FROM APPLICATION TO EXPERIENCE: HOW TO NAVIGATE AWS RE:INFORCE LIKE A PRO — By AMINAT USMAN
The goal of this article is simple: to inform and empower others. Whether you’ve never heard of the All Builders Welcome Grant or you’ve dreamt of attending AWS re:Inforce but didn’t know where to start, I’ve got you covered.
I’ve been a recipient of the All Builders Welcome Grant four times. Yes, four! And each time has been such a fulfilling adventure. So if you’re wondering how it works, why it matters, or how you can make it happen, you’re in the right place. I’m excited to share my story with you.
What is AWS re:Inforce?
AWS re:Inforce is a yearly cloud security conference organized by AWS. It’s one of the best places to catch up on the latest trends in security, present and discuss current and future security challenges, build knowledge and skill sets to stay current and competitive in your field and connect with security professionals, vendors, and AWS teams. This isn’t just another tech conference. It’s a space filled with curiosity, brilliance, and passion.
Why Would You Want to Attend?
There are so many reasons to want to attend—and they all depend on where you are in your career journey.
Whether you’re just starting out your journey, trying to switch careers, or even have decades of experience, this is a great choice for you.
Clarity
I met a lot of individuals who were figuring things out, wondering if they were on the right path, or thinking about pivoting into security. With over 250 sessions and multiple great spontaneous conversations, this is your chance to really dive into different domains. You’ll definitely find something that sparks your interest.
Growth & Leveling Up
Cloud security is fast-paced. Staying informed, challenging yourself, and being able to adapt is vital. With multiple learning and networking opportunities, attending re:Inforce is a way to invest in yourself, your skills, your network, and your mindset. You come back sharper, wiser, and more motivated than ever.
Good Vibes & Fun
Yes—you might not believe it—but conferences can be FUN! With the right mindset, you’ll have an amazing time.The evening after-parties and community mixers are some of the best places to unwind. It’s where you get to meet speakers, AWS staff, and fellow attendees in a whole new light.
Oh, and don’t get me started on the swag. Between the T-shirts and more creative vendor giveaways—you might need an extra bag on your flight home. 😄
How I Got to Attend for Free
If you haven’t heard of the All Builders Welcome Grant, you’re snoozing on a fantastic opportunity! This grant isn’t just about the money. It’s an invitation into an elite community of intellectually stimulated builders who are early in their careers and eager to reinvent the world.
No matter your domain in tech, this platform is designed to elevate your skills and career. It doesn’t matter if you know nothing about security—this program was made for you. It’s intentional, inclusive, and focused on equipping you with the skills and resources to thrive.
Whether it’s AWS re:Invent in Vegas or re:Inforce in Philadelphia, you will feel the same warmth and love from a community that truly wants to see you win. Some of the most amazing people I know, I met through this grant. People who understand your struggles. People who root for you, even when you don’t feel like you’re winning yet.
What the All Builders Welcome Grant Covers
This isn’t just a ticket—it’s a full experience. Here’s what’s included:
🎟 Full Conference Pass
re:Invent tickets go for $2,099, and re:Inforce costs around $1,099—you get in completely free.
✈️ Flights + Accommodation
They fly you in from anywhere in the world and place you in a beautiful hotel, giving you an elevated, stress-free stay.
💳 $250 Gift Card
Use it for meals, essentials, or anything you need to make your week smooth
🚗 Uber Voucher
Get around the city, visit attractions, or ride from the airport with ease
📚 Curated Sessions & Speed Mentoring
Access exclusive, career-focused content, tailored just for you—plus speed mentoring with AWS professionals ready to support your growth.
🧳 Premium Swag
You’ll be gifted custom bags, bottles, notebooks, and more—yes, you’ll definitely need room in your suitcase!
👥 Dedicated Mentor
Someone matched to your interests will guide you through the experience and help you make the most of it.
🛋 Exclusive Lounge Access
A cozy space just for you to recharge, connect, or unwind anytime during the event.
How You Can Too
So how do you get in?
The All Builders Welcome Grant is meant for individuals in the first five years of their tech career. If that’s you, here’s what to do:
What to Highlight in Your Application:
• Your skills
• Your involvement in the AWS or tech community
• Certifications (big or small—they all count!)
• Your “why,” even if it feels small
• The challenges you’ve faced and how you pushed through
• How community plays a role in your life and how you give back
• Your goals and how this grant can help
Tips for Success:
• Be real, specific, and genuine.
• Turn in your application early! It’s competitive.
• Ask a friend, mentor, or past recipient to review your application and give you feedback.
Preparing for re:Inforce
For me, preparation is all about mindset. Without the right mindset, even the best prep is useless. An open and resilient mindset is key. With thousands of people attending, things will change. Sessions fill up. Schedules shift. But with the right mindset, you won’t be thrown off—you’ll bounce back, adapt, and keep growing.
And guess what? That mindset opens you up to so much more than you imagined.
Once you’re mentally set, define your goals:
- What are you here to learn?
