How to Become a Cloud Engineer – Breaking into the Cloud

Cloud engineering is a specialized field that involves designing, developing, and maintaining cloud computing solutions. Cloud engineers are responsible for creating and implementing cloud-based systems, designing and deploying cloud infrastructure, and optimizing cloud performance.

The demand for cloud engineers is increasing, with more companies moving their infrastructure to the cloud. This has resulted in significant growth in job opportunities for cloud engineers. According to a report by LinkedIn, cloud computing is one of the top most in-demand hard skills in 2023, with a 30% year-over-year increase in job postings related to cloud computing.

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a cloud engineer in the U.S. is $105,791 per year, with some earning as much as $200,000 per year, making it a lucrative career choice. Cloud engineers can work in various industries and fields, such as IT, e-commerce, healthcare, and finance, allowing them to choose from a variety of exciting work opportunities.

In this blog, we will cover various aspects of becoming a cloud engineer, including the skills required, the educational and certification requirements, and tips for breaking into the field. So, if you want to learn how to become a cloud engineer, keep reading!

5 Steps to Become a Cloud Engineer

Below are the essential steps to kickstart your journey towards becoming a proficient Cloud Engineer and excel in the world of cloud computing.

1. Learn the Basics of Cloud Computing

The first step is to understand the related fundamental concepts. You should begin by learning the different models of cloud computing, such as public, private, and hybrid clouds. Next, it’s important to understand the various types of cloud services, including Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

There are numerous online resources, including courses, tutorials, and blogs, that cover the basics of cloud computing. You can also sign up for free trials of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP to gain hands-on experience working with cloud services. This is an important step for those learning how to become a cloud engineer from scratch. 

As you learn, it’s important to understand the advantages and limitations of cloud computing, as well as the potential security and compliance issues that may arise. It’s also helpful to gain familiarity with common cloud architecture patterns, such as microservices and serverless computing.

By mastering the basics of cloud computing, you’ll have a solid foundation for the more advanced topics of cloud engineering. You’ll be better equipped to evaluate different cloud solutions and make informed decisions about which technologies and services to use in different scenarios.

2. Earn Relevant Certifications

Earning relevant certifications is an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in cloud computing to potential employers. Certifications are available from cloud service providers like AWS, Azure, and GCP, as well as from industry organizations like CompTIA and the Cloud Security Alliance.

Additionally, many best cloud computing courses and cloud computing bootcamps offer certifications upon completion. These certifications demonstrate that you have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge in a particular area of cloud computing. These platforms offer a variety of programs, ranging from the basics of cloud computing to advanced topics such as cloud architecture and security.

To take advantage of these resources and become a good cloud engineer, it’s important to research the different options and determine which ones align with your career goals and interests. For instance, if you’re interested in cloud security, you may consider earning the AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification.

Earning relevant certifications demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and improvement in your field. It also shows potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a cloud engineering role, making you stand out in a pool of competitive candidates.

3. Build Projects 

To become a cloud engineer building projects is an excellent way to gain practical experience and develop your skills as a cloud engineer. Projects allow you to apply the theoretical knowledge you’ve gained in a real-world setting, and they give you the opportunity to experiment with different cloud services and architectures.

When building a project, it’s important to start with a clear idea of what you want to achieve. You should identify the problem you’re trying to solve, the cloud services and tools you’ll need, and the overall architecture of your project. You can start with simple projects like deploying a web application on a cloud platform or setting up a serverless function. 

As you gain experience, you can work on complex projects that involve multiple cloud services and architectures. Building projects also provide you with a portfolio of work to showcase to potential employers. It demonstrates your ability to design and implement cloud-based solutions and provides examples of your problem-solving skills and technical expertise. 

You can also share your projects on open-source platforms like GitHub, allowing you to contribute to the cloud engineering community and collaborate with other engineers.

4. Look for a Job or Internship

Once you’ve gained some theoretical knowledge and practical experience in cloud computing, the next step is to look for a job or internship in the field. There are several ways to find cloud engineering positions. This is vital for those who are in the process of learning how to become a cloud security engineer.

