How to start a career in cloud computing with no experience

When it comes to saving business time, money, and resources – cloud computing has only grown in popularity.

With Australia’s cloud market now far past the $1 billion mark (due in large part to surges in cloud adoption amidst COVID-19) it’s no surprise that the industry has grown into one of tech’s most popular, innovative, and in-demand sectors. 

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of on-demand computing services – from applications to storage servers – over the internet. The industry has transformed the way businesses manage and consume their digital resources, providing a cost-effective, high-performance solution that’s sure to boost productivity and customer service.

For those looking to step foot in this ground-breaking field, we break down the ways to start a cloud computing career – even with zero experience to start.

How to start a career in cloud computing

1. Take up an entry-level course

Just setting foot in the industry? It may help to have a beginner’s feel of the sector through entry-level courses or qualifications in cloud computing. Training in the fundamentals can help you determine whether the industry is truly suited to your personality and skillset; and can paint a clearer image of the varying specialties available (i.e. cloud engineering, DevOps, data science, etc.).

Upskilled currently offers a course in the field through their ICT50120 – Diploma of Information Technology (Cloud Engineering). Students can explore both technical areas of virtual computing, network security, and cloud infrastructure; as well as broader IT and business skills such as customer service, ICT ethics, and disaster recovery. Those who complete the course will have a deeper understanding of cloud technology, its development, the business strategies surrounding it – arming them with the basic knowledge to start building their portfolio and pursue higher-level certifications.

2. Opt for the right certification

Professionals in cloud computing are typically certified under a trusted cloud provider. Once you’ve built your foundations, it’s time to consider potential areas of specialisation. Research on possible (and verified) certification providers to discover the best available certificates suited to your goals and interests.

While there are multiple providers to choose from – Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) are often as the industry’s top three cloud providers (led impressively by AWS, whose set to topple $43 billion by 2022). Certification under these players are likely to boost one’s salary potential, chances of promotion and employability in the job market. They’re also a sure-fire way of verifying your skills under trusted, household names, helping you build credibility as you make your way up the ladder.

3. Build your portfolio and professional network

Certifications and qualifications are just one half of the puzzle, however. To truly stand out among employers, one must have a robust, quality portfolio of varying cloud computing projects and experiences. It’s thus important to opt for any opportunity to apply and hone your skills in a “real-world” context. This could include undertaking internships, pursuing solo projects, or even the practical experience you’ve gained through training courses.

Additionally, building a strong network of industry contacts (in-person or online) can help you stay atop of new opportunities as they arise. Maintaining and keeping in touch with your professional circle can keep you informed of new company positions, new industry resources, or simply words of advice from veterans in the field.

4. Never stop learning

Finally, in a fast-paced landscape of constant innovation and development, continuous learning is crucial. Success in cloud computing comes with constantly training and updating your skills alongside new technologies, software, and services. The industry thus tends to reward the naturally curious and inquisitive; those with the initiative to experiment across varying cloud applications, platforms, and services.

With the wide range of online labs, exercises, webinars, and even YouTube channels available in the field; professionals can easily keep themselves up to date on the latest cloud-based trends and opportunities. It may even help to pursue further certifications – broadening your knowledge and career prospects in the industry.

What is the importance of cloud computing?

Cloud computing has become a highly-valued practice among most Australian businesses, with 42% (as of 2019) now using some form of paid cloud.

The benefits have shown to be plenty, both for business owners and customers alike. For one, companies can save money on deploying, managing, and maintaining local IT systems. These are often expensive to run – both in manpower and finances. Migrating to the cloud can reportedly help companies save up to 30-50% of their overall budget (according to engineer Clay Magouyrk of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure); by alleviating the need for physical infrastructure and an entire, on-site team to run it.

Cloud services are also often highly scalable, helping business owners to invest in only what they need – and increasing or decreasing these resources in time, when necessary.

The online nature of the cloud additionally allows for greater mobility among those who run its resources. Workers are no longer confined to their offices, and can easily access their data wherever and whenever they see fit. Customers, in turn, benefit – as this allows businesses to run with greater efficiency.

Finally, relying on a trusted cloud provider can speed up your business’ disaster recovery process (when necessary), as they typically make use of high-quality enterprise systems that can simply carry processes over to a new server in the case of a single server failure. Lesser downtime, once again, results in greater customer satisfaction.

Is cloud computing difficult to learn?

Though studying cloud computing can come with its fair share of intricate skills and complex IT concepts; those passionate about the sector will often enjoy its challenges.

Cloud computing professionals will require a high-level technical skillset, comprised of coding proficiency (across multiple languages such as Java, .NET, and Python), data analytics, and cybersecurity knowledge. With each area consistently evolving, individuals must also commit to continuous training and research, ensuring their skills and knowledge are up to date.

At the same time, those in the field must also be aware of basic business concepts such as risk management, ROI, and marketing strategies to help drive company growth and success. 

It’s an industry of constant change, varying knowledge areas and multiple specialisations – which bode a plethora of exciting opportunities for those with the right talents and tech experience.

Looking to build your skills in cloud computing?

If you’re drawn to careers in cloud computing, but have yet to build experience – training in the field’s basic concepts is your recommended first step.

As mentioned, Upskilled currently offers an ICT50120 – Diploma of Information Technology (Cloud Engineering) to help equip aspiring experts with the fundamentals. Alongside exploring the intricacies of virtual computing, students will also have the opportunity to acquire transferable and highly-demanded IT skills in cybersecurity, networking, and business strategy.