7 skills you need to find career success in cloud computing

With businesses increasingly migrating to the digital space, demand for cloud computing has only soared in recent years – with the industry showing no signs of stopping.

Cloud-based professions are now some of the hottest roles in IT, offering lucrative salaries as the sector grapples with an ever-growing skills gap. Those with the right talents and experience are spoilt with industry opportunity and the vast number of training certifications now readily available.

Whether you’re looking to switch careers, enter the workforce, or simply seeking an IT specialty – we’ve outlined the top most skills required for a successful cloud computing career below, and how Upskilled’s courses can help you get started. 

What skills do you need in cloud computing?

1. The “DevOps” approach.

Siloed departments and operations won’t cut it in the cloud computing game. The most successful professionals in the field are required to have at least a fundamental understanding of working under a “DevOps” model; in which development and operations teams work closely together to automate, streamline, and overall accelerate the delivery of applications and services.

According to TechBeacon, DevOps and the cloud are now “joined at the hip”, with many cloud platforms supporting the approach through its centralised platform for testing, production, and deployment. Most even offer continuous development and integration tools to further streamline the DevOps process.

2. Data analysis.

The ability to gather, measure, and assess large datasets is critical to the cloud computing field. Experts are often expected to analyse basic metrics such as cloud usage and costs, to more detailed, business-centric information – helping stakeholders make effective key decisions.

Assessment of specific cloud environments is also necessary. Professionals are typically required to analyse relevant software or application data, ensuring cloud-based platforms are performing as necessary before, during, and after migration to the cloud.

3. Machine learning and AI.

Artificial intelligence is the future, as some say – and cloud vendors know this well. Leading providers such as Google, Microsoft, and AWS now offer AI and machine learning solutions over the cloud, making experience and skills in the field invaluable. Now referred to as machine-learning-as-a-service, or MLaaS, this area of cloud computing is expected to see a compound annual growth rate of 43% through 2023.

Machine learning and AI capabilities are thus a highly recommended skill set for those looking to stand out in the cloud industry. With a growing skills gap in this area, it can also help sharpen your competitive edge in the general IT field.

4. Knowledge of integrated and multi-cloud environments.

A cloud professional is able to differentiate between the varying cloud services, vendors, and platform types (private, public, or hybrid) available, and holds an expert understanding of their specific uses and management processes. They can then use this knowledge to advise businesses on the cloud solutions best fit to their needs, and deploy them as necessary.

Data integration is also key. A common challenge among companies looking to migrate to the cloud is working with these new platforms and their existing legacy systems. A cloud expert knows how to best integrate data across these applications, typically implementing this in the early stages of migration.

5. Database management.

Managing data on the cloud requires a whole new set of skills from those needed to run traditional, on-premise data centres. An understanding of cloud storage security, limitations and database types is thus fundamental to any cloud-based profession.

Databases can also vary depending on the cloud solution, with some built to handle large datasets – while others are optimised for specific online activities, such as processing transactions. A cloud expert must thus be able to recommend the appropriate data storage based on a business’ particular needs.

Experience with database querying languages may also be required, such as SQL, Hadoop, or MongoDB.

6. Networking.

Network management tasks are now increasingly pushed to the cloud, helping reduce the number of on-premise devices required to manage these processes. Cloud professionals must therefore have a solid understanding of traditional network and virtual network management, as well as the different configurations required for varying business needs. You’ll typically be required to ensure stable network performance and an easy, user-friendly process among end users.

With remote work on an incline in the wake of COVID-19, these skills are only bound to grow in demand.

7. Cyber security.

Though cloud solutions are acclaimed for providing greater data security, protection is still a priority among vendors as cyber crimes continue to evolve.

A skillset in cyber security is essential to success in the cloud computing field, helping experts implement and maintain preventative measures on such platforms. Outsourcing one’s data storage and processes already requires a certain level of trust, making cyber security a particularly dominant issue among cloud professionals. With the cloud only set to gain popularity in the coming years – so too is the demand for related security skills.

Why is it important to get a cloud certification?

Getting certified under a trusted cloud provider not only equips you with industry-standard skills, but also the credentials to stand out in an ever-competitive job market. Potential employers are far more likely to consider candidates with qualified experience in leading cloud platforms, such as those offered by AWS, Microsoft, and Google. 

In fact, ACG’s latest State of Cloud report revealed that 52% of cloud-certified professionals saw their career opportunities expand, with 80% saying their certification directly resulted in a salary raise.

These qualifications are often a foolproof way of boosting your employability, and keeps your skills up-to-date in a rapidly evolving industry.

How do I get certified in cloud computing?

Plenty of online training courses are now available to help aspiring professionals get certified in cloud computing. Upskilled offers such programs, including:

ICT30120 - Certificate III in Information Technology - Focus on Basic Cloud Computing

If you’re just stepping foot in the cloud computing industry, our ICT30120 - Certificate III in Information Technology - Focus on Basic Cloud Computing is an ideal starting point for building your skills. Covering the fundamentals of cloud computing, students will learn to evaluate cloud solutions, configure cloud services, and basic skills in cyber security.

This course takes up to 12 months to complete.

ICT40120 - Certificate IV in Information Technology

Those with basic IT knowledge looking to further their skills may find our ICT40120 - Certificate IV in Information Technology as a valuable stepping stone. This course dives further into the general IT skills required of most tech professions, including basic cyber security, programming, web development, and cloud computing.

This course takes up to 12 months to complete.

Both programs also offer the additional option of pursuing an AWS-provided Cloud Foundations course, in which you’ll build the fundamental knowledge required to leverage the AWS’s cloud-based platforms and services. Such training will also help prepare you for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification, a qualification bound to enhance your cloud computing career.

Launch your cloud computing career today!

In an industry of growing skills demand and an increasing talent shortage, there’s never been a better time to pursue the world of cloud computing.

As mentioned, Upskilled provides online courses offering the fundamental cloud training necessary to kickstart one’s career in the field. Best of all, both programs are delivered online – helping one build their skills according to their personal needs and schedule.

Build the skills you need for a cloud career today, and enquire with us on a course.