How can technical support professionals build a successful cloud computing career?

2 Choose your cloud provider

There are many cloud providers in the market, but the most popular ones are Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Each of these providers offers a wide range of cloud services, tools, and certifications that can help you advance your cloud computing career. You don't have to master all of them, but you should choose one that aligns with your interests, goals, and employer's needs. You can also learn the basics of the other providers to broaden your knowledge and skills.

3 Get certified

One of the best ways to demonstrate your cloud computing skills and knowledge is to get certified by your chosen cloud provider. Certifications can help you stand out from the crowd, validate your expertise, and increase your credibility and confidence. Most cloud providers offer different levels of certifications, from foundational to advanced, that cover various aspects of cloud computing, such as architecture, development, administration, security, and data. You should start with the entry-level certifications and then work your way up to the more specialized ones.

4 Gain hands-on experience

While certifications can prove your theoretical knowledge, nothing beats hands-on experience when it comes to cloud computing. You should practice what you learn by using the free or low-cost resources that your cloud provider offers, such as free trials, tutorials, labs, and sandbox environments. You can also create your own projects, join online communities, and participate in hackathons and challenges that can help you apply your skills to real-world scenarios. The more you practice, the more you will learn and improve your cloud computing skills.

5 Keep learning and updating

Cloud computing is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant learning and updating. You should always keep an eye on the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in the cloud industry and adapt your skills accordingly. You should also seek feedback, mentorship, and guidance from other cloud experts who can help you grow and learn from their experiences. You can also join online forums, podcasts, webinars, and newsletters that can keep you informed and inspired by the cloud community.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?