How can you position yourself for a career in Cloud Computing?

Now is the perfect time to start a career in IT. Over the last 5 years everything has changed. Cloud, Data Engineering, IoT and AI/ML are relatively new technologies where you are not expected to have 10 years experience. With effort and curiosity you can start to learn one of these subjects. You’ll find huge amounts of learning materials and help online. For a Cloud career, having a good understanding of an Operating System will be good as well as basic networking and how systems are connected together to form an application stack. You can do all this using just your laptop and without signing up for a cloud account. Just be sure that you are happy with what we mean by Compute, Storage, Networking and Databases. Good Luck!

Understanding basic cloud computing principles like as architecture, security, economics, and services and deployment patterns is essential before diving into particular cloud platforms. Understanding Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS), for example, establishes the foundation for efficient cloud computing. You may prepare for more advanced cloud certifications by strengthening this foundation with the support of online courses and resources.

In my experience a fast-track approach to learn the fundamentals is to take the fundamentals track of the top cloud providers (AWS, Microsoft, Google, Oracle). All of this companies have insightful documentation to startup in the cloud market and the cloud market concepts, while they also provide market and business insights and their technical and commercial perspective of the cloud. So, taking those paths will help to adopt the concepts and also understand the current offering and POV of the companies that are leading the industry and also will make easier to approach the second step on this document (choose a cloud provider)

Familiarize yourself with core cloud concepts such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and SaaS. Learn about popular cloud service providers like SCloud, Azure and GCP. Gain hands-on experience by practicing with cloud platforms and services. Develop proficiency in cloud security, networking, and storage. Explore virtualization technologies and containerization with tools like Docker and Kubernetes. Stay informed about industry trends, certifications, and best practices. Engage with online courses, webinars, and communities to enhance your understanding. Building a strong foundation in these fundamentals will provide a solid base for pursuing a successful career in the dynamic field of cloud computing.

It helped me a lot to have a solid understanding of networks, virtualization/containerization as well as concepts of computer and software architecture.

Gain expertise in cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), understanding IaaS, PaaS, SaaS models, and proficiency in DevOps practices, containers, and automation tools. For example, learn AWS services like EC2, S3, and IAM or Azure services like Azure VMs, Blob Storage, and Azure Active Directory.

Acquiring practical skills is crucial for starting a career in Cloud Computing. Online courses, certifications, and hands-on projects allow you to gain proficiency in specific cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and related technologies. I would always give priority to skill development through practical experiences, such as building projects and solving real-world problems, as it helps to enhance your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a professional setting. Also, building a professional network through industry events and online communities complements your skills as good networking provides insights into industry trends, job opportunities, and a platform for collaboration and pushes you ahead into the cloud journey.

When you are working on large enterprise solutions for example Capital Markets, Banking and Financial Service Providers, the most possible architecture you will be facing, is multi-cloud hybrid deployments that requires integration with on-premise enterprise systems with multiple data centers. So, you must consider these hybrid scenarios for a successful cloud service provider selection; in addition, take into account the current enterprise architecture in different dimensions, including business, applications, data & information and infrastructure, and the enterprise architecture road-map with transitions, to be aligned with your business main objectives, strategic goals and concerns.

Consider major providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, each offering distinct services and specialties. Evaluate the provider's market share, customer base, and global presence. Examine the range and depth of services they offer, ensuring alignment with your career objectives. Assess the ease of use, documentation, and community support for effective learning. Consider obtaining certifications from the chosen provider to enhance your credibility. Stay informed about industry trends to adapt your skills accordingly. Ultimately, selecting a reputable cloud provider that resonates with your career goals and learning preferences sets the stage for a successful journey in cloud computing.

It heavily depends on what your personal or your company's strategies and alignments are. The budget also plays a significant role. If you're a Microsoft powerhouse, then you very likely go for Azure, because you know how well-integrated all MS products are. Nevertheless, the big 3 (AWS, Azure, GCP) are a solid choice most of the time. always consider the feature set, pricing, and availability of resources (knowledge and manpower). That being said, smaller providers are also worth checking if you're relying on Kubernetes or Docker exclusively and don't need anything else.

If you're new I would recommend sticking to one cloud provider first, because the concept of cloud computing is the same. Different providers only have different names. Choose one that is most convenient for you, if your company works with Azure go with Azure first. Same goes for GCP or AWS, water flows downwards and you'll learn smoother following that flow. Once you got all concept and technical aspect down then feel free to branch off to a different provider to further increase your repertoire.

