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How To Become an AWS Cloud Club Captain in 2024

Written by Jacob Heinz | Sep 22, 2025 6:03:22 PM

Some folks join tech groups just to grab the free stickers and T-shirts. But then there are people who go all in. They're the lifeblood of their community. They spark ideas, share cool stuff, and sometimes even get to play with tomorrow's tech before anyone else.

So, ready to level up your AWS journey? Here’s the deal: AWS Cloud Club Captain applications are open. Yup, right now. This is no basic student rep thing. If you want to help build the AWS community, run real events, and snag some perks that others can only dream about, raise your hand.

AWS is searching all over for people who want to guide the next wave of cloud talent. Wondering what you get? Get access to AWS stuff before it's public, exclusive technical training, and a spotlight that’s way better than another badge for your LinkedIn.

If you're tired of lurking in the background and want to swap that silent badge for a captain's hat, you’re in the right place. Let's break down what's involved, why you could be the next AWS Cloud Club Captain, and how saying 'yes' could totally change your tech story.

TL;DR

  • AWS Cloud Club Captain applications are open everywhere—apply if you love AWS stuff.
  • Captains get early looks at services, top resources, and promo from AWS.
  • Your role: lead clubs, run events, make content, and support your peers.
  • Real impact: boost your profile and help shape AWS communities around the globe.
  • It's tough to get in—show you can lead and that you know your AWS.

The Rise of AWS Club Captains

What’s This About

Let’s bust a myth: AWS isn’t just about giant computers somewhere in the sky. It’s actually a huge, active network of cloud fans, coders, helpers, and learners. AWS Cloud Clubs pop up at schools and even in local meetups. These clubs help students and beginners learn AWS skills together, build projects, and maybe land jobs before even leaving school.

But someone has got to run the show. That’s where AWS Cloud Club Captains step in. AWS picks energetic leaders, gives them a virtual megaphone (and, yeah, some pretty sweet merch), and helps them grow their club. These Captains do a lot more than set up pizza nights—they're mentors, event planners, and their work goes global.

“Cloud Club Captains amplify AWS education and strengthen our developer community globally.” — Jeff Barr, AWS Chief Evangelist

AWS knows tech needs fresh talent, so this movement grows those leaders, one local spot at a time.

Why AWS Is Doing This

Here’s the thing: there’s a huge shortage of people who really know cloud stuff. Over half of businesses say they can’t find cloud pros, per Gartner in 2023 (Gartner, 2023).

That’s a ton of open jobs—developers, architects, consultants—just waiting for someone good with AWS. Cloud Club Captains help train and spark the next group of AWS experts. It's really that simple.

These Captains aren’t just running study groups—they're AWS’s quiet superpower, fueling new ideas and helping create the next group of pros.

Perks, Privileges, and Power

Beyond the T-shirt

Let’s be clear: this is not just some boring "brand ambassador" title. AWS gives Cloud Club Captains real perks that move your career up a level. Here’s what you actually get:

  • Exclusive Early Previews: Use brand-new AWS tools before most people even know they’re out. Captains often test these with AWS engineers and help crush bugs (sometimes with a little thank-you from Amazon.)
  • AWS Goodies: Think credits, free training, and even certs. You might get to join tech bootcamps or attend big AWS events for free.
  • Megaphone Access: Captains can get their work published by AWS, host events, speak at meetups, or even run webinars with AWS pros. This means real attention you can’t just buy.
  • Direct Feedback Loop: Got ideas to make AWS better? Captains often chat with product teams, sometimes even changing features.
  • VIP Community: Network with Captains worldwide—share tips, strategies, and, yep, get exclusive AWS gear.

First-hand: "I got early access to Amazon Q Developer in beta. That gave my club a six-month head-start on the entire region—and made recruiting a breeze." — Ananya K., 2023 Cloud Club Captain, India

This role is a shortcut to real experience and some serious résumé power.

Not Just for Developers

Sure, coding is handy, but AWS wants leaders who can rally people. Can you throw awesome events? Are you a great storyteller or a mentor who loves the cloud? AWS wants people who fire others up—event hosts, team builders, even those who are good at social media. Cloud is for everyone, so these roles are too.

How to Land the Hat

Step 1: The Application

This isn’t a one-click-and-you’re-done thing. Bring a résumé that tells your story, links to what you've built, and a quick essay or a video that shows your passion. Did you host a cloud bootcamp? Mentor new folks? Write a blog that went wild about S3? Show what you’ve done—actions matter more than words.

"I kept it real. Talked about my biggest event flop and what I learned. They told me that honesty and growth mindset was key." — Musa A., 2022 Captain, Nigeria

Real talk beats polished fluff every time. If you’ve learned from bombing out, that’s a good thing.

Step 2: What AWS Wants

Want to know what gets you picked? AWS looks for:

  • Proven Advocacy: Run events, lead hackathons, or help folks learn AWS? That counts.
  • Ready to Build: Show you can actually use AWS tools, even in side projects.
  • Community Minded: It’s not a numbers thing—did you help folks change their paths? Maybe you started a "Women in Cloud" group or doubled your club’s size.
  • Communication: Can you teach, host events, or make tech fun—from blogs to TikTok?

