Is Cloud Engineering a Good Career Choice?

  • Is cloud engineer a good career?
  • Published by: André Hammer on Mar 06, 2024

Cloud engineering is a fast-growing field in the technology industry. Companies are using cloud computing more, creating a higher demand for skilled cloud engineers.

Is a career in cloud engineering right for you? This article looks at the opportunities and challenges in this field to help you decide.

Understanding Cloud Engineering

A cloud engineer helps develop and maintain cloud-based systems. They work with platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud to ensure smooth operation and scalability.

To succeed in this career, you need experience, education, certifications, coding skills in languages like Java, and knowledge of cloud security and project management.

Joining online communities, contributing to open-source projects, and internships can help improve skills and build a professional network.

Glassdoor reports a promising average salary for cloud engineers, with freelance opportunities and job growth projected till 2024.

Due to the rising demand for cloud services, cloud engineering is a rewarding career choice for those interested in cloud technology and software engineering.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has many benefits for businesses and individuals. Companies can improve scalability and flexibility by using cloud-based solutions. This helps them adjust resources easily depending on demand, making processes more efficient and saving costs. Cloud computing also reduces costs by removing the need for large IT investments.

Cloud engineers are essential in this process. They have expertise in coding, cloud technology, and project management. Proper training and certifications can help them excel in cloud engineering, architecture, or development. With the growing demand for cloud services, professionals in this field can find job opportunities with competitive salaries.

Choosing a career as a cloud engineer can be promising for those interested in cutting-edge technology and shaping the future of IT systems.

Demand for Cloud Engineers

The demand for cloud engineers is increasing in today's job market. This is due to several reasons:

  • Companies are moving towards cloud-based systems, creating a need for skilled cloud computing professionals.

  • Cloud engineers proficient in AWS, Azure, and other platforms are in high demand for their ability to develop and manage cloud solutions effectively.

  • Employers value certifications in cloud engineering, architecture, and security.

  • The demand for cloud engineers extends beyond tech companies to industries like healthcare, finance, and retail.

  • Competitive salaries and expanding job opportunities make cloud engineering an attractive career choice.

  • The rise of freelance work, online communities, and open-source projects in cloud technology further reinforce the value of pursuing a career in cloud engineering.

Is Cloud Engineer a Good Career?

Job Growth and Outlook

Cloud engineering positions in the field of cloud computing offer excellent job opportunities. This is due to several factors:

  • The rapid adoption of cloud-based solutions by businesses.

  • The increasing need for skilled personnel to manage cloud infrastructure like AWS and Azure.

  • The shift towards remote work.

Compared to other IT roles, cloud engineering has significant long-term growth potential. This is because cloud technology is continuously evolving and cloud-based systems are vital in various industries.

To succeed in a career in cloud engineering, individuals should:

  • Obtain relevant education, certifications, and experience in cloud computing platforms.

  • Develop technical skills in coding, project management, networking, and cloud security.

  • Engage in online communities, internships, and open-source projects.

By staying updated on the latest cloud technology trends and gaining practical experience, aspiring cloud engineers can secure rewarding roles in cloud-based systems by 2024.

Skills Needed

To excel as a cloud engineer, you need various technical skills. These include coding, experience with cloud systems like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, and knowledge of cloud architecture and storage.

Expertise in programming languages, networking, and cloud security is also vital. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are important for success.

Cloud engineers must troubleshoot issues, manage infrastructure efficiently, and implement solutions. Project management experience is beneficial for handling different cloud systems.

Obtaining certifications, working on open-source projects, and engaging with online communities can boost skills and job prospects. Cloud engineers can look forward to a promising career, with a lucrative salary projected for 2024.

Career Transition and Progression

Individuals interested in transitioning to a cloud engineering role can start by gaining experience in cloud computing. This can be done through platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

Engaging in coding, training, and participating in open-source projects or online communities can enhance one's skills.

To progress in the field and move towards roles like cloud architect, professionals can pursue certifications in cloud infrastructure, project management, or cloud security.

Seeking internships or freelance work, networking on LinkedIn, and showcasing projects on platforms like GitHub can open up job opportunities.

Continuous learning of programming languages and technical skills, such as Java or DevOps, is crucial for career growth in cloud engineering.

Average salaries for cloud engineers are expected to rise by 2024. Investing in education and building a strong foundation in cloud technology is a wise career choice.

Certifications and Education

Certifications are important for advancing a career in cloud engineering. Employers often look for AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud certifications to verify cloud computing skills. However, experience and practical skills are also essential.

Formal education in computer science provides a strong foundation. Hands-on training, coding bootcamps, and involvement in open-source projects can be beneficial.

Internships and freelance work offer practical experience. Keeping up with the latest trends in cloud technology, project management, and security is crucial in cloud engineering.

Developing technical skills in programming languages, networking, and cloud services can lead to well-paying job opportunities.

Keeping current with certifications and skills will be crucial for success in cloud engineering by 2024.

Network and Community Building

Networking events and community building are important in the cloud engineering industry. They help people make connections.

By going to meetups, conferences, and online forums, individuals can meet other professionals.

Getting involved in open-source projects, internships, or platforms like GitHub can also help build a network.

Using social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with experts and peers can lead to career opportunities in cloud computing.

Professional training, certifications, and staying updated on cloud technology trends can improve networking efforts.

A strong network offers job opportunities, collaborations, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing in the cloud engineering community.

Investing in networking and community-building is smart for those pursuing a career in cloud engineering.

It can greatly impact professional growth and success in the industry by 2024.

