How can IT Operations professionals learn cloud computing to stay competitive in the job market?

Learn System Design as a basic pre-requisite , before acquiring cloud platform and application specific knowledge. Gain hands on exposure by Implementing end to end infrastructure deployment and application integration through labs

To stay competitive, an IT Operations professional can start by exploring cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud through online courses, certifications, and hands-on projects. Focusing on areas like infrastructure as code, DevOps practices, and understanding different cloud services will be beneficial. Additionally, networking with professionals in the field, joining relevant communities, and staying updated with industry trends will aid in staying competitive in the evolving job market.

You need to assess your current skills based on two things. 1.) Skills needed to be succeeded in the current job 2.) Skills need to be developed if you are planning for a career progression Once you clearly determine which one you want to achieve, then go ahead and plan for it. Planning won't work unless you stay on the course. So stay on course.

Start with the fundamentals of cloud computing, including key concepts like Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Learn about essential cloud service models and deployment models. Select a major cloud provider such as AWS (Amazon Web Services), Azure (Microsoft), or Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Each cloud platform has its own set of services, and gaining expertise in one can provide a strong foundation.

Integrated Learning Approach: Don't view learning cloud computing as a separate endeavor; instead, learn and try to implement the learnings into the current ongoing projects that you are into. This pragmatic approach enhances your skill set and elevates the success of current initiatives. This will allow to have a hands-on experience and you are implementing the learnings into the project that you know. For Instance, Integrating the data centers to scalable Cloud server instances, storage to cloud storage with higher security and analyze the resource optimization strategies that will help you to lower the cost to company.

Choosing a cloud provider and certification means researching and selecting a cloud service that aligns with your career goals. Then, pursue certifications they offer to validate your expertise and enhance your employability.

Learning new technology gives you more opportunities in life and it gives a grip on your knowledge by doing certification we learn a lot about the technology being used in the real world by market we come to know what we need to focus on and how we are going to use this service in real life. We have majorly 4 cloud provider AWS,Azure,Google cloud and Oracle cloud all the providers have there own pros and cons we need to check with the market and industries which is in demand to learn and go ahead in life and upskill in our careers.

When choosing a cloud provider, it is important to consider factors such as certifications and standards, technologies, service roadmap, data security, and data governance . Ultimately, the choice of cloud provider and certification depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the requirements of your organization. It is recommended to evaluate the features, pricing, support, and certifications offered by different providers to make a decision.

Choosing a cloud provider that corresponds with your career aspirations and market need is essential for becoming an IT Operations expert. Identify relevant certifications offered by the chosen provider, such as AWS Certified SysOps Administrator or Azure Administrator. Prepare for certification exams using official documentation, online training courses, and practice exams. Gain practical experience by working on real-world projects or setting up cloud environments. Continuously learn and stay updated with the latest trends and technologies to stay competitive in the job market.

As an IT Operations professional, staying current with cloud technologies is crucial. AWS, Azure, and GCP certifications are not just about credibility; they represent a deep understanding of specific cloud environments that can be pivotal in architecting scalable and cost-effective solutions. Given the diverse offerings, IT specialists should align their learning path with their project needs or organizational goals. For instance, a CTO might prioritize learning about hybrid cloud solutions for enterprise-level operations, while a tech consultant may focus on mastering cloud-native technologies to advise startups on agile and efficient deployments.

In my experience, I've seen many websites provide free courses like Udemy, Microsoft Learning, AWS Learning, SerivceNow's NOW Learning, freecodecamp, EDx, LinkedIn, Pluralsight, or W3. All sites I have been to and learned from. Free learning is available, and there, you will just need to Google them and find what you want to learn. Google has some free courses on Cloud infrastructure, AWS and MS do as well. Track your progress with the certifications they provide and post on your LinkedIn profile :-) Learning every day is a different journey for each person; one just needs to begin :-)

Enrolling in online courses and programs provides structured learning opportunities. Look for reputable courses that offer up-to-date content on cloud technologies and practical applications. My preference is Udemy. If working with Microsoft you can start with AZ900 to understand high-level concepts.

First all in IT industry you have to learn everyday if you want to stay in market. Things are very different and easy to learn if you compare it before 2006. Now people can learn everything in google you tube. I mostly use you tube video to improve my skills. I learn alot from my client as well in upwork freelancing. Freelancing is great opportunity for new generation because thing are very easy now day like one window operation like RMM tool. With the help of one RMM tool like ninja one you can controller 1000 companies from one PC. I always believe " Readers are the leaders" the world and there is no end of IT and learning.

For Microsoft you can use also Microsoft Learn and Pluralsight. For AWS you can use A CloudGuru, Pluralsight and AWS Skillbuilder. On A CloudGuru and AWS Skillbuilder you will have access to labs where you can practice what you learn.

