Unlock a Lucrative Career: How to Become a Cloud Engineer

Unlock a Lucrative Career: How to Become a Cloud Engineer | Information Technology | Emeritus

Have you ever worried about losing your data? Businesses are the same. The security of data keeps many businesses on tenterhooks. “The cloud services companies of all sizes. The cloud is for everyone. The cloud is a democracy,” as Salesforce’s CEO Marc Benioff puts it. As a result, there is a growing trend among businesses to migrate their operations to cloud platforms, causing a rise in the demand for cloud engineers. In fact, the industry is set to create 14 million cloud computing jobs by 2026, as per NASSCOM. But what is cloud engineering? A cloud engineer requires a mix of technical skills, practical experience, and a comprehensive understanding of what is cloud computing. So, let’s dive deep into factors like cloud computing skills and cloud engineer salary to gauge the requirements and benefits of becoming a cloud engineer.

ALSO READ: Cloud Readiness Assessment Methodology: A Guide to People, Processes, and Finance



What is Cloud Computing?

The answer to the question of what is cloud computing can be illustrated with an example. Think of it as renting a cab instead of buying a car. The idea is to provide access to a giant pool of IT resources over the Internet.

Businesses can access and store data, run applications, and manage IT resources. Thus, they can save on costs by eliminating the need to own physical servers and data centers. The key benefits also include flexibility and scalability for businesses of all sizes. In fact, as Steve Jobs once remarked: “I don’t need a hard disk in my computer if I can get to the server faster… carrying around these non-connected computers is byzantine by comparison.”

Cloud computing offers several models, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). The three models provide virtualized computing resources, a platform to develop and run applications, and software applications correspondingly.

Third-party vendors such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud (GCP) typically provide these services. In other words, cloud computing has revolutionized how businesses operate, resulting in rapid innovation.

So, what is cloud engineering then? It is basically the engineering side of cloud computing. If you consider cloud computing as electricity, a cloud engineer is the one responsible for building and maintaining the power grid.

They not only design, build, and manage the cloud computing infrastructure but also play a crucial role in the advancement of technology. A cloud engineer is critical to keep the cloud running smoothly and ensure applications are secure and reliable.

ALSO READ: What is Cloud Migration? Top 5 Strategies, Risk Assessment, and Implementation

What Skills Does a Cloud Engineer Need?

An aspiring individual must possess specific cloud computing skills to become a successful cloud engineer. Let’s take a look at what that entails:

1. Technical Skills

A. Cloud Service Providers (CSPs)

Familiarity with major cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and GCP is essential to be hired as a cloud engineer.

B. Networking

One needs a keen understanding of virtual networks, IP addressing, DNS, VPNs, and firewalls, including strategies, to ensure smooth cloud migration.

C. Programming Languages

Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and JavaScript, including scripting languages like Bash and Ruby.

D. Database Management

Knowledge of SQL and NoSQL databases. For example, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB are some popular ones.

E. Security & Automation

One needs to understand cloud security best practices, Identity and Access Management (IAM), and encryption techniques. It is also useful to be able to automate cloud workflows using tools and scripts.

2. Soft Skills

A. Analytical Thinking

Ability to diagnose complex technical problems, analyze requirements, and design efficient cloud solutions. 

B. Communication & Collaboration

A cloud engineer needs strong verbal and written skills to facilitate smooth collaboration with team members and stakeholders. Also useful is a team-oriented mindset to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

C. Project Management

They must have the capacity to manage projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines while adapting to new technologies and industry trends.

3. Certifications

A relevant certificate can validate your skills and augment your cloud computing salary. Some popular certifications include:

ALSO WATCH: Secrets to Building a High-Growth Career in Cybersecurity by Atanu Niyogi, Practice Head

How to Become a Cloud Engineer: Step by Step

It is no secret that a cloud engineer must have the requisite skills and experience in order to secure one of the top cloud computing jobs. They must, therefore, develop their approach with the following series of steps: 

1. Cover Fundamentals

It is imperative to first understand basic cloud computing concepts such as IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS models. Explore services offered by CSPs like AWS, Azure, and GCP. Experiment with free tiers available on CSPs to practice your knowledge.

2. Strengthen Your Skills 

Enhance your IT skills by developing expertise in networking, operating systems (especially Linux), and virtualization technologies. Become proficient in utilizing continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) tools such as Git and Docker. 

3. Master Programming Languages

Learn at least one scripting or programming language frequently used across cloud environments. For instance, Python, Java, or JavaScript are a good bet. Additionally, study how to leverage scripting languages like Bash to automate cloud tasks.

4. Research Specializations

To enhance skill sets, specialize in areas such as cloud architecture or cloud migration. Cloud security is particularly invaluable to businesses. Hence, stay abreast of best practices for securing cloud environments to secure a high cloud computing salary.

