How to Become A Cloud Architect? [Find Out Here]

The technology market is being overtaken by cloud computing, which is expanding fast. Over the past ten years, it has created various brand-new options. Numerous businesses expect to follow suit as more and more firms move their operations to the cloud. Being directly correlated with the expansion of cloud computing, it is extremely motivating for cloud workers. The employment landscape has significantly changed due to this increased demand for cloud experts. Cloud architects have hands-on expertise in developing and implementing cloud services for organizations, including cost reduction and security strategies. This article will provide details about how to become a cloud architect with no experience.  

Choosing the appropriate Cloud Computing course provider is essential since it will boost your knowledge and build your foundation in the domain. Check to determine if the certification body has authorized and recognized the training facility.  

Who is a Cloud Architect?

A cloud architect is an information technology (IT) specialist who develops protocols and programs to meet an organization's broad objectives. Cloud architects typically perform their job in an office setting during regular business hours. Still, they may have to deal with challenges at work beyond hours, including on weekends, nights, and holidays. Applications are designed and set up in public, private, and hybrid cloud environments under the supervision of cloud architects. Additionally, cloud architects serve as consultants to their association and must stay current on the latest trends and problems. 

A well-liked strategy to stay ahead of the curve and take advantage of current chances is to become a Cloud Architect. Once cloud computing is used more widely, demand for cloud architects will be significant. A cloud architect is in charge of setting up all the elements required for successful cloud deployment, as well as creating networks for clouds by fusing remote servers, establishing front-end and back-end platforms, and creating a functional cloud-based delivery system. Additionally, a cloud architect creates cloud computing and storage systems from the bottom up, ensuring system security and compliance. 

How To Become a Cloud Architect? [Step-by-Step] 

You must follow some specific steps if you are determined to become a cloud architect. Check and follow the following steps to learn how to become a cloud architect from scratch and launch your career as a cloud architect. These will also help you understand how long it takes to become a cloud architect.  

Step 1: Master Skills  

Top Skills Needed to Become a Cloud Architect: 

Soft Skills: 

• Strong Communication: Effective communication skills are essential for collaborating with teams and understanding business requirements. 
• Problem-Solving: Excellent problem-solving abilities to design scalable and efficient cloud solutions. 
• Adaptability: Adapt to evolving technologies, industry trends, and changing business needs to ensure their cloud solutions remain relevant and effective. 

Hard Skills: 

• Deep understanding of cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP), including their services, architectural patterns, and best practices. 
• Proficiency in tools like Terraform or AWS CloudFormation to automate infrastructure provisioning and management. 
• Solid knowledge of network concepts, security protocols, and cloud-native security frameworks for designing secure and resilient cloud architectures. 

Other Competencies: 

• Architecture Design 
• Data Management 
• DevOps Practices 

Top Cloud Architect Certifications / Degree: 

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect: Associate/Professional 
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert 
• Google Cloud Certified: Professional Cloud Architect 
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) 
• Certified OpenStack Administrator (COA) 

Earning these certifications or pursuing a degree in cloud computing or a related field helps validate your expertise and enhances your credibility as a cloud architect. 

Step 2: Determine Your Ideal Timeline   

Start Learning in a Format That Suits You: 

1. Choose a learning format that aligns with your schedule and preferences. 
2. Online courses provide flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace from anywhere. In-person training or boot camps offer immersive, accelerated learning experiences. 

How Long Does It Take to Become a Cloud Architect? 

1. The time required to become a cloud architect can vary based on factors such as prior knowledge, educational background, and dedication to learning. 
2. Pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in cloud computing or a related field typically takes around 4-6 years of full-time study. 
3. Regardless of the path chosen, becoming a skilled cloud architect is an ongoing journey that involves continuous learning, practical experience, and staying updated with the latest cloud technologies and best practices. 

