We live in a world of fast technological advances. In the IT sector, the evolution is evident, and cloud computing is just one among many proofs. There are other areas such as AI and Machine Learning, but that’s a story for another day.
A career in cloud computing is as exciting as it’s lucrative. Louis Columbus, a contributor at Forbes, found out that computing professionals earn a median salary of $146,350 per year. Not bad, right? Btw, he obtained the data from the Gartner TalentNeuron intelligence portal.
Despite that, there is an acute shortage of cloud computing professionals, according to a Gartner Survey. From the survey, the researchers considered the shortage a No.1 risk among business executives. In other words, there is a huge demand for cloud computing professionals in an industry expected to exceed 300 billion by 2021.
If you’re looking to start a career in cloud computing, now is the best time. Our today’s post points you to some of the most in-demand jobs, so you can choose the right career. But before all that, it’s important to understand that you need the right education and other skills to create a successful cloud computing career.
Without further ado, let’s get down to business since there is a lot to learn.
How to Enter A Cloud Computing Career
The most successful cloud computing professionals have the right education and know their way around the cloud. Typically, workers entering the cloud computing career come from different academic and professional backgrounds.
All the same, absolute IT beginners and seasoned developers pine for cloud computing. But experienced developers generally have an easier time adapting to the cloud compared to beginners. Still, both groups require the proper education and certifications to make the most out of cloud computing.
So, which IT degree should you pursue as you prepare for a career in cloud computing?
According to Maryville University, “…an online bachelor’s degree in management information systems can help you build in-demand skills to qualify for emerging opportunities [in cloud computing].”
In other words, a degree in management information systems opens your doors to cloud computing job titles such as system analyst, database admin, software engineer, cloud architect, full stack developer and cloud engineer among others.
Additionally, degrees in computer science, IoT, web technologies & cloud computing, business administration, business sciences and information technology among others can help to start and build a career in cloud computing.
Moreover, you should learn all you can about the popular cloud platforms such as Amazon AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure. Employers that leverage these platforms are actively looking for experts to deploy applications and analyze data.
Demonstrating you can use popular cloud platforms to inform management decisions and drive business goals forward offers you a competitive edge over other candidates. Experience in multiple cloud platforms widens your job pool as well.
Other than that, you need to hone other skills. For instance, a cloud computing professional requires strategic planning skills. They should be organizational and deliver on time. On top of that, you should sharpen your communication skills, verbal and written.
That out of the way, let us look at three of the most in-demand jobs in cloud computing. Keep in mind different jobs come with different requirements and compensation. Some roles might require you to take an extra course.
Top 3 Most In-Demand Cloud Computing Jobs
Cloud Architect
Cloud architects are responsible for developing and implementing cloud setups. The main role of a cloud architect is to ensure that cloud systems are reliable, secure, scalable and supportable to achieve the best business performance.
To qualify for a cloud architect job, you need an educational background in computer science. Additionally, you must have knowledge of Linux and Windows. Technical experience in Python, Shell and VBScript may add some advantage.
Cloud architects earn between $140,000 and $150,000 per annum.
Cloud Computer Systems and Network Administrator
Cloud computer system and network administrators (CCSNA) optimize network software, support operations, and maintain cloud infrastructure. In some organizations, they are also in charge of implementing and maintaining communication and hardware connections.
To start a career as a CCSNA, you need an educational background in computer science and an assortment of skills. You need experience in network engineering and deep knowledge of DHCP, NAT, DNS, routing, network protocols, and TCP/IP.
On top of that, you must know your way around Python, Perl and Shell. Cloud Computer Systems and Network Administrators take home about $110,000 per year.
Cloud Sales Manager
Do you have a knack for marketing? Do you love the cloud but are afraid to venture forth because you lack one of those fancy-sounding IT degrees? Well, if that’s a resounding yes, you too can get a piece of the action like a cloud sales manager.
You don’t need a degree in management information systems or computer science. No, you don’t. To get a cloud sales manager job, you only need a strong academic background in any discipline, related IT knowledge and sales and marketing chops.
Your responsibilities as a cloud sales manager involve selling storage, marketing and building relationships with customers. Other tasks include negotiating contracts and renewals. Cloud sales managers pocket between $120,000 and $140,000 per year.
Honourable Mentions
Cloud computing has many different careers, and mentioning only three seems like a disservice, but hey, you only need one great job, right?
All the same, here is a shortlist of other in-demand cloud computing jobs:
- IT project manager
- Cloud user support specialist
- Cloud Computing Product Manager
- Cloud Computing Consultant
- Senior Systems Engineer
- Cloud Software Apps Developer
- .NET developer
- Front-end developer
- Back-end developer
And the list goes on
Final Words
Getting one of these in-demand jobs requires prior preparation. You need the right education and cloud computing skills and loads of motivation.
Anyone looking for a cloud computing job must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant IT field. Getting a master’s degree can improve the chances you’ll get your dream job.
