Why cloud computing can get you a job ‘anywhere in the world’
We heard from a cloud computing expert and a soon-to-be graduate in the field on why it’s an exciting place to be.
Cloud computing is a busy space, and one that rarely sees a break in new advancements and job creation. And this is only becoming more prescient as technology and innovation drives every sector forward.
Already, many companies today are what Dr Fernando Perez Tellez describes as “native cloud companies” – companies that came to life within the cloud. But even for the more traditional businesses seeking to update their digital interactions and preserve their competitive edge, people with cloud computing skills are becoming more in-demand than ever before. That’s something Tellez sees “reflected in salaries now”.
In fact, just this week, we learned that cloud security spending in the US is expected to reach $1.93bn by 2021. Back in 2016, the US region spent $675m on cloud security solutions in total, meaning it’s predicted to triple in the following years.
We talked to Tellez to discover what’s happening with career prospects in the cloud in Ireland.
Cloud computing and the future
As a lecturer in the Institute of Technology Tallaght (ITT), Tellez is certainly in a position to divulge some valuable cloud computing knowledge. And, according to him, it’s a fascinating field to be in.
With cloud computing, he said: “you can be working for any company and any type of industry, starting from the cloud provider to a company.” But the choices don’t end there. In fact, Tellez emphasised the point that once you’re embedded in the industry, you “will be able to get a job anywhere in the world”.
So, what types of skills do cloud computing professionals need to keep themselves brushed up on? As you might expect, basic knowledge of programming and automation forges a strong foundation. But as Tellez made clear, it’s really a “combination of softer and technical skills” that’s key. In fact, the most important skillS, he said, are “being a problem-solver” and having “the motivation to learn new things”.
The best tools for future cloud computing professionals
Given his need to keep his students ahead of the curve, Tellez is undoubtedly familiar with the best tools to achieve that. The one that he especially commended is AWS Educate.
Embracing tools such as AWS Educate is “important so young people can have access to the real web services in the cloud” he said, adding: “We’ve used it to train students, teach them how to use the web services and, depending on their level, they can use it to develop a final year project.”
One of the most obvious reasons for choosing the programme is the prevalence of AWS web technologies among companies. By engaging students with it, they’re promised the best possible chance of employment in the sector after they graduate.
‘You can be working for any company and any type of industry, starting from the cloud provider to a company‘
– DR FERNANDO PEREZ TELLEZ, INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY TALLAGHT
This is especially true given the fact that “many companies are not using traditional infrastructure anymore – many are using the more cost-effective model of going to the cloud”.
Elaborating on this, Tellez added: “They use what they need, when they need it, and they pay only for what they use. So it’s very flexible.”
Describing its benefits, he said: “It’s great for students, because you can create an account without a credit card, which is very good for learning the basics and the foundations.
“Let’s use the example of networking – we have the theory, of course, and then we prepare an online networking lab that will cover networking in the cloud. This knowledge is now transferred into the cloud technology.
“This way, they learn about traditional environments, but they also learn other environments.”
‘Security in every layer’
In his teaching, Tellez mostly uses AWS Educate “in labs for practical work” because “hands-on experience is the most important for students to learn”.
The service aims to offer young users access to self-paced content focusing on real-world applications. Modules covered in preparing for a career in cloud computing include artificial intelligence, voice and facial recognition, gaming, medical advancements, and more.
As for the types of skills Tellez uses the service to teach, he said: “In my work, for example, I have a module called ‘Architecting on the Corporate Cloud‘, which I use for teaching them a specific service.
“Then the different key concepts that we need to teach include how to create, how to use the best practices in cloud computing, how to create reliable, very effective and secure solutions – all concepts that are very important to cloud computing.”
In light of the gravity of cybersecurity for web users today, Tellez drew particular attention to teaching his students “that it’s important to ensure security in every layer.”
What does a job in cloud computing look like?
The most exciting thing about the impacts of cloud computing, according to Tellez, is that people working in the field will help empower companies to focus more on idea generation and the applications of their tech, rather than the operational minutiae of their infrastructure and support systems.
Speaking to the types of jobs graduates can expect to qualify for, he said: “Probably the most relevant one is solutions architect.
“Or IT tech solutions, creating safe and reliable solutions, which is a role in high demand at the moment.”
‘I want to be a solutions architect because I like integrating loads of services together. And I want to get the chance to build and help companies with their infrastructure’
– AMANDA DOYLE, INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY TALLAGHT
That’s exactly what student Amanda Doyle is currently looking forward to as she moves through her final year at ITT. She already has a cloud support associate position lined up to enter into in the summer after her final exams.
Within that role, she’ll be supporting SMEs and enterprises with their web technologies, drawing on such technical skills as networking and navigating operating systems such as Linux.
Doyle reinforced the point that soft skills are just as important to the role, saying: “Communication skills and teamwork skills are important too.”
Hands-on learning
Doyle utilised AWS Educate to realise her final year project ambitions, which involves harnessing the voice control aspects of Alexa to enable companies to minimise administrative efforts in managing their resources.
She highlighted the importance of the programme to getting her project off the ground, saying: “This year I’m using it more than ever for my final year project.
“We use AWS Educate and, through our credits, we’ve been able to get to do hands-on labs. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have any idea of the different services out there.”
That hands-on experience with tech services is what gave Doyle an edge in her interviews, she explained, with which the programme was a huge help.
She advised: “If you’re going for an interview for cloud computing, have practical hands-on experiences with some of the services.”
And it’s also helped her to look further into her future, beyond the initial steps that she’s about to take.
“In five years‘ time, I want to be a solutions architect because I like integrating loads of services together. And I want to get the chance to build and help companies with their infrastructure,” she said.