A career in cloud engineering involves establishing, overseeing and maintaining computer infrastructure resources. This career path is growing rapidly with the growth and involvement of technology in every industry sector. Cloud engineering involves using engineering principles to design systems. This has been implemented in several music and movie streaming applications. As a result, this career path has caught the interest of every technology-loving individual.

A cloud engineer is an IT professional who handles cloud computing within a company. Generally, they solve the computing problems of an entity or consumers. They carry out major roles such as designing, managing and maintaining cloud computing technology. Additionally, they plan, develop and design cloud-based software and applications.

In this piece, I will walk you through the skills needed and how to start a career in cloud engineering.

How to Start a Career in Cloud Engineering

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

   The first step you should take in any career pursuit is to obtain a bachelor’s degree. You need to earn a bachelor’s degree in disciplines such as Computer science or information technology. Additionally, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in information systems or software engineering. However, you should ensure that the discipline you apply to focuses on the technical aspects of software and systems infrastructure, computing and other related areas.

2. Learn Programming Languages

   You must have programming skills when working as a cloud engineer. You can learn programming skills such as Python, C++, and Ruby. Additionally, you should get familiarised with mainstream cloud services such as Apache Hadoop and Microsoft Azure.

3. Gain Practical Experience

   You can gain practical experiences through means such as internships and open-source projects. You must have experience before you can get employed as a cloud engineer. Therefore, you should participate in internships and projects to build your portfolio and improve your skills.

4. Pursue a Master’s Degree

   Gaining a master’s degree can give you access to a high job and earning opportunities. Additionally, it will give you the chance to gain technical knowledge in your chosen field of specialisation. You can also choose to explore more in-depth aspects of information technology, programming and development.

5. Obtain Certifications

   This is a crucial requirement in pursuing a career in cloud engineering. Additionally, obtaining these certificates can show your level of competence and knowledge to employers. Therefore, you should undertake training to gain these certificates. Secondly, they can give you added knowledge in various aspects of cloud engineering and give you a competitive advantage in the job market.

6. Network and Build Professional Networks

   Networking will help you to have a smooth transition into this career. As you gain experience, you should collaborate with professionals and other cloud engineers.

7. Choose an Area of Specialisation

   Specialising in your cloud engineering skills is an important way of growing your career and making you outstanding in the industry. There are different specialisations that you can choose in cloud engineering. The importance of this is to make you an expert in a particular niche which will give you a unique identity and set you apart.

Types of Cloud Engineer

1. Cloud Architect: Cloud architects plan an organization’s cloud computing architecture. They develop and oversee cloud-based systems. Generally, these professionals evaluate cloud architecture options to help the company achieve its business goals.
2. Network Engineer: Cloud network engineers manage element and service migrations between private, public, and hybrid cloud infrastructures. Additionally, they oversee the exchange of data within a company.
3. Security Engineer: Cloud software engineers guarantee the security of an organization’s cloud infrastructure.
4. Cloud Software Engineer: Cloud software engineers are in charge of creating, coding, installing, and managing cloud-based applications. Additionally, these professionals ensure that cloud environments adhere to the company’s security guidelines.
5. Cloud Systems Engineer: Cloud systems engineers install and maintain cloud-based services in client information centres.

Universities in Africa that Offer Cloud Engineering or Information Technology

1. University of Johannesburg, South Africa
2. Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
3. American University in Cairo, Egypt
4. University of Botswana, Botswana
5. University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
6. University of Pretoria, South Africa
7. University of Ibadan, Nigeria
8. Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa
9. University of South Africa, South Africa
10. University of Cape Town, South Africa

Certifications to Advance Your Career as a Cloud Engineer

1. Azure Administrator Associate
2. Certified Solutions Architect
3. Associate Cloud Engineer
4. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
5. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
6. Cloud Credential Council Professional Cloud Security Manager
7. CompTIA Cloud+
8. CompTIA Cloud Essentials+

Cloud Engineering Skills

1. Programming Skills
2. Knowledge of Cloud providers
3. Computer networks
4. Cloud Computing
5. Virtualisation
6. Time management skills
7. Communication skills
8. Problem-solving skills

A career as a Cloud engineer can be an excellent career choice. Additionally, it is one of the careers that have potentially high annual income for engineers. The best thing to do is to familiarise yourself with the knowledge and skills needed and have a good network of professionals. With this, you are sure to enjoy an excelling career.

Good luck.

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