The shift to cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses operate, providing them with the flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness they need to stay competitive in today’s digital world. As a result, cloud computing has become an essential part of the tech industry, and it’s a field that’s constantly evolving and expanding. From cloud architects to DevOps engineers, there are a variety of roles available in cloud computing, each with its own unique set of skills and responsibilities.
In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of cloud computing and the different career paths you can take in this field. We’ll also discuss the skills and certifications you’ll need to succeed in cloud computing and provide tips on how to get started in this exciting and high-growth industry. Whether you’re a recent graduate, an experienced IT professional, or someone looking to switch careers, this blog will provide you with the information you need to make a successful career in cloud computing in 2022 and beyond. So, let’s dive in!
Building a Career in Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is an ever-growing field with a lot of potential career opportunities. Here are some steps you can take to make a career in cloud computing:
- Develop your skills: Start by learning the basics of cloud computing, including the different types of cloud computing services, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Learn about the most popular cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Familiarize yourself with cloud technologies such as virtualization, containers, and automation.
- Get certified: Certification is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in cloud computing. Consider pursuing certifications in one or more cloud platforms, such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or Google Cloud Certified – Professional Cloud Architect.
- Gain practical experience: Look for opportunities to gain practical experience working with cloud technologies. This could be through internships, entry-level jobs, or personal projects. Hands-on experience will help you develop your skills and give you a better understanding of how cloud computing works in practice.
- Network with professionals: Attend industry conferences, meetups, and online forums to network with professionals in the cloud computing field. This can help you learn about job opportunities and make connections that could lead to future job opportunities.
- Stay up-to-date: Cloud computing is a rapidly evolving field, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and trends. Subscribe to industry publications, blogs, and newsletters, and continue to learn and develop your skills over time.
- Specialize in a niche: Cloud computing is a broad field, and there are many different areas you can specialize in. Consider focusing on a niche area such as security, networking, or data management within cloud computing. Specializing in a specific area can help you stand out from other candidates and increase your value to potential employers.
- Build a portfolio: As you gain practical experience with cloud technologies, build a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your skills and expertise. This could include personal projects, open-source contributions, or work you’ve done for clients or employers. A portfolio can be a valuable asset when applying for jobs and can help you showcase your abilities to potential employers.
- Develop soft skills: In addition to technical skills, it’s important to develop soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are highly valued by employers and can help you succeed in your career. Look for opportunities to practice and develop these skills, such as through group projects or volunteering.
- Consider advanced education: While it’s not always necessary to have a degree in cloud computing or a related field to work in this area, advanced education can be helpful. Consider pursuing a degree or advanced certification in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or data science.
- Look for job opportunities: Finally, start looking for job opportunities in cloud computing. There are many different types of jobs in this field, including cloud architects, cloud engineers, cloud developers, and cloud administrators. Look for job postings on job boards, company websites, and professional networking sites such as LinkedIn. You can also reach out to recruiters or staffing agencies that specialize in cloud computing.
Necessary Skills
The skills required for cloud computing are the same regardless of your career stage. You will need a strong foundation in the following areas:
- Languages for programming Java, JavaScript, and Python are examples of specific languages.
- Database administration and programming Those who are familiar with SQL, NoSQL, and Linux will be at an advantage.
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning These two technologies improve business agility and efficiency by processing and analyzing patterns, generating insights from that data, and enabling faster, more accurate decision-making.
- Understanding of cloud technologies and providers, as well as prior experience with them. AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, and Oracle are among these vendors.
You must be curious, analytical, and willing to stay on top of rapidly changing user needs, as with any IT specialty.
Average Salary
Talking about Salary, cloud computing is a rapidly expanding IT field in desperate need of skilled professionals. Grand View Research published a study of emerging trends in the cloud computing space in February 2022. According to the study, the cloud computing market is worth $368.97 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow to $483.98 billion in 2022. The report forecasts a staggering $1.6 trillion in revenue across the entire cloud sector by 2030, with banking, financial services, and insurance accounting for more than half of the market, as well as IT and telecom services, retail, and consumer goods.
Let us now jump on the resources through which you can start your career.
Ways to Build a career in Cloud Computing
It’s time to look for a job where you can put those skills to use. Here are some pointers to get you started:
1. Get a computer science or IT degree
To begin, it is critical to understand that many companies do not require higher education. You have a good chance of being hired if you can demonstrate that you understand and can fulfil the job requirements. If you have no prior IT experience, however, a formal program can provide you with a solid foundation on which to build skills and specialized knowledge. Having a degree on your resume also demonstrates to employers that you have that foundation and can commit to long-term projects.
2. Get additional training
If a college degree isn’t for you, or if you already work in IT and want to transition into a cloud-focused career, there are countless options for continuing education and training available online, including individual classes and multipart certification courses. These courses demonstrate to prospective employers – or current ones, if you’re looking to move into a different position within your company – that you are dedicated to your craft and willing to keep up with the ever-changing technological landscape.
3. Get certified
Amazon, Microsoft, and Google all have certification programs that teach you the knowledge and skills required for a wide range of cloud technologies. Obtaining cloud certifications allows you to demonstrate to employers and clients that you understand the requirements of cloud computing and have the knowledge and skills to meet them. It may even result in a pay raise.
4. Get hands-on experience
Nothing beats practical experience, whether you go through a formal four-year college program or take just one or two classes. If you’re just getting started, create an account with a cloud server, such as AWS or Azure; and experiment to get a good understanding of the technology. If you already work in IT, see if you can participate in more cloud-based projects to hone your existing cloud computing skills and develop new ones.
5. Build your portfolio
Create a website to serve as your portfolio once you’ve completed a few projects; even if they were just for fun and not for paying clients. It should contain links to your various cloud projects as well as a synopsis of your education and experience. If you have client testimonials, make sure to include them.
