How To (Kick)Start Career In Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is at the forefront of one of the most challenging and rapidly growing careers in the field of information technology (IT) today. Read on to learn more about a career in this field
Introduction To A Career In Cloud Computing
Cloud computing careers are one of the most rapidly growing careers in Information Technology (IT) today. Cloud computing is already being utilised by 90% of companies worldwide. By the end of 2021, roughly $332 billion had been spent on public cloud computing by worldwide end-users. Further, most businesses spend more than one-third of their IT budgets on cloud services. Thus, cloud computing will undoubtedly be here to stay. As the cloud computing workforce grows, companies will need more highly qualified individuals, which should make you interested in careers in cloud computing.
It will likely come as no surprise to you that there is an unmet need for cloud computing skills in the job market. But how can you achieve success in this field? From architect and developer positions to data scientists and security analysts, a cloud computing career path comes in all shapes and sizes. After analysing your experience, interests, goals, and market conditions, you can figure out the best way forward.
Cloud Computing: What is it?
Cloud computing refers to the idea of a computer service that can be accessed on-demand over the internet rather than being stored on a physical server. Many types of computer services are included in this category, such as computer programs, data stores and applications. As a result of cloud computing, users can remotely access unlimited data storage and software from any location as long as they have an internet connection without having to invest in expensive hardware for every office they operate.
In addition to the cloud computing services you might be familiar with or have used in the past, there are some examples of social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Dropbox. This is because the internet allows users to access and share an infinite amount of data with various other users via these platforms.
Cloud Computing Engineer: What do they do?
An engineer is responsible for providing day-to-day technical support to an organisation using cloud computing and for developing, implementing, and maintaining the software infrastructure of the cloud as a whole. In addition, a Cloud Computing Engineer also performs various duties, such as resolving any potential issues with the cloud solution software and installing and operating the cloud solution software. As a Cloud Engineer, you would be more focused on the technology side of the business and less involved in the business requirements.
What is the role of a Cloud Architect?
There are some differences in the duties of a Cloud Architect and a Cloud Computing Engineer. A Cloud Architect is more interested in the plans and objectives of an organisation and works with them to develop a new cloud strategy that meets the business and technical requirements. As a Cloud Architect, one of your primary responsibilities is optimising cloud designs and developing working solutions to business problems.
Why should you consider a career in cloud computing?
Businesses are becoming increasingly interested in cloud computing, which has proved to be particularly useful for large companies with global operations. Cloud-based service allows complex businesses to access their software and data anytime, anywhere. Cost-effective solutions that meet the needs of a business are provided in this way. There are many options available to companies; for instance, they can opt for a public cloud system with the necessary hardware and software or a private cloud with on-premise hardware and software with higher security requirements.
In terms of large organisations, it is estimated that 96% of them employ at least one form of cloud computing in their operations, and 81% have committed to a multi-cloud strategy. As more companies recognise the true potential of cloud computing in business success and scalability, these figures may rise in the years to come.
There has been a massive increase in the demand for cloud computing careers in India and cloud computing professionals to develop and maintain these systems alongside the significant adoption of cloud computing prerequisites and cloud technology within business operations. As a result, a training course in cloud computing provides you with a highly sought-after skill set and knowledge base, making you a highly sought-after candidate for employers looking to modernise their organisations globally.
What skills do you need to pursue a career in cloud computing?
- Knowledge of relevant scripting languages, including but not limited to .NET, J2EE, Python & SQL
- Extensive knowledge of cloud platforms, such as Amazon Web Services, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Terraform, and Ansible
- The ability to handle data and interact with databases is a must
- Ability to manage projects, which includes managing risks and reviewing service agreements
- Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing
- An ability to adapt and be eager to take on new challenges.
There are limitless career opportunities in the cloud computing industry, with impressive career prospects. In general, cloud technology is being used by many industries, from global banks to military organisations, hospitals, to automobile manufacturers. The Cloud Computing sector also offers niche roles to a range of people, such as Architects, Developers, Data Scientists, Cloud Security Engineers and many more.
Working in any of these roles or industries will allow you to excel in a fast-paced environment, take advantage of endless learning opportunities, and work on ground-breaking projects in a constantly changing environment.
How can you become certified in Cloud computing?
To demonstrate your knowledge and prepare for a successful career, you should validate your cloud training and become a certified cloud computing professional. When it comes to cloud certifications, there are no ‘right’ answers as it depends on your skill set, your career path, and your experience level. There are many types of cloud certifications, but these are a few of the most valuable:
- As an excellent starting point for people new to cloud computing, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification provides a solid foundation in one of the most popular cloud platforms. The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification course offered through FDM is in collaboration with AWS re/Start, including real-world scenario learning and practice exams
- Certifications in CompTIA Cloud consolidate your knowledge and skills in Cloud Infrastructure and provide great value for beginners
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP): CCSP certifications are designed specifically for people seeking careers in Cloud Security and demonstrating their skills and knowledge in compliance
- Google Cloud Certification: Earning this certification will allow you to become a Certified Cloud Architect, covering Cloud Architect, Infrastructure and Security topics.
