How to Become a Cloud Engineer with No Experience

If you’re looking to break into the tech industry, cloud engineering could be the perfect entry-level job. With more companies moving to cloud-based infrastructure, cloud engineers are in high demand.

The best part? You don’t need years of experience to start your journey in cloud computing!

In this guide, you’ll learn how to become a cloud engineer, even without prior experience. We’ll walk you through the essential skills, certifications, and steps you can take to start applying for cloud engineer jobs.

What Does a Cloud Engineer Do?

Cloud engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and managing cloud systems for companies. While that may sound complicated, there are plenty of ways to learn these skills, even if you're starting from scratch.

As a cloud engineer, your main job is to manage cloud infrastructure. This means ensuring that all the systems a company uses are running smoothly on cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure.

Here are some key responsibilities of a cloud engineer:

• Setting Up Cloud Infrastructure: Cloud engineers work with cloud architects to build cloud-based systems.
• Managing Cloud Services: This includes monitoring and maintaining the performance of cloud systems. Plus, troubleshooting issues as they arise is necessary.
• Optimizing Cloud Solutions: Cloud engineers also focus on improving efficiency and reducing costs. You do this by optimizing cloud resources.
• Ensuring Security: Preventing security breaches in the cloud environment is a big part of the job.

How to Become a Cloud Engineer with No Experience

Becoming a cloud engineer may seem like a big leap, especially if you’re starting with no experience. Yet, by following these tips, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to land your first cloud engineering job.

1. Learn Cloud Computing Basics

Start by getting familiar with the fundamentals of cloud computing.

Some online resources offer free courses covering the essentials of cloud infrastructure. Platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure all have beginner-friendly training available.

You’ll want to focus on topics like:

• How cloud environments work (virtual machines, cloud storage, etc.)
• Cloud deployment models (public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud)
• Key cloud computing concepts like cloud architecture, cloud management, and network security

2. Get Certified

Cloud certifications are one of the best ways to validate your skills. This is especially true if you're applying for entry-level tech jobs without hands-on experience.

You can start with certifications like:

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: This is an entry-level certification that covers the basics of Amazon Web Services.
• Google Cloud Certified - Associate Cloud Engineer: If you’re interested in working with Google Cloud Platform, this certification validates your ability to manage cloud solutions.
• Microsoft Azure Fundamentals: This is a great introduction to Microsoft’s cloud platform. The certification covers all foundational cloud concepts.

These certifications don’t require deep technical knowledge but will give you a strong foundation in cloud computing. Earning one of these will make you stand out to employers looking for entry-level tech.

3. Gain Hands-On Experience

Even if you don’t have professional experience, you can still gain practical skills by working on personal projects. Setting up a small-scale cloud infrastructure at home will help you apply what you’ve learned.

Try building projects that involve cloud deployment. Use platforms like AWS or Google Cloud to host websites or applications.

Having hands-on practice will help you understand the technical aspects of cloud engineering.

4. Build a Portfolio

As you work on personal projects, start building a portfolio to showcase your skills. Include examples of cloud environments you’ve managed. For instance, the cloud-based applications you’ve deployed or any certifications you’ve earned.

Having a portfolio demonstrates to employers that you have practical skills, even if you’ve never held a cloud engineering job.

5. Apply to Entry-Level Jobs

Now that you’ve gained foundational knowledge, it’s time to apply for entry-level cloud engineer jobs.

Many companies are open to hiring candidates with certifications and hands-on experience, even if you don’t have a formal degree.

Look for job listings mentioning “entry-level” or “junior” cloud engineer roles. Finally, use specialized job boards and tech forums to find opportunities in the cloud computing field.

Skills You Need to Become a Cloud Engineer

Fortunately, many of the cloud engineering skills can be learned through online courses. Here’s what you’ll need to focus on.

• Cloud Platforms: You’ll need to familiarize yourself with cloud service providers like Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure. These platforms offer a wide range of services, and knowing how to navigate them is essential.
• Networking Concepts: A basic understanding of how networks operate in the cloud is key. You’ll learn about virtual machines, cloud storage, and cloud-based infrastructure.
• Programming Languages: While not every cloud engineer needs to code daily, having some knowledge of programming languages is highly valuable.
• Security: Cloud security is crucial. You’ll need to understand how to protect data and secure systems from threats.

How Much Can You Expect to Make as a Cloud Engineer?

One of the biggest perks of a career in cloud engineering is the earning potential. According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a cloud engineer in the US is $116,644 per year.

As you gain experience and certifications, your salary can increase significantly. Here are some factors that can impact your salary.

• Location: Cloud engineers in tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York typically earn higher salaries.
• Certifications: Advanced certifications, such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect, can boost your earning potential.
• Specialization: Roles requiring specialized knowledge, such as Cloud Security Engineer or DevOps Engineer, tend to come with higher salary ranges.

At the senior level, cloud engineers can earn well over $151,000 per year as they take on more complex projects and leadership roles!

Conclusion

Cloud engineering is a great choice if you want to get into a tech job without experience. It’s easy to learn the skills, and there are plenty of entry-level job opportunities.

That said, if you want to explore other no-experience tech jobs, be sure to check out our other guides!