5 reasons to start a cloud computing career

Cloud computing is becoming more common in many industries, and as of 2022, is quickly taking up the majority of data storage solutions, with 60% of all corporate data being stored on the cloud. Here are some of the well-known industries adopting cloud platforms for their operations.

• Banking and finance companies rely on cloud computing to streamline access for clients and customers and establish multi-layer security that makes fraud easier to detect.
• Schools use cloud platforms to facilitate online learning. These systems allow students to access learning materials and attend lectures and workshops remotely. The cloud can also make testing and assignment submissions more efficient and give students more choices about the classes they wish to take and the resources they can access.
• The healthcare sector uses cloud-based platforms to collect and store patient records, so providers have easy access while still complying with HIPAA regulations.
• Streaming and entertainment companies rely on cloud systems to provide music and videos to customers without requiring them to download media to their computers or devices. Major industry players use cloud platforms to deliver media to subscribers.
• Retailers use cloud computing to create a real-time data stream of sales and inventory. This tracking allows them to respond quickly to supply or staffing needs and provides early warning about potential shortages. It can also help automate the tracking of finances, sales tax records and other accounting.
• The shipping industry uses cloud computing to track shipments, adjust schedules and receive an early warning about potential issues further down the supply chain that may alter their plans. 

You can find hands-on cloud computing roles in all these different industries. And cloud professionals may also find that their skills are transferable. For example, network support specialists and technicians are necessary to ensure access to the cloud and troubleshoot if problems arise.

All organizations needing to migrate their systems from on-site software and server models to the cloud need cloud network engineers to handle the transformation and make any necessary customizations.

If cloud computing interests you, there are several roles that utilize these skills. Here are just a few tech jobs that you might find in the cloud industry:

• Programmers* — Programmers create applications and software for use in the cloud or customize existing systems so that they meet their employer’s needs.
• Developers — Software developers can work directly on cloud systems, updating and customizing the software that companies use and offering customized solutions that meet the needs of their employers or clients.
• Information security specialists — Information security specialists may find work for cloud providers and companies using cloud services. Providers need to ensure security for their clients, which means constantly updating protection measures. Meanwhile, corporations using these services want to ensure secure connections that help them avoid breaches that could compromise data and systems.

*University of Phoenix does not educationally prepare students to become programmers at this time.

Cloud computing allows you to specialize in a specific area, which can increase your attractiveness to certain employers seeking particular skills.

One option for learning specific skills is to pursue a bachelor’s degree in IT. This course of study will expose you to the subjects that are essential for IT success, including cybersecurity, systems analysis and IT operations.

A degree provides an introduction to these vital cloud-related subjects. You can then hone your skills in security, database administration or software engineering, depending on your area of interest and skills.

You can also focus on unique specialties, like big data, which involves collecting, processing and using huge amounts of information collected by a company or organization.

In addition to continuing education programs, you can use boot camps and industry certification programs to learn new skills and get additional credentials that can help you stand out in a specific area. 

Cloud computing offers a variety of job opportunities that go beyond what graduates and professionals can expect from most careers. In addition to in-house, office-based IT department jobs, cloud experts can pursue different arrangements, such as working from home.

For example, third-party providers offer SaaS and PaaS subscriptions to companies and organizations. Many smaller companies take advantage of these services instead of investing in an on-site IT team.

Cloud computing workers may also find freelance and contract opportunities. Some companies seek specialists for specific tasks, such as migrating company databases to the cloud. Systems engineers with the ability to perform this task are in high demand, especially with small or mid-size firms without the budget or need for a full-time engineer on staff. Such opportunities give cloud specialists with enough experience the chance to build their own businesses based on their skills.

Many cloud companies seek the best talent regardless of location. Developers, administrators, engineers and security specialists are often able to work remotely because their duties involve configuring, programming and monitoring the cloud, which they can do from any location with a stable internet connection. Telecommuting arrangements may be attractive to people who want the ability to work from home.

The field of cloud computing will likely continue to grow as more companies and organizations try to take advantage of the scalability, efficiency and lower costs of cloud-based systems. Professionals with general IT degrees, professional certifications, training and specific knowledge of cloud systems or related specialties can take advantage of this trend and may find rewarding jobs in the field.