How to Get a Job in Cloud Computing: Required Education and Skills

With technology’s rapid adoption, more people are shifting to careers in the tech industry. Cloud computing is a field in technology that has a very bright job outlook. As organizations embrace technology, this field is poised to experience phenomenal job growth.

If you are interested in starting a career in technology, cloud computing is a good place to start as it holds many opportunities for professionals. In this definitive guide, we will discuss how to get a job in cloud computing. We’ll go over educational options, important skills, career paths, and other key concepts.

What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services, like tools and applications, through the Internet. It enables businesses to access technology services from a cloud provider on a pay-as-you-go basis rather than buying, owning, and maintaining physical data centers and servers. 

Cloud providers allow users to store files and applications on remote servers and access them through the Internet regardless of location. Some of the biggest providers include Google Cloud Platform, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft Azure.

Cloud Computing Job Outlook

Cloud computing has revolutionized how many tech professionals carry out their work and, in some cases, engendered new tech jobs altogether. Some easily recognizable jobs in cloud computing are computer network architect, computer programmer, systems administrator, and research scientist.  

To get a good idea of the job outlook for cloud computing, we can look at figures for the wider industry. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for computer and information technology occupations will grow 13 percent this decade, which is faster than average.  

In addition, cloud computing boasts exceptionally high average salaries by both national and industry standards. ZipRecruiter estimates that the average cloud computing salary in the US is over $117,000.

What Education Do I Need to Become a Cloud Engineer?

There are different educational paths to become a cloud computing specialist. You can earn a bachelor’s degree, join a coding bootcamp, or attend a community college. All of these are acceptable education options for starting a career as a cloud computing specialist.

Can I Become a Cloud Engineer Without a College Degree?

Yes, you can become a cloud engineer without a bachelor’s degree. You can enroll in a coding bootcamp, where you will lend the most in-demand skills in the field, or attend a community college. These options are becoming increasingly popular, although many employers still want to hire candidates with college degrees.

Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Get a Job in Cloud Computing?

Yes, a coding bootcamp can help you get a job in cloud computing. There are a host of bootcamp providers that have programs focusing on cloud computing. For example, you can become a cloud computing expert by attending one of the best Amazon Web Service (AWS) bootcamps.

Coding bootcamps are designed with a single goal in mind: to train students to start a career in tech. The aim is to make students job-ready in record time through a range of projects. To that end, bootcamps bet on hands-on training through real-life projects.

Along with this practical learning process, bootcamps offer career services that prepare students for the job search and their subsequent professional life through activities like interview prep, resume writing, and online branding. These services make it easier for students to get good jobs and start a rewarding career in the field.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Job in Cloud Computing?

The time it takes to get a job in cloud computing if you are totally new to the field will vary drastically according to your chosen educational path. If you opt for a college degree, it will take you about four years to complete your bachelor’s degree. 

However, you should allow for a few more months or even a year to do an internship, as you need this experience to access most entry-level jobs. In addition, many professionals in this field pursue advanced degrees, which usually take two years. All in all, if you choose the academic route, it would take four to six years before you can get a full-time cloud computing position. 

There is also the option of attending a community college and getting an associate degree. This option will take you two years and, if coupled with the right experience, can probably be enough to land entry-level positions. To get this experience you should apply for internships or apprenticeships after earning your degree. 

Finally, an alternative quickly rising in popularity is coding bootcamps. Coding bootcamps are, by far, the fastest and most cost-effective option. Most bootcamp programs last three to nine months and give you the training you need to land well-paying, albeit entry-level, jobs in cloud computing. 

Common Cloud Computing Education Paths

The most common educational paths for cloud computing specialists are college degrees, coding bootcamps, and community colleges. Below, we explore each of these paths in more detail to help you make the right decision.

Cloud Computing Bootcamps

There are several coding bootcamp programs that train students in cloud computing and related fields. These online courses for cloud computing are designed to teach relevant knowledge and in-demand skills required to start a career. They offer specialized training to students in the field of their choice and ensure that the students are job-ready after completing the program. 

Coding bootcamps are more affordable and shorter than traditional university programs. They also provide financing options for low-income students. Some bootcamps offer a deferred tuition plan that allows students to attend the school for free until they secure good jobs. There are also bootcamps that guarantee job placements. If the student doesn’t get a job within a pre-determined period after graduation, their tuition is refunded.

Community College

Community colleges are two-year institutions that provide students with an associate degree upon completion. They are also known as junior colleges and are open to students who are at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. 

There are many community colleges in the US that offer training in cloud computing and related fields. They provide students with the necessary education to get an entry-level cloud computing job and start a career in the cloud space. These programs focus on the necessary skills to work in cloud computing and are also open to working professionals who want to advance in their careers.

Cloud Computing Degrees

The most popular path for starting a career in tech is still earning a bachelor’s degree. Some colleges offer degrees in cloud computing specifically. Others, only have degrees in subjects like computer science and information technology, which are ideal to develop a strong foundation to work in the industry.

