Hey everyone! I'm excited to share that I've accepted a position as an Azure Cloud Engineer at a new company. This role comes with some unique challenges since I'll be solely responsible for everything related to Azure. In my previous job, I worked with a team where we had clear guidelines, but now there's no separate cloud team; the software developers were managing the cloud themselves. I'm looking for advice on what key steps I should take on my first day. What initial actions should I prioritize to ensure I'm set up for success?
6 Answers
Consider reaching out to colleagues in similar roles for mentorship. Since you've mentioned feeling a bit underprepared, having experienced contacts to lean on can help you navigate those challenges. It’s often the interpersonal aspects that trip you up more than the tech stuff.
Using some project management principles can help you. Look for easy wins, especially around security improvements. Following ITIL practices can guide your approach; focus on value, start where you are, and keep things simple and practical.
First things first, start with documenting everything. You really need to get a grip on what you're inheriting. Inventory the current setup and understand what tools and resources are in use. This lays the groundwork for any future actions you want to take.
How big is the organization you're joining? I mean, going all-in on Azure as the only person can sound daunting at first!
It's actually a small-scale company just beginning their cloud journey.
Definitely prioritize documentation! If you can, invest in tools like Cloudockit to help automate that process. You'll thank yourself later when you have a clear view of your infrastructure.
Before diving in, take time to seek clarity on the existing setup. Understand the current state and do some groundwork before making any major changes. That's key to avoid messing things up right off the bat.
Totally agree. Hopefully, it’s not an overwhelming amount because managing everything alone could become quite a hassle!