Career Advice
Paul Brown
29.03.21
Why pursue a career in Cloud computing?
Cloud computing is becoming increasingly popular among businesses and has proved particularly beneficial for larger companies with global operations. Cloud enables these complex businesses to access data and software remotely at any time. This offers cost-effective solutions that can be scaled to suit business needs. For example, companies can choose a hosted public Cloud system that includes necessary hardware and software or a private Cloud with on-premise hardware and software for higher security requirements.
Approximately 96% of large organisations use at least one form of Cloud computing within their operations, and 81% of these companies have invested in a multi-Cloud strategy. These figures could rise in coming years as more organisations realise the true potential of Cloud computing for business success and scalability.
Along with the significant expansion of Cloud technology within business operations comes a massive surge in demand for Cloud computing professionals to develop and maintain these systems. Training in Cloud will equip you with a highly sought-after knowledge base and skill set, making you a desirable candidate for future employers looking to modernise their organisations across the globe.
What is Cloud computing?
Cloud computing refers to the on-demand access to any computer service via the internet rather than a physical server. This includes all types of computer services, such as computer programmes, data stores and applications. Cloud computing allows users to remotely access unlimited data storage and software over the internet without the need for expensive hardware in every business location.
Some examples of Cloud computing that you might be familiar with or may have even used in the past include Dropbox, Google Docs and most social media platforms, such as Facebook or Twitter. These platforms allow users to access an infinite amount of data and share this with others via the internet.
There are three different types of Cloud computing:
1. Infrastructure
Infrastructure as a Service, or IaaS for short, refers to a service model which provides the essential hardware and software required to support Cloud computing, such as servers, memory, storage and networking equipment. Without Cloud infrastructure, you would not have the fundamental tools you need to create the Cloud.
2. Platform
Platform as a Service, or PaaS, involves a third-party provider that offers development teams a platform to develop, run and manage their business applications with all the necessary infrastructure included. Three of the most widely-used Cloud platforms include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform.
3. Software
Software as a Service, or SaaS, refers to software delivery through an internet browser rather than by downloading it onto your computer. Software services include messaging and email software to Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Typically, SaaS is provided on a subscription or pay as you go basis by a third-party host.
A career in Cloud computing offers limitless opportunities and impressive career prospects. There is a range of different industries that currently use Cloud technology, including global banks, military organisations, hospitals and car manufacturers. There are also a number of niche roles within the Cloud computing sector, including Architects, Developers, Data Scientists, Cloud Security Engineers and much more. This means that you have the potential to work within an industry you are truly passionate about.
Working in any of these roles and industries will allow you to excel in a fast-paced environment that is constantly developing and offers endless learning opportunities as well as the chance to work on ground-breaking projects.
What skills do you need to pursue a career in Cloud computing?
● Knowledge in relevant scripting languages e.g. .NET, Java, Python & SQL.
● Expertise in appropriate Cloud platforms e.g. Google Cloud Platform, Azure, AWS, Terraform and Ansible.
● Data handling and database skills.
● Project management abilities, such as risk management and reviewing service agreements.
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills
● Eagerness to take on new challenges and adapt
What does a Cloud Computing Engineer do?
A Cloud Computing Engineer is responsible for day-to-day technical Cloud computing support and works to develop, implement and maintain Cloud software infrastructure. Some of the key duties of a Cloud Computing Engineer include operating Cloud solution software and resolving any potential issues. The role of a Cloud Engineer is very tech-focused and less involved with business requirements.
What does a Cloud Architect do?
A Cloud Architect takes on a slightly different role to a Cloud Computing Engineer since they focus more on a business’s plans and work to design and implement new Cloud strategies to meet business and technical requirements. The primary responsibilities of a Cloud Architect include optimising Cloud designs and creating feasible solutions to business problems.
What are some of the most valuable certifications for a career in Cloud computing?
It is essential to validate your Cloud training and become a certified Cloud computing professional to demonstrate your expertise and prepare yourself for a successful career. There’s no ‘right’ certification to choose when it comes to the Cloud as it will depend on the skills you want to learn, your chosen career path and your level of experience. Some examples of the most valuable Cloud certifications include, but are not limited to:
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: this certification is an excellent place to start for beginners as it is a foundational course in one of the most popular Cloud platforms. FDM works in collaboration with AWS re/Start to provide a comprehensive training programme and prepare you for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification, including real-world scenario learning and practice exams.
- CompTIA Cloud+ Certification: this certification is also a great option for beginners in Cloud Infrastructure and consolidates your understanding of key practices.
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP): this certification is specifically for those looking for a career in Cloud Security and helps demonstrate your skills and knowledge in Cloud Security in line with compliance requirements.
- Google Cloud Certification: this is a more advanced certification and enables you to become a Professional Cloud Architect, covering Cloud Architecture, Infrastructure and Security.
How can FDM help you kick-start a career in Cloud computing?
In most cases, you will require a university degree in Cloud computing or a related STEM subject as well as industry-relevant work experience, such as an internship, in order to pursue a career in Cloud computing.
However, at FDM, we offer another route towards a career in Cloud. Our Cloud Computing Graduate Programme is open to all candidates with no need for a degree or background in Cloud. We will provide you with comprehensive training and work placements with our world-renowned clients. During client placements, you will have the opportunity to work on a range of exciting projects and contribute to real technological change, for example, working on large-scale data migrations for global organisations.