The Best AWS & Cloud Projects to Get Hired (For Beginners) in 2024

Key projects that you can use to improve your skill set this year. These projects range from basic AWS services to intermediate and even advanced projects, ensuring there’s something for everyone—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional in AWS.

Let’s get into the five key projects to supercharge your AWS skills!

1. Setting Up a Static Website on AWS Using S3

The first project I recommend is setting up a static website using AWS S3.

Why S3? S3 is Amazon’s Simple Storage Service that allows you to store and retrieve data. One of its basic but powerful functionalities is hosting static websites.

To complete this project:

• Create a static website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Upload your website files to an S3 bucket.
• Configure the S3 bucket for static website hosting.
• Optionally, use Route 53 to purchase a domain and map it to your S3 bucket for public access.

This project is a great introduction to AWS and can help you confidently discuss S3 bucket configuration, website hosting, and domain management in interviews.

2. Managing Containerized Applications with ECS

Containerization is a sought-after skill in cloud roles. With Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS), you can manage containerized applications effectively.

For this project:

• Build a microservices application using Docker.
• Deploy your containerized application using AWS ECS.
• Use Elastic Container Registry (ECR) to manage your container images.

To dive deeper, visit the AWS ECS Workshop, which provides comprehensive tutorials on managing microservices. By the end of this project, you’ll understand how to use ECS, ECR, and associated services like Elastic Load Balancers (ELB), VPCs, and Route 53 for a robust containerized environment.

3. Building a Serverless Application with AWS Lambda and API Gateway

Serverless architecture is popular for its cost efficiency and scalability. This project focuses on creating a serverless application using AWS Lambda and API Gateway.

Steps:

1. Develop backend logic using AWS Lambda.
2. Set up API Gateway to handle requests and route them to Lambda functions.
3. Optionally integrate services like EventBridge, SNS, or SQS for automation.

For additional resources, check out the AWS Serverless Applications Catalog. This platform provides detailed guides and examples to master serverless workflows using Step Functions, Kinesis, and more.

4. Setting Up a Database with AWS RDS or DynamoDB

Databases are essential components of modern applications. This project will help you gain expertise in managing both relational and non-relational databases.

Options:

• Use AWS RDS (Relational Database Service) to set up a SQL-based database.
• Use AWS DynamoDB for a NoSQL-based solution.

With this project, you’ll:

• Create and configure tables.
• Learn data storage and retrieval techniques.
• Understand database optimization and monitoring with CloudWatch.

To enhance your learning, explore AWS Database Tutorials. These guides will help you audit, deploy, and optimize your database projects effectively.

5. Managing Kubernetes with Amazon EKS

The final project focuses on container orchestration with Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS). Kubernetes is a critical skill for managing scalable, distributed applications.

For this project:

• Deploy and manage Kubernetes clusters using EKS.
• Configure Auto Scaling, Networking, and Security for your clusters.
• Use tools like Fargate Profiles for serverless Kubernetes pods.

Check out the AWS EKS Workshop for step-by-step guidance on deploying Kubernetes workloads. The workshop covers advanced topics like observability, auto-scaling, and security, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of EKS.

These five projects provide a well-rounded approach to mastering AWS skills. Whether it’s setting up static websites, managing containerized applications, or exploring serverless architectures, each project will enhance your expertise and confidence.