A Cloud Architect is an information technology professional who is responsible for developing a company’s computing strategy. This method involves cloud adoption strategies, application design, administration, and monitoring, among other components. Assistance for software architecture and installation in cloud settings is also part of the job description.
AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform are required to become cloud Architects. You’ll also require a bachelor’s or master’s degree and cloud experience. These are only a few qualifications that can help you become a cloud architect!
In this blog article, we’ll go over the steps you’ll need to follow to become a cloud architect and explain why you should do so. Specifically, we’ll examine the skills and experience requirements for this position. For more information about how to become a cloud architect, please continue reading!
What steps do I need to take to become a cloud architect?
“When people think about cloud architecture, a few things that spring to mind are: creating an infrastructure, establishing security procedures, and developing data management systems.” But these parts of the work barely scratch the surface of what is involved.”
Understanding server architecture and networking, knowledge of various programming languages such as Python or Java, and possibly Cloud certifications and a bachelor’s degree are required.
You must also be able to communicate with clients on their terms (for example, while they are sitting in front of us talking) while also collaborating with team members across time zones is also required.”
What is the role of a cloud architect?
A cloud architect is an (IT) specialist who specializes in cloud technology and is responsible for establishing programs and procedures to meet an organization’s broader goals.
Most of the time, cloud architects perform their job in an office setting during regular working business hours; nevertheless, they may be required to solve workplace concerns after full days, including weekends, evenings, and holidays, depending on the situation.
Given that cloud computing typically does not require any hardware and instead relies on online technologies, cloud architects may be granted the option to work on a flexible schedule or from a place other than their company’s corporate headquarters.
Cloud architects collaborate with other IT team members, such as help desk workers, quality control specialists, database developers, and information security managers to provide a comprehensive solution.
How to become a cloud Architect: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to becoming a cloud architect, there are a few steps you need to do before getting started. Follow these steps to get started on your path to becoming a cloud architect:
- Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent.
To become a cloud architect, you must first acquire a bachelor’s degree, or in certain cases a master’s degree, from an accredited institution. Earning your high school certificate is the first step toward achieving your professional goals.
While in school, concentrate on choosing electives in topics linked to your future fields, such as math, science, and computer science, to name a few examples. Consider taking advanced placement classes, which can allow you to earn college credits before you graduate from high school.
As long as your studies do not interfere, you might look into the many chances you may have to work part-time at a firm that offers entry-level employment in information technology.
- Obtain your bachelor’s degree.
When choosing a college or university to attend to get your bachelor’s degree, look over the list of possible majors. You may discover that one institution offers a more engaging curriculum than another to help you achieve your professional goals.
Although cloud architects commonly hold a degree in information technology or computer programming, some institutions offer majors, or at the very least minor program or specialty courses, in cloud computing, particularly as the industry continues to develop and become more specialized.
It is possible to enroll in courses that cover network infrastructures, virtual storage, data center computing, and backup and recovery procedures.
Think about how you can use hands-on experience and training to help you succeed in school while you’re still in high school. Working in a computer lab at your college or university, for example, or tutoring other students in these key topics could be something you’re interested in.
- Earn your master’s degree in a relevant field.
While you do not need to obtain a master’s degree to work as a cloud architect, many companies prefer that you do so or include it as a desirable educational qualification on their job posting.
A master’s degree can help you stand out from the crowd of other professionals competing for the same cloud architect career or another employment in the information technology industry.
- Get practical experience in your field.
When it comes to being a successful cloud architect, you must have prior on-the-job experience. Most of these individuals begin their careers in an entry-level job before progressing to a cloud architect position as they develop their abilities and take on more managerial duties.
When it comes to getting accepted into a master’s degree program or landing a job as a cloud architect or a position that leads straight to that position, the more practical experience you have, the more likely you will succeed.
- Consider a Bootcamp
Bootcamps are a fantastic alternative to regular university programs. Bachelor’s degrees are comprehensive and cover a wide range of topics, whereas boot camp programs are more focused and cover a narrower range of topics.
Numerous online boot camps are available that may help you improve your resume while also teaching you advanced abilities in a short amount of time.
Several boot camps have formed partnerships with respected technology businesses that specialize in cloud computing infrastructures. Cloud architect programs are available through boot camps such as Divergence Academy and DigitalCrafts.
Depending on the cloud service you choose, you might be up and running with Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud in as little as 12 weeks.
- Cloud Architecture Training Programs.
You may take online classes if you don’t want to commit to a Bootcamp because they need less time commitment. To pass cloud certification tests, you must first complete these courses.
Other similar courses are not specifically linked to cloud architecture but can still benefit your professional development. There are a variety of short courses accessible online through sites like Coursera, Udemy, and Udacity in the areas of computing, information technology, and computer networks.
- Improve Your Soft-Skills Knowledge.
