Cloud computing is one of the world’s fastest-growing technology areas. The worldwide industry will develop dramatically as this technology has become widely adopted across businesses.
So how to become a cloud engineer? Which skills and knowledge should you prepare to get your foot in?
This article should be your place to start. For a comprehensive guide to the profession, let’s follow our post!
What Is a Cloud Engineer?
Cloud computing is the use of the internet to access services such as storage, software, databases, and analytics.
Various businesses and organizations now say that these services have improved employee performance and enabled them to innovate more.
These engineers are the IT experts in charge of assessing a company’s technological infrastructure and converting particular operations and procedures to a cloud-based platform.
The specialists assist with translating critical company applications and systems to personal, public, or hybrid platforms.
You can pursue different career paths, including:
- Cloud developer
- Data engineer
- Back-end/front-end developer
- Development operations engineer
- Full-Stack developer
- Solutions architect
- Security engineer
- SysOps administrator
What Does a Cloud Engineer Do?
Cloud engineers are responsible for multiple technical tasks associated with cloud computing. From developing the software to analyzing cloud systems, the engineers perform various job duties, such as:
- Planning, designing, and developing cloud-based applications and software
- Monitoring a computing system and fixing initiatives during the development phase
- Working with technical staff to find out and execute solutions
- Identifying and solving problems with cloud-based procedures
- Constructing and developing multiple web services in the platform
- Programming cloud-based operations and platforms within the system
- Relocating current system data to targeted software
- Catching up with current industry trends, new applications, and cloud-based issues
How To Become a Cloud Engineer
These engineers often start their careers with a four-year degree in computer science. The steps below highlight the basic steps for your career path.
1. Earn a degree
The engineers often start their careers with a four-year degree in computer science. The steps below highlight the basic steps for your career path.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology, or another relevant field is mandatory for most engineers to join the workforce.
The program you follow should focus on fundamental elements of software and systems infrastructure, computers, and other technical courses.
A bachelor’s degree in technology or technology-related field can also qualify you for your job as well as higher degrees.
2. Earn some certificates
You should be ready to get some relevant certificates to your intended position once you’ve finished the necessary schooling.
Your training and education may, in certain situations, directly qualify you to take and even pass specific certifications.
Many of the courses, for example, use the AWS Academy syllabus to help learners prepare for AWS tests.
Additionally, if you know you want to get a specific certification, taking classes that provide hands-on expertise closely tied to that test might be beneficial.
Some programs also provide extra test preparation, such as sample examinations or discounts for learners.
3. Develop your skills
Hard skills and soft skills are both crucial for helping the specialists advance their professions.
Hard skills
You’ll work with interdisciplinary teams, including software, architecture, and operations.
When it comes to acquiring technical abilities, you have many tasks to deal with. It would be best to try them all since they are essential.
- Linux OS
The first and most important thing is to familiarize yourself with the Linux system. A basic understanding of Linux will help you with your duties.
Linux may be as easy as running a virtual machine with VirtualBox or constructing a virtual machine.
Installing various applications, doing load analysis, installing programs, and even updating them are some of the most sophisticated operations.
- Programming skills
While studying this major, having solid programming skills is crucial. There are some languages in which you must be fluent, such as:
- ASP.NET
- SQL
- Python
- Golang
- PHP
- Networking
A thorough understanding of how the internet operates and networking is vital as it depends on providing centralized computer resources.
Engineers have to focus on network management, such as developing networks in response to user demands by automating procedure modifications.
- Containerization and DevOps
One of the most common cloud platforms is DevOps, which combines development and administration.
Containerization in the cloud-based system refers to the abstraction of programs from one another. It makes the implementation of applications a breeze.
- Security
One of the most complicated subdomains is cloud security, which involves crucial procedures to be undertaken in the event of a data breach or crisis recovery.
This skill necessitates excellent cybersecurity and cloud expertise since any downtime of resources may lead to significant damages and service failure.
- Web services
For the installation of internet-based apps, cloud infrastructure mainly relies on web services and APIs.
The engineers use XML, WSDL, SOAP, and other standards to send and describe data and identify services available.
Soft skills
Nothing beats the combination of hard and soft skills for a career boost. The best thing is that these soft skills may help you in your profession and personal life.
- Communication
Communication is, without a doubt, the most crucial skill you’ll need. The skill is a part of your job because you work in a team of IT experts and other stakeholders.
Your teammates will not only seek your guidance, but you will also represent your jobs as the project progresses.
- Project management
At some time, you’ll have to start handling projects. The sooner you work in this position, the faster you can advance up the career ladder.
