As more companies adopt cloud architecture, they need more workers to manage it. The surge of spending on cloud services is rising. Gartner forecasts that cloud services will grow three times more than overall IT services through 2022. Cloud computing makes sense for most enterprises, choosing between public, private, or hybrid clouds. Cloud computing jobs are vital to leveraging all the advantages.
In an ever-changing technological world, certain cloud computing jobs are in demand. Considering that businesses have had to rethink their operations due to COVID-19, the cloud becomes more critical. It also has a lasting impact on IT jobs in general.
Reconfiguring the IT Workforce
Cloud computing has been a disruptor in the IT workforce. That doesn't correlate with job losses but rather a reconfiguring of the workforce. These changes mean that IT staff must evolve to the new demands. Roles associated with on-premise solutions are no longer necessary. However, cloud computing is driving new opportunities for IT professionals.
What Are the Most Valuable Skillsets Needed for Cloud Computing?
To define what cloud computing jobs are most in-demand, we need to look at the most useful skills.
Cloud security skills: The concern of the cloud being risky has mostly dissipated. The cloud is more secure than physical servers. This is due to advanced protocols, proactive monitoring, and security layers. While it is safer, it's not foolproof. Those with cloud security experience will be in demand to mitigate any risk in step with the cloud provider. Developing these skills requires experience. Professionals may also want to earn their CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) certification.
Data science expertise. Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) are vital in cloud computing. New tools within cloud computing offer enterprises the ability to leverage them. To do this, they also need those with a high aptitude in ML and AI. Data science certifications are available through organizations like Microsoft.
Migration knowledge: Companies are moving more applications to the cloud. They are also using multiple cloud platforms. To do this seamlessly, experience with cloud migration is a must-have.
Database and programming language skills: The storage, management, and accessibility of data in the cloud continue to be a priority. To ensure this ecosystem is working well, database language skills, including SQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and Hadoop, are critical. On the programming side, knowledge of Perl, Python, Ruby, PHP, Java, and .NET is essential.
DevOps: You can achieve code movement automation via DevOps tasks, such as monitoring, testing, deployment, and integration. DevOps is synonymous with continuous refinement and implementation. That focus complements the SaaS (software as a service) apps that live in the cloud.
Seeking out these skillsets when building your cloud computing team will allow you to achieve digital transformation goals.
Cloud Computing Jobs: For Now, and the Future
The good news is these jobs are in demand, even in the current environment. The bad news, there's a shortage of cloud computing professionals, according to a Gartner survey.
These roles are a necessity for your business now and in the future. Many of these positions are evolving and require a collection of skills.
Cloud Architects – A cloud architect develops and implements cloud setups. Their focus is on perfecting the cloud architecture. They spend time ensuring reliability, security, and scalability while also concentrating on the system's performance. Cloud security skills, migration knowledge, programming language expertise, and DevOps experience are needed.
Cloud Computing Systems and Network Administrators – The goal of an administrator is optimization. They are always looking for ways to improve the system. In some organizations, they may also oversee cloud migrations. This group is typically engineer-centric. What skills do administrators need? Migration knowledge, network protocol experience, DevOps, and code proficiency.
DevOps Engineers – DevOps engineers make things happen. An engineer plays a QA role, overseeing coding, processes, and testing. They try to be proactive in limiting failures. Coding competence, DevOps best practices experience, data management aptitude, and strong communication skills are needed.
AI Architects – AI architects usually have a data science background and a deep understanding of everything AI, ML, and natural language processing (NLP). AI architects will be responsible for how you use AI, ML, and NLP in the cloud. What’s needed are data science expertise, change management experience, and well-developed communication skills that translate technical to real-world applications.
Versatile Developers – Developers will always be an integral part of cloud computing. Development now has many spaces — web, software, and mobile. These roles code but also need to understand client requirements. Finding versatile developers who can do all three isn't easy, but not impossible. Proficiency in multiple languages, analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate with other stakeholders are essential.
Cloud Security Professionals – No matter what's in your cloud, it demands security. Data generation keeps rising, and it's attractive to cyber-criminals. Cloud security professionals use a combination of skills to monitor and respond to threats proactively. They also must maintain any industry-specific compliance. Cloud security expertise, threat management experience, ability to document failures, and knowledge of compliance laws and regulations are critical.
Cloud computing jobs are changing. But with that change comes opportunity. Whether you're looking to enrich your team or improve your career, staying current on trends and growing your learning is vital. Experience some hands-on skill-building with the Nutanix Virtual Technology Bootcamp. See upcoming classes here.
Michael Brenner is a keynote speaker, author, and CEO of Marketing Insider Group. Michael has written hundreds of articles on sites such as Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and The Guardian. He speaks at dozens of leadership conferences each year, covering marketing, leadership, technology, and business strategy. Follow him @BrennerMichael.
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