How did you get started with Google Cloud?

So where did you start? 

I started using GCP about 2 or 3 years ago.

I remember that I attended an online event from Google Cloud. The next day I received an email informing me that I could do a Specialization course on Coursera from Google Cloud Learning Team. I logged in to Coursera and there I found so many courses that I wanted to enroll!

That period of time I was playing/learning/working with Data Analysis - Science -ML- DL -AI. So I decided to go for Machine Learning with TensorFlow on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

When I finished the first specialization I got another voucher for a free month and that’s how I enrolled in the second specialization course. You can read more here 👉 https://medium.datadriveninvestor.com/machine-learning-%CE%BC%CE%B5-tensorflow-%CF%83%CE%B5-google-cloud-platform-gcp-89436bb62d41

From those courses, I became a facilitator on Cloud Study Jams (CSJ). They are webinars, getting your hands dirty working on GCP without being afraid of getting charged! Before showing/teaching them to the attendees I have to finish them by myself. I had to read Google’s documentation.

A lot of projects and implementations, almost all the specialization courses on Coursera, one path on PluralSight, and plenty of quests on Qwiklabs brought me to my certification exams, July 2020, and became a Professional Architect.

If you were starting over, what would you change? 

If I could start over, in the past, I would have joined a GDG chapter (https://gdg.community.dev/gdg-cloud-thessaloniki/). They offer a lot of help with the events they host.

If I could start over now, I would join the C2C community. They are doing a great job. And it’s just the beginning!

What advice do you have for someone just starting out? 

Attend a CSJ. Experienced people are facilitating them. Ask them as many as questions possible. Connect with them on their social media accounts. Continue asking them questions. Finish the Quest you attended on CSJ. Get bonus credits on Qwiklabs. Enroll on Coursera with the link they’ll provide you. Finish the specialization. Start your Google Cloud project with the FREE 3 months or $300 credits.
But most important always continue to learn!

It costs to do the course, why would one pay for the certification?

Certainly!

Embarking on the learning journey with Google Cloud Platform is an exciting endeavor that can bring immense value to individuals at various stages of their careers. For me, the starting point involved gaining a solid understanding of the fundamentals. Google Cloud's official documentation and online courses provided a structured foundation, helping me grasp key concepts.

If I were to start over, I would emphasize the importance of hands-on experience. Engaging in practical exercises and real-world projects accelerates the learning process and reinforces theoretical knowledge. Additionally, tapping into the vibrant Google Cloud community is invaluable. Forums, discussion groups, and networking with fellow learners and professionals offer insights, solutions, and the chance to learn from diverse experiences.

Remember, the journey with Google Cloud Platform is dynamic, and staying curious and adaptable is key. What works for one person might not be the ideal path for another, so tailor your learning approach to your strengths and interests. Happy learning!