Which Cloud Providor you choose to specialise in, is less important that you may think. The big 3 of AWS, GCP or Azure cover nearly 90% of all workloads. Perhaps you'll think focusing on something niche like Oracle or Alibaba would give you an advantage but its a much smaller potential career path. One thing to reassure you here is that whether you learn AWS, GCP or Azure you'll be able to very quickly learn the other cloud platforms since they offer very similar services. There are differences, sometimes big differences, but you'll have a good foundation to fall back on. I've found with a strong background in AWS the transition to Google GCP has been painless and i'm looking forward to diving into Azure in 2024.

AS I read recently on LinkedIn (a message made by someone else), the certification is important but most important is the process to get that certification because in that process you learn the skills and the mental structure to understand the cloud. Of course, the way to demonstrate that process is to get the certification, and in that process the most efficient approach is to get the certifications in the path suggested by each cloud provider (starting from the fundamentals, then the foundational certifications and then the specialized certifications)

There is usually this huge debate about Certs vs Skills. I strongly believe it's not a matter of one over the other. Studying for a cloud certification is a process that structures your cloud learning and the Cert itself is merely a byproduct. The reason why we have the debate is because of the desperate need some have for the Cert that they are unwilling to go through the learning process that will help them gain skills that the cert validates. Some "training providers" ride on this desperation and promise quick win methods to get the cert regardless of experience and proper study length resulting in people with certs but can't do the job. Take it slow and indulge in the process. It's worth it in the end.

Identify industry-recognized certifications aligned with your career goals and the cloud platform you intend to specialize in such as AWS Solutions Architect or Microsoft Azure Administrator. Invest time in comprehensive exam preparation, utilizing official documentation, online courses, and practice exams. Participate in hands-on labs to gain practical experience. Leverage study groups and forums for insights and support. Achieving certifications demonstrates expertise to employers and enhances employability. Keep certifications current by staying informed about updates and recertification requirements. Certification validates your skills and provides a structured pathway for career advancement in the field of cloud computing.

Pursue certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator, or Google Cloud Certified - Professional Cloud Architect. Certifications validate skills and enhance credibility.

Certificates won't prove your actual soft skills like problem-solving or asking sophisticated questions but can be a door opener for several projects. However, if you're serious about grasping the curriculum and the deeper concepts, then a certificate is worth it.

Pursuing certifications is a strategic move in carving out a cloud computing career. These certifications, from foundational to advanced levels, act as a testament to your skills and knowledge. Whether your interest lies in becoming a cloud practitioner or an architect, select a certification that aligns with your expertise and career aspirations. Preparing for these exams is an intensive process involving various formats like multiple-choice questions and simulations. Utilizing resources such as online courses, study guides, and practice tests is essential. Joining study groups can also provide additional support and insights, helping you to successfully navigate the certification process.

Not really a necessity but a great way to show you know what you're doing, albeit it only shows so much. As any part of a person's career your technical knowledge is only a fraction of your capabilities. Being certified is a great way to boost your profile if you are new to the game, some cloud providers have communities built around its certified users. The fact that there is an expiry date for each certificate shows the nature of the ever evolving industry, your knowledge today may be outdated in the next few years so you need to retake the exam again which is also beneficial to make sure you are always on the top of your game.

The age-old debate of certification or experience. Imho, you'll need both. There are a few career paths where certifcation is less valued (I'm looking at you developers here...) but in Cloud and Infrastructure we've always valued certification *alongside* experience. As you are learning, start to think about how you'd demonstrate your knowledge. Maybe create a repeatable demo or blog post/video. Do not just revise to pass an exam. Get as hands-on as possible to build up that muscle-memory of where services are and how they work together. There are lots of certification guides out there. Use practice tests not to memorise answers but to work out where your gaps in knowlege are. Oh, and good luck !

Be intentional with building a portfolio, you can start with working on guided hands-on labs then move onto unguided projects. When selecting any training program whether paid, sponsored or free, I always look out whether it emphasizes portfolio generation. One of the most popular portfolio tool is the Cloud Resume Challenge which is available for all major cloud providers. When it comes to Cloud learning through labs I lean on Whizlabs, CloudAcademy and training options provided by the Cloud Service Provider themselves.

Building a portfolio is essential for positioning yourself in a cloud computing career. Start by showcasing hands-on projects that demonstrate your proficiency with cloud platforms like SCloud, Azure, or GCP. Include diverse projects such as infrastructure deployments, serverless applications, or data analytics solutions to exhibit versatility. Detail your role, technologies used, and outcomes achieved in each project. Incorporate any certifications earned, emphasizing your commitment to skill development. Create a personal website or leverage professional networking platforms to host your portfolio. Share code repositories on platforms like GitHub to illustrate your coding skills. Actively contribute to open-source projects.

