How to Become a Cloud Architect: Degrees, Skills, Jobs, Courses

To become a cloud architect, you'll need a strong background in computer operating systems, programming languages, networking, and security. Because it is an advanced position in information technology (IT), you must have a degree. A bachelor’s is typically the minimum, although a master’s degree can be helpful. Other options include formal training courses, Professional Certificates, and work experience.

Cloud computing is increasingly in demand. According to Statista [1], the global public cloud computing market is estimated to reach approximately 825 billion USD by 2025, up from a projected 561 billion USD in 2023. With more organisations embracing cloud computing and digitisation, the demand for professionals to develop and maintain the systems and services that provide the features and security people rely on is rising.

As a career choice, cloud architecture offers a variety of roles across different industries. Discover what's needed to build a successful career to help you decide if cloud architecture is the right path.

What does a cloud architect do?

As a cloud architect, you'll have an essential role in any IT department. You’ll be responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and supporting cloud computing solutions. Cloud computing benefits businesses since it can potentially reduce business costs while enhancing innovation and improving compliance and security. 

Cloud architects commonly report to IT directors, chief technical officers, or other members of upper management. In this role, you’ll manage the organisation's cloud database, develop new solutions to support the company's goals, and stay on top of all the latest trends and innovations in cloud computing. Common responsibilities include the following: 

• Meeting with customers to discuss the long- and short-term goals and to help them understand how cloud-based solutions can help them meet those goals.

• Creating ongoing cloud strategies that align with organisational goals.

• Planning the organisation’s cloud, designing solutions and strategies, and developing cloud-based applications.

• Evaluating and maintaining existing cloud applications in addition to handling any technical problems that arise.

• Working with information security professionals to maintain privacy in the cloud and ensure that data, assets, and applications are secure.

• Designing cloud security architecture and employing relevant tools

• Writing cloud reports for management teams and stakeholders. 

Salary and job outlook

As a cloud architect, many factors may impact your earnings, including your experience, location, and industry. Overall, however, averages can give you a good idea of what to expect. According to Glassdoor India’s October 2024 data, the average base salary for cloud architects is ₹20,00,000. The potential range is anywhere from ₹10.8 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs [2].

What is the demand for cloud architect roles?

Cloud services are driving digital transformation and are continuing to grow across various sectors, including government, technology, health, education, and more. Gartner predicts that by 2024, end-users will spend an estimated 675.4 billion USD  on public cloud services [3].

Required skills for a cloud architect role

Before getting started as a cloud architect, you'll need a strong foundation in cloud computing. This includes understanding different cloud service providers, best practices in cloud security, and types of cloud service models and deployment architectures. Developing a robust workplace and technical skills can help you prepare for this role. Helpful cloud architect skills include: 

• Enterprise computing: You'll need to be able to work with different operating systems, including Linux, Windows, Unix, and Ubuntu.

• Basic programming languages: Familiarity with programming languages like Python, C#, or Java can help you better create solutions and proof of concepts to demonstrate how they'll work to senior executives.

• Networking: As a cloud architect, you should be able to work with concepts like domain name system (DNS), transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), virtual private network (VPN), and hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). Without a good understanding of networking, creating effective cloud-based solutions that are both scalable and secure may be difficult.

• Cloud-based security concepts: Securing access and data is essential to your role as a cloud architect. You should proficiently use Identity and Access Management, firewalls, VPN, and in-plane switching (IPS) systems. 

• Basic business skills: As a cloud architect, you'll create business solutions to support the organisation’s goals, which means having a good foundation in business skills like calculating return on investment, reading financial statements, and understanding what C-level executives care about.

• Leadership: You’ll often lead teams of other IT professionals, including developers and engineers, who will work with you to build robust and efficient cloud environments. Good teamwork, leadership, and communication are essential. 

Common roles for beginning a career as a cloud architect

You’ll find a variety of potential career paths that may help you become a cloud architect. This role is usually a mid-to senior-level position, requiring you to have work experience before getting started as a cloud architect. Many people begin their careers in roles such as:

IT support technician

Average annual salary (India): ₹5,00,000 [4]

In this role, you'll support, install, troubleshoot, and maintain hardware and software for an organisation. 

Cloud support associate

Average annual salary (India): ₹8,00,000 [5]

In this role, you'll provide customer service in the cloud, helping you gain experience while learning and using troubleshooting techniques, interacting with engineers, and supporting a positive customer experience by helping them solve issues.

Web developer (back-end, front-end, or full-stack)

Average annual salary (India): ₹4,00,000 [6]

In this role, you'll handle all aspects of creating and maintaining websites, including creating and testing applications, writing code, and working with other IT teams to bring your company's or client's vision to life. 

Cloud engineer

Average annual salary (India): ₹6,65,000 [7]

In this role, you'll assess your clients’ technological needs and create solutions. You'll also be responsible for planning and creating, designing and testing, and managing and maintaining cloud computing applications.

Steps to becoming a cloud architect

 You’ll find several education requirements to become a cloud architect, and you will need to develop a robust set of relevant computing and cloud architect skills. These three steps can help you build your career.

1. Earn a bachelor's degree.

Employers usually prefer hiring candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree. Earning a degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is also one of the best ways to develop theoretical and practical knowledge and skills. It may give you a strong foundation in working with operating systems and understanding networking concepts, best practices in cloud security, and programming languages. 

2. Gain professional experience.

A cloud architect role isn't an entry-level job. You need to gain on-the-job experience working in the technology sector. Because of a lot of overlap in various IT roles, you can start your career in many different ways and remain on the path to your goal. Some typical entry-level roles include cloud or IT support, IT support technicians, web developers, system engineers, database administrators, developers, and data management professionals. 

3. Get one or more cloud architecture certifications. 

Getting certified doesn't guarantee a job, but it can help make you more competitive in the job market and increase your earning potential. Certifications offer proof of your skills and expertise in that specific platform. Some popular cloud architecture certifications include: 

• Associate AWS certified solutions architect: You'll need at least one year of experience using AWS to design systems and the ability to design and deploy practical, secure applications using Amazon's cloud platform.

• Associate AWS certified developer: You'll need at least one year of experience using Amazon's cloud to develop and maintain applications. It's designed to demonstrate your proficiency in programming languages, AWS best practices, AWS core services, and writing code for server-less apps.

• Microsoft Azure solutions architect: You’ll find a few different levels of Azure certifications. Fundamentals cover the basics, whilst the administrator associate requires six months or more of experience with Azure administration, and the solutions architect expert requires extensive knowledge of using Azure for cloud development, platform design, and data security.

• Google Professional Cloud (GPC) architect: This certification requires skills in using GPC to design and develop cloud-based solutions and managing, scaling, and securing them whilst adhering to compliance standards.

• IBM certified solution architect: You must demonstrate a solid understanding of the architecture of IBM cloud infrastructure. You must also be able to construct solutions to meet unique needs and apply industry best practices.

• Arcitura certified cloud architect: This versatile credential demonstrates extensive knowledge of cloud platforms' structure and mastery of design principles, engineering practices, and hands-on application.

Build skills you’ll need as a cloud architect on Coursera

Cloud architecture is a growing field worldwide. If you’re considering cloud architecture for your career, consider taking an online course or completing a Professional Certificate. This allows you to gain exposure to job skills and concepts needed to build your career. 

On Coursera, you could get an IBM Data Science Professional Certificate to help build your data science and cloud computing skills. You could also start developing cloud architect skills and preparing for certification as a professional cloud architect.

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