The evolution of the digital landscape is being molded by a powerful force that has radically transformed the way we store, manage, and interact with data: Cloud Computing.
With an exceptional growth trajectory, cloud computing has become a cornerstone of modern IT infrastructure, enabling businesses to scale, innovate, and streamline their operations like never before.
Gone are the days when a company must own proprietary servers and IT resources for everything. Why spend money and time on hardware when you can instead put it towards your business's product?
The Ascendancy of Cloud Computing
The growth trajectory of the cloud computing industry is on an unprecedented rise.
According to Gartner, the worldwide end-user spending on public cloud services is forecast to grow by 23.1% in 2023 to a total of $332.3 billion. This exponential surge can be attributed to the unique benefits cloud computing offers - scalability, cost-effectiveness, and operational flexibility.
Businesses across industries have recognized the value of these advantages and are increasingly migrating their services to the cloud. Amid this upward trend, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has emerged as a leading cloud platform. AWS holds the lion's market share, offering a wide array of cloud services catering to diverse business needs.
Naturally, other power players are in the space, like Azure and GCP. I believe the main reason AWS has the largest market share is because they seamlessly integrate with Linux-based workloads, which make up the vast majority of applications on the internet.
Chances are, you will be required to work with cloud technologies soon. Even if you are not a developer or highly technical, familiarity with the platforms will make you much more valuable in the marketplace.
For example, if you work in finance and your company utilizes AWS, wouldn't knowing how to design beautiful Cost Explorer dashboards be advantageous?
Learning about cloud computing does not have to be complicated. Will it take time, effort, and patience? Undoubtedly. However, you will find that even if you learn about just one provider, the concepts transfer over to all others.
So regardless of the direction in the cloud your company chooses to go, you can be well-equipped to contribute in just a few simple steps.
Three Ways to Develop In-Demand Cloud Computing Skills
As the cloud computing industry grows, so does the demand for skilled professionals.
AWS, in particular, is constantly seeking qualified individuals with AWS certifications. Here are three ways to develop the skills necessary to tap into this booming industry:
Leverage AWS Study Guides
An AWS study guide is invaluable for anyone seeking to secure AWS certifications. These guides, available in print and digital formats, provide comprehensive coverage of the topics you'll be tested on during certification exams.
Your goal should be to find a study guide that consists of three key components:
Clear and concise lectures to explain concepts
Follow along labs for hands-on experience
Practice quizzes to identify knowledge gaps
Each of these components are invaluable to making you a well-rounded cloud computing professional. By studying these guides, you can build a robust understanding of AWS's extensive suite of cloud services.
Complete AWS Certifications
Different types of AWS certifications cater to varying levels of expertise, from foundational to professional.
Earning these certifications validates your cloud expertise and opens the door to a wide array of job opportunities. Top certifications include AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Developer, and AWS Certified SysOps Administrator.
Additionally, IT professionals with certifications tend to earn higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts.
There are dozens of combinations of certification paths you can choose to go down; which one you choose depends on your area of interest and work. Suppose you never plan on writing a piece of code or working with CI/CD pipelines. In that case, you should stray away from the Developer certification path.
A less common path that often gets neglected is the one you create.
By becoming certified, you can validate your skills and knowledge to create job opportunities that fill a specific unmet need in your company (or another company).
You can speak to the value you can provide with solutions to a persistent problem you have found from your research and due diligence.
Companies often have applicants coming to them looking for a job and a salary so they can solve their life's problems and pay bills. If you can turn this around and be the one that brings value to a company instead, you will have more job offers than you know what to do with.
Participate in Practical Training
In addition to theoretical knowledge, practical experience plays a crucial role in mastering cloud computing. Engage in hands-on labs and real-world projects that expose you to the practical aspects of AWS.
Platforms like AWS's own Training and Certification website offer many free digital training courses to help you get hands-on experience.
You can also check out our available labs, or there are a couple of other options if you find them more suitable. Either way, you must get into the trenches and start doing practical work.
Learning will only take you so far; doing is what makes you money.
Get in the game early
The cloud computing industry, propelled by giants like AWS, continues to forge ahead, creating a plethora of opportunities for those willing to upskill.
By leveraging AWS study guides, earning AWS certifications, and gaining practical experience, you can equip yourself with in-demand skills, standing out in this competitive industry. It's time to ride the cloud wave!
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