By now, it is quite clear that cloud computing is changing the way businesses function, creating a new paradigm of choice to deliver and manage data and applications. Today, you can see that many companies have invested in and shifted to cloud computing for various reasons. According to a report by IDC, global spending on public cloud infrastructure and related services is predicted to reach around $500 billion by 2023—up from $229 billion in 2019. And, as is the case with any technology that’s growing that fast, so are related job opportunities.
In this article, we will discuss how you can become a cloud engineer. Before learning how to become one, however, you must first understand the fundamentals of cloud computing and why you should consider pursuing a career in this field.
What is Cloud Engineering?
Cloud engineering encompasses devising, managing, and maintaining resources of computer infrastructure. With growing technology, the importance of cloud engineering is gaining momentum. Cloud technology has enabled you to stream your favorite shows online and listen to songs with unlimited access. It uses engineering principles to design systems, and everybody wants to know how to be a cloud engineer.
Cloud engineers solve the computing problems of an entity or consumers. The services provided are software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS). As a cloud engineer, you will be in charge of storing, managing data, and proceeding with timely software updates. In totality, you will supervise the cloud system running smoothly without any obstacles.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing refers to services like storage, databases, software, and analytics that are made accessible via the internet. According to Gartner, the cloud tech services market is expected to grow from $175.8 billion in 2018 to $206 billion in 2019—a rise of 17.3 percent in a single year.
As of 2020, it is expected that 90 percent of all organizations in the world will be using cloud services in some form. Today, various companies and organizations claim that cloud computing services have helped their employees perform better and experiment more, especially in fields like machine learning and artificial intelligence.
What Does a Cloud Engineer Do?
Cloud engineers have various day-to-day responsibilities, including:
- Transferring an organization’s computer system data or infrastructure to their cloud systems.
- Systematizing cloud infrastructure elements like networking and security services.
- Creation of applications and databases that function on the cloud.
- Monitor cloud management and data storage services.
- Assure the safety and security of the data.
- Register, oversee, and provide client services in case of cloud-based issues.
What Are the Career Paths of a Cloud Computing Engineer?
A cloud engineer is an IT professional responsible for all the technical aspects of cloud computing, including planning and design, maintenance, and support. A cloud computing engineer can take up several different career paths, including:
- Cloud developer
- Front-end/back-end developer
- Solutions architect
- Cloud architect
- Data engineer
- Security engineer
- Development operations engineer
- Full-stack developer
- SysOps administrator
Major Cloud Computing Roles
Solutions Architect
Solutions architects are responsible for analyzing the technical environment, requirements, and specifications. These professionals select appropriate technologies that meet business needs. They estimate and manage the usage and operational costs of the solutions they provide and support project management, development, and operations teams.
SysOps Administrators
SysOps administrators deploy, manage, and operate highly scalable and fault-tolerant cloud-based and hybrid systems. These professionals select an appropriate service based on computing, security, or data requirements. They estimate and manage infrastructure and services usage and operational costs. They are also experts on how to migrate on-premises workloads to the cloud.
Skills and Qualifications
To become a cloud engineer, here are the steps you must undertake:
Complete your bachelor’s
A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field is required to become a cloud engineer. Be sure to choose a bachelor’s program that focuses on the technical perspective of software, computing, and system framework. For further specialization, you can pursue a master’s degree for a variety of opportunities.
Expertise in Programming Languages
Learning programming languages is a must to become a cloud engineer. Java, Python, Ruby, and other essential languages should be added to your portfolio. Get acquainted with cloud services like Azure, AWS, GCP, Oracle, and Hadoop.
Learn skills
Familiarize yourself with cloud security, machine learning, and cloud deployment. Additional technical knowledge always goes a long way. A combination of program management, Network+, Security+, and other certifications can enhance your portfolio.
Hard Skills
- A deep understanding of operating systems like Linux, Ubuntu, and Windows is required.
- Clarity in networking concepts is crucial for the development of a secure and scalable computing system.
- A cloud engineer must be aware of terms like Hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS), Virtual private network (VPN), Internet Protocol (IP), Domain name system (DNS), and others.
