What Are The Skills to Become a Cloud Engineer?

Cloud computing is one of the leading trends in the IT industry today. Cloud-based solutions offer convenience at an affordable price, proving to be a boon for enterprise management across the globe. So, it is no surprise that tech professionals are focusing on their cloud engineer skills now more than ever. 

Premier technology company IBM defines cloud computing as a service delivered over the internet. Cloud engineers come into the picture as organizations move their processes and applications to public, private, and hybrid cloud infrastructures. They are responsible for assessing existing frameworks and further migrating different business functions to cloud-based systems. 

If you are interested in a cloud computing career, the resources compiled below can help you start your journey. 

Scope of Cloud Computing

Cloud is slowly becoming the business standard of data storage and management. A Gartner survey pointed out that cloud investment is a top priority for more than a third of organizations. And IDC estimates that over a million cloud computing jobs will be created in India by 2022. Some of the top recruiters in the field include: 

• Amazon
• IBM
• Wipro
• Infosys
• Oracle
• Cisco Systems Inc
• TCS Ltd
• HCL Technologies 
• Accenture Technology Solutions
• Capgemini

Also, cloud architectures have revolutionized the healthcare industry. The technology simplifies operations and improves the administration of medical facilities by synchronizing medical records.

A variety of job opportunities and roles are available in management, user support, development, and analysis. Cybersecurity is another prominent area. Amid rising concerns about the lack of integrity and safety of cloud servers, the need for security-enhanced cloud environments has gone up. 

You can pursue job profiles like Cloud Software Engineer, Cloud Enterprise Architect, Cloud Infrastructure Engineer, and many other in-demand roles. And every position would require a specific type of cloud engineer skills. 

Main cloud engineer skill sets

Cloud services are mainly of three types: 

• Software as a Service (SaaS): On-demand hosted services that provide quick access to business applications
• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Cloud solutions that offer the advantage of ample storage
• Platform as a Service (PaaS): Web-based services and deployment of applications on the cloud

In this way, cloud computing is transforming business operations of the modern age. To implement these services, cloud engineers should possess technical, business skills, data analysis, management, and security skills. These skill sets are explained in broad terms below.

• Technical Skills: Knowledge of HTML and computing fundamentals 
• Financial skills: Awareness of financial terminologies like ROI and business concepts like online marketing strategies
• Data analysis: Expertise in data mining and handling ERP systems
• Project Management Skills: Experience in dealing with risk analytics, service agreements etc.
• Security Skills: Working knowledge of concepts related to network security, including encryptions, authorization, and protocols

Keeping the above-mentioned skills in mind, aspiring cloud engineers can choose from a range of different credentials. Cloud computing training and certifications differentiate one’s profile in a highly competitive job landscape. Here are some of the major certifications: 

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certification
• Google Cloud Associate and Professional Certifications
• IBM Certified Solution Architect
• HP ExpertOne Cloud Certification
• EMC Cloud Architect
• VMware Cloud Certification

Now, let us look at various cloud engineer skill sets in detail.

Developers play an integral role in the realm of cloud computing. Also, proficiency in programming languages is essential for scaling web applications. Languages like Php, Java, .NET are instrumental in unlocking the capabilities of the cloud. Besides these traditional languages, programming languages like Python and Ruby have also gained prominence in the last few years. It would not be out of turn to state that cloud programming skills are opening new dimensions for developers in the current market conditions.

Linux is an open-source operating system that can be customized to meet business needs. The software has taken over the web in recent years, especially because one can share the results without going through the hassle of taking permission. Companies are increasingly turning to Linux to build technologies. And it has crept into almost every aspect of our lives. Linux powers most of the web pages and apps that you use today. 

So, a cloud engineer should be able to architect, administer, and maintain Linux-based servers. To showcase your skills to prospective employers, you can consider The Linux Foundation Certified Systems Administrator (LFCS) certification. 

In the present-day digital age, 2.5 quintillion bytes of data is generated every day. Moreover, modern organizations have become more interested in drawing insights from the mounds data available. The information has to be stored, managed and accessed, for which the cloud provides a convenient and cost-friendly solution. It enables the storage of vast volumes of data along with on-demand access from multiple connected devices. Cloud storage also reduces dependence on computer hard drives and facilitates quick deployment and data archival. 

Understanding how cloud storages work is one of the top cloud engineer skills you can master. From the perspective of cloud database management, learning querying languages like MySQL and Hadoop can be immensely useful.

High-tech workplaces integrate network management functions into the cloud. This development can be largely attributed to improved internet access and bandwidths. Knowledge of virtual networks can go a long way in ensuring responsive networks. Also, cloud engineers need to focus on making the process easier for end-users. Doing this would be a breeze when you are thorough with all the cloud networking fundamentals. 

Understanding the offerings of cloud service providers is a prerequisite to survive and thrive in the cloud domain. Find out how they work and practice skills like compute, storage, databases, migration, etc. Most of the providers have a free usage tier which is sufficient to get you started.  If you are thinking of taking the cloud computing career path, spend some time familiarizing yourself with at least one such cloud service. AWS, Microsoft’s Azure, GCP, and OpenStack are some of the market leaders.

Building a  cloud architecture with a strong core requires paying adequate attention to its underlying foundation. Knowledge of web services and APIs can prove tremendously helpful while integrating applications over the internet. Usually, open standards such as XML, WSDL, SOAP, and UDDI are used to tag, transfer, and describe data. And API helps you get the integration done. 

• Developmental Operations (DevOps)

DevOps combines the two approaches of software Development and Operations in one mold. It is one of the most popular frameworks in the cloud ecosystem.  

AWS DevOps is a  highly demanded skill in the current job market. Additionally, understanding the entire development life cycle—from planning to implementation and maintenance—can be extremely beneficial for cloud engineers.

Containers are logical packaging mechanisms that can decouple cloud applications from their target environments. These abodes can be personal or private data centres, public clouds, and even hybrid clouds. Abstraction from the environment makes container-based applications easy to deploy. Some leading containers include Docker and Kubernetes. 

Virtual software and serverless computing minimize hardware dependence and aid the process of scalability. Having a good working knowledge of virtual machines, EC2 and Lambdas is a must for learning virtualization. So, build your cloud engineer skill sets by enhancing your exposure to this area of cloud computing.

Today’s enterprises are placing more and more emphasis on protecting their data and applications. They are focusing on tracking the current state of security and adopting adequate preventive measures to trace unexpected threats. Such steps allow for quick responses. It is, thus, a requisite for cloud engineers hone their skills in cloud security and recovery mechanisms. Additionally, you can earn your cybersecurity credential by preparing for certifications, such as the one given by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium. 

With the above skills in your bag, you will be well on your way to becoming a successful cloud engineer. So, before you enter the industry, pick up some cloud engineer skills and truly shine in your chosen cloud computing field!

Also Read: Top 7 Cloud Computing Applications in Real World [2021]