How to Become a Cloud Engineer in 2022?
Want to know how to become a Cloud Engineer and earn up to $130,000 per year? Check out this guide!
A Cloud Engineer is an IT professional who is responsible for dealing with all the duties related to cloud computing. These duties include planning, designing, managing, updating, and supporting cloud computing operations.
Cloud computing is a sort of distributed computing that involves storing, processing, and managing data using shared resources such as networks and servers.
A Cloud Engineer can earn anywhere from $100,000 to $130,000 a year, making it one of the most lucrative IT designation. The Cloud Computing market will expectedly reach USD 1,554.94 billion by 2030, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.7%. Considering this hopeful future prediction, we can say that now is the best time to become a Cloud Engineer.
Today, we will discuss how to become a cloud engineer and what are the prerequisites for it.
Let’s get started.
How to Become a Cloud Engineer
Becoming a Cloud Engineer is easy, but you need to know the required skills and the proper course of action to secure a position in the Cloud Computing field.
Here are the steps you need to follow to become a Cloud Engineer.
- Step 1: Earning a Bachelor’s degree in the field of Computer Science
- Step 2: Learn Programming Languages through Coding Boot Camp
- Step 3: Getting Certified in Cloud Computing
- Step 4: Acquire Experience in the Tech Industry
- Step 5: Specialization
- Step 6: Building a Cloud Engineering Portfolio
1. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in the field of Computer Science
If you want to become a Cloud Engineer, getting a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science is the first step toward achieving this goal. It can also help you to get a strong grasp of theories and make your resume attractive. You can get a Bachelor’s degree in the following areas.
- Database Management
- Software Engineering
- Network Engineering
Along with the Bachelor’s degree, Cloud Engineers also opt for specialized certifications in Cloud Engineering or computing.
That said, having just the right skill should be enough to help you land your dream job. Cloud engineers don’t need a degree in computer science, though they should have some background knowledge of the field. Companies look more importantly at qualifications than education when hiring for this position and there is often no specific requirement specified on job descriptions either.
2. Learn Programming Languages Through Coding BootCamp
Cloud computing relies on the use of programming languages such as Python, Java, or Ruby. These are often used in tandem with one another to build complex applications.
Therefore, a successful Cloud Engineering needs the knowledge of at least one programming language such as:
- Python
- Java
- Ruby
- C++
- PHP
You can make your resume even more attractive by mastering multiple programming languages. This will give you an edge over other candidates in the job market, who might be only skilled with one programming language.
With online learning, anyone with an interest or talent in programming languages will be able to take their education on the go without having enrolled in a degree program.
3. Getting Certified in Cloud Computing
If you want to invest your time and money in an expensive degree, select the Cloud Engineer certification path!
Getting certified in Cloud Computing is pretty easy, you just need to select a course, complete all the coursework while managing the deadlines, and apply for a certificate after completing the course.
Here is a list of the best Cloud Computing certifications for 2022:
- Udacity
- Microsoft
- Google Associate Cloud Engineer
- IBM
- CompTIA
4. Acquire Experience in the Tech Industry
Cloud engineers are the must-have professionals for any company looking to take advantage of cutting-edge technology. They should possess an understanding and knowledge about data management, record keeping, and maintenance procedures for all systems that operate in this ever-changing world we live in today. Not only do they need programming skills but these individuals also need to understand computing operations which can be obtained through experience.
Experience in the IT industry can help you get exposure to practical approaches. You can also learn how to find the working solution to all problems related to a Cloud Computing project.
Experience can be acquired after securing a job or simply applying for internship programs. These can be a great way to learn about the basics of the cloud and how it works.
No matter how you acquire experience in cloud computing, it is important to remember that the best way to learn is by doing. So, get out there and start using the cloud!
5. Specialization
Specialization in Cloud Computing can take your career to the next level.
A Cloud Professional’s worth and income are determined by their level of experience. Certifications are one way to demonstrate knowledge. They give you the necessary knowledge to do the work and provide crucial confirmation of market expertise if received from reputable sources.
The following are the major cloud certifications to consider:
- Google Certified Professional Data Architect
- CompTIA Cloud +
- VMware VCP7-CMA
- CCNP Cloud (Cisco)
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect- Associate
- MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure (Microsoft)
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
6. Building a Cloud Engineering Portfolio
Building a cloud engineering portfolio is a great way to showcase your skills and experience in the field. It can also help you land a job or advance your career.
A well-crafted portfolio will demonstrate your technical expertise, highlight your project experience, and illustrate your ability to solve real-world problems. It is an essential tool for any cloud engineer seeking to advance their career.
Here are some tips for creating a strong cloud engineering portfolio:
- Start with a clear and concise summary of your skills and experience.
- Include detailed descriptions of projects you have worked on, highlighting your role in each one.
- Use diagrams, screenshots, and code snippets to illustrate your work.
- Describe the problems you solved and the results you achieved for each project.
- Keep your Portfolio up-to-date with your latest work.
- Make it easy for potential employers or clients to contact you.
Best Career Paths for a Cloud Computing Engineer
There are many different types of cloud computing engineer roles, each with its own set of responsibilities. However, all cloud computing engineers share one common goal: to ensure that an organization’s cloud computing infrastructure is up and running smoothly.
There are a few different career paths that a cloud computing engineer can take. Here are a few of them.
| Cloud Developer | Data Engineer | ||
| Cloud Architect | Solutions Architect | ||
| Full-Stack Developer | SysOps Administrator | ||
| Security Engineer | Cloud DevOps Engineer |
FAQs
How long does it take to become a Cloud Engineer?
It generally takes between two and four years to become a cloud engineer. The specific time frame will depend on your prior experience and education, as well as the specific requirements of the position you’re interested in.
Is it hard to become a Cloud Engineer?
Becoming a Cloud Engineer is not difficult, but you need dedication and persistence to improve your skill sets. Although, you can opt for a 4-year degree or select an online course, both of these options require hard work and willingness to learn.
Is Cloud Engineering a good career?
Yes, cloud engineering is a good career. It is a high-paying, in-demand field with good job prospects. Cloud engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining cloud computing systems. They work with both hardware and software to ensure that applications are running smoothly and efficiently. Cloud engineering is a relatively new field, but it is growing rapidly. Job prospects are good for those with the right skills and experience. Salaries are high, and the demand for qualified cloud engineers is expected to continue to grow.
Does Cloud Engineer need to learn to code?
As a Cloud Engineer, it is not essential that you learn to code. However, it can be beneficial to have at least a basic understanding of coding languages. This can help you when working with code-based tools and services, and also when communicating with developers.
Is Cloud Engineering stressful?
IT is a fast-paced profession, so almost every job title is stressful, and Cloud Engineering is no exception. The Cloud Computing industry is pretty intense, and you may find yourself always keeping up with new technological advancements.
Can you become a Cloud Engineer without a degree?
You can easily become a Cloud Engineer by enrolling in an online course, certification courses, or attending a BootCamp rather than getting a Cloud Engineer degree.
Can Cloud Engineers work from home?
Yes, cloud engineers can work from home. In fact, many cloud engineers telecommute or work remotely at least some of the time. The cloud engineering field is growing rapidly, and the demand for qualified workers outpaces the supply. This means that employers are often willing to accommodate remote workers in order to attract and retain the best talent.
Wrapping Up!
This wraps up our guide on how to become a cloud engineer.
So, if you want to become a cloud engineer in 2022, start preparing for the role now. Brush up on your coding skills, learn about new cloud technologies and platforms, and get involved in the cloud engineering community.
With a little effort, you can be well on your way to an exciting and rewarding career in cloud computing.
Are you ready to take on the challenge?