Step 3: Stand Out

Don’t waste time pretending you’re perfect. Be yourself. Share the setbacks, twists, and lightbulb moments. Being good is cool, but being real and lifting others is what counts most. That’s how you stand out from a sea of cookie-cutter applicants.

Life as a Cloud Club Captain

Real-World Impact

Being a Captain is about sparking learning, curiosity, and helping others get started in cloud. How? Real Captains have:

  • Led hands-on workshops, hackathons, and demos (think Kubernetes bootcamps or Lambdas for first-timers)
  • Hosted fun "study jams" with pizza, memes, and cool challenges
  • Ran events that connected students to AWS partners and teams
  • Made blogs, YouTube videos, or TikToks that explain AWS tricks to everyone

“Our club started with 6 students. Now we’re over 120 active members—and two alumni just landed jobs at AWS.” — Sofia M., Captain, São Paulo

Some even invent local learning paths or club challenges, tuned for what their area needs.

Building Your Brand

AWS doesn’t just give you a title and disappear. They highlight Captains on their websites, share their content, and sometimes invite them to speak at big events. It’s a real chance to build your public rep.

And don’t forget, you get to network with Captains across the world. Lots of you will plan events together, swap content, or even exchange internships. It’s like a built-in friend group for your whole career.

What the Future Looks Like

Evolving Roles

Cloud Club Captains don’t just rep AWS as students. As AWS jumps into things like AI, quantum, and serverless, Captains often get a front-row seat. Sometimes they beta-test features, lead AI workshops, or give feedback to AWS teams that actually gets heard.

Expect AWS to connect their newest tech closer with developer groups. Captains help pick what gets built.

“Captains give us real, on-the-ground feedback—it shapes how fast we build and launch new tools.” — Nikki Allen, AWS Community Programs

So, Club Captains often help shape new cloud tools for everyone.

Real-Life Wins

Let’s talk results. Past Captains have:

  • Led big product launches and workshops—sometimes even changing how AWS trains everyone else
  • Gotten jobs and internships at AWS, partners, or hot startups (with AWS pros giving references)
  • Used their Captain experience to lead podcasts, become public speakers, or write guides that get tons of views
  • Won AWS credits, certs, and hackathon prizes that boost their own projects

Basically, this isn’t a side gig—it’s a launchpad. The skills you pick up—running projects, making content, leading others—work anywhere in tech.

Captain’s Log: Key Moves

Don’t sweat guessing—here’s your tactical move list to land your spot:

  • Show your story: Did you help somebody master AWS? Did club events double after you stepped in? Bring those examples.
  • Highlight your work: Link to events, blog posts, YouTube videos, or open-source code you’ve helped with. Show, don’t just tell.
  • Use the numbers: Toss in stats—like, how many joined your event? Did club activity spike after your hackathon?
  • Show growth: Nobody’s perfect. Share your misses and how you fixed 'em. That stuff shows you care.
  • Focus on impact: It’s not all hype—show real stories of people you’ve helped.
  • Show teamwork: Did you partner with clubs in other places? Work with underrepresented groups? Those collabs count.

Got proof? Use it.

FAQ

  1. Who can apply as an AWS Cloud Club Captain?

Most Captains are university students involved in AWS clubs, but teachers and young pros make it too. If you’ve been a leader with AWS, you have a shot.

  1. What do Cloud Club Captains do?

They run AWS Cloud Clubs locally. That means leading workshops, helping peers with certs, running hackathons, sharing code, and passing back feedback to AWS.

  1. Do Captains get AWS certs or badges?

Not given out for free, but Captains usually get practice vouchers, AWS credits, and sometimes 1:1 time with AWS pros. Many use this to get AWS Cloud Practitioner or Solution Architect certs.

  1. How long is a Captain’s term?

Usually one year, but you can keep going if you make a real impact. Lots of Captains move up to bigger AWS community gigs or job offers.

  1. How much time does it take?

Plan for about 3–5 hours a week. That covers event planning, mentoring, connecting with other Captains, and making content.

  1. Does this help with jobs or internships at AWS?

For sure. Captains get noticed inside AWS, get unique references, and first pick at leadership tracks, hackathons, and internships. Lots say it led straight to a dream job.

Captain-Ready Checklist

  • Update your online portfolio (website or LinkedIn) with proof of AWS events or community work.
  • Record a quick intro video (under 60 seconds) saying why you want in—keep it honest, show your real self.
  • Collect evidence—event stats, sign-up numbers, impact stories. Numbers never hurt.
  • Get references from teachers, club leads, or AWS mentors who know your work.
  • Be real: talk about your wins AND your stumbles. Show that you always learn and grow.
  • Don’t blow the deadline! Watch AWS updates and check AWS Community Resources often.

Remember: Cloud breakthroughs won’t come from the sidelines. AWS Cloud Club Captains are at the keyboard, rewriting tech careers, local scenes, and the cloud itself. If you love helping others, want to mess with the newest AWS stuff, and enjoy real change, here’s your sign to step up.

Want to see real-world cloud moves? Check how teams crush campaigns using smart data in our case studies.

Want more AWS know-how? Dig into our AWS Step Functions deep dive or jump into the Amazon Q Developer weekly roundup.

Or, if you want to get hands-on with cloud analytics, check out how AMC Cloud is helping AWS pros like you use their data.

References