6. Gather good references
Be selective when compiling your references. If you’re just getting started; consider bringing in one or two computer science or information technology professors who are familiar with your work. Include former employers, coworkers, and clients who will speak positively about your work if you have more experience.
7. Network
Whether you’re actively looking for work or just keeping an eye out for opportunities, networking is the best way to find it. Attend trade shows and conferences, particularly those centered on cloud computing and featuring the companies you’re most interested in. Inform others in your professional network that you are considering changing careers; ask if they will keep you in mind if a suitable opening becomes available.
Top Cloud Computing Jobs 2022
We will now look at some of the top 10 cloud computing jobs you can apply for
1. Cloud Engineer
A cloud engineer essentially builds and maintains cloud infrastructure, develops cloud solutions for clients, develops codes for the cloud, and handles cloud networks. In addition, a cloud engineer is responsible for analyzing a company’s existing cloud functions and providing services such as maintenance, management of the cloud, and security. They are also responsible for transferring computer systems to the cloud and also monitor and manage the network. At the beginning of their career, a cloud engineer can earn up to INR 4-5 Lakhs per year.
A cloud engineer should possess good communication and analytical skills and should be able to collaborate well with other team members to brainstorm optimum cloud solutions. They should be able to figure out the best practices suited for maintaining and developing cloud solutions.
2. Data Engineer
Data Engineers handle raw data and are responsible for analyzing the data to extract useful information such as trend details and market insights. They make data accessible to the organizations and are also in charge of testing systems that can extract raw data and make them readable.
A data engineer at the entry-level can expect an annual pay of INR 4 lakhs onwards. Data engineers must make sure of the reliability of the data and implement methods to bolster its quality and reliability. They must construct datasets that are reliable and meet the company’s requirements.
3. Back End Developer
Back-end developers play extremely important roles in software development as they are responsible for writing code that defines the function of applications. Back end developers should be familiar with programming languages that they will use for building applications from the server-side. The average annual salary for a beginner in back-end development is about INR 5-6 Lakhs.
Once they build a website application, a back-end developer is also responsible for maintaining it and troubleshooting any problems that the application might run into on the server-side. They should also be aware of new trends and technologies and adapt to them to provide the best services for back-end development.
4. Development Operations Engineer (DevOps)
DevOps engineers play a crucial role in a company as they are extremely knowledgeable about cloud platforms. They are responsible for various duties, such as releasing new features for products, ensuring the stability of existing features, and writing and enforcing codes.
They also maintain the product’s quality and test new codes and software. The average starting salary of a Development Operations Engineer is about INR 5-6 lakhs per year.
5. Front End Developer
A front-end developer works on the user interface of websites and is responsible for designing and maintaining websites and website applications. Their main responsibility is to make sure that the web application is user-friendly, smooth, and runs without faults.
A person beginning their career in front-end development can expect a salary of up to INR 3 Lakh per year.
6. Full-Stack Developer
A full-stack developer works on both front-end software development (client-side) and back-end software development (server-side). These professionals use programming languages to develop smooth and presentable web applications.
A full-stack developer has a wide skill set that enables them to build web applications. The starting salary of a full stack developer at the entry-level is about INR 3-4 Lakhs per year.
A full-stack developer must constantly stay aware of new coding languages and train themselves in them. Full-stack developers are also expected to stay in the loop about the newest methods and tools.
7. Cloud Architect
A cloud architect is responsible for creating adoption plans and overseeing the adaption process of cloud computing in a company.
Their main goals are to take care of the company’s cloud computing strategy and monitor and manage cloud systems as necessary. The entry-level salary for a cloud architect is about INR 4-5 lakhs per year.
They are responsible for creating and managing cloud-based systems and regularly examining cloud apps, hardware, and software. They are also responsible for working with IT security professionals to ensure the safety of these cloud-based systems.
8. Cloud Security Analyst
As the name suggests, a cloud security analyst is responsible for a cloud environment’s security processes and policies. They are also responsible for developing an architecture that ensures the safety of the cloud and developing solutions for cloud environment problems.
In addition, they are responsible for risk assessment and laying down security procedures for their company’s cloud environment. The entry-level salary for a cloud security analyst is around INR 1-2 Lakhs per year.
A cloud security analyst must have the ability to solve problems continually. Furthermore, they must be able to collaborate with members from other teams to help troubleshoot issues that could affect the cloud environment.
9. Software Engineer
A software engineer’s main duty is to develop, test, and maintain computer software following scientific methods and principles.
They have a wide knowledge of programming languages and software engineering principles that aids them in developing software. The starting salary for a beginner in software engineering is about INR 5-6 Lakhs per year.
A good software engineer must have a vast knowledge of algorithms and data structures. They should also be able to analyze problems and provide working solutions. Knowing how to work with a team constructively is an important skill to have.
10. System Engineer
A system engineer’s main responsibility is to ensure the smooth running of the systems and the infrastructure. They must manage and monitor these systems by installing operating system management tools.
If they come across a certain problem, they should also be able to troubleshoot the problem and ensure the smooth running of the system. An entry-level system engineer is paid around INR. 4-5 lakhs per year.
They must work to increase system efficiency and develop possible solutions to help maintain the system infrastructure. They are expected to discuss these fixes with other developers and implement them. For this reason, a system engineer should be able to collaborate with team members effectively.
Conclusion
A single qualification can drastically alter your life. It has the potential to create new opportunities. It is up to you, however, to seize and capitalize on such opportunities. And, in an increasingly cloud-based world, you can’t really expect someone else to handle all the details you don’t understand. Specialization and collaboration are essential, but you must also be able to understand in-depth on your own. So, hurry up and start preparing now!
