I've transitioned from being a full stack software developer to working primarily with C# .NET, focusing on building APIs. My company is slowly moving our systems to Azure Cloud, and I've started experimenting with Azure Functions, which sparked my interest in cloud engineering. I'm eager to understand what a cloud engineer's daily responsibilities are and what steps I can take to shift my career from software development to becoming a cloud engineer. I've been prepping for the Azure Developer Associate certification but know that certifications alone won't secure the transition. I'd love to hear from those who have made similar moves or have insights into the daily tasks of cloud engineers.
5 Answers
The role also varies greatly depending on the company. Some cloud engineers are more hands-on, setting up and maintaining infrastructure, while others might be involved in planning and design aspects. It really helps to gain experience with tools like Azure Monitor and Automation to see how you can manage and optimize cloud resources effectively.
Thanks for the insight! Those tools will be beneficial to learn as I transition.
A key thing to note is that a cloud engineer's role is different from a cloud developer's role. Engineers typically handle the infrastructure and deployment, while developers focus on writing code that runs on that infrastructure, often using platforms like Azure Functions. So if you're more inclined towards coding, you might also explore the path of a cloud developer.
That's a good point! Understanding both roles will help you decide which path suits you better.
Exactly! For me, the lines blurred, and I've ended up doing a bit of both!
Cloud engineers often deal with managing virtual machines, networks, and security settings, which can be quite complex. They might also spend time fixing issues, providing support, and working on compliance. It can feel overwhelming at times, especially if you're new to it, but immersing yourself in hands-on projects can really help.
In my experience, cloud engineers spend a lot of time troubleshooting and adapting to changes in the Azure interface, sometimes feeling like a full-time job! But when it comes to actual tasks, they implement plans created by cloud architects, work with infrastructure as code (like Terraform or Bicep), and manage deployments. So if you're aiming to transition, focusing on these skills would be beneficial.
Right? It's both frustrating and a huge part of the job. But learning those tools is definitely the way to go!
Totally agree. Plus, being part of planning meetings helps understand overall architecture, which is great experience.
In general, the job can often involve a mix of fixes, testing plans, and dealing with unexpected issues. It's important to be adaptable and ready for new challenges in your daily work! Getting certified is great, but on-the-job learning is also invaluable.
Definitely! Familiarity with those services gives you an edge in the job market.