These days, we rely on cloud computing in many different aspects of our lives. From streaming our favorite shows and movies to storing photos, videos, and other important files, cloud computing plays a critical role in our everyday lives. It’s also relied upon by plenty of businesses to run their servers and manage data.
If this is an area that has always fascinated you, have you considered cloud computing careers for your future? Today, there are plenty of exciting careers in cloud computing out there. The need for cloud computing professionals is only likely to grow larger as data storage needs continue to increase over time.
The Importance of Cloud Computing in Today’s World
These days, there’s no denying the importance of cloud computing across nearly every industry imaginable. More than ever, there is a need for cloud professionals who can help businesses and individuals alike better manage, store, and secure their data in the cloud.
Current Market Demand for Cloud Professionals
The cloud computing field has grown significantly over the past decade. In fact, according to Statista research, the global market size for cloud computing applications is expected to reach more than $168 billion by 2025 alone. This means that if you’ve been thinking about getting into cloud computing, now could be a great time to build your skills and sharpen your knowledge.
Impact of Cloud Computing on Various Industries
You’d be hard-pressed to find an industry that doesn’t rely on cloud computing in some way. However, there are some industries that have been particularly beneficial from this technology in recent years, including:
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Logistics and supply chain
- Construction
- Telecommunications
Businesses operating in these industries use cloud computing in numerous ways, whether it be for storing and analyzing large amounts of data or better managing networking services. For instance, in the logistics and supply chain industry, cloud computing solutions allow users from across the globe to access applications and software needed to keep things moving smoothly.
Diverse Career Paths in Cloud Computing
So, how can you put your cloud computing skills to use in today’s workforce? No matter where your specific interest and skills may lie in the cloud computing realm, there is sure to be a career path that suits you.
Role of a Cloud Administrator
Specifically, a cloud administrator is a professional who helps to manage a company or organization’s cloud computing infrastructure and all aspects of how it is used. These experts are responsible for everything from developing and updating cloud service access policies to setting up security protocols and installing updates as needed.
Working as a cloud administrator can be challenging yet rewarding, as each day can bring forth new obstacles to overcome. Businesses of all scopes and sizes need cloud administrators, so you can explore the specific industry that most interests you.
Duties of a Cloud Support Engineer
Another cloud computing career option to consider is that of cloud support engineer, which is a professional who typically works directly with B2B clients who need troubleshooting assistance with a cloud service or similar technology. These professionals may handle such daily tasks as creating tutorials and user guides, aiding users as needed, and offering general technical support and debugging services. If you enjoy working with others and are always up for a new challenge, then this type of work may be right for you.
Responsibilities of a Cloud Network Engineer
Cloud network engineers are IT professionals responsible for maintaining a company’s cloud services across an entire network, such as a company division, department, or even across a whole organization. From making recommendations on which cloud services to use to assessing a company’s unique needs, cloud network engineers are a valued part of any larger company. These professionals often collaborate with cloud architects and other cloud computing professionals, so this could be a great role for you if you enjoy working with other professionals in a team setting.
Job Description of a Cloud Software Engineer
Another potential career in cloud computing to explore is that of cloud software engineer, a professional who works alongside programmers as well as computer scientists to create software that will operate directly in the cloud. This line of work can be challenging, especially when it comes to repairing and debugging software as it needs troubleshooting before launch. Still, this line of work can be very exciting with no two days looking exactly alike. Cloud software engineers usually work on SaaS or IaaS software, but this can vary depending on an organization’s needs.
Scope of a Cloud Automation Engineer
These days, automation is becoming increasingly common, and this remains true in the realm of cloud computing. As a result, more businesses are turning to cloud automation engineers to help them implement and incorporate automation technology into their existing cloud services.
Cloud automation engineers play an important role in helping teams work more efficiently by automating repetitive, time-consuming tasks and freeing up valuable time. And as more industries continue to adopt automation technology, the need for these kinds of cloud engineers is only likely to increase.
Importance of a Cloud Security Analyst
Security breaches, cyber-attacks, and similar threats are a very real problem across the cloud computing industry today. As a result, more businesses are hiring cloud security analysts to help them maximize security and minimize their chances of falling victim to a costly attack or data breach.
