Starting 2018 with some goals

So if you haven’t already read it go get the amazing book by Melissa called IT Architect Journey. Initially I had set some soft goals whilst at VMworld last year whilst speaking with her but now I think is the best time to do this as I know I am going to be going through some great changes in the coming weeks of which I hope I can share soon! This year is the full evolution from engineer to architect for me or at least I hope so!

So yes firstly go get this book if you haven’t already as its also on sale

2018 is here! Save 15% on print copies with code JAN15. Set your learning goals with #ITArchitectJourney! https://t.co/pMv9t3PcvE #goals #learning #IT #informationtechnology #infrastructure #cloud #infosec pic.twitter.com/7SXx6VLcGF

— IT Architect Journey (@ITArchJourney) January 4, 2018

Then a copy of the below chart

So from the above I am going to have 3 key points I want to work on but break these down into three further sub components so I can measure my progress

1. Achieve a recognised qualification
2. Get better with people and presenting
3. Work on my documentation

So how can I then have a subset of these to develop some skills and below is my ideas for achieving recognised qualification

1. Cloud Exam – Pass an Amazon AWS exam or Azure equivalent
2. Infrastructure –  Go for my NPP or VMware exams
3. Start NPX or VCDX – I want to write a whole post about this as I think the NPX is a great path way to VCDX especially for us in the UK

So my next set of goals is getting better with people and presenting

1. Attend and present at a local user group
2. Attend a major conference and see if I can present or even a vBrownBag
3. Collect a full RFP and understand the requirements from my business/client

Finally I want to work on my documentation

1. Keep blogging and update the OpenHomeLab along with key posts on community forums
2. Work on a good template I can share with my colleagues and even the community for system/infrastructure designs
3. Maybe enter Virtual Design Master for a 3rd year or guest judge so I can work on the concepts of the above

And when do I want to have all this done by…. 2019! Why not be ambitious as I have done some of this before. Anyway I can always pull these out further and as part of my architect journey I may well want to look at another goal such as networking or project management and of course best of luck to anyone with their goals.