Get to know Williem
Willem Berroubache is a cloud native and Security Architect based in Paris, France, currently working at Orange. Over the years, he has worked on private cloud security use cases and telco cloud transformation projects, leveraging Kubernetes and cloud native solutions to modernize infrastructure and drive innovation.
Willem became a Kubestronaut to have his technical expertise recognized on a wider scale and to challenge both himself and his friend Frédéric Klein (who is also a Kubestronaut!) by obtaining certifications that cover multiple aspects of cloud native technologies. These certifications have allowed him to deepen his knowledge in areas such as Kubernetes administration, application development, and security, while demonstrating his ability to tackle complex challenges in the cloud-native ecosystem.
When did you get started with Kubernetes and/or cloud-native? What was your first project?
I started working with Kubernetes and cloud native technologies in 2018 while working on private cloud projects for Orange. My first project involved deploying Kubernetes clusters to support CaaS (Containers as a Service). This included migrating applications to Kubernetes, ensuring high availability, and implementing monitoring tools to maintain 99.9% service uptime. This project was my introduction to Kubernetes and sparked my passion for cloud native technologies.
What are the primary CNCF projects you work on or use today? What projects have you enjoyed the most in your career?
Currently, I extensively use Kubernetes, Prometheus, Cilium, Calico, OpenSearch, Trivy, Kyverno, and Kubespray. Among the projects I’ve enjoyed most in my career, one of the most rewarding was building a private cloud using Kubernetes, which enabled me to modernize infrastructure and implement scalable, containerized solutions.
However, the project I find even more exciting is the one I’m working on today—focusing on the security monitoring of 5G networks. This role combines telecom and cloud native technologies, making it both a challenging and highly motivating transformation.
In addition to my technical work, I actively promote cloud native technologies within the organization and train colleagues across the group on effectively using Kubernetes.
How have the certs or CNCF helped you in your career?
CNCF certifications have played a pivotal role in my career, validating my expertise in Kubernetes and cloud native technologies and giving me the confidence to take on complex projects. Certifications such as CKA, CKAD, and CKS have enabled me to master Kubernetes administration, application development, and security.
Beyond strengthening my technical skills, these certifications have enhanced my professional credibility, allowing me to lead projects, mentor teams, and contribute to the cloud native community. They have also opened new opportunities within my organization, enabling me to take on strategic roles in cloud native adoption and transformation. Additionally, they have allowed me to share my knowledge by training colleagues and promoting best practices.
What are some other books/sites/courses you recommend for people who want to work with k8s?
If you’re looking to get started with Kubernetes, it’s essential to combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice. While Kubernetes may seem complex at first, the right resources can help you quickly build a strong foundation and expand your expertise.
Here are some excellent materials I recommend for anyone beginning their Kubernetes journey:
Books:
- Kubernetes Up & Running by Kelsey Hightower, Brendan Burns, and Joe Beda
- Kubernetes Security and Observability by Brendan Creane and Amit Gupta
Courses:
- Introduction to Kubernetes (LFS158) (free !!)
- Kubernetes and Cloud Native Essentials (LFS250)
- Kubernetes: Getting Started on Udemy
Sites:
- Kubernetes.io for official documentation and tutorials
- CNCF’s blog and resources for updates and best practices
- Medium.com to have different points of view and read interesting practical cases
These resources provide a comprehensive understanding of Kubernetes and its ecosystem. Remember, Kubernetes is a journey, and continuous learning is key to mastering it!
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy exploring emerging technologies, especially AI, as I’m always fascinated by how quickly the field evolves and its potential to transform industries. I’m also a big fan of automobiles, having owned several sporty cars over the years, and I love staying up to date with the latest innovations in the automotive world. On top of that, I’m a huge soccer enthusiast—whether it’s watching matches, debating the best players, or celebrating (sometimes way too loudly) when my favorite team scores. And if you catch me with headphones on, chances are I’m listening to French rap, especially Rohff (yes, yes, I really do know all 11 of his albums by heart), or vibing to the great classics of US rap, particularly West Coast legends like Tupac, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Warren G, and Nate Dogg. These passions not only keep life exciting and full of energy but also give me the perfect excuse to step back, recharge, and enjoy something completely different.
What would you tell someone who is just starting their K8s certification journey? Any tips or tricks?
If you’re just starting your Kubernetes certification journey, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Alongside my colleague Frédéric Klein, we’ve shared our experiences and tips in an article to help you navigate the process and set yourself up for success.
Whether you’re aiming for the CKA, CKAD, or any other CNCF certification, our advice is based on what worked for us—and what we wish we had known earlier. Here’s a quick summary of our top tips to get you started:
- Master the Basics – Before diving into advanced topics, ensure you understand Kubernetes core concepts like pods, deployments, and services.
- Practice, Practice, Practice – Use tools like Minikube, Kind, or cloud playgrounds to gain hands-on experience. Labs like Killer.sh are excellent for exam prep.
- Learn
kubectlInside Out – Get comfortable with commands and navigating the Kubernetes documentation—it’s essential for the exam. - Manage Your Time Wisely – During the exam, tackle easy questions first and return to harder ones later. Don’t get stuck!
- Engage with the Community – Join Kubernetes forums or Slack groups for tips, support, and motivation.
- Stay Calm and Confident – Trust your preparation, stay focused, and enjoy the process. The journey is just as valuable as the certification itself.
For more detailed insights and a full breakdown of our journey, check out the article we wrote together:
👉 The Road to Kubestronaut Status.
With consistent effort and hands-on practice, you’ll crush it!
Today the cloud native ecosystem is way more than Kubernetes. Do you plan to get other cloud native certifications from the CNCF?
Absolutely! The cloud native ecosystem has expanded far beyond Kubernetes, offering endless opportunities to explore. So far, I’ve earned five certifications—CKA, CKAD, CKS, KCNA, and KCSA—building a strong foundation in Kubernetes administration, development, security, and cloud-native fundamentals.
The next step? Advancing toward Golden Kubestronaut status by tackling the remaining CNCF certifications. With 14 in total, these certifications cover a broad range of topics—from observability (PCA, OTCA) and GitOps (CGOA) to service meshes (ICA) and tools like Cilium, Argo, and Backstage. They not only deepen expertise in cloud native solutions but also strengthen essential Linux skills through the LFCS.
It’s an exciting challenge, and I’m motivated to keep learning, growing, and staying ahead in this ever-evolving ecosystem!
What else would you like to share in this feature?
I want to emphasize just how exciting and rewarding my journey through the cloud native ecosystem has been so far. It’s not just about collecting certifications—it’s about diving into cutting-edge technologies, solving real-world challenges, and continuously learning in a field that evolves at lightning speed.
One of the biggest highlights for me has been the incredible community. The CNCF and Kubernetes communities are incredibly supportive, and being part of them has been a huge motivator. Whether it’s through Slack groups, knowledge sharing, or attending events like KubeCon, the collaborative spirit is what makes this ecosystem truly special.
For anyone considering certifications or exploring cloud native technologies, my advice is simple: just dive in. Don’t underestimate yourself or set limits on what you can achieve. It’s easy to think it’s too hard or too complicated, but with time, persistence, and hands-on practice, you’ll make progress. Take it step by step, stay consistent, and trust the process—it’s an amazing journey that opens up endless opportunities.
If you’d like to connect, exchange ideas, or ask questions, feel free to reach out to me via the CNCF Slack or on LinkedIn. I’d be happy to share my experience and help where I can. And who knows? Maybe we’ll cross paths at an event—or as fellow Kubestronauts someday!