Bachelor’s degrees typically last four years long and represent a hefty monetary investment, particularly when compared to the other options in this section. The curriculum here will be less specialized and practical and will include general education courses as well as electives. 

Key Cloud Computing Skills to List on Your Resume

Every cloud computing specialist should have excellent networking, DevOps, and storage skills. In addition, they need expertise in business, data analysis, security, and project management. Below we dive deeper into the most important skills for cloud computing.

Technical Skills

There is a wide range of technical skills required of a cloud computing professional. These professionals need to have a large and varied skillset that includes cloud service providers, operating systems like Linux, storage, networking, virtualization, web services, application programming interfaces (APIs), and DevOps. 

These skills are essential in the field and having knowledge of more than a few of them will help you stand out from others in the job market. Seeing these skills on your resume shows the employer that you are prepared for the job and can perform your role efficiently. Other skills that will give you an edge are machine learning and database management.

Programming Langauges

Every cloud engineer should be proficient in specific programming languages. To excel at your job, you will need to learn Python, SQL, PHP, .Net, Java, or Ruby, which are in high demand by employers. The more languages you know, the better chance you’ll have of landing your dream job in the industry.

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot

Find Your Bootcamp Match

Having experience with programming languages will also make it easier to understand and master cloud computing. Programming skills will help you stand out and boost your career as a cloud engineer. Fortunately, there are many online training resources at your disposal to learn and enhance your programming skills.

Business Skills

Having good business and financial skills can give cloud professionals a better understanding of the company that’s employing them and its goals. Familiarizing themselves with terms like return on investment (ROI), profit margins, or cash flow can give them a competitive edge in the labor market.

Where to Find Cloud Computing Jobs

When it comes to looking for jobs in cloud computing, there are many platforms that you can visit, including job boards, employers’ websites, and cloud computing communities and forums. Let’s take a closer look at each of these options.

Job Boards

Job boards are the most popular way of finding job openings in this day and age. You are better off looking for opportunities at a tech-specific job platform, such as Cloudy Jobs, Dice, Hired, or AngelList. However, don’t disregard the more general ones like Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and LinkUp. You may also want to check out Stack Overflow and Women In Technology International (WITI).

Company Websites

Many companies have a career page with current job openings. Use a search engine like Google to look for companies you would like to work for and leverage their career pages to find what kind of professionals they are hiring.

Industry Communities and Forums

Every industry has online communities and forums where professionals can meet for discussions, seminars, conferences, and other events. Cloud computing is no exception. Use forums like Reddit, Spiceworks, Linux.org, and HardForum to stay abreast of the latest industry news, trends, and open jobs in cloud computing.  

How to Prepare for Your Cloud Computing Interview

To prepare for your interview for a cloud computing engineer position, you need to research the company, read the job description carefully, and practice common interview questions. Below are some cloud computing interview questions that you can practice.

Cloud Computing Interview Questions

• What is the difference between Hybrid Cloud and Hybrid IT? 
• What roles does virtualization play in the cloud? 
• Describe a time when you had a conflict with a colleague and how you handled it.
• Tell us about a challenging project that you handled. Why was it challenging and how did you approach it?

The Five Highest-Paying Cloud Computing Jobs

Computer and Information Systems Manager

Salary: $151,150

Computer and information systems managers are responsible for coordinating and directing computer-related activities. These experts help organizations make the best decisions to meet their technology needs.

Computer and Information Research Scientist

Salary: $126,830

Computer research scientists create and design new methods of computing and find innovative uses for existing technology. They research, study, and solve complex computer problems for different fields.

Computer Network Architect

Salary: $116,780

Computer network architects are in charge of designing and constructing data communication networks such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), data communication systems, and intranets. They have in-depth knowledge of an organization’s network requirements and can help an organization achieve its goals.

Database Architect

Salary: $98,860

A database architect creates, designs, and maintains databases and database applications to meet a company’s requirements. These professionals research, analyze, and evaluate their employer’s priorities, goals, and needs. They must have knowledge of data infrastructure to determine what needs to be changed. 

Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Salary: $84,810

Computer systems administrators are in charge of the day-to-day operations of a company’s computer networks. They ensure all of the company’s hardware and software are up to date and working properly. To become a network and computer systems administrator, you need a solid foundation in IT, interpersonal skills, and expertise in database management.

Cloud Computing Career Path

You can start your career in cloud computing by applying for entry-level cloud engineering jobs and progressing from there. Most entry-level jobs require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, although more and more employers are keen to hire bootcamp graduates as well. Senior-level jobs require a higher level of education and more years of work experience.

