews
9. What is the key to clearing interviews?
Ans: Always focus on the following tools:
a) Clear system design
b) Good communication skills
c) Align your stories with company values (like Amazon Leadership Principles, etc.)
10. I don’t have any technical background - can I become an AWS Solutions Architect?
Ans: Yes, you can become an AWS Solutions Architect. We can guide you from the start. Always remember: start small, build a strong foundation, and finally, grow your confidence.