Cloud architects collaborate with a diverse group of individuals, ranging from C-level executives through technicians to end-users. The ability to communicate with and, when required, lead a variety of various sorts of individuals is a must for this position.
The following are essential soft skills for prospective cloud architects:
- Communication qualities that are clear, straightforward, and compelling
- Experience in a leadership position.
- Strategy and commercial expertise are essential.
- Planning and organizing abilities are required.
Soft skills like these will guarantee that you can transition into your new position more quickly and efficiently than others.
- Acquire the necessary certificates.
To learn more about the subject of architecture, enhance your confidence in the profession, and demonstrate your abilities and education to a hiring manager, you might consider pursuing one or more certifications. While some certification programs focus on certain architect skills, others focus on specific cloud platforms like AWS or Azure.
What are The Top Cloud Certifications?
As with nearly every profession in information technology, you may obtain certifications to demonstrate your expertise and demonstrate to employers that you are an expert.
Consider obtaining one of the following certifications to further your knowledge of cloud architecture:
AWS Solutions Architect Certification (Associate Level)
AWS Solutions Architect Certification (Professional Level)
AZ-300 Azure Architect Technologies
AZ-301 Azure Solutions Architect – Design
Important Skills for Cloud Architect
When it comes to your position as a cloud architect, there are several basic abilities that you should build, just like in any other career. By developing these abilities and refining them through time, you should be better positioned to thrive in your current role, get consideration for promotions, and take on greater duties in the future. Some abilities to cultivate and develop upon are as follows:
- Computing in the enterprise
Your knowledge of the many operating systems that your organization now employs will be necessary so that you can design cloud systems and databases that will support those operating systems.
- Leadership
When you work as a cloud architect, you may be in charge of a group of other IT experts, including those who support you with your work in cloud settings, among other responsibilities.
- Programming
It might be beneficial to have a basic grasp of computer programming languages to perform your duties.
- Communication
Although many information technology professionals work independently on projects and their duties, there are instances when it is important to collaborate with others, including other members of the IT team, corporate stakeholders, and other workers.
- Project management
Cloud architects work inside and manage projects primarily concerned with cloud computing; thus, they must develop their project management abilities.
- Business Sense
To give competitive advantages or increase productivity and profitability, cloud architects must first understand what is truly essential to a business or organization.
They should then concentrate on technologies and solutions that are most likely to do so. Consequently, they must grasp the company’s business plan and prioritize their technological suggestions and assistance by that goal.
What are the advantages of working as a cloud architect?
In tandem with the expansion of the cloud, the pay of cloud specialists is increasing at an unprecedented rate, on a trajectory that may properly be described as “stratospheric.” According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a cloud architect is $108,000 per year, with the lowest salary being $79,500 and the highest salary being $142,000.
Aside from that, it’s a specialty that is expected to stay in high demand for the near future as cloud technology continues to develop and organizations increasingly recognize that they want assistance in making the most of this latest tech.
In addition, it’s important to note that there is a significant degree of overlap in the qualifications for many in-demand tech occupations, which means that pursuing a cloud architect career will undoubtedly lead to many other possibilities along the road.
What are some of the drawbacks of becoming a cloud architecture professional?
The “drawbacks” of a profession in cloud architecture are mostly a matter of opinion. Being a cloud architect entails a great deal of responsibility since it is a senior job that reports directly to higher management and makes major choices regarding its future.
The related point is that cloud architects are not only technical experts; they are also managers, leaders, and planners and are programmers, troubleshooters, and engineers, to name a few responsibilities. If you’re the type of person who likes to work on a project in privacy and then submit it when it’s finished, the responsibilities of a cloud architect job could be too much for you.
Why Should You Pursue a Career as a Cloud Architect?
Cloud computing is becoming increasingly popular among businesses. As long as businesses continue to transition to the cloud, cloud architects will be in high demand.
The job prognosis for network architects, and by extension, cloud architects, is favorable in the current economic climate. If you enjoy the process of creating and managing cloud technologies as well as monitoring databases, you may consider pursuing a career as a cloud architect. The frosting on the cake is the generous compensation packages.
What is the average length of time it takes to become a cloud architect?
If one followed the conventional route, becoming a cloud architect would take around 4 to 5 years. Before taking the test for several professional certifications, you must have at least one year of relevant experience. You can begin looking for an internship or an entry-level position immediately following graduation.
As you progress through the cloud architect training program and learn the skills and information essential to working with cloud computing, you will get more experience. Bootcamps and short courses are excellent options for continuing your education after finishing a degree or certification.
Final Words
The position of Cloud Architect is a critical one that is in high demand, and the potential rewards are enormous. Furthermore, given the expected rapid growth in the cloud industry over the next few years, we believe that becoming a Certified Cloud Architect is a wise option both as a lifelong option and as an opportunity to benefit from any new and exciting advances that will emerge in the cloud sector.
