By Jim Johnson, Senior Vice President, Technology, Robert HalfCloud engineers, cloud architects and other professionals with cloud computing expertise have long been sought after by organizations eager to move digital assets, databases and applications from on-site data centers into the cloud. Research conducted for Robert Half’s e-book, Building Future-Forward Tech Teams, suggests that the demand for cloud computing skills is likely to continue in the months ahead, and might even intensify.Cloud projects are one of the top five priorities for technology leaders in the U.S. this year. However, more than half (55%) of tech leaders surveyed for our e-book said they expect staffing constraints to put their priority projects for 2024 at risk. Fifty-one percent cited the lack of candidates with required skill sets as a significant hiring challenge for their organization this year.The limited supply of cloud talent available in the hiring market means tech and IT professionals with in-demand cloud computing skills can likely find numerous and compelling career opportunities to pursue.Even so, you should expect to face stiff competition for top positions in the field. So, before you launch your search for cloud computing roles, you will want to take stock of your current skills and experience to make sure you can be a strong contender for these hot jobs.
No matter where you are along your cloud career path, it is important to keep up with cloud technology trends so you can maintain or earn relevant skills. That includes understanding what types of platforms and application suites most companies are using to build their cloud infrastructures. This knowledge can also help you decide what types of IT certifications you may want to earn to help advance your cloud career.PlatformsAmazon Web Services (AWS)Google Cloud Platform (GCP)IBM CloudOracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI)Microsoft AzureApplication suitesGoogle WorkspaceMicrosoft Dynamics 365Oracle FusionSalesforceSAP S/4HANA CloudWorkdayWhen you see listings for cloud job opportunities, you will likely find that many employers and talent recruiters will inlcude the name of a specific platform or application suite in the title of the open role. (For example: Azure Cloud Engineer or AWS Cloud Developer.) That can help you determine whether you have the core experience the employer seeks.
In addition to earning relevant certifications from platform providers like Microsoft, Amazon or Google, there are nice-to-have credentials that can help strengthen your cloud computing resume. Some examples:CompTIA Cloud+: This global certification covers all major aspects of cloud computing, including configuration, security and troubleshooting. It is ideal for cloud engineers looking to gain expertise across multiple products and systems.
VMware Certified Professional – Cloud Management and Automation: Earning this certification demonstrates that you know how to configure and administer a VMWare vRealize environment.Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment: Many employers seek tech and IT professionals skilled at working with this widely used cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) software.
If you want to stand apart from other candidates in the running for the cloud jobs that you are aiming for, consider sharpening and promoting your skills in the following areas:Industry frameworks and methodologiesMany employers require or prefer experience in methodologies like Agile, DevOps and Scrum.Cloud securityEmployers will want to know that you understand the common risks and vulnerabilities associated with cloud architecture before entrusting you with business-critical data.AI and machine learningThe major cloud platforms now offer tools and services that provide access to cloud-based AI and machine learning applications. Expanding your knowledge in these areas can help boost your tech and IT career overall. (Take a look at our e-book on building future-forward tech teams for insight into how tech leaders are helping their team members ramp up their AI skills.)Cloud migrationBusinesses looking to migrate from in-house setups to the cloud or from one cloud platform to another will favor candidates with experience in this process. If your current organization has a migration project underway, seize any opportunity to work on it.CommunicationSoft skills matter in cloud computing jobs. Cloud architects, for example, need to collaborate with a diverse set of stakeholders, internal teams and external providers not only to design cloud solutions but also make compelling business cases for them. To excel at this process, you will need to be an excellent and patient communicator.
Acquiring some of the skills and qualifications mentioned above may be easier than you think. As the competition for tech and IT talent grows fiercer, many employers are leveling up their career development programs to help them recruit and retain top talent.Talk to your manager about professional development opportunities and request to work on stretch assignments that can help you gain skills in aspects of cloud computing outside of your comfort zone. If one of your colleagues is designing an exciting or challenging solution, ask if you can sit in with them during meetings or brainstorming sessions.To hone your soft skills, volunteer for projects that require interdepartmental collaboration. That will give you the opportunity to interact with people outside your immediate circle and specialization.
Finally, be sure to track how your skills and experience are valued in the job market so that you can feel confident negotiating a salary with a potential employer or a raise with your current one.The latest Salary Guide From Robert Half presents a range of average starting salaries for cloud architects, cloud engineers, cloud administrators and other cloud roles in demand.Cloud computing is fundamental to the operations of many organizations today, and trends suggest it will only become even more critical in the future. For tech and IT professionals willing to master the deeper intricacies of the cloud and continually build their cloud skills, the sky is the limit for cloud computing career opportunities.
Read Building Future-Forward Tech Teams from Robert Half to deepen your understanding of the priorities and challenges that technology leaders and their teams are facing this year.
