6 ways to start a career in Cloud Computing

Cloud technology famously enables businesses of all sizes to access data and software remotely from any device and at any time. Popular examples of how we are seamlessly sharing vast quantities of data from any device are the likes of Google Docs, Dropbox, and almost every social media platform. This has become the standard expectation in both our home and work life. 

94% of enterprise businesses are already using cloud services which is causing a high demand for cloud-enabled engineers. As the cloud has become one of the fastest-growing industries in technology, it has never been a better time to start working towards a career in cloud or developing your existing skill set.  

The global demand for professionally certified engineers who are confident in the implementation, maintenance, and development of the cloud is creating many opportunities and lucrative salaries for anyone wanting to future-proof their career in tech. But one of the most frequent questions we get from people looking for a career in cloud computing is, what skills should I learn to become a cloud engineer? 

Below, we have listed 6 tips that will help you land a career in cloud. 

 

1. Obtain an ITIL 4 Certification

The global cloud infrastructure market is $150+ billion, and there is an international skills shortage of certified professionals. With the average UK cloud engineer salary being more than £69,000, it’s easy to see why a career working in the cloud is becoming increasingly attractive. But these opportunities are not just available to existing IT professionals. So, it’s time to stop making excuses and explore the limitless opportunities in front of you. 

If you are looking to enter the world of IT and have no technical experience, we’d suggest familiarising yourself with the language and terminology that everyone is using. ITIL® 4, which stands for IT Infrastructure Library, will help you understand the crucial alignment of IT and business strategies across an organisation.  

The universal service management framework ensures that everyone speaks the same language in IT. For these reasons alone, ITIL certification should be considered a must for anyone working in a corporate IT environment. It would be beneficial to leap into the cloud only when you fully understand how the framework integrates with Agile DevOps and supports digital transformation. 

 

2. Learn About the Top 3 Cloud Providers

When you have a basic understanding of the ITIL® framework, you are ready to learn cloud computing. Your next step should be to build your knowledge of the top 3 cloud platforms and understand their differences. 

Amazon Web Services

The first is Amazon Web Services (AWS) and, the good news for anyone searching for entry-level cloud computing jobs, the demand for cloud skills in AWS is currently outpacing the supply. Therefore, our AWS Cloud training is an ideal starting point to prepare anyone for the cloud job market as an Amazon Web Services (AWS) specialist. 

For many, the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification is an ideal starting point among many different available options. Still, if you are looking for the best training for an AWS solutions architect certification or want to browse through the many AWS training courses, our available online courses will help kickstart your career in cloud computing. There is a wealth of AWS certification training videos, books, AWS training labs, and exam guides within our learning management system which will prepare you for your career. 

Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure, or Azure as it’s more commonly referred to, is another popular cloud computing service. Azure adoption has been increasing in enterprises that have traditionally trusted all things Microsoft. It has also been the preferred option for hybrid deployments. But, most notably for decision-makers, it integrates easily with the many Microsoft solutions businesses have already worked with for many years. Our Microsoft Cloud training will help you enter the cloud job market as an Azure specialist, including specialist training in Microsoft Azure’s fundamentals. 

Google Cloud

When embarking on a career in cloud computing, many overlook Google Cloud. But specialising in a Google Cloud career and working towards a Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect qualification could lead you to an attractive six-figure salary of your dreams. In addition, Google’s Cloud certification training could put you on your way to being a fully-fledged ‘Googler’. 

 

3. Unlock Multi-Cloud Opportunities

An inconvenient truth is that there isn’t a cloud provider that is invincible or can promise 100% availability. However, business continuity and resilience are now top of the agenda in boardrooms, and many leaders do not want to risk having all their eggs in one basket. As a result, analysts predict that Multi-Cloud Infrastructure is the future of enterprise IT. 

Many businesses are now operating in multi-cloud architecture environments where they are utilising two or more public clouds and private clouds. The rise of multi-cloud environments eliminates the reliance on any single cloud provider, so candidates with multi-cloud skills are becoming highly desirable meaning you shouldn’t lock yourself into one area of cloud expertise. 

Learning the different cloud options as a single toolset – and then progressing to building ‘multi-cloud’ solutions, will give you a unique perspective and greater understanding of the entire landscape. Ultimately, diversifying your cloud experiences will set you apart from the crowd and help illuminate your career in cloud computing.

Building a portfolio will showcase your skills to your potential employers and give them an insight into how you will fit into their team. When building your knowledge, you can also use your portfolio/website to teach others everything you have learned. 

By building your own projects in your time, you can demonstrate to the world that you can take what you have learned and put it into practice. You can also share your perspective and prove you are a team player by helping others pass their certification exam by networking and answering questions from other students at the beginning of their cloud journey. 

Depending on your strengths, there are many ways you can demonstrate this with how-to guides and tutorials such as sharing videos, writing blog posts, or making a guest appearance on a podcast.  

 

5. Learn Cloud Computing by ‘Doing’ Cloud

One of the biggest obstacles to entering a new career in cloud computing will be a lack of experience. Thankfully, there are multiple ways of impressing a prospective employer by demonstrating how you apply your new skills and prove that you are ready. 

One of the best ways of showcasing your talents is by implementing everything you learn. Freelance work on Fiverr and Upwork, or even offering others your help for free, will help give you invaluable hands-on experience on a wide range of cloud practices. In addition, by increasing your familiarity with multiple cloud environments, you will gain the experience needed to stand out in job applications and can provide real-world examples of how you have solved problems. 

Do not underestimate the value of learning your trade inside Sandbox or lab environments. One effective way of highlighting your hands-on experience is through a series of hobby projects. It showcases your passion and understanding of the cloud and dedication towards continuous learning so remember to always share your experiences in your portfolio. 

 

6. Stay Ahead By Monitoring Cloud Trends

[Text Wrapping Break]The world of cloud technology moves at breakneck speed and there are continuous changes around regulation, so keeping up with the latest developments and innovations is essential.. News aggregator applications such as Feedly and Flipboard allow you to tune into multiple news sources and increase your knowledge about the latest trends. 

We would also recommend actively attending industry conferences or tech events in your region. If you are more of an introvert or don’t have the time to attend,  an increasing number of conferences now make keynote speeches available online so you can attend remotely. You can also register for Learning People Virtual Seminars that frequently provide information on cloud, cyber, and all things in the tech industry.[Text Wrapping Break] 

 

Start Your Career in Cloud Computing

These are just 6 ways to get into a career in cloud, but there are many paths you can choose.  

If you still have more questions, please get in touch with our team of cloud and IT career consultant specialists who will be able to guide you on the best path for you and your unique career journey in tech.