8 Cloud Roles explained

Thinking of starting your career in Cloud Computing? Smart choice. As we’re still in the early days of Cloud, the opportunities are endless. So, you’re almost guaranteed an exciting and rewarding future. But what does such a career actually look like?

There are many different roles in Cloud Computing. Do you know what they all entail? How much coding do they require? Which are most suitable for beginners, and which require a bit more hands-on cloud experience? If you don’t, give our beginner’s guide a quick read. We’ll cover the most common roles in cloud.

But before you do, why don’t you check out our brand new 9-week international (and paid) cloud traineeship. Before you know it, you might even update your LinkedIn profile with one of these function titles…

1.Cloud Support Engineer

• Function? The Cloud Support Engineer resolves customer queries relating to cloud solutions. They are the go-between between the customer and the more technical members of the business, such as software engineers.
• Coding level? Low. Very little or no coding is required for a Cloud Support Engineer.
• For beginners? Yes. This is one of the most popular entry-level roles in the cloud industry because the barriers to entry are so low.

2. Quality Assurance Engineer

• Function? A Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer is responsible for making sure that newly created versions of software work as expected. Some QA Engineers test the applications manually, others will work in a highly automated environment, writing code to test the applications.
• Coding level? Low. Many QA positions require only a minimal understanding of software and programming, although some QA Engineers work on automation and write a lot of code.
• For beginners? Yes. Especially with manual verification, this is an entry-level position. You might get the chance to learn some automation in your job as QA Engineer and move on to more technical positions from there.

3. DevOps Engineer

• Function? The expectations of a DevOps Engineer vary significantly. In some cases, they’re expected to perform tasks similar to those of a Cloud Engineer or a Site Reliability Engineer; in other cases, they’re responsible for the delivery and operation of software systems, building and deploying CI/CD pipelines.
• Coding level? High. The DevOps Engineer will write a lot of infrastructure as code, and build and deploy pipeline configurations. However, they won’t write a lot of application code.
• For beginners? Depends. It can be challenging to land a job as DevOps Engineer when you’re a beginner, but it’s possible if you build the right skillset.

4. Data Engineer

• Function? A data engineer is responsible for handling a company’s data, getting it cleaned up and structured for analysis, so the insights can be used to inform strategic decisions.
• Coding level? High. Data Engineers need to write code that sanitizes, structures and/or moves data around. For this, they need to understand how databases are structured and queried.
• For beginners? Depends. This is a very technical role. However, companies often offer junior positions working as a Data Engineer, which are meant for beginners.

5. Software Engineer

• Function? There are many flavors of a software engineer. There are those who work on user interfaces, others who work on backend systems, and even others building application programming interfaces (APIs).
• Coding level? Very high. Whatever the flavor, one thing they all have in common is that they write a lot of code. The Software Engineer has the most technical and in-depth coding knowledge out of all the roles in cloud computing.
• For beginners? Possible. While this is a highly technical role, it is one of the best-documented routes into the cloud industry

6. Cloud Engineer

• Function? A Cloud Engineer manages and maintains a company’s cloud accounts and builds shared cloud components. They guide other software engineers and the business on cloud best practices.
• Coding level? High. A cloud engineer is very hands-on with code, but they write infrastructure as code more often than application code.
• For beginners? Somewhat. Cloud Engineer is a highly technical role, but some companies will offer junior positions. The skillset of a cloud engineer can vary depending on the technologies the company uses.

7. Site Reliability Engineer

• Function? The Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) ensures that software systems are stable and reliable. The SRE role suits those who like data and investigating. Their role is also rather people-focused.
• Coding level? Medium. Site Reliability Engineers need knowledge of how underlying applications are created. They will definitely write code, though not as much as a Software Engineer for example.
• For beginners? Not so much. Though some companies offer junior positions, it’s still a very hard and technical skillset to build.

8. Cloud Architect

• Function? The Cloud Architect is responsible for the high-level design of the software systems. An architect needs deep expertise in the many technologies used. That’s why they often start their careers in other positions, such as software engineering, and build their knowledge and experience from there.
• Coding level? Low. An architect is not required to write much code.
• For beginners? No. Due to the depth of knowledge required, Cloud Architect is not a suitable role for those new to the tech or cloud industry.

Can’t het enough of reading about function titles? Check out this article where we go beyond buzzwords and explain no less than 17 IT function titles.

Skill requirements

Regardless of where you start your career in Cloud, or whether you’ve already gained some experience, there are certain skills that are required across the entire field of Cloud Computing.

You’ll need a solid foundation in:

• Programming languages such as Java, JavaScript and Python
• Database Management and programming. Those familiar with SQL, NoSQL and Linux will have the advantage.
• AI and machine learning. These technologies aid businesses’ agility and efficiency through processing and analyzing patterns and provide data-based insights that facilitate better and more accurate decision-making.
• Understanding of cloud technologies and providers, such as AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure and Oracle.
• Certain soft skills are valuable for a career in Cloud, such as being curious, analytical and willing to stay on top of rapidly changing user needs driving technological innovations.

Assets to give you an edge

• Get additional training related to Cloud Computing. Already have a degree in IT and a foundation in the aforementioned skills? That’s a great jumping-off point, but gaining some extra skills and knowledge specific to Cloud Computing is definitely an advantage if you want to pursue a career in Cloud. Consider enrolling in our Cloud Program to further develop your skill set.
• Get certified. Vendors such as Amazon, Microsoft and Google all have certification programs to teach you the knowledge and skills needed for a variety of cloud technologies. Some are also included in our Cloud Program. By obtaining cloud certifications, you show employers that you understand the demands of Cloud Computing and have the know-how and skills to meet these requirements.
• Get hands-on experience. Practiced learning is one of our core principles. When you enrol in our Cloud Program, not only do you get all the information you need to become a cloud professional – you also get the opportunity to put these learnings into practice immediately with one of our clients.

Conclusion

Deploying workloads on cloud-native platforms requires an entirely different skillset than companies usually have inhouse today. A huge increase in demand of cloud professionals is on the horizon. If you acquire these skills now, you’ll soon be in high demand in the job market! We offer a Cloud Program that teaches you all the fundamentals of Cloud, preparing you for your first job in the Cloud. Where you go from there, is up to you. Since we’re still in the early days of Cloud Computing, we’re sure many exciting opportunities are ahead for those chasing a career in the Cloud!

About Exellys

Exellys is a Tech Talent Incubator. We match ambitious companies with the finest tech talent. Are you ready to drive the innovations of tomorrow? Ready to make an impact and become a future-fit digital leader?

Whether you are a graduate or (young) professional, Exellys will unlock your full potential by guiding you to a challenging work environment that perfectly matches your personality, expectations and ambitions.

On top of that, you are enrolled in one of our very own training and coaching programs (based on your personal and professional ambition and experience). This means that, while working as an Exellys consultant, we are helping you to bridge your ambition to excellence.

Through intensive training and coaching, you’ll gain the essential skills, competencies and knowledge necessary to become the highly effective professional you aim to be. Become an Exellyst and get in touch with us today!