How to Become a Cloud Architect
If you are considering a career in the Information Technology (IT) industry, you have heard most likely of cloud computing. Cloud computing is one of the transformative innovations in this sector and is completely changing the field for the better. Fortunately, with the introduction of cloud computing, new career opportunities for IT professionals are emerging. One of it is that of a cloud architect.
Cloud architect mainly encompass individuals who design cloud computing platforms. As a cloud architect, you also work with the existing cloud to develop more profitable and efficient uses of the technology for your employer. Basically, you utilize your IT knowledge to help companies manage their cloud networking arena so that they can achieve their objectives. You also play a key role in preventing security breaches and minimizing information loss.
Steps you Need to Follow to Become a Cloud Architect
You Need to Obtain a Relevant Degree
You need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, or other related courses. Sometimes, employers may require a master’s degree in this field to fill up an advanced or managerial position. A bachelor’s degree acquaints you with sufficient knowledge to enable you to set up servers and software clients, utilize various cloud technologies, create large storage solutions, and deploy thin applications for small, medium, and large organization networks.
This way, you will gain knowledge to allow you tackle real-world issues in this field. Your education should include:
- Installing and configuring virtual servers and clients
- Creating virtual solution for servers
- Deploying software applications via thin clients
- Identifying customer needs to evaluate network requirements
- Managing and Implementing virtual servers and data centers
- Designing and securing fault tolerant enterprise systems
Get Certified
In addition to earning degrees in IT, there are numerous numbers of certifications you can obtain to make you a more sought-after candidate for a position in cloud architect. IBM offers two types of certifications; one for computing infrastructure and the other for cloud computing. You can as well obtain a certification as a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert, or become a Certified Cloud Technology Professional. Google also offers a certification program in Google Apps. Each of the above certification has something different to offer. Thus you need to choose one that closely aligns with your career goals and get certified.
Gain some Technical Experience
It is always important to have a job experience. Since this field is relatively new, you may not require as much on-the-job experience as you may need in other IT jobs, but it is a good idea to obtain some training before you start looking for a job. You should as well focus on nurturing skills like having proper logic and decisions capabilities, good problem resolution, excellent customer care skills, appropriate oral and written communications skills, and finally good ethical and professional practices.
Possible Career Track
After completing your degree, you could pursue career opportunities across a broad range of businesses as well as industries including: Network Infrastructure support, Network and Data Center Administrator, Storage technology manager, Network implementation team, Information Technology Solutions Providers, Virtual Server Administrator, and Network Support Desk.
As a cloud architect, you are required to be a team player. You must work with other IT professionals to ensure that you provide an excellent web presence for your company that is in line with their business requirements. You have to be able to communicate with a variety of people to deliver the final product that is both functional and reliable.
Job Outlook
With the fast growing pace of the IT industry, the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of computer network architects is expected to increase at a rate of 9% in the next decade (2014 to 2024), this rate is relatively faster than the average growth for all occupations. This indicates growing demand for computer network architects. The BLS also reports that the median pay for computer network architecture is $100,240 per year ($48.19 per hour).
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the emerging field of cloud computing, consider ECPI University. At ECPI University we offer a Bachelor's Degree in Computer and Information Science with a concentration in Cloud Computing. With a year-round schedule and accelerated courses, you could find yourself graduating in as little as 2.5 years. Don't hesitate to contact an admissions advisor today to discuss your future.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Cloud Computing - Bachelor’s
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