Cloud Engineer is a professional in the information technology field responsible for technical tasks related to cloud computing or cloud computing. Cloud engineers technically also have a role in the design, planning, management, maintenance, and support.
In detail, cloud engineers include several specific technical professions: cloud architect, cloud software engineer, cloud security engineer, cloud systems engineer, and network engineer.
Generally, companies that have cloud engineer positions apply cloud-based services to their data processing and technology operations internally.
How To Become Cloud Engineer
How to become cloud engineer? Becoming a cloud engineer requires coding skills and knowledge of operating on coding platforms. Below are some more tips to help you hone your skills before becoming a cloud engineer.
1. Study data and networks
You have to learn about the different ways in which you can store data and have access to them. It would help if you knew what networking is and networking concepts.
2. Learn a programming language
You will need to learn some programming languages, though not as much as a developer.
For example, knowing one programming language like Python, C++, Java, Ruby, and Go at a basic level will be very helpful in becoming a cloud engineer. Since you learned programming logic, it will be easier to learn other programming languages in the future.
3. Get to know cloud computing
This involves the use of operating systems and virtual machines. Entering the IT sector and acting as a cloud software engineer requires you to learn to use and work with virtual machines.
You also have to know the working concept of the operating system on which the public cloud works.
4. Always be prepared to have a solution to every problem
The Internet world is full of threats, and so are cloud servers. Cloud servers store data that must be secured from threats roaming the internet. You should always be prepared for unwanted threats that may occur.
5. Expand skills
Becoming a reliable cloud engineer requires you to hone other skills and be trained and learning, such as network skills, cloud services skills, API, web services, development operations, virtualization, security, recovery, etc.
Honing these cloud engineer skills will give you a secure future as a cloud engineer in a job role in the field.
6. Have a service-oriented mindset
They hate large, inflexible and non-scalable applications. They can identify common limitations and functionalities in the system. They can break large systems into sub-systems and so on.
7. Have an API-centric mindset
They know systems must interact with each other via Application Program Interfaces (APIs) and learn how to implement APIs effectively.
They know APIs need to be consistent in the system, how to use authentication and permissions effectively, and how to make life easier for client applications that interact with APIs.
They know how to use existing tools and frameworks that make API development easier, such as AWS API Gateway.
8. A pioneer and ready to adapt to new technology
New features and cloud products are released at breakneck speed. For example, in 2015, AWS made 452 products. It would help if you had people comfortable working with technologies that no one else has ever used.
They will be the first to use it, find bugs, and figure out how to solve existing problems. Your ideal candidate won’t be afraid of those things. Instead, they will be interested and excited about using the newest products in the cloud.
9. Have a high focus
Being a pioneer means having good judgment about making a decision. Once AWS announces a new product or feature, it will know how to use it or vice versa.
They are highly curious but still focused on your company and consumer goals. In other words, they have a high focus and can use the latest technologies with a clear purpose.
Education and How to Get Hired!
1. Bachelor’s Degree and Majors
Obtaining a formal education, such as a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science or a related field, is crucial for success as a Cloud Engineer.
This type of degree not only enhances your resume, but also provides a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Many companies also require a formal education as a hiring criteria.
To further specialize in cloud computing, many Cloud Engineers also earn a certification or degree in cloud engineering.
Here is a list of majors that can help prepare you for a career as a Cloud Engineer:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Information Technology
- Computer Information Systems
- Electrical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Management Information Systems
- Cybersecurity
Please note, having a degree in one of these majors does not guarantee a career as a Cloud Engineer, but it can provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that can be applied to the field.
2. Get cloud computing certification
One of the most popular and developing technologies in the world of IT has been cloud computing in recent years. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the leading company among cloud providers at 33 per cent.
AWS was the first company to offer people cloud infrastructure with a modern approach. Due to the increasing demand for AWS services, AWS cloud engineer certification is also highly demanded by IT and newcomers alike.
AWS has different certification exams related to cloud-related fields. The AWS DevOps Certification exam is also included in this exam.
Azure and Google also have certification exams for their services. Especially for people with no specific work experience looking to get a job as a new cloud engineer, AWS certification can be a lifesaver in cloud engineer interview questions.
The certificate will show recruiters what you can do in IT during the recruitment phase and increase your chances of getting a job.
Additionally, certificates are important for people who work in the IT field and want to improve their skills in a cloud environment.
3. Specializing
In addition to gaining expertise in cloud computing platforms and proficiency in at least one programming language, it’s also important to have a strong understanding of key concepts such as:
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Storage and Networking
To become a cloud engineer, it’s important to have a strong understanding of data storage and networking.
This includes knowledge of different storage options and services offered by cloud providers such as AWS S3 and Azure Storage, as well as a solid grasp of fundamental networking concepts.
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Virtualization and Operating Systems
Cloud engineers work with virtual machines (VMs) in cloud data centers, so it’s important to have experience with virtualization and an understanding of how VMs operate on virtual networks.
Additionally, since public clouds are OS-agnostic, it’s beneficial to have knowledge of both Windows and Linux operating systems.
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Security and Disaster Recovery Cloud
Engineers must ensure that data, applications, and infrastructure are protected from cybersecurity threats and malicious attacks. Additionally, they should be prepared for unexpected events by ensuring that systems are safe and regularly backed up to prevent data loss.
- Web Services and DevOps
Cloud computing provides a centralized platform for testing, deployment, and production for DevOps automation.
As a cloud engineer, it’s important to have a strong understanding of how this works and how to effectively collaborate between operations and development teams in an agile, dynamic environment.
4. Internship
Internships are an excellent way to gain experience in the cloud industry and provide a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field. They can be pursued while studying or as part of a specialization program.
One example of someone who successfully transitioned into a career in cloud engineering is Jerry Stark, who after 30 years of working in IT, lost his job during the pandemic.
He then enrolled in the Cloud Architect Masters Program and was able to secure a job soon after completing the course.