Engage in practical projects, either through internships, personal projects, or contributing to open-source initiatives. Demonstrating hands-on experience is invaluable.

Show up! That's my mantra when it comes to network and the first step towards building your personal brand both virtually and in-person. I am usually receptive of feedback especially on opportunities for improvement. Be intentional when it comes to seeking mentors, coaches and role models. They all provide guidance that fine-tune your career development for exponential growth.

Industry Conferences and Meetups are the best places to start to find like-minded people who are passionate. Finding companies to work at that support your in your development and attendance of these events is a critical way to enable your networking!

Quick comment on the subject of networking. If you are starting out your career and you are *not* part of a meetup or user group then you are missing out. User groups are brilliant. Friendly people who will all want to help you. Plus free beer and pizza - its a win-win. Your next role will come from a connection you make at a user group (or the one after next will..). Get involved, you wont regret it.

Attend industry conferences, meetups, and webinars to connect with professionals and stay updated on trends. Engage actively on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, showcasing your expertise and sharing insights. Participate in relevant online forums and communities to exchange knowledge and gain visibility. Join user groups focused on specific cloud platforms to connect with peers and potential mentors. Collaborate on open-source projects to demonstrate your skills and expand your network. Attend local tech events or cloud-related workshops to build relationships within your community. Networking provides valuable insights and opens doors to opportunities, making it an integral part for a successful career in cloud computing.

Engage in cloud-related forums, attend meetups, and join professional networks like LinkedIn groups. Networking helps gain insights, mentorship, and potential job opportunities.

One thing I found useful was attending Cloud Tech meetups in my city. Its always great meeting like minded individuals and learning from each other's experience. Another great way to build networks are joining tech groups in social media, people would always love to share their new discoveries that you may benefit from as well.

In my opinion, current cloud concepts (focused primarily in Infrastructure and Platform services) will converge in other trending topics that are cloud related: 1. Cybersecurity 2. Artificial Intelligence 3. DevOps 2.0 (the capacity that the cloud is providing with AI to develop fast custom applications, using low code approaches and automatization). 4. Metaverse. The future will say which of these topics will emerge, but the reality is that it is important to be updated on the trending topics and focus the learning on those emerging concepts.

Stay informed about industry trends, new technologies, and updates from major cloud providers by following blogs, podcasts, and reputable news sources. Enroll in online courses, attend webinars, and pursue advanced certifications to deepen your knowledge. Engage in hands-on projects and participate in cloud-related forums to apply theoretical concepts in practical scenarios. Join professional communities, both online and offline, to exchange ideas and learn from experienced professionals. Establish a routine for self-assessment, identifying areas for improvement and setting learning goals. Embrace a mindset of curiosity and adaptability to thrive in the dynamic landscape of cloud computing.

Cloud technology evolves rapidly. Stay updated with the latest trends, new services, and best practices through courses, workshops, and industry publications.

Again, the fact that there is an expiry date for each certificate shows the nature of the ever evolving industry, your knowledge today may be outdated in the next few years so you need to retake the exam again which is also beneficial to make sure you are always up to date. The biggest constant in the world is change and there is never a lack of knowledge for us to learn. Many subdivisions and categories to learn about and improve our skills on. Online courses, videos, articles, podcast and many more are available now to help us in this matter. The only thing blocking your progress is yourself.

Choose a variety of sources to keep yourself current. Personally, I'll read blogs but also sit in on webinars or other trainings periodically to hear different perspectives, learn the latest, and keep my skills sharp. Also, recognize that the torrent of information on this topic is too much for any individual to absorb. Understand where your gaps are and decide whether you need the additional experience or if it makes more sense to specialize.

Nowadays, it's essential to stay in the flow of knowledge and information. Read LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and subscribe to the top voices of a cloud provider. Also, be open to other opinions as they make you rethink your understanding or show that you might dig deeper into the books again.

The most effective method I've discovered involves identifying or creating an impactful concept that tackles societal challenges. For example, my journey began with grasping the fundamentals of cloud computing, centered around public road safety and processing traffic data on the cloud. This initial focus laid the foundation for my learning around using cloud services to ingest, process, and analyze data for public safety. I felt this purpose-driven learning not only gives one a passion to contribute but also deeply enriches the understanding innovatively applied to real-world problems, fostering both professional growth and a meaningful contribution to society.

As an advocate for continuous learning, I've customized several GPT models to advance my education in technology, particularly Azure Cloud Architecture. I've programmed a model to challenge me with daily questions on cloud computing, enabling rapid learning. This method provides quick answers and has significantly accelerated my growth in the field.