Unlocking New Horizons: My Journey of Passion, Perseverance, and Success through Humber Polytechnic's Cloud Computing Program

As told by Goodness Chigozie MADU; Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Humber Polytechnic FAST.

In 2008, with a budding vision and deep curiosity about the rapidly evolving world of technology, I made a bold decision to pivot from a 12-year career in healthcare to Information Technology. After spending over a decade as a patented medicine dealer in Nigeria, I recognized the potential that technology had to transform industries and lives. This realization marked the beginning of my IT journey in 2010, and soon after, I earned an Associate Degree in Computer Science. As an entrepreneur, leveraging IT allowed me to propel my businesses to new heights, opening doors I hadn’t imagined.

Fast forward to 2023, when I arrived in Canada to pursue studies in Business and Project Management. Unfortunately, the experience did not align with my expectations, leading me to seek out Humber Polytechnic’s Cloud Computing program after hearing glowing recommendations from friends. Despite the challenges ahead—balancing fatherhood, being the primary provider for my family, and pursuing full-time studies—I knew this was the right path. Just as I trusted my instincts in 2008, I felt the same spark guiding me toward Cloud Computing, confident that this program would unlock greater possibilities, both personally and professionally.

Why Cloud Computing?

Choosing between Artificial Intelligence with Machine Learning and Cloud Computing programs with Humber Polytechnic wasn’t an easy decision. Both fields are shaping the future of technology. However, after careful consideration, I realized that Cloud Computing aligned more closely with my immediate circumstances and long-term career goals. The program’s course flexibility, combined with its practical, in-demand skills, made it the perfect fit. Additionally, Cloud Computing felt like a gateway toward my future pursuits in AI and Machine Learning.

What ultimately sealed my decision was the program’s curriculum. Courses such as Cloud Solution Architecture, DevOps for Cloud Computing, Automation, and Big Data Analytics were pivotal for anyone looking to excel in the modern tech landscape. Many of these subjects had been on my personal bucket list for years, and now I had the opportunity to master them in a structured, hands-on learning environment.

Humber Polytechnic’s strong reputation for delivering industry-relevant education, coupled with personal recommendations, made it clear that this was the right place to start the next chapter of my career. The comprehensive curriculum and focus on practical, job-ready skills positioned me to thrive in a highly competitive field.

Starting the Journey: First Impressions & Initial Challenges

My first day at Humber Polytechnic was a mix of excitement and uncertainty. It had been almost 20 years since I was last in a classroom, and stepping into the Operating Systems Lab for the first time on my first day brought back all those feelings. I felt a bit lost at first because I had resumed late, especially since it was a lab class rather than a lecture, but with time I quickly realized that hands-on learning was a core component of the program.

The first week was intense, and the balancing act between coursework, family responsibilities, and being the primary provider was daunting. However, the support from the faculty—who brought extensive real-world experience—and the collaboration with my peers helped me find my footing. Courses like Virtualization, Software Defined Networks, and Database Management with MySQL were made even more meaningful because of the real-world scenarios and challenges they addressed.

One of the standout aspects of my early experience was the sense of collaboration. My classmates became a valuable resource, especially during group projects and labs. The steep learning curve of technical subjects like Linux and database management became manageable thanks to the teamwork and guidance from both faculty and peers.

Academic and Practical Highlights: Growth & Key Achievements

The second semester of the Cloud Computing program at Humber Polytechnic was where everything truly came together. While the first semester provided a solid foundation, the second semester took a deep dive into the core of cloud technology. A standout course for me was Cloud Solution Architecture on AWS. This course introduced me to a variety of AWS services, including EC2, EBS, S3, and VPC. More than 80% of the material was reinforced with hands-on labs, allowing me to build serverless architectures and automate systems—skills I know will be invaluable as I move forward in my career.

The Automation course in Azure was another highlight. Using Terraform and Ansible for infrastructure automation gave me the real-world skills that companies are actively seeking. The professor's guidance throughout the course helped solidify my understanding of complex automation processes. Additionally, courses like DevOps in Cloud, Cloud Security, and Big Data Analytics completed the picture, making me feel fully prepared to tackle the demands of the cloud computing industry.

The Capstone project was the highlight of the program. Collaborating with my peers, we developed a smart city solution for a real-world client, MetaworldX. This project allowed us to apply everything we had learned, from cloud architecture to project management. It was a defining moment for me, giving me the confidence to enter the workforce equipped with the skills and experience to solve real-world problems.

The Transformation: What I Gained & How I Changed

Reflecting on my journey, it’s remarkable how much I’ve grown since I first enrolled in Humber Polytechnic’s Cloud Computing program. What began as a step to advance my IT career evolved into a profound passion for cloud technology and its endless possibilities. The program gave me the technical expertise to navigate complex cloud environments and the confidence to tackle large-scale problems with innovative solutions.

More than just acquiring technical skills, I developed a new outlook on the future of technology. The hands-on courses and real-world challenges showed me the transformative power of cloud computing. I now see the cloud as more than just a tool; it’s a platform for innovation that can drive entrepreneurial ventures and lead to groundbreaking solutions.

With this foundation, I’m excited to explore emerging fields like Generative AI and Machine Learning in the cloud. Humber Polytechnic has not only prepared me for the present but also ignited my passion for the future of technology. This program transformed my career trajectory, and I’m ready to explore the limitless potential of cloud technology.

A Grateful Reflection

I am deeply grateful to Humber Polytechnic for making this incredible journey possible. The unwavering support from the faculty, who brought real-world experience into almost every lecture and lab, made a profound difference in my learning. Their dedication to teaching, along with the support and teamwork I experienced with my peers, turned every challenge into an opportunity for growth.

Finally, I will say, for anyone considering this path, I want you to know that you’re not just enrolling in a program – you’re joining a community that will empower you to reach new heights. Cloud computing is a field filled with endless potential, and Humber Polytechnic provides the tools, mentorship, and hands-on experience you need to unlock it. Embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead because this journey has the power to transform not just your career, but your life.

Sincerely,
Goodness Chigozie MADU
Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Humber Polytechnic