To enroll in online courses and programs for cloud certification, you can consider the following options: AWS Cloud Institute, Coursera, Microsoft learning, Udemy.

In my opinion, online courses are definitely good start but the real learning comes from applying your knowledge. That’s how one can become good at something. To make your hand dirty can implement solutions in test environment, Azure provides 200$ worth of free credit to practice this, I believe other providers do the same.

Gaining hands-on experience can be achieved by working on real-world projects or using cloud services' free tiers to practice. This practical application of knowledge will solidify your learning and make you more marketable. I believe Microsoft gives you $200 of Azure credit to start practicing with for free. You can get even more if you are in college.

By migrating small-scale, non-critical systems to the cloud as a starting point, professionals can learn about cloud infrastructure and services in a low-risk environment. This approach allows them to understand cloud integration challenges, manage cloud resources, and experience cloud scalability and security features firsthand. Such direct involvement in real-world tasks accelerates learning and prepares them for larger-scale cloud projects.

To gain hands-on experience with cloud infrastructure, professionals should start with small-scale systems, learn about cloud services such as Azure Or AWS, follow best practices for infrastructure management, security, and cost optimization, closely monitor and troubleshoot systems during the migration process, and document the entire process. This approach allows for experimentation without risking critical operations or sensitive data. By following these steps, professionals can gain hands-on experience with cloud technologies and build the necessary expertise to manage more complex cloud projects in the future. This practical approach will serve as a valuable resource for future cloud projects and enable continuous skill improvement.

One thing I've found helpful in gaining hands-on experience is actively participating in defining the project that should be solved with cloud computing skills. It encourages purposeful, deliberate practices. Also, "Practice makes permanent" becomes more apparent because I feel a sense of ownership of the project

Enrolling on a course and gaining the certificate won't actually give you much of a skill unless you know the practical application of it. Networking and communities are two good ways that you can be familiar with known problems, solutions, tips and tricks and so on. It gives you a slight edge to stay competent than others at the same level as you.

Joining online communities and networks allows you to connect with peers and experts in cloud computing. Participate in discussions, share knowledge, and stay informed about industry trends and opportunities. Reddit has always been a favorite of mine.

Connect with other IT professionals in the cloud community.? Attend meetups,?conferences,?and online forums to learn from others,?share experiences,?and stay updated on the latest trends.

So we need to be in the community to learn in the current scenario what is happening in the technology try to go for community days program of AWS and Azure some of this programs are conducted free so they can make sure professionals in the cloud fields can connect and learn from the events and it is a good way to show how their products functions and how efficient for our business logic. Microsoft, Google and AWS conduct many events throughout the year in major cities by visiting this events will be informative for cloud enthusiasts.

Les communautés en ligne, telles que les forums, les groupes LinkedIn, et les meetups, sont inestimables pour apprendre et rester à jour sur les dernières tendances en cloud computing. Elles offrent une opportunité d'échanger avec des pairs, de poser des questions, et de partager des connaissances. Participer activement à ces communautés peut également augmenter votre visibilité professionnelle.

To stay competitive in the job market, IT operations professionals can learn cloud computing through various methods: 1. Online courses and Tutorials. 2. Certifications. 3. Hands on experience. 4. Vendor Documentation and Tutorials. 5. Workshops and Webinars. 6. Community Engagement. 7. Hands on Labs and Sandboxes. 8. Specialized Training Programs. 9. Continuous Learning and Skill Improvement. 10. On the Job Training. By embracing a combination of self-study, practical experience, certifications, and community engagement, IT operations professionals can effectively learn cloud computing and enhance their skill set to stay competitive in the job market.

From the PoV of a technical professional, it is important to considerably pick your resources and points of truth. Especially if a subject has drawn public attention, it is common to encounter false information even on national news. Questioning the validity and reliability is information is crucial to pretty much any expertise. Besides this, just as we saw with the blockchain technology, cloud computing should not be over-engineered. An intelligently designed hybrid solution can be as effective as replacing an obsolete onprem infrastructure with cloud. I think it is a good idea to pay fine attention when evaluating the use cases and architecting cloud into them.

Stay Informed: Regularly updating your knowledge by following blogs, forums, and official channels of cloud service providers. Being aware of the latest advancements is crucial in this rapidly evolving field.

No matter how much I learn, speak with others, read articles and share what I have learned - when I need real hands one it is first time with stress and confusion. There are many contributions about to join simple project to get experienced, that's true.

Considering other factors may involve looking into the demand for specific cloud skills in your region, understanding the industry you wish to work in, and staying flexible to continuously learn as cloud technologies evolve.