How to Get Into Cloud Computing: 7 Steps to Success

Key takeaways

Many paths can lead you to a cloud computing career, including earning a degree, building your skills, getting certification, and creating projects.

• Some careers in cloud computing include cloud engineer and cloud architect.

• You may start your career path in an IT support or help desk role, then move on to network administration, network engineering, and eventually to cloud engineering.

• You can earn a bachelor’s degree in IT or computer science or gain certification to prepare for your cloud computing career.

Learn more about what it takes to get into cloud computing, including cloud engineer pathways and potential careers. If you’re ready to start earning credentials right away, you can build the skills you need for a cloud DevOps engineering role with the Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud DevOps Engineer Professional Certificate. You can prepare for the certification exam and earn a shareable certificate in just four weeks.

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is the ability to access applications, networks, analytics, data, and intelligence over the internet instead of through physical servers. This technology allows companies to scale and innovate more efficiently and flexibly. 

Big names such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure deliver cloud services to millions of customers.

Careers in cloud computing

Some careers in cloud computing to consider include the following:

Cloud computing engineer: A cloud engineer is an IT professional responsible for building and maintaining cloud infrastructure.

• Median annual total US salary (Glassdoor): $150,000 [1]

• Education requirements: A bachelor’s degree in an IT-related field

Cloud architect: A cloud architect designs and implements the framework for cloud computing solutions.

• Median annual total US salary (Glassdoor): $198,000 [2]

• Education requirements: A bachelor’s degree in an IT-related field

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of October 2025. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Read more: 4 Cloud Computing Career Paths to Know in 2025

How to get into cloud computing

Some steps you can take to embark on the cloud computing career path include the following:

1. Earn a cloud computing degree in computer science or IT.

A prerequisite for getting a job in cloud computing is having a bachelor’s degree in IT or computer science. Since cloud computing at its heart is about navigating network systems and applications, just on the cloud, these majors prepare you well.

However, don’t fret if you don’t currently have a tech-related degree. Certifications and work experience are just as valuable and important, especially if you don’t want to devote four years to earning a degree or if you already have a bachelor’s. 

2. Learn cloud computing skills.

To get a job as a cloud engineer, you’ll want to ensure you have a firm grasp on the following cloud computing skills:

• Programming languages, such as Python, R, or JavaScript

• Cloud service platform knowledge, such as AWS, GCP, and Microsoft Azure

• Database management skills

• Linux

• Information security

• Application programming interfaces (APIs)

• DevOps

You can learn and develop these skills with online courses, many of which are available on Coursera.

3. Get a certification.

Another step in the process of landing a cloud job is to earn certification. The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is a common one for becoming an IT professional and often a good stepping stone for aspiring cloud professionals. 

Once you have several years of IT and network experience under your belt, you might choose to specialize in one cloud service provider. You can find additional certifications for AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, which demonstrate to potential employers that you can navigate core concepts, solutions, and tools as well as governance, privacy, and compliance. 

These courses from Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure prepare you for the certification exams:

4. Build your own projects and create a cloud portfolio.

Once you have a feel for what type of projects you’re interested in taking on in the cloud space, you can start building a portfolio. These projects can be those you worked on in an internship, ones you created on your own, or those you worked on with a client on a freelance basis. 

If you’re already working in the IT field, take the initiative to get involved in cloud-based projects on your team or at your company to develop your skills in a real-life setting. Gather those work examples and put them in a portfolio. Include testimonials if you have them.

5. Gain some work experience. 

While it’d be nice if everybody who completed certification and built a portfolio landed an internship or entry-level job in cloud computing, these roles are competitive. Many cloud professionals start in an IT support or help desk role and then advance into network administration and network engineering for years before they switch to a cloud engineer role.

6. Network.

These days, it can be difficult to land a job by applying to them on LinkedIn, Indeed, or a company’s careers page. You might have a higher chance of standing out by connecting with hiring managers. You can do this after you’ve applied, or reach out to cloud professionals you admire on LinkedIn for informational interviews.

Tips for networking 

Search for cloud or tech-related events in your area on Meetup, LinkedIn, and other websites. Chatting with people in person can help you understand the hiring context better by learning from other people’s experiences and career paths. Be open to learning and new opportunities so that you can position yourself as a confident and competent candidate.

7. Apply for jobs.

Finally, you’re ready to apply for jobs. You can do this alongside networking since the two go hand in hand. Consider applying for or advancing into a cloud role within your organization. Get a referral from someone who works at a company you’d like to work for. 

Make sure your resume includes your relevant job experience with clear, specific bullet points detailing your impact (with numbers, such as percentage of success rate or number of systems supported). Write a cover letter that explains your passion and unique expertise. Work with recruiters who can make a compelling case for you to future employers.

If the employer chooses your application, things can move quickly. Brush up on your interview skills so you’re ready when the time comes. 

Explore our free resources to work in the cloud

Discover our free online resources for learning cloud computing, such as subscribing to Career Chat. Or check out the following resources to learn more:

Take a quiz: Which IT Course Should You Take? Find Out in 1 Minute

Watch on YouTube: Your Quick Guide to Cloud Computing

Explore a guide: How to Start Learning Python: Custom Course Guide

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