- Devising an unassailable network and having knowledge of numerous security protocols is vital.
- Cognition of open standards is required for tagging, driving, and describing the data.
Soft Skills
- Cloud engineers should have excellent communication skills as they frequently collaborate with IT professionals.
- Remarkable leadership skills are important since you might handle a team of tech professionals. As a leader, identifying a team’s strengths and weaknesses helps produce distinctive outputs.
- Having a keen eye for detail is appreciated in a cloud architect. From design to troubleshooting, everything falls in your arena. So, being vigilant is important.
- A relentless drive and hunger to learn new things and experiment will make you stand out from the rest.
Types of Cloud Engineering Roles and Responsibilities
Let’s dive deeper into the job descriptions of each of them.
Cloud Developer
As the name suggests, a cloud developer is responsible for coding and devising applications. They must possess knowledge of cloud architecture. From the development of applications to the deploying and debugging of cloud-based apps, cloud developers must know it all. They write, correct, and debug code modules.
System Operating Engineers
SysOps Engineers compute potential issues that are likely to arise in the functioning of applications. They contemplate a backup strategy for unpredictable circumstances and have accurate access controls for maintaining the probity of the organization’s data. They act as the system administrators after the development of the application. They must have prior background in monitoring and auditing systems.
How to Become a Cloud Engineer: Steps to Enter the Field
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Having a formal education is extremely important in a technical field. If you would like to become a Cloud Engineer, then attaining a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science or related field is definitely your first step. In addition to looking great on a resume, they also offer a broad scope on the theory of the subject. They can also be a criterion by most companies for hiring. Most Cloud Engineers graduate with a cloud computing certification/engineering.
Step 2: Gain Proficiency in a Cloud Computing Platform
The first and foremost step to becoming a cloud engineer is to be proficient in at least one of the three major cloud computing platforms—AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP). There are many resources that you can find on the internet, like YouTube videos, educational articles, and virtual or physical training, to gain a basic understanding. Once you’ve done that, you can move on to getting certified in any of the respective environments.
For AWS, various certifications can be divided into four categories:
- Foundation (basic)
- Associate
- Professional
- Specialty-level
Similarly, for Azure, there are multiple training paths and certifications. Most cloud computing platforms also offer a free tier of service, which can be useful when choosing which provider to move to—or whether you want to migrate your workloads to more than one cloud-based on your business requirements and the ROI you want to achieve.
Step 3: Having Experience in at Least One Programming Language
Unlike general-purpose programming languages like C and C++, cloud computing requires more data-oriented programming languages, such as Python, Java, and Clojure. To learn these, you can use blogs, videos, online/offline classes, and other free resources.
Step 4: Earn Relevant Certifications
Having professional certifications is a must for cloud engineers to showcase their knowledge and skills. Popular certifications include AWS certifications, Google Cloud Platform certifications, and Microsoft certifications.
Step 5: Specializing
Apart from gaining knowledge in cloud computing platforms and being experienced in at least one programming language, you will also need some understanding of key concepts like storage and networking, virtualization and operating systems, security and disaster recovery, and web services and DevOps.
Step 6: Internships
Internships are a great way to gain experience in the cloud industry and get your foot in the door. They provide a hands-on approach to what the actual job will entail. You can start applying for internships while studying or when choosing your specialization.
Why Learn Cloud Computing?
The importance of tech and cloud computing is no longer unknown to the world. The cloud is constantly changing the way people perceive and consume things. Everything is now based on the cloud, from streaming unlimited shows to running a business. With growing necessity, the demand for professionals who can handle the cloud is skyrocketing. Cloud computing is reducing operation costs and negating the probability of human error. It is reinventing the medium of entertainment, knowledge, and work.
Career Outlook
Recent studies at The Bureau of Labor Statistics show a significant demand hike for cloud computing engineers. Between the years 2020 and 2029, the demand is expected to rise by at least 5 percent. The arena of opportunities is high in the cloud computing sector, making it all the more in demand. Some of the roles include front-end/back-end developer, data engineer, cloud developer, security engineer, and solutions architect.