Entry-Level Cloud Computing Jobs

• Cloud Software Engineer – These professionals are in charge of the design, planning, management, maintenance, and support of cloud computing systems. They help companies develop and maintain the right cloud strategy.
• Cloud Sales Executive – A cloud sales executive works for a company that offers cloud services and is in charge of finding new clients and expanding revenue from sales. They must know the ins and out of cloud technology and be familiar with the different platforms.
• Cloud Developer – These professionals work on applications for cloud platforms. They share many responsibilities with software developers, including designing applications as well as coding, debugging, and testing. For example, to become an AWS developer, you need expertise in web development and strong interpersonal skills.

Mid-Level Cloud Computing Jobs

• Backend Developer – A backend web developer is responsible for server-side web application logic, writing the code behind web services and application programming interfaces (APIs), and integrating the work of a front end developer.
• Data Scientist – Data scientists solve business problems by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting raw data from various sources. They collaborate with company executives and stakeholders to understand and achieve their goals through the use of data.
• .NET Developer – These cloud experts use Microsoft’s .NET framework to create visually appealing and functionally sound software. 

Senior-Level Cloud Computing Jobs

• Software Architect –  A software architect is in charge of designing and developing software applications. They plan and implement the program’s various features. They are responsible for making important decisions for the entire process including design and technical standards.
• Systems Engineer – Systems engineers are responsible for evaluating, designing, upgrading, and maintaining infrastructure and installed systems. They also identify problems, develop solutions, and brainstorm ideas for future system improvements. 
• Full Stack Developer – Full stack developers work on both the front end and backend of a system using coding. They write code optimized for mobile devices, maintain databases, and develop web services to meet the needs of their clients. These professionals also develop web stacks and mobile stacks.

Cloud Computing Certifications

Earning cloud certifications will increase your value as a professional. Cloud certifications show employers that you are knowledgeable and skilled in specific areas of your job. They also make you stand out as these credentials are well-respected in the industry. Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and other big names in the industry have certification programs. 

Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect

The Professional Cloud Architect certification is designed to test your skills and knowledge when it comes to using Google Cloud technologies in the enterprise. It validates your ability to design, develop, and manage scalable and secure cloud-based business solutions.

CompTIA Cloud+

The CompTIA Cloud+ certification proves that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain and improve cloud infrastructure services. You’ll be tested on things like cloud resource management, system maintenance, security, and troubleshooting. To sit for the test, you’ll need at least two to three years of experience.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

This certification from Microsoft demonstrates your knowledge of cloud concepts and Azure. To pass the examination, you must be familiar with the fundamentals of the cloud, core Azure services, service-level agreements (SLAs), and lifecycles. It also covers the basics of security, privacy, compliance, and trust in relation to Azure. 

AWS Certified Developer – Associate

The AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification is intended for cloud developers with at least one year of experience developing and maintaining AWS-based applications. It tests your knowledge of programming languages, AWS core services, AWS architecture best practices, and application lifecycle management.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

This credential is one of the most difficult, well-respected, and sought-after certifications in the cloud computing industry. It tests your understanding of the AWS platform as well as your ability to make decisions in uncertain situations, deal with insufficient trade-offs, and extract minute details from paragraphs of text.

Tips on How to Get a Job in Cloud Computing 

To get started and have a successful career in cloud computing, you need to go through the right process. There are many pathways to follow to have a successful career in cloud computing. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you find a job in this industry. 

Get an Education

The first thing you need to do to get started as a cloud computing specialist is to pursue an education in this field. You can start a college degree in cloud computing or related fields. You can also enroll in a coding bootcamp or attend a community college. Coding bootcamps are a great option for those transitioning from a different career.

Get Experience

The more experience you have, the more you’ll stand out to employers. If you recently graduated, you can get experience by applying for internships or apprenticeships. These programs help you get hands-on experience in cloud practices like cloud monitoring and give you a taste of what the job and the industry are like. It is not unheard of for interns to be hired as full-time workers when they finish their program.

Build Your Professional Network

Your professional network can make a huge difference in how far you grow in the field. You should make it a priority to build your personal network by associating with other professionals in the field. These are people that you meet in college clubs, coding bootcamp forums, conferences, online communities, and other events or venues.

Apply for Entry-Level Positions

With your education completed and an internship under your belt, it is time to apply for entry-level cloud computing roles. If you play your cards right, a humble junior position can lead to a very fruitful and lucrative career.

Get Certified

To continue progressing in your career and gain access to better job opportunities, we recommend obtaining some of the many cloud computing certifications out there. Certification increases your knowledge, enhances your skillset, and helps you gain an advantage in the job market. There are multiple certifications in the cloud computing field that you can earn based on your level of experience and cloud expertise.

Should You Get a Job in Cloud Computing in 2021?

Yes, you should get a job in cloud computing. The cloud computing industry has a very promising job outlook due to the rapid digital transformation. In addition, cloud professionals enjoy a very high average salary. With the right education, skills, and experience, you can expect a fulfilling career in this rapidly growing field.

Cloud Computing FAQ