Cloud computing has been proven to be a more cost-effective computing solution than in-house computing systems, and it also offers many other benefits to enable businesses and organizations to manage their tasks and achieve their goals more effectively.
While some people are frightened by the rapid growth of Cloud computing, others see it as an opportunity to advance their careers. As more and more companies are switching to the Cloud, there has been an exponential increase in demand for Cloud computing skills, and such skills are in short supply.
As such, those who enroll in a Cloud computing course or program should have no trouble finding a good job after they complete their education.
Here is a look at the benefits of educating yourself on the Cloud….
Overview of Cloud Computing Job Prospects
A survey conducted by Wanted Analytics revealed that more than 2,400 companies were looking to hire IT professionals with Cloud computing skills in 2012. Also, the hiring demand for people with Cloud skills grew by 61 percent between 2011 and 2012.
Some of the companies that have many positions available for Cloud computing professionals include Amazon.com, EMC, Salesforce.com, Verizon, Microsoft, VMware, CyberCoders, Hewlett-Packard and CenturyLink.
In 2013, the average salary for Cloud computing jobs ranged from $90,650 to $110,800. In another report released in 2012, analyst firm IDC estimated that public and private investments in Cloud computing will increase dramatically over the next few years, which will result in nearly 14 million Cloud-related job opportunities around the world.
Skills Needed to Become a Cloud Computing Professional?
In an article entitled “3 Ways Technology is Changing Higher Education“, experts suggested that schools may focus more on helping students develop job-specific skills in the future. This is true to a certain extent when it comes to learning Cloud computing skills.
Presently, most of the IT professionals who are holding Cloud positions are self-taught or gained their skills on the job, but this may change in the near future as Cloud certification programs and courses continue to become more comprehensive.
In order to become a Cloud computing professional, you need to have at least a basic understanding of the Cloud, such as the difference between SaaS, IaaS and PaaS, as well as certain task-specific skills.
Most companies are looking for candidates who specialize in one or more aspects of Cloud computing, which can be technical skills, business and financial skills, project management skills, enterprise architecture analysis, business needs evaluation, contract and vendor negotiation, data integration and analysis, mobile app development and management, security and compliance, or others.
Which Cloud Certification Programs Should You Enroll in?
The increase in demand for Cloud computing skills has led to the emergence of many Cloud certification programs.
These programs are offered by leading Cloud service providers and vendors such as Microsoft and IBM, independent Cloud training organizations such as Learning Tree and Cloud School, and some universities and colleges.
Some of the top Cloud certification programs include Microsoft Learning, Certified Cloud Professional, IBM Certified Solution Advisor, IBM Certified Solution Architect and Google Apps Certified Deployment Specialist.
Cloud computing is expected to become a mainstream computing solution in the near future, and you can be at the forefront of this technological revolution by educating yourself on the Cloud.
About the Author: John McMalcolm is a freelance writer who writes on a wide range of subjects, from social media marketing to Cloud computing.
License: Creative Commons image source
