What do you do if you lack experience in Cloud Computing but want to apply for jobs?

Familiarize yourself with fundamental concepts of cloud computing, including: Definition and principles of cloud computing Service models (Infrastructure as a Service - IaaS, Platform as a Service - PaaS, Software as a Service - SaaS) Deployment models (Public cloud, Private cloud, Hybrid cloud) Key components and technologies (Virtualization, Containers, Networking, Storage) Benefits (Scalability, Flexibility, Cost-efficiency) and challenges (Security, Compliance, Data privacy) Enroll in online courses, tutorials, or self-study materials offered by reputable platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or edX. Familiarize yourself with major cloud service providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, GCP and others.

1. **Self-Study**: Learn cloud basics through online resources. 2. **Courses/Certifications**: Enroll in online courses or get certified. 3. **Hands-On Practice**: Experiment with free cloud accounts. 4. **Projects/Lab**: Build projects to showcase skills. 5. **Networking**: Engage with cloud communities. 6. **Internships/Entry-Level**: Seek relevant roles to gain experience. 7. **Transferable Skills**: Highlight related experience. 8. **Continuous Learning**: Stay updated on industry trends.

Imagine you're a small business owner aiming to expand operations globally without hefty infrastructure costs. By learning cloud computing basics, you understand it's like renting office space instead of owning a building. Online courses, blogs, and videos teach you about cloud service models (like SaaS, PaaS, IaaS), deployment options (public, private, hybrid), and security measures. Armed with this knowledge, you leverage platforms like AWS or Azure to host your website, store customer data securely, and scale resources as needed. This flexibility and cost-effectiveness enable your business to thrive without being bogged down by traditional IT constraints.

Dive into the cloud without prior experience by sparking up your learning journey with online courses and grabbing certifications from giants like AWS or Azure. Get your hands dirty with projects—maybe create a weather app using cloud data. Connect with cloud wizards on LinkedIn; their stories and advice are gold. If you've got IT magic from before, that's your secret wand in interviews. Peek into internships, even the unpaid ones, for real-world spells. Stay on top of cloud trends like you're binge-watching your favorite series. Tailor your resume with a sprinkle of your newfound cloud lingo and projects. It’s like stepping into a new world with a backpack full of essentials and a map to the treasure.

One thing I found useful is, to understand: 1. What - what is cloud ? 2. Why - why it is used ? 3. How - how it can be achieved? If you able to work towards these three, you will get fair understanding about cloud. To be successful, you need to have hands on. Theory can assist you to give a bigger picture. But use case/practical can help you learn it better way. One of the key principle is twelve factors. If you try to understand it, it will be unfold many things. My personal thought is, enthusiast must go through twelve factors as first stepping stone towards cloud journey. There are lot of online course that you can go through as per your choice.

diversifying your skills across different platforms can broaden your job prospects and adaptability in the ever evolving landscape of cloud computing. Additionally, gaining familiarity with multiple platforms allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the cloudd.

Choosing a cloud platform is like selecting a vehicle for a cross-country journey. AWS is like a versatile SUV, offering a wide range of services and a large user base. Azure resembles a luxury sedan, with seamless integration for Microsoft-centric businesses. GCP is akin to a high-speed sports car, known for innovation and cutting-edge technology. IBM Cloud is like a reliable minivan, focusing on enterprise solutions. Researching each platform is like test-driving, considering factors like features, cost, and industry demand. Just as one might prefer comfort over speed or reliability over luxury, the choice depends on individual needs and aspirations for the cloud journey ahead.

Diversifying your cloud skills across cloud providers will make you more versatile, but start with one cloud learn and enhance skills and then moving to another cloud should be very optimal. Personally I started with AWS and then explored Azure.

This was the best advice I received when I started my cloud journey. I initially started with Azure Learning one CSP (Cloud Service Provider) allows you to become your best at one, and allows you to be flexible enough to shift to another when you'll need to. In choosing though, make the decision based on the cloud jobs around you. Mine is mostly AWS, some of Azure, some of GCP. Do your own research but do choose one.

Research Cloud Providers: Explore platforms like AWS, Azure, GCP, and IBM Cloud to understand their features, services, tools, and certifications. Evaluate Pros and Cons: Assess the strengths and weaknesses of each platform based on your interests, goals, and budget. Consider Demand and Popularity: Research the industry demand and popularity of each platform in your region to make an informed decision. Explore Free Tiers: Take advantage of free tiers and trial periods offered by cloud providers to get hands-on experience and evaluate usability. Seek Recommendations: Seek recommendations from industry professionals or mentors to help you choose the most suitable cloud platform for your career aspirations.

I will recommend to create a GitHub repository and create one touch deployable cloud projects with documentation. Make GitHub link part of your resume to showcase your work and level of understanding in cloud technologies. This will also give confidence to recruiters but make sure you know what goes in Github.

In this day of age, you almost never need to ask for permission to gain hands-on practice for cloud computing. Besides the usual free-tier services, there are plenty of Hackathons, developer advocate communities, and webinars for beginners to get involved and receive free resources from. One pro-tip is to identify the top priorities for the cloud platform / providers at the time, and try to be involved. For example, right now for AWS, S3 and EC2 are the OG's of the group, but AI services is hot. So they have more budgets, i.e. more free resources they can offer, for people who are willing to demonstrate a willingness to give their AI services a try. Good luck!

The truth is that it’s hard to get your foot in the door without hands-on experience. Certifications alone are not enough. One great way to get hands on practice is to build a static S3 website to house your resume or anecdotes about projects you’ve built in the cloud. There are a plethora of step by step tutorials out there to build one. There are also resources like A Cloud Guru and TutorialsDojo that offer guidance on creating cloud projects. Yet sharing your cloud experiences on your static S3 website is key to showing recruiters and hiring managers your capabilities.

