How can you jumpstart your career in Cloud Computing?

Understanding the basics is important. This includes getting to know different variants of cloud models, such as hybrid, Private, and Public cloud. Then getting to learn about cloud concepts like IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, virtualization, and networking. Every cloud provider is based on fundamental concepts like networking, security, storage, and computing. If you have a solid understanding of those concepts, it will help you have a solid foundation for learning cloud computing.

After gaining a foundational understanding of cloud computing basics, explore hands-on experiences through practical exercises, labs, and projects. Platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud offer free tiers for experimentation. Engaging in real-world scenarios enhances your comprehension and skills, preparing you for more advanced challenges. Additionally, participate in relevant forums, communities, or discussion groups to share insights, seek guidance, and stay informed about industry trends and best practices. Continuous hands-on learning and community engagement contribute to a well-rounded cloud computing education.

As a current learner, I would like to recommend learning from the available resources. As an example, you can try free learning opportunities provided by any cloud provider. Then you can get an idea of what interests you and then learn more about it. It is better to start with a fundamental course.

Starting my career in cloud computing, the first step was to understand the basics. I began by learning about fundamental cloud concepts like IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, virtualization, and cloud storage. I utilized free online resources and courses to build a foundational understanding. This knowledge was crucial in grasping how different cloud models work and their applications in real-world scenarios. It also helped me in understanding the broader cloud ecosystem, including security, compliance, and management aspects. This foundational knowledge laid the groundwork for further specialization and was instrumental in my career progression in cloud computing.

To jumpstart your career in cloud computing, begin by establishing a strong foundation in core concepts and principles. Gain a comprehensive understanding of what cloud computing entails, including its workings, benefits, challenges, and the various models and types of cloud services. Familiarize yourself with fundamental terminology like IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and distinctions between public, private, and hybrid clouds, as well as cloud-native applications. In addition, I recommend using the services that each cloud provider offers for free.

When I first started my career I wasn't sure where to start - but I knew I wanted to work with technology. The best advice I ever received was to 'pick one cloud provider and make it my home'. Instead of taking any and all cloud opportunities I could find, I chose to focus on AWS. I spent time learning everything I could about the technology, the specific services, and the particular solutions that AWS excels at. After spending a lot of time (more than I'd like to admit) I decided to begin certifying that knowledge in the hopes of opening doors to gain experience. I was able to break into my first cloud engagement with a customer and came ready to learn. Instead of having a little bit of knowledge about everything, I was an expert on AWS!

I would suggest you pick the cloud provider you are interested in. Don't try to master all available cloud providers. it's not possible, and you wouldn't learn any of the cloud providers in depth. I was more interested in the Azure cloud. Therefore, my preferred cloud platform is Azure. But it's good to have basic knowledge about other cloud providers too. This will help you make comparisons and analysis.

Seconding the advice given before: Just start on one cloud provider and learn their concepts very well. I want to add that understanding other cloud providers gets rather simple once you master a good understanding of one, many concepts are very similar between the big providers and you can focus on understanding the small differences.

After grasping the basics, I focused on a specific cloud provider - AWS/Azure. I chose AWS and Azure due to their market share and the wide range of services they offers. I started by exploring core services like EC2, S3, RDS, VNETs, VMs, Storage Accounts, VPN Gateway, Expressroute, DX, etc. understanding their functionality and use cases. This specialization allowed me to develop deep expertise in a leading cloud platforms, making me more marketable to employers looking for AWS/Azure-specific skills. However, I also kept an eye on other providers like Google Cloud to maintain a broad perspective of the cloud market.

As you embark on your cloud computing journey, select a cloud provider aligned with your needs and preferences. Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) are prominent choices. Assess each provider's services, pricing models, and certification offerings to determine the best fit for your goals. Utilize their free tiers or trial accounts to gain hands-on experience. Familiarize yourself with documentation, tutorials, and demos provided by the chosen cloud provider to enhance your understanding and proficiency in utilizing their tools and platforms.

To validate my skills, I pursued AWS and Azure certifications, starting with the basic certs. Preparing for these certification deepened my understanding of AWS and Azure services and architecture best practices. The certification process involved practical, hands-on experience, which was invaluable. It also provided me with a competitive edge in the job market, as many employers value these certifications. Certifications are not just about passing an exam; they are about demonstrating real-world skills and knowledge.

-> Match your career aspirations and chosen cloud platform with certifications most relevant to your objectives. -> Take part in online courses or specialized training programs to equip yourself with the knowledge needed to excel in certification exams. -> Attain certifications to officially confirm your expertise, adding credibility to your skill set and increasing your attractiveness to potential employers.

-> Engage in hands-on projects to acquire tangible experience in real-world scenarios. -> Develop a GitHub repository as a platform to display your projects and share snippets of your code. -> Craft comprehensive documentation for your projects, elucidating your methodologies and presenting solutions clearly and informally.

Networking played a vital role in my career development. I joined local cloud computing groups and online communities. Engaging with these communities allowed me to learn from others' experiences, stay updated on industry trends, and discover job opportunities. Attending cloud-related webinars, workshops, and conferences also helped in expanding my knowledge and network. These activities not only increased my understanding of cloud computing but also connected me with professionals who provided guidance and mentorship.

-> Connect with cloud communities through LinkedIn, Twitter, and forums to engage in discussions and build relationships. -> Participate in industry events, meetups, and conferences to expand your professional network by interacting with fellow cloud computing professionals. -> You can fine-tune your LinkedIn profile to showcase your cloud skills effectively and actively connect with professionals in the field. -> Seek guidance and mentorship from seasoned professionals within the cloud computing industry to accelerate your learning and career growth.

Cloud computing is a vast space with immense depth and breadth that spans across regions of the world. And there are new things to learn daily no matter where you focus. Finding a mentor, a few trailblazing companies, and top media publishers within that space is key to gathering foundational knowledge. You can start contributing soon after and have your name recognized soon after. Online channels such as open-source projects by hyperscalers, LinkedIn communication, and Event hashtags are all ways to engage with the community. Even if you are fully technical, you've to think through how the customer benefits from the solution you're developing and how you are in turn, helping make the cloud provider's solution better.

Apart from technical skills, developing soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and adaptability is crucial in a cloud computing career. Staying updated with the latest cloud trends and technologies is essential, as the field is constantly evolving. Participating in cloud hackathons or contributing to open-source cloud projects can provide practical experience and visibility in the cloud community. Also, consider exploring niche areas within cloud computing, like cloud security or machine learning, as they can offer specialized career paths. Finally, maintain a balance of practical experience and theoretical knowledge to build a comprehensive skillset that appeals to employers.