From a Student to a Speaker: My Experience at the AWS Student Builder Group Induction
I had the opportunity to speak at the AWS Student Builder Group First-Year Induction at Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering. In this article, I reflect on my experience speaking to first-year students, the lessons I learned about communication and public speaking, and how being part of a student community can help us learn, build, and grow together.
Speaking in front of a group of students is very different from simply attending a technical session.
On September 4, 2026, I got the opportunity to speak at the AWS Student Builder Group – First-Year Induction at Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering (VVCE), Mysuru. The event was organized to introduce first-year students to the AWS Student Builder Group, cloud computing, certification opportunities, and different ways they could start learning and building during their college journey.
For me, this event was more than just another college program. It gave me an opportunity to step forward as a speaker and share my experience with students who were just beginning their engineering journey.
Starting the Conversation
One of the things I realized while speaking to first-year students was that technical topics can sometimes feel difficult when you are just getting started.
Many students enter engineering with a lot of curiosity but may not know where to begin. There are so many technologies, certifications, projects, communities, and opportunities that it can sometimes become confusing.
While speaking to them, I wanted to share a simple message: you don't have to know everything before you start. You just have to start learning and keep exploring.
I wanted the students to understand that college is not only about classroom learning. It is also a time to try different things, participate in communities, attend workshops, work on projects, meet other students, and discover what areas of technology interest them.
What I Learned as a Speaker
The experience also taught me something about myself.
When you explain something to another person, you have to make sure that you understand it yourself. You have to organize your thoughts and explain them in a way that others can understand.
Speaking in front of the students made me realize that communication is an important part of learning.
It also made me more conscious about the responsibility that comes with being involved in a student community. Even a small interaction with a student can encourage them to explore something new.
Being Part of a Community
One thing I really value about the AWS Student Builder Group is the community.
Being part of a student community gives us an opportunity to learn from others, share our experiences, participate in technical activities, and build things together.
The induction session was not just about introducing first-year students to the group. It was also about showing them that they have a community around them where they can learn, ask questions, and explore technology together.
Becoming More Comfortable on Stage
Personally, this event was also an important step for me in becoming more comfortable with public speaking.
Every time we speak in front of an audience, we learn something new. It can be about how to structure our thoughts, how to explain something clearly, how to engage with the audience, or simply how to stay confident while speaking.
I went into the session thinking about what I wanted to share with the students.
After the session, I was thinking about what I could improve the next time I speak.
That was one of my biggest takeaways from the experience.
A Message to Students Starting Their Journey
If there is one thing I would tell students who are just starting engineering, it would be:
Don't wait until you feel completely ready. Start exploring, start building, and start asking questions.
You don't have to decide your entire career path in your first year. Try different technologies, participate in communities, attend technical sessions, work on small projects, and learn from the people around you.
Your first project may not be perfect. Your first presentation may not be perfect. Your first technical talk may not be perfect either.
And that's completely okay.
What matters is that you keep learning and improving.
Looking Ahead
The First-Year Induction reminded me why student communities are important.
They give students opportunities to learn beyond the classroom and connect with people who share similar interests.
For me, being able to contribute as a speaker made the experience even more meaningful. It reminded me that being part of a technical community is not only about attending events. It is also about sharing what you know, encouraging others, and creating opportunities for people around you.
I am grateful for the opportunity to speak at the AWS Student Builder Group induction at VVCE. This experience has encouraged me to continue improving as a speaker and to take part in more opportunities where I can learn, share, and grow with the community.
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