5. Obtain Certifications

Pick a prominent cloud platform and delve deeper into its specific services and functionalities. Many certifications not only underscore one’s expertise but also open doors to exclusive cloud computing roles.

6. Acquire Experience

Create personal projects on a chosen cloud platform or look to contribute to open-source projects related to cloud computing. Furthermore, leverage this experience to secure advanced positions such as cloud architect or cloud consultant, among others.

7. Build Your Network

Get in touch with forums, and attend conferences and communities for cloud professionals to network and procure insights on industry trends. Furthermore, document cloud projects in a portfolio website or GitHub repository to list skills and achievements.

ALSO READ: What are the Threats in Cloud Computing Security? How to Mitigate Them?

Cloud Computing Roles With Salaries

1. Cloud Engineer

Design, implement, and maintain cloud infrastructure apart from optimizing performance and managing cloud resources. They must know their way around CSPs, networking, and programming. A cloud engineer’s salary ranges from ₹500,000 to ₹1,000,000 in a year.

2. Cloud Architect

Among the most lucrative cloud computing roles. This is why their average annual pay (₹2,000,000) is also more than that of an average cloud engineer salary (₹700,000). The role here is to craft cloud architecture to make solutions scalable consequently. For this job, a cloud architect needs a deep understanding of cloud services and architecture frameworks, as well as strategic planning.

3. Cloud Developer

They are responsible for developing cloud-based applications and services. Gain experience in implementing APIs and integrating cloud services. Develop proficiency in programming languages, cloud SDKs, and development frameworks to achieve this goal. They can command an average salary of ₹1,150,000 per year.

4. Cloud Security Engineer

A Cloud security engineer hones their IT skills in networking, operating systems (especially Linux), and virtualization technologies. They need to be proficient in CI/CD tools like Git and Docker. Next, the role requires gaining experience implementing APIs and integrating cloud services by developing proficiency in programming languages, cloud SDKs, and frameworks. Additionally, understanding cybersecurity, IAM, encryption, and cloud security tools helps to devise security measures for cloud infrastructure and data. A Cloud security engineer also needs to undertake thorough risk assessments and ensure compliance. They earn an average of ₹1,000,000 per year.

5. Cloud DevOps Engineer

A cloud DevOps engineer handles operations through automation and CI/CD practices. They manage and optimize cloud infrastructure. Additionally, they must be familiar with DevOps tools (Docker, Kubernetes), scripting, and cloud platforms. They can earn an average salary of ₹700,000.

6. Cloud Consultant

A Cloud Consultant advises businesses on cloud adoption strategies and migration plans. Consequently, they provide tailored solutions to help businesses achieve their goals. Additionally, this role requires knowledge of cloud platforms, business acumen, and experience with cloud migration projects. The role fetches an average salary of ₹1,000,000 per year

7. Cloud Data Engineer

A Cloud Data Engineer is responsible for setting up data infrastructure in the cloud, ensuring that data is accessible, secure, and scalable. Moreover, this role requires skills in data warehousing, ETL processes, SQL/NoSQL databases, and big data technologies. The salary can fall in the range of ₹500,000 to ₹1,500,000 per year

8. Cloud Network Engineer

A Cloud Network Engineer works on cloud networking solutions to ensure the connectivity, performance, and security of cloud networks. Furthermore, this role requires expertise in networking, virtual networks, VPNs, and cloud networking services. They can earn as high as ₹2,300,000 in a year.

9. Cloud Analyst

A Cloud Analyst evaluates cloud service usage, costs, and performance, offering insights to allocate cloud resources efficiently. Additionally, this role requires analytical skills, proficiency with cloud monitoring tools, and an understanding of cost management. A Cloud Analyst earns an average package of ₹650,000 per year.

Boost Your Career With Emeritus

Cloud computing is likely to be a permanent fixture of every business’s growth plans in the future. Professionals must upskill to increase their chances of landing their dream job. Emeritus offers a comprehensive suite of online information technology courses designed for professionals eager to master cloud computing. These cutting-edge courses cover everything from major CSPs to the skills required to build robust cloud infrastructure. These courses are taught by industry experts to provide practical knowledge. Enroll today and embark on a glorious journey toward a successful career in cloud technology.

Write to us at content@emeritus.org

About the Author

Content Writer, Emeritus Blog
Mitaksh has an extensive background in journalism, focusing on various beats, including technology, education, and the environment, spanning over six years. He has previously actively monitored telecom, crypto, and online streaming developments for a notable news website. In his leisure time, you can often find Mitaksh at his local theatre, indulging in a multitude of movies.
Read More About the Author

Learn more about building skills for the future. Sign up for our latest newsletter

Get insights from expert blogs, bite-sized videos, course updates & more with the Emeritus Newsletter.

Courses on Information Technology Category

IND +918068842089
IND +918068842089
article
information-technology