7 Cloud Computing Skills to Know

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Cloud computing skills are in high demand. Explore the top skills for this career path and find out where you can start learning them today.

[Featured Image] A cloud computing professional sits at an outdoor table with a laptop, working remotely.

Cloud computing makes accessing data and services over the internet possible. As organizations have shifted operations and data to the cloud in recent years, they’ve been able to save money and space on data storage centers and servers. 

The cloud enables tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Docs, and more. Jobs in cloud computing are also increasing in demand—and tend to be well paid as a result. Discover the skills you’ll need for a career in cloud computing, as well as online courses and certificates to get started today.

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing refers to the ability to access software applications, data storage, servers, networking, analytics, and intelligence over the internet instead of using physical servers located in an office. This advancement in technology offers companies the opportunity to innovate and scale quickly with flexibility.

Cloud service providers currently dominate cloud computing. Big names such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure deliver this service to millions of customers.

7 cloud computing skills you should know

If you decide to pursue a career in cloud computing, these skills will be helpful to know.

1. Programming languages

The building blocks of an application for the cloud require a deep understanding of the most popular programming languages. You’ll want to be able to write code to build and manage applications. Some common ones include Python, JavaScript, and R, all of which are suitable for cloud software development. To build database-powered applications, you will need to understand SQL and data structures, too.

Read more: What Programming Language Should I Learn?

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Python for Everybody

Learn to Program and Analyze Data with Python. Develop programs to gather, clean, analyze, and visualize data.

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Json, Xml, Python Programming, Database (DBMS), Python Syntax And Semantics, Basic Programming Language, Computer Programming, Sqlite, SQL, Data Structure, Tuple, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Web Scraping

2. Cloud service platform knowledge

It’s a good idea to get familiar with cloud service platforms like AWS, GCP, and Microsoft Azure. That way, you can understand the differences between the providers and be able to advise companies or teams on which one is best to run a specific application. Knowing the pros and cons of each can help you gain an advantage in your cloud computing career.

Read more: What's the Difference Between AWS vs. Azure vs. Google Cloud?

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AWS Fundamentals

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AWS Identity and Access Management, Networking on AWS, Cloud Computing, AWS Management Console, aws security, Software Architecture, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, AWS Account Management

3. Database management skills

Within the cloud, databases are one of the more widely used software applications. Cloud databases provide companies with the ability to scale and manipulate data efficiently. You will find several types of database services, such as NoSQL, relational databases, and data warehousing, which are all offered by cloud providers. You’ll want to understand database types and services very well, including what they enable and how they work together.

Read more: Relational vs. Non-relational Database: The Difference Explained

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Google Cloud Data Analytics

Launch your career in Cloud Data Analytics. Build in-demand skills and gain credentials to go from beginner to job-ready in 10 weeks or less. No degree or prior experience required.

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Looker & LookML, Dataproc, BigQuery, Cloud Storage, SQL Dataplex, Generative AI in Data Analytics, SQL queries, Joins, STRUCTs and arrays, data visualizations, Reports and Dashboards, Data visualizations, Reports and dashboards, Data importing and exporting, Data Visualization, Version Control, UI/UX Wireframing, Version control, Data visualization, Dashboard creation, Business data request analysis, Dashboard Creation, Query creation, Datasets/tables queries, Data source tracing, Dataproc search, Governance and security, Data Collection, Cloud-based data analytics, Cloud Technologies, Storage Frameworks, Data Structures, Digital Transformation, Data transformation, SQL, Data pipelines, Data Pipelines, Data Transformation

4. Linux

Cloud service platforms tend to benefit from understanding how to code on Linux, an open-source operating system. Linux offers a low- or no-cost OS for developing apps that are easy to customize and secure. For cloud professionals, knowing how to build, design, and deploy on Linux OS (alongside the more common Windows and MacOS) is an in-demand skill.

Read more: How to Learn Linux for Your Career: A Beginner's Guide

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5. Information security

Just like in any data-based environment, information security is important in cloud computing. You’ll want to understand access and identity management so that personal information stored on the cloud is secure and protected. Cybersecurity is an in-demand skill set and career path as cloud computing technologies continue to rise and evolve.

Read more: 5 Cybersecurity Career Paths (and How to Get Started)

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Google Cloud Cybersecurity

Launch your career in Cloud Cybersecurity. Build job-ready skills – and must-have AI skills – for an in-demand career. Earn a credential from Google Cloud. No prior experience required.

