So, Monday rolled around and I found myself sitting another exam: Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-104). That marks my second cert in two weeks—Azure DevOps Expert, now Azure AI Associate. Not bad for a non-robot.
This little certification sprint got me thinking about how I actually learn, and what’s out there in terms of training material. Spoiler alert: there’s a lot. Like, an overwhelming amount.
I decided to dip my toe into the world of Kubernetes by checking out some CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator) content on YouTube and Udemy. I mean, I watch loads of YouTube already—mostly non-tech stuff like retro gaming or that bloke that fixes stuff—but figured I’d give the tech content a fair shake.
And here’s the thing: it doesn’t work for me. I just can’t absorb content when it’s delivered in that passive, classroom-style, video format. It’s like trying to eat soup with a fork—frustrating and messy.
Rewind the Tape
Back in the day (cue nostalgic synth music), when online training wasn’t a thing (hello, dial-up modems), I studied for my Cisco exams using good ol’ Sybex books. That was the golden era:
- Read the book
- Tinker in the lab
- Boom: CCNA ✅
- CCNP ✅
- CCDP ✅
- CCIE Written ✅
The lab exam was a different beast, of course—but everything I learned and actually retained came from reading.
Fast-forward to now: I’ve been working in Azure for years, so sure—these recent certs came a bit easier. But I still carved out time: evenings, weekends, even during the odd lull between work meetings or while chilling on the sofa. Sometimes I’d study with a glass of wine in hand—my wife found that hilarious.
“Studying?” she asked.
Yes. Yes.
Enter Kubernetes (with mild fear)
So now I’ve taken on the CKA cert. I’ve dabbled with Kubernetes before, though mostly with Rancher abstracting all the gritty details. Let’s just say I’ve not exactly wrestled the beast bare-handed.
I tried giving videos another go… but nah. Still not sinking in.
Instead, I went back to what works for me. I built a little Kubernetes lab (two VMs on my computer), and I’m currently working through the Linux Foundation’s CKA course, LFS258, which I have to say I’m thoroughly enjoying. If all goes to plan, I’ll be sitting the exam in a few weeks.
So what’s the point of all this?
Glad you asked. A few key takeaways for anyone on their own learning journey:
- Find what works for you – Video, books, hands-on, community groups, whatever. There’s no one-size-fits-all.
- Carve out dedicated study time – Nights, weekends, lunch breaks. You don’t need hours, just consistency.
- Don’t underestimate casual study – A quick read while waiting for a meeting to start, or while sipping your evening drink.
- Yes, your personal time matters – But investing some of it into upskilling is not a waste. In fact, it’s the best kind of self-care (sorry bubble baths).
Now, back to wrangling YAML files and figuring out what a DaemonSet actually does…