 One way to find jobs or internships is to use job search websites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor. You can search for cloud engineering positions and apply to relevant job postings. These websites also offer useful features like salary estimates, company reviews, and interview tips.

Another way to find opportunities is to use university portals. Many universities have job boards or career centers that list job and internship opportunities, including those in the cloud engineering field. Additionally, some universities have partnerships with tech companies that offer internships and entry-level positions.

Courses and bootcamps can also offer job placement assistance programs and partnerships with top tech companies. These programs provide resume review, interview coaching, and connections to hiring managers, helping students land their first job in cloud engineering. 

Internships and entry-level positions at cloud companies or cloud consulting firms are also great ways to gain practical experience. These opportunities allow you to work on real-world projects under the guidance of experienced engineers, giving you valuable insights into cloud engineering best practices and procedures.

5. Be Up to Date

The cloud computing industry is constantly evolving, and as a cloud engineer, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. This involves continuous learning and staying informed about new developments in cloud computing.

One way to stay up-to-date is to attend industry conferences and events. These events provide opportunities to learn from experts in the field and to network with other professionals. You can also follow industry leaders on social media and read cloud-related publications to stay informed about new technologies and trends.

Another way to stay up-to-date is to participate in online forums and communities like Stack Overflow and Reddit. These communities allow you to ask questions, share knowledge, and learn from others in the field. You can also participate in online cloud computing courses, webinars, and tutorials that focus on the latest cloud technologies and trends.

It’s also important to continuously improve your technical skills. This can involve learning new programming languages, exploring new cloud services, or gaining experience with new tools and platforms. By continuously improving your technical skills, you can stay relevant in the field and adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

How to Become a Cloud Engineer Without a Degree?

A college degree is not always necessary to become a cloud engineer. Bootcamps, online courses, and certifications are becoming increasingly popular alternatives to traditional degrees. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare offer a wide range of cloud-related certifications that can help individuals gain the skills and knowledge needed to become cloud engineers.

Cloud computing bootcamps offer a more intensive learning experience, often lasting a few months, where students learn the latest skills and techniques in a condensed time frame. Bootcamps can be pricey, but they often have job placement assistance programs and partnerships with top tech companies.

Online courses and certifications are also a great way to learn about cloud computing, with some providers offering specific courses in AWS, Azure, and GCP. These courses usually come with a certificate of completion, which can add credibility to your resume and demonstrate your proficiency in cloud technologies.

FAQs – How to Become a Cloud Engineer

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Cloud Engineer?

To become a cloud engineer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Additionally, certifications in cloud computing technologies such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform can enhance your chances of getting hired.

How Hard Is It to Be a Cloud Engineer?

Becoming a cloud engineer requires a strong foundation in computer science, networking, and programming. It is a challenging field, but with dedication and commitment to learning, anyone can become a successful cloud engineer.

How Many Years Does It Take To Become a Cloud Engineer?

The time it takes to become a cloud engineer varies based on your level of education and experience. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field takes four years, while a master’s degree can take an additional two years. Certifications from online bootcamps and courses can take several weeks to months to complete.

Who Can Become a Cloud Engineer?

Anyone passionate about technology and willing to learn can become a cloud engineer. While a degree in computer science is helpful, it is not a requirement. People with backgrounds in other fields, such as mathematics, physics, or engineering, can also transition into cloud engineering with the right training and experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, becoming a cloud engineer is a rewarding career choice that requires dedication and a passion for technology. There are multiple paths to get there, including obtaining a degree in a related field, completing relevant certifications, attending boot camp programs, or leveraging online resources to learn the required skills. 

Regardless of your background, anyone can become a cloud engineer with the right mindset and training. If you’re considering pursuing a career in cloud engineering, now is the time to take action. 

Research different education and training options at Know It Get It, connect with professionals in the field and start building your skills. With the increasing demand for cloud computing technologies, the opportunities in this field are vast and constantly growing.

So, how to become a cloud engineer? It starts with your willingness to learn and your commitment to your goals. Follow your passion, work hard, and stay focused, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful career in cloud engineering.