With 94% of all companies using some form of cloud services, it's no surprise that cloud computing has become a highly desirable career choice. 

Cloud computing professionals are in extremely high demand, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw many corporations worldwide "go digital."

If you're considering a cloud computing career, you'd be making a wise decision. Cloud computing jobs often come with competitive salaries, remote work options, and attractive benefits packages. 

Cloud computing jobs are also very secure. Even in the case of a recession, nearly all businesses will need to continue using cloud infrastructure to stay profitable and efficient. 

But what cloud computing career opportunities are out there? How do you get into a cloud computing career in the first place? Keep reading because our cloud recruitment experts are answering these questions and more.

What are the basic requirements for a cloud computing career?

IT qualifications

Most cloud computing jobs require candidates who have completed a degree in IT, software engineering, computer science, or another degree relevant to the role and an additional cloud computing certification. 

Cloud qualifications

Cloud computing professionals must have the relevant cloud qualifications for specific cloud solution providers, such as Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and Amazon Web Services. 

Programming skills

Cloud computing is a highly complex field. So you must have a thorough understanding of different coding languages, like JavaScript and Python and programming languages, like SQL and Linux.

Communication skills

Often, your employer will look to you for strategic guidance on their cloud computing systems. So it's essential that you have good communication skills to explain complex technical issues in simple terms.

Innovation skills

You must be eager to learn for a successful career in cloud computing, as the industry is constantly evolving with new technological developments coming to the market every day. You need to keep up with this rapid pace to fuel innovation for your employer. 

10 lucrative career opportunities in cloud computing.

According to Gartner, 51% of IT spending on apps, infrastructure, and business process services will move from traditional options to the public cloud by 2025. 

This means that you'll have a wide range of cloud computing jobs available after acquiring the right qualifications and experience. 

But what are the best career opportunities in cloud computing right now? Below, our cloud recruitment experts have outlined some of the most popular career paths for cloud professionals to inspire you for your career journey. 

Cloud support engineer

Do you love solving technical problems? Then you might make a fantastic cloud support engineer. A cloud support engineer is responsible for fixing issues that may arise with cloud technologies. You may also be tasked with providing customer support and creating manuals.

What you need: Most organisations look for cloud support engineers with experience offering IT support and a degree in computer engineering or another relevant field.  

Cloud automation engineer

More and more businesses are taking advantage of cloud automation to cut costs, increase efficiency, and help increase profits. As a cloud automation engineer, you'll be responsible for developing and maintaining these cloud automation solutions. 

What you need: If you're interested in a cloud automation career, employers will look at you favorably if you have AI or ML qualifications along with a degree in computer science or IT. 

Cloud security analyst

Cloud computing security is a top concern for many enterprises, making cloud security analysts one of the most sought-after professionals in the industry. As a cloud security analyst, you'll be in charge of identifying and mitigating security threats in the cloud.

What you need: To become a cloud security analyst, you'll typically need a degree in IT security, computer science, or something similar, along with experience in this area. 

Cloud administrator

A cloud administrator is responsible for managing an organization's cloud computing infrastructure. You'll be required to create and implement company-wide policies for cloud usage, develop security policies, and monitor cloud services to spot any issues. 

What you need: To land a cloud administrator role, most employers will require you to have at least 3 years of IT administration experience and a degree in a relevant field, like computer science. 

Cloud software engineer

As a cloud software engineer, you'll work primarily with other cloud programmers and computer scientists to create SaaS or IaaS systems that run in the cloud. You'll also be tasked with maintaining these systems.

What you need: Knowledge of Java, Python, or another programming language and a degree in a relevant field, such as software engineering. 

Cloud data scientist

They say that data is the new gold. So as a cloud data scientist, you'll be in charge of managing a company's most precious resource. You'll be responsible for developing data organisation infrastructure in the cloud and helping your company extract valuable insights. 

What you need: A degree in data science or another relevant field as well as experience working in the data science industry.

Cloud engineer

Cloud engineers are in charge of managing an organisation's cloud computing strategies. In this job, you'll collaborate with cloud architects to ensure the company's cloud computing infrastructure is running smoothly and on budget.

What you need: Knowledge of Java, Python, or another programming language and a degree in a relevant field, such as computer science. 

Cloud consultant

Though you'll need to build many years of experience to become a cloud consultant, this is a fantastic career path to work towards. As a cloud consultant, you'll be called upon by organizations to give expert guidance on their cloud infrastructure and improve it. 

What you need: Deep knowledge of cloud computing providers and systems, a degree in a relevant IT field, and leadership skills

Cloud network engineer

As a cloud network engineer, you'll be in charge of developing and taking care of your company's entire cloud infrastructure. A key part of your cloud job is to assess different cloud solutions and make recommendations based on your company's business goals. 

What you need: Employers look for cloud network engineers with experience in cloud computing and a degree in software engineering or computer science. 

Cloud architect

As a cloud architect, you'll be in charge of designing and implementing your organisation's cloud computing strategies, ensuring every aspect of cloud computing infrastructure runs smoothly, doesn't go over budget, and creates efficiency. 

What you need: A degree or higher in computer science or a related field and relevant cloud computing experience.

Let our cloud recruiters help you navigate your cloud career.

Many senior cloud architects are making over £100,000! So even if you're new to cloud computing, it's undoubtedly a career path worth pursuing. 

You could take many directions in this industry, but with the right recruitment consultant by your side, you can make sure you're stepping in the right direction. 

Our consultants know how to kickstart long-lasting cloud careers with solid ties to the world's leading cloud computing companies, unrivaled knowledge of cloud technologies, and insights into what employers want.

Register with RED to get started.