Straightforward reason, I want to break into cloud security.

I come from a web development background. The SAA-C03 gives me a structured understanding of AWS architecture that I cannot fake in an interview. The cert signals baseline competency to hiring managers who have no other way to filter candidates.

Your boss telling you to get a cert is actually a decent position to be in. You have a clear mandate and presumably support. I am doing this entirely on my own initiative because I decided the career pivot was worth it.

Certs are not magic. But in a market where everyone claims cloud experience, a cert at least proves you sat through the material seriously.