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Security Command Center (SCC), Google Compute Engine, Identity and Access Management (IAM), Cloud Shell, Cloud Firewall, cloud logging, Cloud Storage, Generative AI in Cybersecurity, Compute Engine, Cloud Logging, Compliance frameworks, Cloud Network Security, Log analysis, automation, backup and disaster recovery, Cloud network security, Secure configurations, Cloud Technologies, Communication of cloud security concepts to a technical and non-technical audience, Cloud-based security, Digital Transformation, Understanding compliance standards, Implementing security controls, Risk management frameworks, Audit preparation, Framework interpretation, Log management, Monitoring/managing Intrusion Detection Systems in a cloud environment, Incident management, forensics/evidence preservation, threat hunting, alert automation, Security Operations (SecOps), Data recovery/restoration, Cloud perimeter protection, Network Analysis, Data loss prevention, data classification and vulnerability management, Cloud asset management, data security (encryption, hashing), Attack mitigation, identity and access management (IAM)

6. Application programming interfaces (APIs)

Software applications and services interact with each other and exchange data with the help of APIs. These are widely used in modern software development for both tangible and cloud-based computing. You’ll want to know how to build and link different workloads onto the cloud using APIs. Common APIs for use in the cloud include GraphQL and REST.

Read more: What Is an API? (+ How Do They Work?)

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Developing APIs with Google Cloud's Apigee API Platform

Develop APIs with the Apigee API Platform. Learn how to design, build, secure, deploy, and manage API solutions using Apigee, Google Cloud's full-lifecycle API management solution

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Apigee API Platform, REST API design, OpenAPI specifications, API security, Oauth

7. DevOps

DevOps means “development and operations” and describes support staff who are integrated into the development process. In this field, you work with developers to provide design, development, and production support throughout the development lifecycle. These roles are crucial to push out app projects faster and more efficiently. Understanding the fundamentals of DevOps can help you troubleshoot your own issues as they may arise.

Read more: What Is DevOps? A Guide to the Basics

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Cloud computing developer skills

One role you can pursue after building your cloud computing skills is that of a cloud developer. It’s an in-demand IT career that involves creating, developing, and maintaining applications for cloud-based services. In addition to general cloud computing skills like programming and DevOps, you’ll need a strong background in networking and systems architecture as well as analytical, teamwork, and communication skills.

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Start learning cloud computing job skills

Start developing your cloud computing skills with IBM’s Introduction to Cloud Computing, a course where you can discover the basics, history, business cloud, and emerging technologies. 

You might also start preparing for an entry-level cloud computing job today by enrolling in the Microsoft Cloud Support Associate Professional Certificate program. In four months, you can gain cloud support diagnostic skills and practice using industry-standard tools like Microsoft Azure while earning an employer-recognized certificate from Microsoft.

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Introduction to Cloud Computing

Start your cloud computing journey with this self-paced introductory course! Whether you need general cloud computing knowledge for school or business, or ...

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Cloud Computing

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Microsoft Cloud Support Associate

Launch your career as a Cloud Support Associate. Build job-ready skills for an in-demand career in information technology in as little as 6 months. No prior experience required to get started.

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Microsoft Azure, Network Protocols, Cloud Computing, Software configuration, Troubleshooting, Configure Security Groups, Microsoft Entra ID, Manage Virtual Networks, Network Connectivity, System Maintenance, Diagnostics, Microsoft 365, Digital Platform Security, Endpoint Security, Integrating Automation Tools, Troubleshoot virtual networks, Configure load balancers, Configure virtual machines, Secure Azure Storage, Create Azure Storage accounts, Resource Management, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Azure Monitor, Advanced Monitoring Techniques, Configure Basic Monitoring, Cloud Computing Security, Network Monitoring, Network Security, Security Mitigation, Computer Network Infrastructure, Data Back-up and Recovery, IT Security, Hardware configuration, Data Management, Software Set-up, Computer Architecture, Cybersecurity, Computer hardware, Computer Software, Operating Systems, Azure Kubernetes Services, Azure Networking, Azure Security, Azure Compute, Microsoft Sentinel, Azure Resource Manager, Azure Services, Virtual Private Network (VPN), Password Management, Privacy settings, Multi-Factor Authentication, Azure Site Recovery, Configure Automatic Updates, Implement Backup Strategies, Azure Cloud, Implement Compliance Policies

Updated on
Written by:
Coursera Staff

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