Responsibilities and Experience

Day-to-Day Tasks

A cloud engineer's day-to-day tasks include:

  • Managing cloud-based systems

  • Overseeing cloud infrastructure

  • Implementing cloud-based solutions

  • Working on projects involving cloud technology, storage, and project management

Cloud engineers also:

  • Focus on cloud security

  • Use technical skills in programming languages like Java and networking knowledge

  • Engage in coding, open-source projects, and online communities

They may:

  • Pursue certifications and training in platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud

  • Have job opportunities with competitive salaries

  • Benefit from freelance work and internships for valuable experience

To succeed in cloud engineering:

  • Cultivate expertise in cloud systems

  • Gain experience through software engineering bootcamps or hands-on projects on GitHub

  • Stay updated with advancements in cloud computing for a thriving career by 2024.

Experience in Cloud Engineering Jobs

The cloud engineer has experience in various cloud engineering projects. They have implemented cloud-based solutions for storage, project management, and cloud infrastructure.

For instance, they deployed a Microsoft Azure cloud system for a client, enhancing their data storage and access capabilities.

To stay updated, the engineer engages in online communities, contributes to open-source projects on GitHub, and attends cloud technology training.

They also participate in forums like LinkedIn and follow industry news on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed to stay informed about AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

Moreover, the engineer enhances their technical skills in programming languages like Java through online courses and certifications.

This positions them well for future job opportunities as a cloud engineer in 2024.

Career Path and Growth

Moving towards Cloud Architect Role

One way to transition from a Cloud Engineering role to a Cloud Architect role is by acquiring additional training and certifications in cloud computing platforms. For instance, AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

By gaining a deeper understanding of cloud infrastructure and project management, individuals can expand their skill set to meet the requirements of a Cloud Architect position.

Specializing in either development or administration within the cloud computing field can also advance one's career. For example, focusing on coding and programming languages can lead to opportunities as a Cloud Developer. While honing skills in networking and cloud security can pave the way for a Cloud Systems Administrator role.

Engaging in open-source projects, online communities, and internships can provide valuable hands-on experience in cloud-based systems. This experience is essential for moving towards a Cloud Architect role.

Additionally, pursuing further education through software engineering bootcamps or technical courses can enhance expertise in cloud technology. This can also increase job opportunities in the field.

According to Glassdoor and Indeed, the average salaries for cloud engineers are expected to rise significantly by 2024. This makes a career in cloud computing a lucrative choice for those willing to invest in their skills and experience.

Specializing in Development or Administration

Specializing in development:

  • Focuses on creating and improving cloud-based solutions.

  • Requires skills in coding, programming languages like Java, and technical expertise in cloud technology.

Specializing in administration:

  • Involves managing cloud infrastructure.

  • Ensuring security and efficiency in cloud systems.

Individuals should seek:

  • Training, certifications, and hands-on experience through internships, online communities, and open-source projects

To excel:

  • In either field.

Navigating a career path in cloud engineering:

  • Requires continuous education.

  • Staying updated on cloud computing platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

  • Developing project management and networking skills.

With average salaries for cloud engineers projected to rise by 2024:

  • Opportunities for growth in both development and administration make cloud engineering a promising career choice.

From freelance work to full-time positions:

  • Cloud engineers can explore diverse job opportunities.

  • Supported by platforms like LinkedIn, GitHub, and Glassdoor for salaries and job listings.

Summary

Cloud engineering is a great career choice. There is an increasing demand for professionals skilled in cloud computing. Many companies are moving to cloud-based systems, creating a need for experts in cloud architecture, deployment, and management. This field provides many opportunities for career growth and high earnings. Choosing a career in cloud engineering can lead to a stable and rewarding profession in the evolving technology sector.

Readynez offers a portfolio of Cloud courses and certification programs, providing you with all the learning and support you need to successfully prepare for the exams and certifications.

Please reach out to us with any questions or if you would like a chat about your opportunity with the Cloud certifications and how you best achieve them.

FAQ

Is cloud engineering a good career choice?

Yes, cloud engineering is a good career choice as the demand for professionals skilled in designing, implementing, and managing cloud infrastructure continues to grow. Companies like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are constantly hiring cloud engineers, offering competitive salaries and opportunities for career advancement.

What skills are required for a career in cloud engineering?

Skills required for a career in cloud engineering include knowledge of cloud computing platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, and Ruby, expertise in networking and security, as well as problem-solving and analytical skills.

What job opportunities are available in cloud engineering?

Some job opportunities in cloud engineering include Cloud Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer, and Cloud Security Engineer. These roles involve designing, implementing, and maintaining cloud infrastructure for businesses.

How much can I expect to earn as a cloud engineer?

As a cloud engineer, you can expect to earn between £40,000 to £90,000 per year, depending on experience, skills, and location. Junior cloud engineers typically start around £40,000, while senior cloud engineers can earn upwards of £90,000.

What are the growth prospects in the field of cloud engineering?

The growth prospects in cloud engineering are promising, with increased demand for skilled professionals in managing cloud infrastructure. Examples include positions such as cloud architects, cloud security specialists, and DevOps engineers. Upskilling in cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud can enhance career opportunities.

A group of people discussing the latest Microsoft Azure news

Unlimited Microsoft Training

Get Unlimited access to ALL the LIVE Instructor-led Microsoft courses you want - all for the price of less than one course. 

  • 60+ LIVE Instructor-led courses
  • Money-back Guarantee
  • Access to 50+ seasoned instructors
  • Trained 50,000+ IT Pro's

Basket

{{item.CourseTitle}}

Price: {{item.ItemPriceExVatFormatted}} {{item.Currency}}