The introduction of cloud computing has replaced the traditional methods of storing and managing resources on-premise. Using the cloud, businesses are able to manage resources effortlessly whilst saving expensive operational costs. As a result, cloud computing skills are significantly increasing and the demand for these designations is high. If you are looking to start a career in the cloud, this is the best time to start.
What is Cloud Computing?
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Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services over the Internet, such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence, in order to provide faster innovation, more flexible resources, and economies of scale. It is an unstoppable trend in IT that everyone recognizes and a good career choice. Cloud computing is highly in demand because of the following reasons:
- Cloud boosts speed and agility.
- It is cost-effective.
- Highly innovative.
- Enables application resiliency.
Why Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing offers many benefits for businesses and individuals. These include:
- On-demand resources: Access computing power, storage, and applications as needed, without upfront investment.
- Scalability: Easily adjust resources up or down to meet changing demands.
- Cost-efficiency:Pay only for what you use, eliminating the burden of maintaining physical infrastructure.
- Flexibility: Work from anywhere, on any device with an internet connection.
Cloud Computing Roles and Salary
Cloud Role | Avg. Salary | Education Required |
Cloud Engineer | $115,000 - $184,000 | Bachelor's in Computer Science, Engineering, or similar + Cloud certifications |
Cloud Developer | $95,000 - $140,000 | Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field + Programming skills |
Cloud Architect | $130,000 - $200,000 | Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field + Extensive cloud experience + Cloud certifications |
Cloud Administrator | $59,000 - $88,000 | Associate's degree or relevant IT experience + Cloud certifications |
Cloud Security Analyst | $85,000 - $120,000 | Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field + Cybersecurity knowledge + Cloud security certifications |
Source: Glassdoor
Most in-demand Cloud Skills
The cloud computing industry is rapidly advancing, and people are on the lookout on how to get a job in cloud computing, but some skills remain consistently hot. Here's what's in high demand:
- Cloud platform expertise: Deep understanding of major providers like AWS, Azure, and GCP.
- Infrastructure & Automation: Skills in provisioning, managing, and automating cloud resources.
- Security: Cloud security architecture, threat detection, and compliance knowledge.
- DevOps practices: Ability to bridge development and operations for efficient cloud deployments.
- Programming languages: Proficiency in languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript for cloud development.
Mastering these skills will position you well for a successful cloud career.
How to Get into Cloud Computing as a Fresher?
| Steps to Start a Cloud Career | |
| Step 1 | Select Right Cloud Computing Course |
| Step 2 | Get Certification |
| Step 3 | Build Projects |
| Step 4 | Creating Cloud Portfolio |
| Step 5 | Go for Internships/Freelance Work |
| Step 6 | Expand your Reach |
Step 1 - Select Right Cloud Computing Course
Choosing the right cloud computing course is the first step to unlocking how to start a career in cloud computing. An entry-level course may help one get a beginner’s feel of cloud computing. Fundamentals training can help you determine whether the industry is truly suited to your personality and skill set and provide a clearer picture of the various specialties available (i.e. cloud engineering, DevOps, data science, etc.). Most "entry-level" Cloud Computing jobs require years of prior experience, making entry into the field difficult. However, taking Cloud Computing courses with placement will help you earn you a certification and assure a guaranteed job.
Step 2 - Get Certification
Cloud computing professionals are typically certified by a reputable cloud provider. After you've laid the groundwork, it's time to think about potential areas of specialization. Investigate potential (and verified) certification providers to find the best available certificates for your goals and interests.
The top certification provides are:
1. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS is one leading cloud service provider with more than 200 services. AWS cloud certification aims for learners to gain credibility and confidence by validating their cloud expertise with an industry-recognized credential. As AWS cloud certification is a top leader in the list of cloud service providers, careers in AWS are plentiful. Most of the time, the demand for the skills outpaces the supply. It takes about 120 hours or 3 months in order for one to get an AWS certification.
The certification comes in four levels:
- Foundational Level -This is considered the foundation level when beginning your AWS certification journey and is both a recommended and optional step prior to taking the Associate level certifications.
- Associate Level -These certifications necessitate more experience than the foundational one, and you should have some hands-on experience provisioning resources as well as problem-solving skills in AWS.
- Professional Level -Before attempting this level of certification, you must have a thorough understanding of different aspects of running, optimizing, and troubleshooting solutions within AWS.
- Specialty Level -Specialty level certifications focus on a specific domain within AWS and thus necessitate extensive technical knowledge and experience in that area. Only professionals who have strong knowledge of AWS and worked on it previously must take this certification.
Some of the certifications AWS offers include:
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- AWS Certified Developer
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer
- AWS Certified Machine Learning
The certification is one of the highest paying and appears in most job search results for cloud careers.