Project management, on the other hand, is easier said than done. This critical soft skill demands a great deal of preparation, monitoring, and strategic planning.
Taking ultimate responsibility for a part of the work and starting with the simplest duties may also aid in the progressive development of this skill.
- Problem-solving
You will deal with new challenges, requiring the development of superior problem-solving skills.
But, most significantly, your unique combination of problem-solving and communication skills will provide you with a competitive advantage.
Problem-solving skills start with defining the issue, which involves asking the relevant questions.
You can solve problems quickly while also presenting solutions to your stakeholders.
- Adaptability
You may already be aware that your major is a rapidly changing sector. Your current technology knowledge may become obsolete tomorrow.
You should be able to rapidly update yourself whenever new trends arise and affect your project progression.
4. Look for job opportunities
You might be able to get an entry-level job if you have a bachelor’s degree in a technology field, such as computer science.
Many specialists begin their careers in IT professions that integrate cloud principles. Systems engineer, DevOps engineer, network engineer, and database administrator are examples of these positions.
After that, you may work as a cloud engineer or admin. Then, you can advance to more specialized positions such as an architect.
5. Advance your skills
There are two ways to advance your skills: gain as much hands-on experience as possible and earn a higher degree.
You must earn experience in your field to assist you in developing a portfolio that you can promote. You’ll also work on things necessary for your job.
Hands-on experience will also be essential for knowing how to use your skills and knowledge in a work context.
A master’s degree in a technical discipline can also help you find more career choices thanks to the increased level of schooling.
Consider pursuing a doctorate in a specialized subject that complements your experience and allows you to learn more in-depth field sectors.
A master’s degree in systems engineering or software engineering, for example, can help you develop more of these technical skills.
Career Opportunities for Cloud Engineers
Technology is undoubtedly a promising career. Although the cloud platform is quite new compared to other majors of the field, it stays among the fastest-growing sector.
Many students choose this subject because of the high salary and increasing demand. These factors make finding a job much easier.
Salary
Those engineers may expect to earn a good living with a national average income of $126,282 per year. However, the typical wage varies based on where you work and how long you’ve worked in the field.
For example, an employee with a master’s degree and a few years of experience may earn more than a new graduate with a four-year degree and is starting in their career.
Demand
This job is in high demand owing to the fact that many companies are shifting their business activities to the internet. Due to the rising need, cloud development was the most in-demand expertise in 2023.
The development skills are equally easy or difficult to master in most circumstances as the matching on-premise software platform. There is a substantial correlation between the two in many instances.
The widening gap between the availability of skilled engineers and the increasing business adoption of networking management is pushing resource demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions you may wonder about when pursuing this career path. Let’s check carefully.
1. What skills do cloud engineers need to be successful?
The engineers must have a comprehensive set of technical skills to use in their profession.
The ability to design and code processes into cloud-based services is one of the main skill sets required for this job.
To solve technological difficulties, you’ll also need problem-solving abilities and critical and creative thinking to develop software and services.
Communication, cooperation, and leadership abilities are equally essential in your career.
2. What’s the working environment like for a cloud engineer?
You mainly work for full-time positions and spend most of your time in the office on technical software.
Sometimes, your managers ask you to work overtime, especially when you join a large project and there are many deadlines to deal with.
To prepare for the job, you should be comfortable sitting in front of the desktop and working on your computer for hours.
3. Does a cloud engineer need coding?
You don’t have to be a coder to apply for this position. However, a coding background helps you create, host, and administer computing apps more easily.
4. Which cloud is easiest to learn?
In this sector, AWS Certifications are the most searched. When compared to other platforms, AWS skills are in higher demand.
If you have background knowledge in the field, AWS is easier to learn because more learning resources (eBooks, blogs, and video tutorials) are available online.
5. Where can I study cloud engineering?
There are several excellent learning materials available for pursuing this career path. Here are some of the top sites to improve your skills and knowledge:
- Coursera
- Udemy
- Amazon Web Services
- Edx.org
- LinkedIn Learning
- Linux Academy
- Cybrary
6. Is cloud easy to learn?
It is greatly dependent on your current level of understanding. It must not be hard for you to study this subject if you have some basic knowledge of computing or IT.
However, if you are unfamiliar with the field, you may find it tough to start with and strengthen your knowledge.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in cloud engineering, the methods listed above can assist you in developing the necessary skills. Then, you will find it easier to start your career and climb up your career ladder.
Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. If you need any further information, please feel free to ask. Thank you for stopping by!