Total cloud infrastructure services spending grew 35% to US$191.7 billion, up from US$142.0 billion in 2020.
The above report is a testament to the popularity and extensive use of cloud computing across the world. Not just that, cloud computing provides a host of benefits such as cost reduction, increased flexibility, enhanced productivity, stronger security, and a massive drop in carbon footprint to name a few.
It is a growing industry that is here to say, a career in cloud computing can be quite lucrative & rewarding. Read further if you want to jumpstart your career in cloud computing.
Build Your Basics
Often the most basic things are overlooked, the same happens when people try to break into an unknown field, which is no easy feat. Familiarizing yourself with the fundamentals & core concepts should be your first step toward starting your career in cloud computing.
If you don’t have a degree in computer science or a related field then things automatically become harder for you. So instead of jumping on to learning new languages or getting acquainted with different tools & technology, it is better to get your basics right.
Learn and understand the ins & outs of cloud computing, the way it has been used to date, and the way it is being used by organizations of different proportions & industries. Get familiar with the platforms that offer cloud services such as Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and others.
Learn Programming Languages
A career in cloud computing warrants a good command over programming languages. For you to be able to deploy cloud-based applications or work as a cloud architect or even a cloud developer, programming languages become a must-have skill.
As a cloud engineer, you will be preparing solutions to your client’s problems, each problem is unique and hence each solution needs to be customized. In order to offer solutions, you need to know to program.
When it comes to choosing the programming language while kick-starting your cloud computing career, bear in mind to choose a versatile programming language. It is not necessary to know multiple languages at once, but professionals with fluency in multiple programming languages will have an edge over those who have the knowledge of just one.
Here is a list of easy-to-learn and versatile programming languages:
- Python
- Java
- PHP
- .Net
- Golang
- Ruby
- JS
- R
Take Up the Right Certification
A good certification in cloud computing can be a game changer for your professional journey. Having a certification under your belt acts as a signifier of your interest in the cloud computing field as well as a testament to your skill set.
With the growing demand for cloud computing professionals, the number of certifications/courses offered is also increasing. But before you choose a certification it is imperative to do your homework, which is to narrow down on the cloud service providers and your specialization.
The renowned cloud service providers are Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. They offer a number of certifications you can choose from depending upon your requirements. Certifications from different cloud service providers will make you stand out from the crowd and as a more desirable candidate for employers.
Implement Your Knowledge
You have a basic understanding of computer science, along with a programming language & some tools. You apply for a job/internship as a cloud computing professional. The chances of you getting shortlisted are quite slim, why? Because you haven’t put your knowledge to the test, you haven’t implemented your learnings.
A rewarding career in the IT industry requires you to have proven expertise, as a fresher in the field how can you prove your expertise or showcase your skills? Through your own portfolio. Building a portfolio can be the best decision you will ever make to jumpstart your career.
Take up projects that will give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in using tools like Kubernetes and Docker, or improving your programming skills or even cloud monitoring & server management. A solid portfolio with consistent projects will be a marker of your knowledge & consistency, something that recruiters reward highly.
Join the Network
How do you get into a new industry? By learning the skills, getting certifications, building your portfolio, and applying for jobs, right?
But an important step is often missed or overlooked as unnecessary on your journey to crack into a specific field, for now, it is cloud computing, and that crucial step is Networking. Working hard and acquiring the right skills is definitely the right way to success but not an easy one, networking with the right set of people can make your journey of becoming a cloud computing professional not only easy but fruitful as well.
Social media is a great place to find like-minded people who are on the same journey and even professionals who have been in the industry for quite a long time. Connecting with such professionals will expand your horizon, and exchanging relevant information & knowledge is always a plus. Platforms like LinkedIn & even Discord groups give you the space and opportunity to connect with people who will help you reach your goal.
Networking not only helps you expand your pool of knowledge but also helps you gain better job opportunities. If you are connected with professionals from the same domain, then you will be more aware of the recent job opportunities and some professionals might even go to the extent of referring you to other employers, so never underestimate the power of networking.
A Job-Winning Resume & Interview Preparation
The last step, but an important one is your resume and your preparation for the cloud computing interview. Your resume is the first point of contact between you and your possible future employer, you would want to leave a lasting impression.
Great skills & greater experience is futile if you don’t know how to present them on your resume.
Cloud Computing Resume Tips
Here are a few tips that you can implement while curating your cloud computing resume:
- Add correct contact information, use a professional email id in your resume, and a reachable contact number.
- Create a separate section for your technical skills.
- Use a reverse-chronological format (recent work experience should be mentioned first) since it is widely accepted.
- Read up the job description carefully and add relevant keywords to your resume to make it ATS (Applicant Tracking System) friendly.
- Mention your certifications, training programs, and projects under different sections.
- Limit your sentences to a single bullet point and start with a power verb.
Attaching a cover letter along with your resume will act as a charm, so don’t hesitate to send one.
Once you have been shortlisted, do prepare well in advance for your interview.
Cloud Computing Interview Questions
A few commonly asked questions in cloud computing interviews are listed below:
- Name the different versions of the cloud
- How will you define cloud computing architecture?
- Which platforms are used for large-scale cloud computing?
- What does EUCALYPTUS stand for?
- Name a few open-source cloud computing platform database
- What is Hypervisor and mention its types
The rise in demand for cloud-based solutions creates a pool of job opportunities for aspiring cloud professionals. And the possibility of earning six figures acts as a cherry on top, however all that is not so easy to attain. Cloud being an evolving technology requires its professionals to be on their toes and evolve along with it, making it competitive and slightly difficult to learn. However, a hunger for learning and a love for technology can carve the path for a successful cloud computing career.
We strive to provide business professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to increase work performance and drive greater return on investment for the global customers we support. Agilitics delivers customized technology and management training solutions to large corporations and government agencies around the world.