Tetsuya Isogai is a Solution Architect focused on Kubernetes. He previously worked as a Project Manager focused on IT solutions but was looking for a way to move up, which is when he decided to pursue Kubernetes certification to help advance his career, and has since passed the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD), and Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) exams. We spoke to Tetsuya to learn more about his experience.
Linux Foundation: What sort of work do you do as a Solution Architect?
Testsuya Isogai: My work area is expanding day by day, especially as Kubernetes use continues to expand.
In general, I provide professional services to customers including designing and implementing a customer’s K8s cluster and its ecosystem, conducting workshops for both beginners and experts, planning for new solutions that combine with both our own and 3rd party products, and testing new features or new products related Kubernetes that would be useful to our customers.
LF: How did these certifications help you prepare for this role?
TI: The certifications gave me a wide range of knowledge and hands-on skills. They helped make me confident that I am equipped for the tasks I face in my role, and to gain new knowledge about cloud.
LF: How has achieving these certifications impacted your career?
TI: The certifications demonstrate my skill level to my colleagues. It is important to be able to prove my skills and knowledge for my job which is expected of any high-skilled professional at my company. The knowledge gained from preparing for these certifications also prepared me to develop internal learning sessions for beginners at my company who want to work with cloud native technology. I have also hosted training sessions about CKA and CKAD for internal employees who were interested in the certifications.
LF: How long did it take you to prepare for the certification?
TI: In total for the three certifications, I prepared for 6 months. I didn’t have any hands-on experience before that time.
LF: What resources did you use to prepare for the exam?
TI: I read books, explored the official website for the certifications and Kubernetes, and took online courses.
LF: Was there anything you wish the exam had covered more or differently?
TI: No. I think the three certifications cover almost the entire field of Kubernetes and enabled me to prove my abilities in a short time, which is all I can ask for.
LF: Are you planning to take any other training or certification exams? If so, which ones are of interest?
TI: Currently no, I feel with the three K8s certifications I am well prepared with what I need for my current goals. If The Linux Foundation releases a new relevant exam in the future, I do want to try it to further improve my skills.
