Adel Bebe earned his AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification while working full-time as a software engineer and completing a master’s degree. Building Our Tech (BOT) gave him the structure, community, and mentorship to get there.
His story shows what happens when motivated people get access to the right support. It also shows that certification is a milestone, not a finish line.
The short version: Adel joined BOT’s cloud program in 2024 to learn Python and cloud fundamentals and grow his Orlando tech network. He studied in small, consistent sessions, focused on understanding rather than memorizing, and passed the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam. His mentor, Josh, pushed him to build a portfolio, which led Adel to launch Enigma University. Today he is working toward his goal of becoming a software architect in secure cloud solutions.
Who Is Adel Bebe?
Adel Bebe is a software engineer at Northrop Grumman who specializes in DevOps, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity. He holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology from Florida State University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity at North Carolina A&T State University.
His long-term goal is clear: to become a software architect specializing in secure cloud solutions, then move into technical leadership. But Adel measures success by more than titles.
“As I continue advancing in my career, it’s equally important to share my knowledge and help others navigate their own professional journeys.”
Adel’s commitment to mentorship and community service runs through his entire story.
Discovering BOT
Adel found BOT in 2024 while looking to expand his network of technical professionals in the Orlando area. At the time, he was also working to sharpen his skills and earn industry-recognized certifications in software engineering, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
BOT stood out because it combined two things he needed: a structured program for learning Python and cloud fundamentals, and direct access to experienced professionals in the innovation and tech industry.
“I appreciated that the program emphasized building a strong technical foundation alongside networking and mentorship. It provided an opportunity to strengthen my skills while becoming more involved in Orlando’s growing tech community.”
What Was It Like to Complete the Cloud Program While Working Full-Time?
Adel used discipline, consistency, and time management to navigate completing BOT’s cloud program while holding a full-time engineering job and taking graduate courses. He used the program to strengthen his understanding of cloud fundamentals, Python, and AWS services. Going beyond the core materials, Adel found ways to connect new concepts back to his day-to-day work.
The biggest difference, he says, was the people. Learning from industry professionals and connecting with peers who shared his goals kept him accountable.
“Having access to mentorship and a supportive professional community helped me remain accountable while developing a stronger foundation in cloud computing.”
Passing the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam
Adel passed by staying consistent and using tools and techniques to understand the material. He focused on understanding when and why to use each AWS service instead of memorizing names. Even with hands-on DevOps and cloud infrastructure experience, the exam’s breadth was the biggest challenge. The exam covered all facets of AWS services, many of which he did not use regularly at work.
His study approach came down to four habits:
- Break it down. Split the exam objectives into manageable topics.
- Practice and review. Take practice exams, then study every wrong answer’s explanation.
- Understand, don’t memorize. Learn each service’s practical use and when one fits better than another.
- Stay consistent. Study in small, regular sessions instead of cramming.
“I learned that consistent studying, even in smaller sessions, was more effective than trying to master everything at once. That approach ultimately helped me earn my AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification.”
How Did Mentorship Shape Adel’s Journey?
Adel’s BOT mentor, Josh Walker, co-founder of BOT, showed him that a tech career is built on more than technical knowledge. Josh’s most lasting lesson was to create a portfolio that proves what you can do matters as much as certifications or a resume.
Josh encouraged Adel to pursue certifications aligned with his goals while continuing to grow his network. That guidance inspired Adel to create Enigma University, a platform where he showcases his software engineering, cloud computing, and cybersecurity projects while documenting his professional growth.
“Josh helped me recognize that career advancement requires a combination of technical competency, continuous learning, networking, and the ability to demonstrate what you’ve accomplished.”
The mentorship also reinforced something Adel already valued. He now plans to mentor others as his own career progresses, passing on the lessons he learned along the way.
What Does an AWS Cloud Certification Mean for Adel’s Career?
For Adel, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is a key milestone on the path to becoming a software architect in cloud computing and cybersecurity. It validates his foundational AWS knowledge and complements his hands-on work with DevOps, infrastructure automation, and secure cloud environments.
As he finishes his master’s degree, Adel is focused on what comes next: stronger programming skills, deeper cloud architecture expertise, and advanced certifications aligned with his goals. His aim is to move into more advanced software engineering and cloud roles while building the leadership skills architects need.
“Beyond strengthening my resume, earning this certification demonstrates my commitment to continuous learning and reinforces the importance of investing in my professional development.”
What Advice Does Adel Have for People Starting a Career in Tech?
Adel’s advice is to be intentional about your goals, stay consistent, and never underestimate mentorship and networking. Tech is a broad field, and the number of paths, certifications, and skills can feel overwhelming. His tips for getting started:
- Pick a focus. Identify an area that interests you and build a strong technical foundation there.
- Build real projects. Apply what you learn through hands-on work.
- Pair certifications with a portfolio. Show you can solve real-world problems, not just pass exams.
- Find your people. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, seek out mentors, and get involved in your local tech community.
- Start before you feel ready. You don’t need to know everything to pursue opportunities.
- Pay it forward. Extend the same opportunities to others as you grow.
“Everyone’s journey into technology looks different. Focus on making consistent progress, remain open to learning, and remember to extend those same opportunities to others as you advance in your career.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Building Our Tech? Building Our Tech (BOT) is a tech nonprofit that empowers people to learn, build, and scale in tech. Its cloud program teaches Python and cloud fundamentals and connects participants with experienced industry mentors.
Can you earn an AWS certification while working full-time? Yes. Adel Bebe earned his AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification while working full-time as a software engineer and pursuing a master’s degree. Short, consistent study sessions worked better for him than cramming.
What is the hardest part of the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam? For many candidates, it’s the breadth of AWS services covered. The exam spans security, compliance, analytics, AI, and machine learning services, including ones you may not use at work.
How should you study for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam? Break the exam objectives into topics, take practice exams, and review the explanation for every question you miss. Focus on when to use each service, not on memorizing service names.
Are certifications enough to get a job in tech? Certifications help, but a portfolio of real projects can be just as important. It shows employers you can apply your skills to real-world problems.
Why is mentorship important in a tech career? A mentor helps you choose the right certifications, build professional relationships, and see the bigger picture of your career. For Adel, mentorship led directly to building his project portfolio, Enigma University.
Start Your Own Tech Journey with Building Our Tech
Adel’s story is proof that the right mix of structure, community, and mentorship can turn ambition into results. Whether you’re just starting out or leveling up, Building Our Tech is here to help you learn, build, and scale in tech.
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