Cloud strategies have become even more nuanced and relevant than ever. Businesses, irrespective of size, are using cloud computing to save money, improve security and compliance, and develop new ideas.
Owing to this shift in the cloud, architects have become highly demandable professionals. They have soft skills and technical abilities, which adapt to ensure the transfer of valuable data’s cost-effective move to the Cloud network. These professionals also have the expertise in building reliable, robust, and scalable cloud architecture. These are possible because they work within a dynamic industry. On the other hand, they must also deal with many demands. if you excel at programming and are technically proficient, you can build a career as a cloud architect by enrolling to a online cloud computing certification. A cloud architect certification also goes a long way in helping you build a successful career.
However, if you are an aspiring cloud architect, you must possess certain skills that we will discuss below. Remember that an extensive skill set can deliberately help impress potential employers. Thus, the chances of securing a job will eventually increase.
Let’s understand what skills are mandatory to be a cloud architect.
Essential skills required to be a Cloud Architect
Cloud architects strongly understand cloud computing with other technical areas. Here, we have listed a few skills that can are mandatory to be a cloud architect professional:
● Knowledge of Programming Language
Cloud architects do not necessarily program or code extensively. However, maintaining and developing a working knowledge of all the programming languages is crucial. Cloud architects must also be competent in scripting and programming languages for efficiently executing their duties. Cloud architects’ most commonly used programming languages to perform their daily tasks include Perl, C#, Python, Ruby, .NET, etc. Thus, a basic understanding of coding languages is a mandate. Also, a general understanding of programming is more than essential for executing feasible and logical solutions.
● Knowledge of Operating Systems
Cloud architects indeed operate within diverse professional environments. Thus, you need an in-depth understanding of operating systems to qualify for any cloud architect job profile. That is why they must be proficient in operating systems, including Ubuntu, Linux, Unix, and Windows.
Proficiency in operating systems can efficiently help enhance the versatility of a professional as a Cloud architect.
Besides, since Cloud architects have greater chances of collaborating with system administrators, they must possess skills to identify problems and brainstorm the best-suited solutions seamlessly.
● Networking and Data Centres
This skill is of great importance as a cloud architect is responsible for devising new strategies for moving systems to the Cloud’s center. They also demand networking knowledge and data center technologies for successfully accomplishing all work. Most of the professionals have expertise in private line-based networking and software-defined networking.
On the other hand, some also have extensive knowledge of servers, block storage, server virtualization, etc. Most interestingly, cloud architects are invariably knowledgeable regarding numerous protocols of file-sharing.
● Design and Architecture
Cloud architects make the best use of technology for solving customer issues. Cloud architects are highly proficient in designing end-to-end systems. They often possess the skills of formulating designs that seamlessly address a business issue.
These professionals are typically experts for all the legacy and existing systems within the network and data center.
They are also familiar with the functionalities of cloud migration as they efficiently connect with the ideal cloud-based systems.
● Service Selection
A cloud architect needs to know the kinds of solutions and services your project demands. There are a plethora of companies that invariably offer a broad range of cloud management services, including Microsoft Azure. Nevertheless, a competent architect is also aware of the expectations of the client and offers numerous solutions for saving expenses.
● Security
Security is another important component of cloud computing. The Cloud technically provides both network and physical security. Multiple services can efficiently help maintain network security for numerous cloud platforms.
● Leadership
Often, cloud architects are given the responsibility of leading a team. So, it’s important for them to develop strong leadership qualities and become successful professionals. You should note that problem-solving, empathy and decision-making are major parts of their leadership skills.
As a cloud architect, protecting user identities and sensitive information is a top priority. As a result, you should understand identity and access management, firewalls, virtual private networks (VPN), and in-plane switching (IPS).
Is it worthwhile to choose Cloud Architecture as a career option in 2023?
Yes, a career as a cloud architect is worthwhile, and it’s not just because of its fancy name. So, whenever you work as a cloud or network architect, you’re at a unique point in your career. This is primarily because you’re not just implementing minor technical configurations and solutions.
On the other hand, the average annual salary of a cloud architect is $128k. And most interestingly, the salary can typically range from $81k to $187k. While the pay scale is so intriguing and handsome, you’ll want to commence a career as a professional cloud architect. And for that, you need to enroll in the best certification course for cloud architects.
Thus, to conclude
A cloud architect’s most important and essential skills might seem like a lot. However, they typically amount to a role immensely vital to organizations more than ever. Besides, cloud architects are those IT professionals who typically earn high salaries for building and deploying plans and applications. They are also responsible for monitoring the cloud activities that occur within their organization.
So, if you are willing to become a cloud architect, you must start preparing yourself from today itself!
