What it takes to become a Cloud Engineer
Leire Orue-Echevarria, Project Manager Cloud Technologies at Tecnalia Research & Innovation, Member & Editor of the group in Cloud Security Certification at European Commission, leads the research group related to Cloud.
The word “cloud” is used as a metaphor for the Internet and network. Do you use services YouTube and Vimeo, Instagram, Facebook, Netflix, Google+..? All information, data and objects of these services are stored on the Cloud. Therefore, cloud engineers create a place or a platform that allow individuals and organizations to save and share information and documents, work with this data and programs over the Internet. The cloud engineer job can be broken into multiple roles, including cloud architect, cloud software engineer, cloud security engineer, cloud systems engineer and cloud network engineer. Since cloud network becoming more usual and typical in IT industry, the cloud engineer can work virtually anywhere, from startup one-two computers, to huge international business organizations. GOOD cloud engineer deeply understand the business goals and objectives of the company to develop a cloud solution that is fully fitted to them.
Once the cloud application is deployed, the employee manages it, helps to identify potential weaknesses and problems, analyses the use, effectiveness and quality of the network, and upgrades software and hardware systems in order to ensure optimal performance and present network issues.
They work with clients and in DevOps (Development + Operations) teams.
TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES
The main task is to design the cloud applications deployed on cloud infrastructure primarily on behalf of companies that these companies can use to share and communicate data (e.g., mails, games, mobile apps), conduct big data analysis, store back-up data and test and develop applications.
- determining customers’ technological needs and creating the solutions to meet them,
- working to secure and enhance the delivery of cloud deployments,
- collaborating with the development team and other personnel on streamlining application services,
- working independently and effectively to manage multiple projects.
SKILLS
Professional
- Analytical skills help to effectively review and evaluate data, identify weaknesses, and execute appropriate solutions.
- Programming skills are needed in order to recover data and fix systems when there are problems
- Technical skills are needed in order to utilize various technological tools to design and implement technological solutions for organizations. Relevant technical skills and knowledge may include enterprise virtualization tools like vSphere, scripting tools like Ansible and PowerShell, Amazon Web Services, and Azure.
Personal
- Teamwork skills:
Cloud engineers work as part of a team and collaborate with software developers and other technical support professionals. - Management and leadership skills:
They also work independently and provide leadership to new staff in their department, who they may also be responsible for training. - Problem-solving skills:
They assist to address occurred system issues effectively. - Effective communication skills:
Cloud engineers have to efficiently identify issues and also to maintain written documentation concerning how to address problems with the system. - Customer service skills:
They help to assist customers directly. - Active learning skills:
Very much reflect those skills required for learning and continuing professional development through the life. These skills include, but are not limited to questioning, listening, feedback, challenging and critical reflection skills.
HOW TO BECOME CLOUD ENGINEER:
Bachelor degree in computer science, engineering or management information systems. It is generally best to have a degree in a field related to computers showing the knowledge about different types of network technologies (routing, firewall, and securing protocols), database design, network security, software engineering, monitoring techniques and tools.
Although, the bachelor degree is sufficient, it is beneficial to have a master’s degree, for example, Master of Business Administration.
Which subjects´ knowledge is essential for a career?
Technical computer Programming (for today, it is Java, Python), computer hardware
HOW TO GET EXPERIENCE:
- Create home network by connecting all your devices in one network
- Trastea Club working at University of Deusto, Bilbao http://www.trastea.club/
– CAREER PROSPECT:
If you will choose a career of Cloud Engineer, you can also work as a:
Computer Network Architects, Cloud Security Engineer, Data Security Analyst, Database Developer, Computer Systems Design and Related Services, Wired Telecommunications Carriers, Management of Companies and Enterprises, Insurance Carriers and Related Activities, Educational Services: state, local, and private, Network Engineer, Healthcare IT.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not collect statistics on cloud engineers; however, they reported a 6% growth for computer network architects and a 24% growth for software or DevOps engineers during 2016-2026. These jobs growth is about as fast as average for all occupations.
Q: If you could start all over again, how you would change your career path?
Leire Orue-Echevarria, Project Manager Cloud Technologies at TECNALIA Research & Innovation, Member & Editor of the group in Cloud Security Certification at European Commission
A: I would not change too much… in my career… the thing that’s I served in research, then went to industry and then back to research. And.. it is very valuable experience! When I had a research I had an idealistically view on the industry. Then I saw the reality and then I come back to research I have a view on the industry then my colleague never been in industry will ever have. So, I know what is going on in the industry. I know the real problems, because we are researchers stand to imagine the world in ideal way. It is not how it is.. in outside. What I would change I would not stop developing of software. Because of my duties, at some point I had decided that I do not have a time to develop apps. Now I am realizing that I am missing this activity; and I would like to do again
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