Hey all, I could really use some straightforward advice here. I'm 42, living in the Bournemouth/Poole area in the UK, and I'm looking to make a career change this year to a hybrid or remote position. My background includes being an IT Technician and an Accountant, and I've recently worked in Logistics as a Coordinator. Now, I'm torn between two paths: pursuing SAP S/4HANA in Finance or Sales/SD, or going into Azure/Cloud Architecture. I want a role that's not too focused on heavy coding or command line work, as I'm looking for something more stable and business-oriented. I've also seen a hefty price tag for the ITIL certification and am considering the Google IT cert or MS-900 instead. Given my age and experience, which career option seems more stable and has better long-term prospects in the UK?
6 Answers
If you're not keen on the coding part, I would worry about a lack of understanding in infrastructure as code (IaC) and DevOps practices. Architects typically need this knowledge to succeed. Cloud architects often implement DevOps solutions rather than just designing them, and many companies won't hire without a solid background and practical experience in cloud technologies.
In my experience, cloud architect roles tend to focus more on design, meetings, and coordinating rather than being stuck at the command line. Sure, you'll use scripts occasionally, but it's not as intense as some might think. The real challenge is breaking into that first cloud role, especially with the current job market.
You need to consider that becoming a cloud architect requires extensive knowledge gained through years of experience in related fields. Just having a few certifications won't cut it. If you're serious, start at entry-level positions in Managed Service Providers to build a foundation and network in the industry.
For architects, hands-on coding isn’t as prevalent as it is for cloud engineers. Most of the work revolves around Infrastructure as Code (IAC) tools like Terraform and Bicep. Understanding what resources are needed and how they fit together is essential, so I'd recommend focusing on that before jumping into complicated coding.
It really depends on what you define as an architect. A Solutions Architect might suit you well if you're looking to avoid the heavy coding aspects of traditional architecture roles. They still require knowledge but might be less focused on deep technical scripting.
Honestly, cloud roles are leaning more towards development these days. If you’re looking at serious DevOps alongside AI integration, the environments are significantly more complex than just a few years back. Coming from a Sys Admin background, you might find it challenging if you really wish to avoid coding—there’s a real expectation to manage costs and design effectively in Azure.
I totally disagree with this advice. You can't skip learning the basics of coding—it's key to being effective as an architect.