Choose a cloud provider of your choice (e.g. AWS, GCP, Azure) and create a user to practice hand-on. Start by provisioning VPCs, EC2 Instances, private and public subnets (and learn the differences between that and when to use each one of them). * Most of the servers are Linux based so it is advisable to get comfortable with the Linux operating system (e.g commands, services, bash scripting) at a level of a system administration. Next, try deploying your own application on the cloud and learn the basics of networking and security in the cloud.

Learning cloud computing is akin to learning to swim: theory helps, but diving in accelerates mastery. Utilize free trials and resources, treating them as the shallow end of the pool. Build projects like virtual sandcastles, leveraging tutorials as floaties. As you navigate, you'll develop the strokes of cloud services, diving deeper into innovation. Employers appreciate swimmers who dive in confidently, proving skills in the deep waters of practical experience.

Earning cloud certifications validate expertise and proficiency in cloud computing, specifically tailored to a particular platform like Amazon Web Services (AWS). For instance, becoming an AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate demonstrates mastery in designing and deploying scalable, reliable, and cost-effective systems on AWS infrastructure. Such certifications not only enhance one's credibility in the job market but also open up opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential. Additionally, they provide valuable hands-on experience and insights into best practices, empowering professionals to tackle real-world challenges with confidence and efficiency in the rapidly evolving realm of cloud computing.

Earn a certification: Consider pursuing relevant certifications offered by cloud providers, such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, or Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect. Certifications can validate your skills and knowledge to potential employers.

Going down the AWS or VMware certifications is a great way to learn lots of skills for being a Sales person in this industry and in the end, you also get a real certificate for the work you have done to add to your CV/Linkedin profile.

Think of cloud certifications as treasure maps in a vast digital realm. Each map leads to valuable knowledge and recognition. Whether you aspire to be a navigator, architect, or guardian of the cloud, there's a certification tailored to your role. Prepare diligently, treating study materials as compasses guiding you through cloud terrain. Like a seasoned explorer, conquer challenges, and emerge with the coveted badge of expertise. Certifications not only enrich your resume but also signal to employers that you're equipped to navigate the cloud's ever-changing landscapes.

Choose Relevant Certification: Select a certification aligned with your career goals (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator). Study and Prepare: Use official study guides and online resources, take practice tests, and review exam formats. Schedule Exam: Schedule and take the certification exam when you feel ready. Stay Updated: Maintain certification validity by staying informed about cloud computing trends and update

If you've followed all of that and have a portfolio of some example projects or writing about your journey it should be easy to land a job. Go to meetups, apply for jobs, and talk openly about your learning journey. You will definitely have a good chance to start your cloud journey ??

Learn directly from Professionals and go to meetups. You can meet equal interested people there and learn best-practices from the real Cloud Computing world. Your questions and suggestions can represent your interest and qualifications for a Junior job in this area. Then you can receive also offers.

Para finalizar, dedique-se a fazer networking e se candidatar a oportunidades na área de computa??o em nuvem. Utilize suas conex?es tanto online quanto offline, como mídias sociais, grupos, eventos e referências, para descobrir vagas e tendências atuais. Mantenha seu currículo, carta de apresenta??o e perfil online atualizados, destacando suas habilidades e certifica??es na área. Esteja preparado para demonstrar seu conhecimento e habilidades durante entrevistas, mostrando sua capacidade de resolver problemas e apresentar seu trabalho na computa??o em nuvem.

Sometimes its ok to take a step back and be a SDR to do lead generation for a cloud company, yes you might already be a individual contributor, but if you feel that you had chosen the wrong industry and want to get into Cloud, this is the easiest way to get in from the ground and learn to work your way up.

Network Effectively: Utilize online platforms, forums, groups, events, and referrals to stay informed about cloud computing job opportunities. Update Your Materials: Revise your resume, cover letter, portfolio, and online profiles to highlight your cloud computing skills, projects, and certifications. Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to showcase your cloud computing knowledge and skills during interviews by answering questions, solving problems, & presenting your work. Stay Persistent and Positive: Keep learning, networking, and applying for roles in cloud computing, and stay positive throughout the job search process. Emphasize willingness to learn and grow in cloud computing, despite initial lack of experience.

Start learning cloud basic services , understand the various reference architecture available at cloud provider offical website like AWS reference architecture section on AWS site , Azure reference architecture section on Azure site. Quickly learn about various workload transformation models like IaaS , PaaS and SaaS for hyperscalers. Understand application migration, data migration services. Check Well Architecture Framework section. Now I am ready for cloud interviews, gradually plan for cloud certifications.

As an aspiring candidate, I learned the fundamentals, got certified as an AWS CCP, and joined a BootCamp to dive deeper and build hands-on projects with real-world relevance. I'm now applying to positions that seem like a good fit as I continue to upskill, gain more hands-on experience, and pursue certifications to validate my knowledge.

I think it's also better if aspiring candidates immerse themselves in real world scenarios, such as participating in some easy projects or internships, to gain practical experience beyond just the basics outlined here. This handscon approach can truly differentiate them in the competitive landscape of cloud computing job applications.

Try taking mock interviews with help of google, AI and practise some troubleshooting topics as well Relevant certification will also help

Remember that whilst knowing the fundamentals and core concepts of cloud is important. Knowing your limits is as important. You're not expected to know everything don't be shy about saying "I don't know, but I'm eager to learn more" during your application process shows that you know where you knowledge is limited and shows enthusiasm to learn can be an attractive quality in a candidate