What does it take to work as a cloud architect?
By Fay Capstick
Our final top prediction of IT skills required for 2022 was working as a cloud architect. This week we will be looking in more detail at what it takes to work in this expanding IT field.
What is the cloud?
The cloud refers to software, services and files that run and are stored over the internet rather than on local servers. The cloud has nothing to do with the sky. Your data isn’t up there, rather it is stored in many locations, at data centres around the world. Examples of cloud services include Netflix, Dropbox, iCloud and Microsoft OneDrive. It is almost certain that you currently use cloud services in your working day.
What are the advantages of using the cloud?
There is one main advantage to using the cloud, and that is that your data is available wherever you are, through any device with an internet connection. Where limited or zero data is actually stored on your devices (beyond what you choose to sync), you don’t need to worry about using up your disc space. Another advantage is that you no longer need to work from a high spec machine, as the computing and storage work is being done remotely.
What is a cloud architect?
A cloud architect is an IT specialist responsible for planning and developing a company’s cloud computing strategy. They will plan the strategy, implement it, and then oversee it going forward to make sure everything is up to date and running correctly. This role can also involve leading teams, managing budgets, assessing applications and risk mitigation.
What types of jobs are there in this field?
Largely cloud architect jobs will be advertised as such. However sometimes more specific specialities will be listed instead, so look out for jobs adverts listing specific software or technology skills, as these are still cloud architect roles.
Examples of these roles include:
- AWS solutions architect
- Block chain cloud architect
- Salesforce technical architect
- Azure cloud architect
- Digital platform and solutions architect
- Cyber solutions architect
What formal skills will I need to work as a cloud architect?
One of the best ways to see what formal skills are required as a cloud architect is to look at our job listings for cloud architect roles. The skills required will be listed in the job description, and you will be able to see what you should be aiming for. It is also advisable to talk to those already doing similar jobs to see what routes they took into this field.
There are Masters programmes in Cloud architecture for those who already have an IT background. If you are starting your career, you could consider taking an undergraduate degree in cloud architecture.
There are also certificates that you can obtain to formalise your skills if you already have an IT background and have been working in the IT industry with cloud services.
Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS is the most used cloud service, and you can take qualifications to become an Amazon Certified Solutions Architect (https://go.aws/3GhxodA). The associate qualification is designed to be taken if you have a year of experience working with AWS. The AWS exams can be taken at a test centre or online. The questions are either multiple choice or multiple response.
Google has similar, with their Google Professional Cloud Architect qualification (https://bit.ly/3KZRrRk). Their exam will use case studies to test your knowledge. It is 2 hours, and again is multiple choice or multiple select and can be taken online or at a testing centre. For this Google recommend that you have a year of experience working with Google Cloud.
Microsoft offer an expert level qualification with their Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert (https://bit.ly/3AJOn7g). You will need to be expert at using systems that run on Azure. The exam is taken online.
What other skills will I need?
A constantly evolving field: As a cloud architect you will need to stay on top of advances and changes and be able to act accordingly. Therefore you will need to be self motivated, with a keen eye for details, and have excellent research skills.
Team player: You must be a team player, able to motivate and connect with others.
Communication: While the role of cloud architect is a technical one, you will need to have excellent written and verbal communication skills too.
Final thoughts
At Parker Shaw we have over 30 years experience in our industry. So whether you are looking for advice on how to move into a job as a cloud architect, are looking for your next job in cloud architecture, or are a client looking for the best cloud specialists for your needs, we can help you, so do contact us.