Specifically, cloud security analysts look closely at an organization’s cloud computing methods, identifying security vulnerabilities and other potential threats. From there, they make specialized recommendations and implement strategies to optimize security on all fronts.
Preparing for a Career in Cloud Computing
Still debating whether a career in cloud computing is right for you? There are a few things you should know before you get started.
Essential Educational Background
First, understand that working in cloud computing requires a fair amount of education and training. There are several different cloud computing skills, cloud service providers, and other nuances of the field that you’ll need to have a solid grasp of to succeed in this line of work. As such, most cloud computing roles will require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in information technology (IT), computer science, or a related field.
Necessary Skills and Competencies
In addition to a solid educational background, cloud computing professionals will need to have some soft skills and technical competencies under their belts. In terms of soft skills, these professionals should possess:
- Strong decision-making skills
- Solid data analysis capabilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- The ability to collaborate and work as a team
In the interim, some hard skills that experts in cloud computing should possess include:
- Strong programming knowledge
- Understanding of different operating systems
- Knowledge of different databases
- Solid security knowledge
Value of Relevant Certifications
While not always necessary, there are also some cloud computing certifications that professionals in this field might consider pursuing to advance their careers. Some of the best cloud computing certifications to consider include:
- Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect
- Google Cloud DevOps Engineer Certification
With these certifications, you can gain more specialized and valuable skills that you can apply to your everyday work in the field.
Advancing Your Career in Cloud Computing
Even once you’re working in the cloud computing industry, there are some proactive measures you can take to further your career and establish yourself as a reputable professional.
Learning About Major Cloud Service Providers
Start by learning as much as you can about different cloud service providers, including how to manage these services and when to recommend different providers to different businesses. Some of the most common cloud service providers on the market today include:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
- Microsoft Azure
- Oracle Cloud
- IBM Cloud
Importance of Specialization in a Specific Cloud Area
Often, businesses are looking to hire cloud computing experts who specialize in a particular cloud area or service provider. While it’s good to have some general knowledge that spans the entire industry, choosing a specialization can take you further in your career. Depending on where your interests lie, you might consider studying a particular concentration within the cloud computing field (such as programming or security). You might also consider specializing in a specific cloud service provider by pursuing additional certifications or other designations that will set you apart from other job applicants.
Gaining Hands-On Experience in the Field
Nothing can replicate the hands-on experience of working in the cloud computing field, so be sure to take advantage of any opportunities you gain for real-world experience. This includes any internship or externship opportunities that your school may have to offer.
In addition to internships, you might also consider volunteer opportunities or other means of getting some hands-on experience early in your career. This can help you build up your resume while empowering you to sharpen the skills you’ll need to work more confidently in your future roles.
How to Stay Ahead in the Cloud Computing Industry
The cloud computing industry is always changing and evolving, and it can be hard to keep up if you’re not diligent. By taking the time to be proactive about your education and training while also exercising new-found skills in real-world applications, you can remain relevant and successful in this powerful industry.
Likewise, taking the initiative to grow your own professional network can go a long way. Building industry connections and learning new things from your professional network is a must in cloud computing. This means not just building connections on sites like LinkedIn, but also attending industry events to make these connections in-person. Such events may include conferences or trade shows.
Is Continuous Learning the Key to Success in Cloud Computing?
As the need for cloud computing professionals continues to increase, those with plenty of knowledge and experience in this growing technology will have diverse cloud computing career options to choose from. Of course, innovations and best practices are always changing in this dynamic industry. This is why the most successful cloud computing professionals will always stay on top of the latest trends.
If you’re looking to continue your education in cloud computing and related fields, Florida Technical College has degree and diploma programs designed to suit your needs. This includes our bachelor’s degree in information technology with an emphasis in cybersecurity and our computer support technician diploma. Both programs are designed to help you build foundational knowledge in the cloud computing field, preparing you for a range of careers in cloud computing and beyond.
Get in touch to learn more about any of Florida Technical College’s programs or begin filling out your application today.
These examples are intended to serve only as a general guide of possible employment opportunities. There are many factors that determine the job an individual may obtain and Florida Technical College cannot guarantee its graduates any particular job. Some positions may require license or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular position you desire.