Cloud Engineer Salary
Cloud computing engineers fetch high salaries. According to Payscale, in the United States, they earn an average of around $116,800 annually, and in India, a cloud computing engineer is paid approximately ₹ 6,66,800 per year. The more experience you gain in cloud computing, the better chance you will have of earning a higher salary.
Who Can Become a Cloud Engineer?
With the right amount of qualification and hands-on practical and technical experience, anyone can become a cloud computing engineer. Thorough knowledge and familiarity with tech terms are essential. As the experience grows, you become proficient and advanced. Narrowing down your specialization can help you further in the long run.
Benefits of Being a Cloud Engineer
- Secure Career: Cloud computing is for the long run and is essential for day-to-day work. With cloud computing, accessing data has become easy, and its adoption is constantly increasing.
- Respectable Profession: Cloud engineering is one of the most highly regarded professions. It is revolutionizing the face of IT, and you will be the one leading the generation into the new light.
- Constant Motion: In cloud computing, you will witness new inventions and modulations on a day-to-day basis. The specialization of skills will always keep you in demand and never go out of fashion.
- Handsome Pay: IT companies are spending an unimaginable amount on cloud computing. The average salary of a cloud architect is high, and the more experience you gain, the better your chances of earning a higher salary.
Choose the Right Cloud Computing Program
Choosing the right cloud computing program is crucial for your career growth. Simplilearn offers various cloud computing programs that cater to different needs and skill levels. The programs offer a comprehensive understanding of cloud technology, along with hands-on experience and certifications. Take a look at the table below for a comparison of the cloud computing courses offered by Simplilearn:
Become a Cloud Engineer Today!
Cloud computing is rapidly changing how businesses function, and the skill gap in the industry is concerning. If you are interested in becoming a cloud engineer or want to start your career in cloud computing, now is the right time. By following the steps mentioned above and earning the proper certifications, you can become a successful cloud engineer. You can also enroll in online certification programs, like Simplilearn’s Post Graduate Program in Cloud Computing, to learn the nuances of cloud technology. What are you waiting for?
FAQs
Q: What is cloud engineering?
A: Cloud engineering encompasses devising, managing, and maintaining resources of computer infrastructure. Cloud engineers solve computing problems by providing services such as software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS).
Q: What are the career paths of a cloud computing engineer?
A: Cloud computing engineers can pursue various career paths, including cloud developer, front-end/back-end developer, solutions architect, cloud architect, data engineer, security engineer, development operations engineer, full-stack developer, and SysOps administrator.
Q: What skills and qualifications are required to become a cloud engineer?
A: To become a cloud engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Programming language expertise, familiarity with cloud security and deployment, and a deep understanding of operating systems and networking concepts are also crucial. Additionally, soft skills like communication, leadership, attention to detail, and a hunger for learning are important.
Q: What is the career outlook for cloud engineers?
A: The demand for cloud computing engineers is expected to rise by at least 5 percent between 2020 and 2029. Roles such as front-end/back-end developer, data engineer, cloud developer, security engineer, and solutions architect are in high demand.
Q: What is the salary range for cloud engineers?
A: Cloud computing engineers earn high salaries. In the United States, the average annual salary is around $116,800, and in India, it is approximately ₹ 6,66,800 per year.
Q: Who can become a cloud engineer?
A: Anyone with the right qualifications and hands-on practical and technical experience can become a cloud computing engineer. Thorough knowledge and familiarity with tech terms are essential.
Q: What are the benefits of being a cloud engineer?
A: Being a cloud engineer offers a secure career, respectable profession, constant innovation, and handsome pay. Cloud computing is for the long run and is essential for day-to-day work. It is highly regarded, constantly evolving, and offers attractive salaries.
Conclusion
Cloud computing is rapidly changing the way businesses function, and the demand for cloud engineers is on the rise. By following the steps mentioned in this guide and earning the necessary qualifications and certifications, you can embark on a successful career as a cloud engineer. The field offers exciting opportunities, attractive salaries, and a chance to be at the forefront of technological advancements. Don’t wait any longer—start your journey to becoming a cloud engineer today!