Skills required to build a career in AWS

Cloud and cloud architecture have taken the job scenario by storm. Considering most organizations and start-ups are increasingly beginning to rely on the cloud, there is a growing requirement for cloud architects who can work their way around the cloud. Before we delve into understanding the skill required to build a career in AWS, let us understand what is the cloud, and what AWS has to offer.

What is the cloud?

The cloud is a vast network of servers, globally interlinked to operate as a single ecosystem. These servers carry out a wide array of functions ranging from storing data to streaming media content, hosting emails, and delivering us to several other applications that are employed for official or personal use on a routine basis. The cloud has made computing very cost-effective. It has enabled many start-ups to scale up at a rocket-fueled pace.

Why AWS?

AWS is the world’s most reliable and comprehensive cloud computing platform. It offers over 200 fully serviced features, that are globally leveraged by start-ups to large-sized organizations, to scale their market presence. The workforce banks on the agility, security, and reliability of the AWS platform, which is renowned for offering end-to-end services and computing solutions that are prompt at delivering customer response.

AWS professional / AWS solutions architect

An individual who profiles the role of an AWS architect is responsible for deploying applications on the AWS cloud infrastructure. From the launch of AWS to the present day, the brand has earned goodwill for securing the data of servers from around the world and harboring excellent and cost-effective cloud services. This is why it takes a little more to become an AWS Professional or start building your career in AWS.

Aspiring AWS cloud practitioners

There are several courses that AWS offers to aspiring learners, and not just aspiring cloud practitioners. Cloud practitioner is only one of the courses offered by AWS. There are courses that start at a basic level and gradually go to advanced levels. The learner is awarded certifications for taking examinations on different levels.

The eligibility criteria do not require one to have any cloud or programming experience. But, if someone attempts intermediate and advanced level certifications, they already have their expertise around programming languages. While pursuing the course, learners are taught important programming languages that give them an edge.

Skills required to build a career in AWS

It requires a synthesis of the domain and soft skills to build a career in AWS. Some of the domain skills required to become an AWS Professional are as follows.

Programming languages - It is essential for aspiring cloud enthusiasts to know programming languages such as Python, Ruby, Java, C#, JavaScript, and GoLang. Python is particularly important as it consists of a varied library of third-party modules, enabling ease of interaction with other platforms and languages. It is simple, easy to learn, and keeps from overcomplicated architecture.

Cloud security - It is quintessential for professionals to understand the nuances of cloud security. Organizations employing AWS Certified Practitioners can better leverage the cloud security tools, offered by AWS.

DevOps - Comprehending the nuances of DevOps can enhance the speed of the operation and development team of delivering the app and services. DevOps enables innovation and improvement of existing models. The knowledge of DevOps is emphasized because it emphasizes development, integration, and deployment which is beneficial for SaaS applications that heavily rely on cloud computing.

Cloud migration and deployment in multi-cloud environments - Companies and organizations globally are employing AWS Practitioners to help migrate existing applications on the cloud, be it private, public, or in multi-cloud environments. It is a skill that gives every cloud practitioner an added advantage.

Machine learning - This gives an AWS cloud practitioner the added advantage of comprehending consumer trends and operational business patterns.

Fundamental on storage of data - AWS has several data storage options. It is essential for a cloud practitioner to understand when, where, and how each of these storage options can be utilized. From using S3 to Relational Database Services to Hadoop clusters.

Service selection - Front-end and back-end technologies are crucial components of cloud architecture. These technologies are supported by components provided by Amazon. A good cloud practitioner will better understand the know-how of services that are applicable to Amazon.

Fundamentals of networking - Understanding networks is crucial to create a secure and scalable cloud-based network. One needs to familiarize and work around terms like DNS, TCP/IP, HTTP, CDN, and VPN. As an architect, you need to successfully use Route 53, CloudFront, and Virtual Private Cloud.

Soft-skills required by AWS practitioner

Communication - Communication is crucial for every aspiring professional in IT. A successful cloud practitioner should be able to communicate effectively, which means speak eloquently, read fluenly, and write effectively in English, which is considered a global language. Good communication skills can help the professional to communicate the best possible solution to the team.

Professionals should also possess analytical and logical insights and employ them creatively to solve problems in an impromptu work situation.

Since AWS pretty much upholds the market dynamics in the cloud division it becomes quintessential for aspiring cloud professionals to get AWS certified. The awarded certificate will ensure scalable growth for the professional, giving them industrywide exposure. In fact, it is easy for anyone to become a cloud professional; especially if you aim at switching gears and graduating to the tech space from the non-tech space.

-- Girish Singhania, CEO, EduBridge.