- What do you want to experience?
- Who do you want to meet?
Remember: re:Inforce is not a job fair. If your main goal is to land a job, you might walk away discouraged. Focus instead on what you can control—what you learn, how you grow, and who you connect with.
Lastly, build a detailed plan from Day 1 to Day 5. But don’t forget your open mindset! Everything is subject to change. Let your plan guide you, but let your curiosity lead the way.
The Experience Itself
There’s honestly no amount of words I can use to fully paint what this experience is like. If you’re reading this, please—take it upon yourself. Fill that application with intentionality. Go experience a week of immersive learning, community, innovation, and connection.
One of the things I loved the most? Being in a space with thousands of people from all corners of the world, gathered together for the love of technology. It’s the kind of environment that makes you feel seen, heard, and inspired.
Also, one thing I always do once I settle in? I find my people. The All Builders Welcome program gives you an immediate group—but it’s a big one. So find the people you feel calm and free with, not just those in your same domain. Find people you genuinely enjoy being around.
Once I do, I always create a small chat group. It becomes my inner circle during the event—a space where information flows, friendships form, and where the fun really happens.
It makes the trip 10x better, trust me. And remember: just because you have a group doesn’t mean you have to do everything together. Be open about your plans. Everyone’s an adult—people respect your boundaries more than you think.
It is amazing!
And I truly hope you get to experience it too.
My Key Takeaways
✅ Be Strategic About What You Attend
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned across all the re:Inforce events I’ve attended is that you don’t have to go to every session. And honestly? You shouldn’t try to.
There are keynotes, leadership sessions, and technical talks that will be available on YouTube later. You can rewatch those on your own time. But the real gems—the ones that leave a lasting impact—are the hands-on and in-person experiences: Workshops, Builder sessions, Chalk talks, Roundtable discussions and Competitions
And whatever you do, don’t miss the All Builders Welcome Grant sessions. These are uniquely tailored to people early in their careers. They focus on personal growth, storytelling, career navigation, and building confidence. I’ve found these sessions to be some of the most supportive, eye-opening moments of the entire conference.
✅ Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself
You’re not going to get everything right the first time. You’ll probably make lots of awkward introductions. You might stumble or feel unsure. That’s okay! The goal is to reflect, grow, and keep building.Each time you attend, you’ll do better. Each time, you’ll build on the last. That’s the beauty of growth.
✅ Your Peers Are Incredibly Valuable
One thing I’ve come to deeply appreciate is how often people overlook their peers. We chase after networking with high-profile speakers or leaders—which is great—but your peers?
They’re the ones who are in your space. They understand your challenges, they know the latest tips and tools, and they’re growing with you. Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned came from conversations with people sitting next to me at a workshop. Your peers are not just potential friends—they’re potential collaborators, teammates, even future co-founders.
✅ Be Intentional
About your goals. About your time. About your conversations. You are there for a short period—so use it fully. Be intentional about:
- The connections you make
- The conversations you choose to have
- The energy you allow into your space
If something or someone brings negativity, say a big NO. This is your time. Protect it. Affirm yourself every morning and go own it.
✅ Give Yourself Grace
Putting yourself out there is hard. You might feel anxious, unsure, or regret a missed opportunity. That’s normal. Celebrate yourself for showing up. Pat yourself on the back. Learn what you can, forgive yourself for any stumbles, and move forward.
Would I do it all again? Absolutely. And I hope you will too.
Opportunities Are Out There
Here’s one of the biggest truths I’ve learned: the more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities will find you. Every event, every conversation, every connection is a stepping stone.
Outside of the All Builders Welcome Grant, there are so many other amazing programs and conferences out there. But you’ve got to be intentional about discovering them.
✅ Connect with the right people — especially fellow grant recipients. If they’re attending AWS re:Inforce with you, chances are they’ve applied for other conferences, grants, or fellowships too. Don’t hesitate to ask:
- Have you attended any other conferences?
- Do you know of any other grants worth applying for?
- What communities are you part of that have helped you grow?
✅ Join communities — Discords, Slack groups, LinkedIn circles, meetups. These are information gold mines. People share deadlines, guides, personal experiences, and success stories that can guide you.
✅ Be curious and courageous — Ask questions. Follow up. Attend that lunch meetup. Say yes to the side event. You never know what one conversation could spark.
✅ Be a mentor and a mentee — As you gather knowledge, share it. Help others the way someone helped you. It keeps the ecosystem strong and supportive. Truth is, opportunities multiply when you show up consistently, stay curious, and build genuine connections. One step leads to the next—and it does get easier the more you do it.
So put yourself out there. And don’t just take—give back too.
To Apply, Start Here.
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This article was put together as a guide by Aminat Usman. Fell free to follow her on LinkedIn for more career tips.
Aminat Usman is a Software Engineer with a deep passion for developing secure, innovative solutions that advance the frontiers of technology.
She is a dedicated community leader and mentor, and has organized numerous hackathons and workshops, sharing her knowledge to cultivate a culture of security awareness and innovation.
