8 Tips for Anyone Considering a Career in Cloud Computing
If you could tell someone considering pursuing a career in cloud computing one thing, what would you tell them?
To help you decide if a career in cloud computing is a good fit, we asked data specialists and business professionals this question for their best insights. From learning the fundamentals of computer networking to keeping up with rapid industry changes, there are several perspectives that may help you determine if a cloud computing career is for you.
Here are eight tips for anyone considering a career in cloud computing:
- Learn the Fundamentals of Computer Networking
- Analyze Different Platforms
- Get Started Without a Degree
- Consider Which Part of the Industry Excites You
- Earn In-Demand Certifications
- Value Your Existing IT Skills
- Start Learning Key Concepts Now
- Keep Up With Rapid Changes
Learn the Fundamentals of Computer Networking
Understanding how computers communicate with one another across short or great distances goes a long way in understanding how cloud computing works. These skills can provide a variety of career options in the cloud computing space.
- Susanne Tedrick, Microsoft
Analyze Different Platforms
One needs to understand the purpose of the technology and how it meets the needs of their career. Cloud services have many useful services such as reducing costs, remote work flexibility, scalability, and many more.
In addition, cloud technology provides various advanced security functions for data processing and management. There are various platforms that provide cloud services, such as Google Cloud Platform, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud, and various other platforms.
To understand and master the cloud computing industry, one needs to have computer network knowledge to work on centralized computing resources. It is also helpful to learn multiple programming languages, such as SQL, XML, R language, and Python, to create and deploy cloud-based applications or understand what is used to develop web services and APIs for cloud architecture. At the same time, you can also consider some other skills, such as database management, operating systems, and machine learning.
- Sri Sagar Kalisetty, Markitors
Get Started Without a Degree
It’s important to know that you can build a flourishing career in the cloud industry without having a degree or educational qualification in the domain. There are several specialized certification programs and courses that can help people who have IT skills in networking, security, programming, and even project management easily assimilate into the industry.
This dynamic and evolving industry is pegged to be high in demand for the foreseeable future and offers a variety of roles. So, don't hold yourself back if your degree program isn't focused on the cloud. Start learning today and transition to an industry that offers valuable career development opportunities.
- Joe Flanagan, VelvetJobs
Consider Which Part of the Industry Excites You
I'd ask someone considering a career in cloud computing to decide whether they want to go into either the sales or technology side. Both sides of the industry are interesting but very different.
- Armen Alexanian, Distinct Analytics
Earn In-Demand Certifications
My advice to young professionals beginning their cloud computing career is to pay attention to the certifications most in demand. When starting on your professional journey, trying to obtain training in all systems at once is not a sustainable approach.
A better idea is to find out which cloud competencies are most sought-after in the current job market or, better yet, which ones are predicted to be in demand in a couple of years. Ways to find out this information include scanning job listings, talking to recruiters, and finding mentors in the industry.
- Michael Alexis, TeamBuilding
Value Your Existing IT Skills
Having a solid IT background is a wonderful starting point for a cloud computing career. It is easier to transition if you have knowledge of networking, security, programming, and project management. An enterprise architect, for example, possesses significant abilities that are required in professions such as public cloud solutions architect or cloud security architect.
Database administrators can shift to cloud-based databases by using their abilities. Software developers may already be familiar with cloud-native application development and may be able to move into professions that focus solely on them. For cloud computing employment, having a working skillset in IT is a must.
- Steve Scott, Spreadsheet Planet
Start Learning Key Concepts Now
Because cloud computing is still a young industry, there is plenty of room for new leaders and innovators. Becoming a cloud computing expert now gives you a better chance of rising through the ranks at your current firm or landing more prominent opportunities at high-profile companies.
Obtain the information and knowledge you require now to allow you to stay ahead of developing trends. If you want to advance your profession and secure a brighter future, getting started with cloud computing as soon as possible helps you achieve your goals.
- Veronica Miller, VPNOverview
Keep Up With Rapid Changes
I would tell them that cloud computing is an exciting area to be in, but once you get into it, you have to realize that there are many different aspects of the technology. It's not just one thing. You'll be working with everything from virtualization and automation tools to networking components and storage systems.
Be prepared to do some hard work. Cloud computing is also a rapidly changing field that requires you to remain up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends. It all comes with a great payoff in the form of great salaries and unmatched job security.
- Adam Garcia, The Stock Dork
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