Well, so it comes to this, you are searching the internet on how to become a cloud computing professional as quickly as possible by developing the bare minimum (only fundamental) skillset.
So… the reality is that you can’t. Not anymore, that is. This is because the scene of cloud computing has changed drastically, and with AI automation, you won’t be able to sustain in the IT world, taking into consideration that you will be able to break into it with just minimal skills in the first place.
The ideal path for you to pivot or build your career in the IT world would be to choose a high-quality and fast-track (very important) cloud computing certification course.
Still not convinced? Well, this guide will help you understand everything and why some skills are essential.
4 Essential Cloud Computing Skills
1. Networking: The Invisible Map
While a lot of people are under the impression that you don’t need to learn computer networking if you are aiming for cloud computing, the reality is that you need to understand (in-depth) how data moves.
So, you see in a traditional office, you could see the blue cables plugged into the wall. In the cloud, those cables are invisible, but the logic is exactly the same.
You need to understand IP Addressing, Subnets, and DNS. If someone asks you what a VPC (Virtual Private Cloud) is, you shouldn’t break out into a cold sweat.
2. Operating Systems
Modern cloud computing environments are far easier to navigate and use compared to the traditional ones; however, you still need a great understanding of a particular operating system to ensure that you are able to navigate and implement cloud tech easily.
So, let’s talk about Linux. That’s going to be your life, at least a little bit.
While Windows is still huge in the corporate world, Linux is the go-to OS for the cloud. Yes, you don’t need to be a kernel developer, but you do need to know how to navigate a file system, change permissions, and restart a service without a mouse. If you can wrap your head around the Command Line Interface (CLI), you’re already ahead of 50% of the people applying for entry-level roles.
3. Virtualization: The Magic Trick
Why is it called a magic trick? Well, in a world where everything is online and relies heavily on cloud tech, virtualization can make you an ideal candidate.
To understand it easier, answer this question first: The cloud is basically just someone else’s computer, right? (Please answer YES).
But it’s not just one computer. It’s one massive machine chopped up into a thousand little “virtual” machines. So, you need to absolutely understand how Virtual Machines (VMs) and Containers (like Docker) work, along with understanding how one physical server can pretend to be fifty different web servers at the same time.
Once you grasp that “magic trick,” the rest of the cloud starts to make a lot more sense.
4. Data Security
Although a cybersecurity specialist will assist you in an actual job for data security, understanding the fundamentals is essential, and it help you tremendously understand cyber attacks and how to deal with them.
So, to answer your original question, the bare minimum here is understanding IAM (Identity and Access Management).
You need to learn how to give people enough access to do their jobs, but not enough to accidentally delete the entire company’s database. It’s a balancing act, and it’s the most important skill you’ll ever learn.
Additional Tips to Remember
Now, you know what you need to learn; however, it is also equally important to learn from a reputable cloud computing program provider. Here are two additional aspects you need to focus on to ensure you become an ideal cloud computing candidate:
Focus on Soft Skills
Yes, you won’t be directly dealing with customers as a cloud computing technician, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t be talking to other non-tech employees and translating issues in simple language. Also, depending on your employer, you might be the only person directly talking to clients and explaining the cloud structure and the virtualization process.
Check for Hands-on (Simulation) Training
Another important aspect that you must absolutely understand is that you can only learn technology by using it. So, when you’d be choosing a cloud computing training provider, make sure that it provides some form of hands-on training. If you are choosing an online program, then there are high chances that your provider will offer simulation training (which is industry-standard). This way you can learn in real time from the comfort of your own home.
What Should Be Your Next Step
Understand that you don’t need a four-year degree in computer science to start. You need a few months of focused, hands-on training, and this is important: you need to be okay with being a “newbie” for a little while.
So, next, enroll in a fast-track training provider with hands-on training, prepare for the certification exam, and give this entire phase at least 1 year.
