Do I need to do support job after learning cloud ?

Introduction

Learning cloud computing has become essential for anyone looking to enter the tech industry. With the rise of services like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure, there’s a significant demand for cloud professionals who can design, implement, and manage cloud infrastructure. However, one common question among beginners is whether starting with a support role is a necessary step after completing cloud computing training.

While support jobs are often seen as the starting point for cloud careers, they are not the only option. In this blog, we’ll explore what a cloud support job entails, why many people begin their careers in this role, and the various other career paths you can pursue after learning cloud computing.

What is a Cloud Support Job?

A cloud support job primarily involves troubleshooting and resolving technical issues related to cloud services. Professionals in this role help businesses maintain their cloud infrastructure by addressing problems, guiding customers, and ensuring seamless service delivery.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Monitoring cloud systems for performance and security.
• Troubleshooting cloud-related issues.
• Providing support to customers and internal teams.
• Understanding various cloud services and configurations.

Skills Required:

• Basic understanding of networking and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
• Problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and customer service abilities.

Why Do People Start with Support Roles?

Support roles serve as an excellent entry point for those new to the cloud industry. Here’s why:

1. Hands-On Experience: Support roles allow you to gain practical, hands-on experience with cloud technologies, helping you understand the intricacies of various cloud platforms.
2. Exposure to Real-World Problems: Working in support exposes you to real-world issues that businesses face, enabling you to develop problem-solving skills.
3. Broad Knowledge Base: You’ll learn about a variety of cloud services, making it easier to decide on a specialization later.
4. Skill Development: Apart from technical skills, you will develop communication and customer service skills, which are valuable in any tech role.

Example: John, a cloud engineer at XYZ Corp, began his career in cloud support. He gained a deep understanding of cloud infrastructure by troubleshooting issues, which helped him transition smoothly into a cloud architecture role.

Exploring Other Career Paths After Cloud Training

Support roles are just one of many career paths available to cloud professionals. Here are some other roles you can consider:

1. Cloud Architect
   Role: Design and implement scalable cloud solutions for organizations.
   Skills: Knowledge of cloud infrastructure, networking, security, and scalability.
   Salary: Average salary can range from $130,000 to $150,000 per year.
   
2. Cloud Developer
   Role: Focus on developing applications that leverage cloud services.
   Skills: Programming (Java, Python, Node.js), cloud platform APIs, microservices.
   Salary: Average salary ranges from $110,000 to $140,000 per year.
   
3. Cloud Security Specialist
   Role: Manage and ensure the security of cloud infrastructure.
   Skills: Knowledge of cybersecurity, cloud-specific security tools, compliance.
   Salary: Average salary ranges from $120,000 to $145,000 per year.
   
4. DevOps Engineer
   Role: Combine software development and IT operations to streamline deployment processes.
   Skills: Continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD), automation tools, cloud services.
   Salary: Average salary ranges from $115,000 to $135,000 per year.
   
5. Data Engineer
   Role: Work with big data tools on cloud platforms for data processing and analytics.
   Skills: Knowledge of databases, ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes, cloud storage solutions.
   Salary: Average salary ranges from $105,000 to $130,000 per year.

Benefits of Starting with a Support Job

While a support role is not mandatory, it has distinct benefits:

• Hands-on Experience: Engage with real cloud environments, addressing actual issues businesses face.
• Skill Enhancement: Develop both technical and soft skills, such as communication and troubleshooting.
• Career Growth: Experience in support can lead to roles in architecture, development, and more as you learn about different cloud functions.
• Insight into the Industry: Understand the common problems and solutions, which can help in other roles like development or security.

Deciding Which Path to Choose

Choosing the right career path after learning cloud depends on your skills and interests. Consider the following questions:

• Do you enjoy problem-solving and customer interaction? Consider Support or Security.
• Are you inclined towards building and coding? Look into Cloud Development.
• Interested in designing systems and managing large-scale deployments? Cloud Architecture might be for you.

Checklist for Choosing Your Path:

• ✅ Interested in coding? → Cloud Developer
• ✅ Like designing systems? → Cloud Architect
• ✅ Passionate about security? → Cloud Security Specialist
• ✅ Enjoy automation? → DevOps Engineer

Conclusion

Learning cloud computing is a gateway to a thriving career. While starting with a support job is a common path, it’s not the only one. Whether you prefer troubleshooting, developing, designing, or securing cloud environments, there’s a role that suits your skills and interests. Explore your options, continue building your skills, and pursue the career path that aligns with your passion.

Ready to start or advance your career in cloud computing? Check out our cloud courses designed to give you the skills you need for your desired role.