Within and the IT and Technology sector, data scientist, machine learning developer, cybersecurity specialist, and business intelligence analyst roles have been the most trending ones. Those functions are definitely among the most in-demand tech jobs for 2019. However, one profile that doesn’t always grab the limelight is that of a cloud architect. In this post, guest author Philip Piletic will talk about why a career in cloud architecture is as viable as ever.
However, before moving to the main part of the article, we will have a look at a few basics.
What is Cloud Architecture?
Cloud architecture refers to the components and subcomponents required for cloud computing. These components typically consist of a front end platform, back end platforms, a cloud-based delivery, and a network. Combined, these components make up cloud computing architecture.
A Cloud Architect is an IT specialist who is responsible for deploying overseeing a company’s cloud computing strategy. This includes cloud adoption plans, cloud application design, and cloud management and monitoring. Cloud architects oversee application architecture and deployment in cloud environments.
Required Skills to Pursue a Career in Cloud Architecture
Excellent technical abilities are the most vital asset for cloud architects. Relevant technical skills and knowledge can include the following: cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS); databases like MySQL; Java; open source technologies like Redis and Docker; and OpenStack.
Read:Â Scopes and Impact of Cloud Computing on Banking & FinTech
Jobs and Salaries in Cloud Architecture
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not collect statistics on cloud architects; however, they estimated a 6% job growth for computer network architects during 2016-2026. This growth is about as fast as average compared to all occupations. In January 2018, PayScale.com reported a median annual salary of $128,849 for cloud architects.
According to CIO report, cloud architecture is among the 13 most in-demand tech jobs for 2019. See the table below:
Now, we will move on to the primary agenda of this article.
Why a Career in Cloud Architecture is as Viable as Ever
By Philip Piletic
Media pundits have recently tried to suggest that cloud architecture is a dying career field. Everything is allegedly becoming automated, so there’s no need for people to develop and maintain new cloud deployments. If a company needs something, then they can streamline their workflows with a few CLI-based apps and write scripts to tie everything together.
The problem with this way of thinking is rather obvious in a way. Who is going to be developing those scripts and writing the apps that are needed to streamline workflows in the process? If anything, then openings for cloud architects will increase over the next few years. That means if you’ve ever wanted to break into this dynamic industry segment now is the time to do it.
In fact, one particular brand alone is creating jobs in almost every area of IT.
Amazon Web Services Cloud Technology
Anyone who takes a look at the backbones of popular sites will notice that a huge number of them are powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) regardless of which industry they serve. Amazon is such a huge player in the field that entire courses have been developed to teach just how to work with their software. Gaining an AWS certification is an excellent way to get into the field even if you don’t have any other credentials.
All of Amazon’s workflows are standardized, which makes this an especially popular place for newcomers to get started. Anything you learn today won’t be rendered completely obsolete by changes in a year or two. On top of this, many training programs are focused on teaching students how to use timeless tools to automate otherwise complicated IT-related chores.
Think about tools like awk, sed and grep. If you’ve spent any period of time around cloud-based storage systems, then you’ve heard of them. These tools haven’t really changed much in decades. Therefore, earning a certificate can help you continue to move forward in the IT field for years to come.
On-the-Job Cloud Training
Another way to break into the field that’s proving popular is to receive training after applying for a position. In most cases, this is only a good idea if you already have existing experience in coding or system administration. However, the fact that so many companies offer it proves that cloud architecture is anything but a dying field.
Once again, you should expect to do plenty of work with the command line. If you have any experience with it, then it should certainly help you gain that dream position. This is true even if you’ve just used it to install GNU/Linux or OS X by yourself. Employers will build on the experience that you currently have.
In some cases, CLI-based automation modules can even help you if you move into another area of information technology at a later date. Considering how many different options are included in the AWSÂ CLI manual, you’re bound to learn quite a bit about many tools you’ll end up using elsewhere.
Flexibility is the name of the game in the IT department at many firms.
General Responsibilities of Cloud Architects
Cloud architects are, at their core, IT specialists who are responsible for not only the deployment of a company’s cloud computing strategy by also overseeing it. They often need to draft cloud adoption plans. On top of this, they might be called on to craft new cloud-based apps or manage existing resources. Monitoring how much of a system gets used at any given time is particularly important as well. This is why some companies have taken to hiring former data science technicians.
Cybersecurity and operating system platforms are perhaps the two most nebulous fields that are making this career a viable alternative for up-and-comers in the IT world. Cryptographic hashes and user permissions are changing faster than they have at any other point in history. On top of this, many firms are debating between adopting any of the following platforms:
- Unix
- GNU/Linux
- Solaris
- Windows Server
- macOS
- BSD
- HP-UX
If any of those names sound familiar to you, then you might have what it takes to settle into a challenging new career.
Cloud Skills are in High Demand
AWS technicians are in higher demand than at any other time, which means that salaries are going up. Firms that have opted to go with Microsoft’s cloud computing platforms are also being forced to pay more than they have in the past. As a result, you might want to send out your training application sooner rather than later.
About Philip Piletic: Philip is closely following the impact of technology on education, and its evolution from traditional to modern methods that include e-learning, courses, gamification, and others. He helps Sydney-based IT & Business school with developing their IT courses.
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