How to become a cloud engineer without a technical background

96% of companies use the public cloud, and 84% the private cloud, according to SpaceLift. With global spending on cloud computing predicted to reach a massive $679 billion in 2024, there has never been a better time to become a cloud engineer. But what if you don’t have engineering experience or qualifications? Is it still possible? Well, in this blog we’ll be revealing what it takes to become a cloud engineer without a technical background.

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is a way to store and access data, software and services over the internet instead of using your own computer or office servers. With the cloud, you don’t need to manage physical servers or complicated IT infrastructure yourself. Instead you “plug in” to services available from cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud.

Think of it like renting space from a large, secure data centre, which you can reach from anywhere with an internet connection.

What does a cloud engineer do?

A cloud engineer is responsible for designing, building and managing cloud computing systems for their organisation, ensuring the company’s data is safely and efficiently stored.

The key responsibilities of a cloud engineer include:

• Designing and setting up cloud infrastructure
• Ensuring the cloud is secure and protected against cyber threats
• Managing data migration from traditional on-site servers to the cloud
• Maintaining and optimising cloud systems
• Optimising associated costs by ensuring resources are used efficiently

What skills are needed for a cloud engineer?

Cloud engineers are primarily responsible for assessing and auditing existing IT infrastructures, identifying opportunities for migrating different functions to the cloud, managing the migration and maintaining the new systems. In addition to technical knowledge, cloud engineers need to be able to negotiate terms and contracts with suppliers, project manage system integrations, and manage risk and security. As an integral part of the IT team, cloud engineers must also communicate progress and developments with senior management and train staff on their responsibilities relating to the systems.

While many cloud engineers have formal qualifications in IT or computer science, it’s not the only way to succeed in this lucrative career. Providing you can demonstrate a thorough understanding and practical knowledge of the following disciplines, becoming a cloud engineer should be well within your reach.

Cloud platform proficiency

Cloud engineers need to have an understanding of cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. Each platform has its own unique tools and services so it’s important to know the differences between them, to ensure you can create optimised and secure systems. This multi-platform expertise is vital for designing and managing cloud solutions that are both scalable and cost-effective.

Understanding of networking

A strong understanding of networking is crucial because cloud environments rely heavily on virtualised network infrastructure. Developing a knowledge of virtual networks, load balancing, security groups, firewalls, and other networking principles enables you to design secure, scalable and high-performing cloud infrastructures.

Scripting and automation skills

Possessing scripting and automation skills, including understanding scripting languages such as Python, Bash or Powershell is vital for efficiently managing cloud environments. These skills enable cloud engineers to automate routine tasks which are often time-consuming and prone to errors, and manage complex cloud environments with greater precision and efficiency.

Operating system

There are two key groups of operating systems (OS) in cloud environments, Linux/Unix and Windows Server. Understanding these is crucial because cloud environments run on virtual machines and servers, which require OS-level configuration and management. This knowledge allows cloud engineers to configure and manage cloud instances, optimise system performance and security, automate OS-level tasks and trouble-shoot issues effectively.

Security and compliance

A lack of knowledge when it comes to security and compliance as a cloud engineer can lead to significant financial loss, legal penalties and damage to a company’s reputation. As such, an in-depth understanding of cloud security best practice is vital to ensure your organisation's cloud infrastructure is secure, compliant with regulations, and resistant to data breaches or cyberattacks.

Database management

Databases are the core of most cloud applications, storing the critical data that businesses rely on. Cloud engineers are responsible for setting up, maintaining and optimising these databases. As a result they must understand both relational databases and NoSQL databases, as well as how to manage cloud-based databases provided by services like Amazon RDS, Azure SQL and Google Cloud SQL.

Performance monitoring and cost optimisation

Cloud engineers need to actively monitor the performance of cloud resources and manage costs to align with business needs and budgets. Performance monitoring and cost optimisation ensure that cloud infrastructure operates efficiently, remains cost-effective and delivers a high-quality user experience. Without these skills, organisations can face performance issues, resource overuse and unnecessary expenses, undermining the advantages of using cloud services.

DevOps practices

DevOps practices have the potential to enhance the efficiency of software development through automated continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. This automation, coupled with experience in version control systems like Git, allows for seamless code integration and management.

Soft skills

Cloud engineers shouldn’t just possess these technical skills, it’s just as important for them to have a complimentary set of soft skills. Abilities such as problem-solving, collaboration, communication and adaptability enhance effectiveness in various aspects of the role.

Is certification required to become a cloud engineer?

While it is not a set requirement to become a cloud engineer, gaining a certification in AWS, Microsoft Azure or other similar areas, can be extremely beneficial for those looking to start their career.

These certifications help to build your knowledge and demonstrate your expertise. Both of which will make you a more attractive candidate to employers, particularly if you don’t have a background in cloud or other related technology.

Check out our cloud computing training courses, and book your place today!