An IT specialist who works in the cloud, or “cloud engineer,” creates and maintains the necessary infrastructure. Engineers in the cloud may specialize in areas such as architecture (planning and implementing cloud services for businesses), development (creating applications and infrastructure for the cloud), and management (working with cloud networks).
In recent years, cloud computing has become increasingly commonplace. In all likelihood, cloud-based services are an integral part of your day-to-day existence. Cloud computing enables a wide range of services, including online video and audio streaming, online email, and online storage for media from mobile devices. Businesses benefit from simplified data storage and backup, on-demand software update deployment, and the possibility that customers can access their data from several devices. As a cloud engineer, your job will be to ensure the smooth operation of the system.
Cloud engineer salary and job growth
Glassdoor reports that the median annual compensation for a cloud engineer in the United States is $109,974 as of June 2021. According to Robert Half Technology’s 2021 Compensation Guide, entry-level cloud engineers can expect an annual salary of $97,500, while more seasoned cloud engineers can make upwards of $163,000.
The use of cloud computing by businesses is predicted to spur development in the field of cloud computing over the next decade. Aside from cybersecurity and database management, proficiency with cloud technology is expected to be a highly sought-after skill in the coming year (2021).
What does a cloud engineer do every day?
Depending on the business, a cloud engineer’s duties may vary significantly. Ben Miller, a Google employee and Strategic Cloud Engineer, explains: “My responsibility as a Strategic Cloud Engineer at Google is to help Google Cloud customers to architect and construct systems on the Google Cloud Platform.” “I advise on system architecture, supply product direction, and instruct on GCP-appropriate methods. When I’m not working on GCP, I’m helping the Google Cloud product teams make it better for our users.”
A cloud engineer’s day-to-day tasks might include:
- Helping organizations migrate their computer systems to the cloud
- Configuring cloud infrastructure components like networking and security services
- Creating the applications and databases that perform on the cloud
- Monitoring cloud management and data storage services
How to become a cloud engineer
To improve your chances of landing a career in cloud engineering, you need acquire relevant experience, knowledge, and possibly a certification.
1. Develop relevant skills.
IT jobs that can have cloud-related tasks include systems engineer, network engineer, and database administrator. If you’re already in an IT role, keep an eye out for opportunities to grow in these areas.
- Cloud platforms: It’s generally recommended that you learn one cloud platform well, instead of having minimal knowledge of several. By market share, the four largest cloud infrastructure providers are Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and IBM Cloud in 2021. Much of what you learn in one cloud platform may be transferable to another, with slight variations.
- Data storage and security: How to access, store, and protect data are each an important part of a cloud worker.
- Networking: Having knowledge of networking basics and virtual networks will be useful in integrating networks with cloud services.
- Programming: Common languages used in cloud computing include Python, Java, Golang, or Ruby.
- Operating systems: You should have a strong understanding of operating systems such as Windows and Linux.
2. Build hands-on experience.
Getting some real-world practice with cloud computing can be done in a number of different ways. Whether you work in IT, ask your supervisor if you can observe others in cloud computing roles or volunteer for projects that will expand your understanding of the topic. Anyone interested can create an account on a cloud platform and start exploring on their own.
The cloud can also be explored through a variety of courses and Guided Projects, which are interactive learning experiences that can be finished in two hours or less.
- Create a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) Using AWS
- Create a Virtual Machine Using Microsoft Azure
- Introduction to Cloud Computing by IBM
- AWS Fundamentals Specialization
- Google Cloud Product Fundamentals
Getting started in cloud
The cloud computing industry is one of the fastest growing in the information technology industry and promises exciting new opportunities in the future. One way to distinguish oneself professionally is to learn how to use the cloud to keep businesses competitive in the face of rapid technological change.