Cloud computing prerequisites
1. Learn about cloud technology & platforms
Building a cloud computing career requires you to complete this step. Cloud technologies and platforms are an important part of the learning process. To understand technology, one needs to know how the technology serves the needs of the organisation. Cloud services can provide many benefits to any organisation that employs them, including reducing IT costs, a flexible approach to implementing remote work practices, scalability, and many more. Using Cloud Technology, data can also be managed and handled more efficiently with various advanced security features. Multiple platforms provide cloud services, including Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and many others.
2. Understanding the fundamentals of cloud computing
Having already discussed the topic of cloud computing, it is now time for us to look at cloud computing basics and how you can use them to your advantage. With a thorough understanding of this, you can create for yourself the best chance at a successful career path in Cloud Computing that will lead you to your career goals. You will understand several topic areas, including the formation and architecture of clouds, implementation models for cloud services, deployment models for cloud computing, and virtualisation, for example. The first thing that should be done while studying cloud computing is to look at different categories, such as platform as a service (PaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), software as a service (SaaS) and function as a service (FaaS), and analyse the main factors that make cloud computing up.
3. Develop the other skills you need to succeed
It is imperative to develop several cloud computing prerequisite skills to master Cloud Computing, as it is an extremely broad field of knowledge. If you want to excel in cloud technologies without paying attention to these aspects, the needs are as follows: Knowledge of centralised computing resources or knowledge of many programming languages, for example, XML, R Language, SQL, Python, etc. In addition, if you want to build cloud architecture, you will need knowledge of Web Services and API development. As well as database management skills, operating systems skills, machine learning skills, etc., several other skills can be considered for this position.
4. Achieve relevant certifications by earning them
Undoubtedly, cloud computing certifications represent one of the most important facets of any career. They allow you to establish credibility in the field, allowing you to obtain an edge over your competitors. It is important to note that several vendors offer cloud certification programs, including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, etc. If you are interested in this certification, you can choose according to your initial field of interest in cloud technology or only the certification that relates to your area of interest. Moreover, listing these certifications in your resume will allow you to stand out against other candidates who are also seeking similar jobs, and you will have the chance to secure a job in cloud computing early in your career.
5. Activate the practical implementation of the strategy
There is no better way to learn something than by doing it! All the theories and concepts you’ve learned in the classroom should be applied practically to gain greater exposure and competency. To better understand our recommendations, it would be productive to work on acquiring hands-on experience with several different cloud practices such as Server Management, Cloud Monitoring, Application Migration, etc. Apart from taking on some minor projects, you may also want to take on some other projects if you wish to gain general experience with the technology.
6. Consider getting some advanced training
Having completed the basic learning modules, now would be the right time to move on to some more advanced modules to accelerate learning. To become more proficient with the technology, you have to learn more about the specific field to become more knowledgeable about it. You will have to cover several advanced topics related to Cloud Computing to enhance your skills, including Cloud Cryptography, Edge Computing, Cloud Scalability, Load Balancing, and many others. Several Training Programs, Online Resources, Books, etc., are available to help you learn effectively and get started in the Cloud. Additionally, to better understand Cloud Computing and career opportunities, we recommend you read several journals and research papers on the same.
7. Keep your eyes open for job opportunities
Now that that’s out of the way, what are you waiting for? After following all of these strategies, all you need to do to begin the battle is jump into it after implementing all the measures listed above. You can contact the companies you have selected via their official websites or career portals once you have shortlisted a few. If you are interested in applying for a job or scheduling an interview, you should be certain that you fit all the requirements and possess all the necessary skills for the job description before submitting your resume. Many large companies are recruiting professionals with a standard salary package and other benefits for cloud computing, such as IBM, SAP, Microsoft, Oracle, etc.
Conclusion
You can start your career as a cloud computing specialist today! After completing this learning path, you’ll have insight into what your next steps should be and guidance as to which Cloud Academy is the learning path you should pursue next. With cloud computing, IT professionals have some opportunities to leverage their existing expertise while also embracing cloud-based technologies.
Likewise, there is no doubt that the cloud computing career is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world and that there is no stopping it anytime soon, making it one of the best career options you can choose. As a result, as long as you follow the roadmap above, you can quickly start your journey to becoming a Cloud Computing expert and open the door to fruitful cloud computing career opportunities. If you’re a cloud enthusiast and wish to build a successful career in this ever-growing sector, check our career leap-assured Postgraduate Certificate Program In Cloud Computing that can help you become a complete Cloud Professional.
