I'm curious about the timeline for breaking into the cloud industry, especially if you're starting fresh. If I get the relevant certifications and some hands-on experience, how long should I expect it to take to secure a job? Also, what's the current demand like?
5 Answers
Honestly, you could get into consulting right away if you want. There are plenty of entry-level positions in that area.
That's a tough question! Demand in the cloud industry has dipped compared to last year. However, if you have the right skill set, a good attitude, and the right connections, you might find a job quickly. But if the market isn't favoring your skills or you're not a good fit, it could drag on.
I’ve spent many years working in managed service providers (MSPs) that focused on cloud migrations. There's no set timeline for getting a cloud job – it could take anywhere from a few years to a lot longer. It all depends on how motivated you are to learn and advance in your career. I'm curious, though, what draws you to the cloud industry in the first place? It's important to have a clear goal.
Breaking into the cloud can be quite challenging, especially if you're just starting out without previous IT experience. Most people who excel in this field have backgrounds as Sysadmins or in other IT roles. You'll likely need to start at a help desk before moving up, since cloud environments require a lot of critical thinking. If you're new to IT, expect it to take some time to gain the skills you need.
For cloud engineers, having a good grasp of databases and SQL is definitely important. The role is similar to that of a systems engineer but focused on cloud infrastructure, so knowledge of networking, storage, and security is key.

Thanks for your insights! I've actually started my research, pursuing certifications like AZ-104, and I'm eager to build my profile. I just hope to get there one day!