2. Microsoft Azure
Becoming a Microsoft Azure certified professional is the most daunting certification path in the cloud market. There are 12 Microsoft Azure certifications and a total of 14 exams categorized into three levels:
- Fundamental
- Associate
- Expert
These certifications are solely focused on developing knowledge and skills related to market job roles. The two fundamental certifications are:
- Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals Exam AI-900
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals Exam DP-900
Other certifications include:
- Microsoft Certified: Azure- Fundamentals AZ-900
- Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer- Expert Exam AZ-400
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator – Associate Exam AZ-104
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer – Associate Exams DP-200 and DP-201
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Architect – Expert Exams AZ-303 and AZ-304
- Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer – Associate Exam AI-100
Azure is also a preferred choice for hybrid deployment and integrates easily with Microsoft solutions that businesses have been using even before the cloud.
3. Google Cloud Platform
Google Cloud Platform is a cloud computing platform that allows users to build applications and services on top of infrastructure tools and services. It comprises three levels:
- Foundational Certification -The foundational certification gives you a broad understanding of cloud concepts as well as Google Cloud's products, services, tools, features, benefits, and use cases.
- Associate Certification -The associate certification helps you gain the fundamental skills to deploy and maintain cloud projects with a path to professional certification.
- Professional Certification -You will examine key technical job functions and advanced skills in Google Cloud product design, implementation, and management.
You need at least three years of cloud industry experience and one year working with Google cloud in order to get a professional certification.
Some of the google cloud certifications include:
- Cloud Digital Leader
- Cloud Engineer
- Cloud Architect
- Cloud Developer
- Data Engineer
Multi-cloud skills are in high demand, so you can easily switch between cloud providers, making yourself more appealing to potential employers. Choose a training program that provides hands-on cloud experience so you can put what you learn into action and keep developing your skills while looking for work. Enroll in KnowledgeHut’s Cloud Computing courses with placement guaranteed. Contact us to know more about our courses and offerings.
Step 3 - Build Projects
Now that you have taken the right cloud certification on your preference, the next step is to start applying theory into practice. Building projects will give you a competitive edge and make your profile stand out. You don’t have to necessarily build something big or complex, even a basic project works. If you are a beginner and looking how to get a job in cloud computing, you must try these projects:
- Cloud-enabled attendance system.
- Online blood bank system.
- Online cloud-enabled book store system.
- Data redundancy removal system.
- Detecting data leaks using SQL injection.
- Cloud-based bus pass system.
- Making a chatbot.
- Secure text transfer.
- Bug tracking functionality.
Step 4 - Creating Cloud Portfolio
Make a portfolio out of projects from your training. Make certain that your work is consistent from one project to the next, as this is a quality that employers seek. The certification you will gain proves your knowledge in the field but your cloud portfolio shows that you have the necessary skills. Your portfolio should include references who can vouch for your knowledge, skills, and drive. Strong references can help you beat others with more experience.
Step 5 - Go for Internships/Freelance Work
Internships and freelance opportunities are excellent to get a job in cloud computing with no experience. Leverage the internship period to get hands-on experience and learn from your mistakes. Also, an internship is a great opportunity to earn while you learn. Based on your dedication and performance as an intern, you can make the internship a full-time job. Additionally, you can work as a freelancer to work on real-world projects and generate a source of income with your cloud computing skills.
Step 6 - Expand your Reach
If you are new to the cloud or looking to switch careers to cloud computing, then expand your reach. Networking is a very important key in building your Cloud Computing career, especially if you are a beginner. Through networking, you get to interact with many like-minded people with expertise in your field. They will also guide you to find the best training and contacts who can help you look for jobs. Expanding your network also acts as a reference when you apply for jobs.
If you are interested in exploring cloud computing in-depth, we encourage you to sign up for AWS Cloud practitioner essentials certification training and upskill yourself.
Looking to boost your career? Join our TIL Foundation 4 training and gain the skills you need. Don't miss out on this opportunity!
Conclusion
Because cloud technology evolves so rapidly, an individual's skill set must evolve as well. Curiosity is an important trait for cloud engineers, and it can be more valuable than experience. Why? Because it indicates that you will take the initiative to learn and improve your skills. There are numerous opportunities to do this for free or at a low cost. The more hands-on experience you have, the better you'll be able to discuss the components of cloud applications and services.
You might end up getting rejected or fail to land interviews at first. You need to commit to your goal and allow rejection to motivate you to work harder. Earning a certification validates your knowledge of cloud computing. Your hands-on experience demonstrates your ability to put it into action. The best cloud engineering jobs are always difficult to come by, and you will face fierce competition. Obtaining certifications can provide you with a competitive advantage.
