Okay, Now What? A Guide to Getting Started in Cloud Computing

Getting Started

So, you’ve decided to explore a career in cloud computing—great choice! With the rapid expansion and adoption of cloud technology across industries, this is an exciting time to jump in. But as with any new field, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. You’ve heard about cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, and maybe you’ve been told to “get certifications” or “just dive in.” But what comes next? Where do you start? How do you even begin to figure out if you're on the right path? With so many options available, making a decision can feel a bit overwhelming. In this post, we’ll look into getting your career in cloud computing off the ground, covering everything from understanding what you want to do, to building your resume, and nailing those interviews. Let’s get started!

1. Get Clear on What You Want to Do

Before you start chasing certifications or drafting your resume, take a moment to reflect on what you want your role in cloud computing to look like. Cloud computing covers a wide range of specializations, from cloud architecture and operations to security, DevOps, and data engineering. The skills and tools required for each role can vary dramatically.

If you're unsure, take some time to explore what each of these roles entails. Researching job descriptions on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor can give you a sense of what employers are looking for. You can also use the FREE Refactored Career Guide which goes over the options at a high level. If you're looking for more detail around the various cloud roles, sign up for our Premium Membership to get the expanded Career Guide available exclusively to our Premium members. You might even find it useful to chat with the Refactored Team of professionals already working in cloud computing through our Discord Community to get a better feel for what the day-to-day work looks like.

2. Don’t Rush into Certifications (Yet)

Once you’ve decided on a role, the natural next question is, “What certifications do I need?” While certifications can certainly boost your resume, especially in cloud computing, they aren’t always the best place to start. Here’s why:

• Understand the Role: Getting certifications without a clear understanding of the job or your career path can lead to frustration. A certification doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to apply the knowledge effectively. First, familiarize yourself with the practical aspects of the job.

• Learning by Doing: Many employers value practical experience over certifications. Cloud providers often offer free or low-cost tiers of their services where you can practice and build real-world skills. For instance, AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure have training environments where you can try out their services without needing to spend a fortune.

• Focus on Fundamentals First: Before diving into certifications, start with the core concepts of cloud computing. You need to understand the fundamental cloud services—compute, storage, databases, networking, etc. Learn about deployment models (public, private, hybrid) and essential concepts like scalability, elasticity, high availability, and cost management. Our AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals course is also a great place to start if you have a core understanding of cloud technologies but want to focus on Azure.

Once you feel comfortable with these basics, then you can look into certifications that will validate your expertise.

3. Create a Strong Resume

When you're ready to apply for cloud computing jobs, it’s time to focus on your resume. Here’s how to make sure yours stands out:

• Highlight Transferable Skills: If you're coming from a different technical background (e.g., software development, networking, or system administration), emphasize skills that are transferable to cloud computing. Cloud computing often involves problem-solving, infrastructure management, and automation—skills that overlap with many other IT roles.

• Showcase Projects, Not Just Certifications: Employers want to know what you can do. If you’ve worked on personal cloud projects or contributed to open-source cloud-based tools, highlight that experience. If you don’t have professional cloud experience yet, create side projects or build portfolios using cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. You can host websites, deploy microservices, or even experiment with container orchestration tools like Kubernetes.

• People Skills Matter: Cloud computing is often a collaborative, cross-functional environment. Be sure to include examples of your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. This will show that you not only understand cloud technologies but can work well within a team or across departments.

• Tailor Your Resume to Each Job: Just like with any industry, one-size-fits-all resumes don’t cut it. Customize your resume for each job you apply to, emphasizing the specific cloud technologies or methodologies mentioned in the job description. If they’re asking for experience with AWS Lambda or Terraform, for example, make sure those skills are easy to find on your resume if you have them.

• Get Feedback on Your Resume: Your resume may look great to you, outlining all of your skills and experience, but if it is too long, contains typos or grammar mistakes, you may lose out on a great job opportunity. Have someone read your resume that you trust and respect to give honest feedback on where it can be improved. If you don't have anyone to review your resume, the Refactored Team provides this service to our Premium Members.

4. Prepare for Interviews

You’ve got your resume sorted—now it’s time to get ready for interviews. The interview process for cloud computing roles can range from technical assessments to behavioral questions, so be prepared for both.

• Technical Interviews: Expect to answer questions about cloud architecture, design patterns, and how you would solve particular cloud-related challenges. They may also ask you to solve problems on the spot. Brush up on cloud fundamentals and be ready to talk through your decision-making process. For instance, they might ask you how to design a highly available application or how you’d migrate an on-premises system to the cloud.

• Behavioral Interviews: Like many technical jobs, cloud computing interviews will also focus on your soft skills. Be ready to answer questions about your past experiences, particularly around teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Cloud projects often involve working in cross-functional teams, so employers will be looking for strong communication skills and an ability to collaborate with non-technical stakeholders.

• Cloud-Specific Case Studies: Some companies may present you with a case study or scenario, asking how you would approach building or optimizing a cloud-based solution. Be prepared to think critically and logically through the problem. It’s not just about technical expertise; they want to see how you apply your knowledge to real-world situations.

5. Start Networking

Networking is key to advancing in any tech career, and cloud computing is no different. Beyond applying for jobs online, try to connect with people in the industry. Join cloud-related online communities, attend webinars and virtual meetups, and look for cloud-focused conferences (many of which are virtual). If possible, find a mentor or a group of people to bounce ideas off of and learn from. Refactored Premium Members get all of this and more via our Discord Community and Study Groups.

Final Thoughts

Cloud computing is a fast-moving, dynamic field with a vast array of career paths. While certifications are important, they’re not the only thing that will get you hired. Instead, focus on building a solid understanding of cloud fundamentals, gaining hands-on experience, and tailoring your resume to show that you can apply your skills in the real world. Be patient, take it one step at a time, and remember: it’s a journey, not a race.

Good luck as you take the first steps into your cloud career