Step 3: Begin Building Your Portfolio / Resume  

Portfolio Example or Resume Template for Download: 

• Header: Include your name, contact information, and a professional summary highlighting your experience and expertise in cloud architecture. 
• Education and Certifications: List your educational background, including degrees earned and relevant certifications obtained, such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect. 
• Technical Skills: Highlight your proficiency in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, CloudFormation), networking, security, and other relevant tools or technologies. 
• Professional Experience: Detail your work experience in cloud architecture, emphasizing your roles and responsibilities, the cloud projects you have led, and notable achievements. 
• Projects and Contributions: Showcase specific cloud architecture projects you have completed, describing the problem statements, your architectural solutions, and the benefits delivered to the organization. 
• Recommendations or Testimonials: Consider including references or testimonials from past colleagues or employers who can vouch for your skills and expertise in cloud architecture.  

Remember to customize your portfolio or resume to the specific job you're applying for, highlighting relevant skills and experiences that align with the position requirements. 

Step 4: Where and how to find a job 

Top Companies Hiring Cloud Architects: 

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS): Being a leading cloud service provider, AWS often has openings for cloud architects to design and implement solutions for their clients. 
2. Microsoft Azure: As one of the largest cloud platforms, Microsoft Azure offers numerous opportunities for cloud architects to design and manage scalable cloud environments. 
3. Google Cloud Platform (GCP): GCP is another prominent cloud provider that regularly seeks cloud architects to help organizations leverage their cloud services effectively. 
4. IBM Cloud: IBM Cloud provides a range of cloud services and solutions. 
5. Salesforce: Known for its customer relationship management (CRM) platform. 

Job Outlook for Cloud Architect: 

• The job outlook for cloud architects is highly promising due to the increasing adoption of cloud technologies by organizations across industries. 
• Cloud computing has become an integral part of business strategies. 
• Continuous learning and staying updated with evolving cloud technologies and best practices are essential for professionals looking to pursue a career as a cloud architect. 

A brief overview of the interview process + Tips: 

• Initial Screening: The interview process may start with an initial screening to assess your qualifications and fit for the role. 
• Technical Interviews: Expect technical interviews that evaluate your knowledge and experience in cloud architecture, including design principles, scalability, security, and deployment strategies. 
• Behavioral Interviews: These interviews assess your soft skills, problem-solving abilities, communication, and leadership capabilities. 

Tips for Acing the Interview: 

• Research the company and understand its cloud architecture requirements. 
• Prepare for technical questions related to cloud platforms, infrastructure-as-code, security, and scalability. 

Essential Skills Required to Become a Cloud Architect 

• Industrial computing: To build the cloud systems and databases that support the many operating systems now used by your organization, you'll need to be familiar with them. 
• Statesmanship: As a cloud architect, you might oversee a group of other IT specialists who help you operate in cloud environments. 
• Programming: A fundamental understanding of computer programming languages may be helpful to your position. 
• Interaction: Although many information technology professionals work alone on projects and their tasks, there are occasions when you must collaborate with others, including members of the IT team, stakeholders in the firm, and other employees. 
• Project execution: Cloud architects manage projects centered on cloud computing and operate on projects they must create. 

Who can become Cloud Architect  

Cloud Architect Requirements:

• Educational Background: A bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is typically required. 
• Experience: Several years of experience in IT infrastructure, cloud technologies, and architecture design is necessary. 
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP, along with knowledge of infrastructure-as-code, networking, security, and cloud-native services. 
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to design scalable and efficient cloud solutions. 
• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams and effectively communicate technical concepts to stakeholders. 

What's the Demand for Cloud Architects? 

• Increasing Cloud Adoption: The demand for cloud architects is on the rise due to the increasing adoption of cloud computing by businesses of all sizes and industries. 
• Cloud Migration Projects: Many organizations are undergoing cloud migration or transitioning to hybrid or multi-cloud environments. 
• Scalable and Secure Infrastructure: Cloud architects play a crucial role in designing scalable and secure cloud infrastructures that meet business needs. 
• Emerging Technologies: The demand for cloud architects is fueled by the emergence of new technologies like serverless computing, containerization, and edge computing. 

Salary Details for Top 5 Countries

Country	Average Annual Salary (in local currency)
US	$120,000 - $160,000
India	₹1,500,000 - ₹3,000,000
Australia	AUD 120,000 - AUD 150,000
Singapore	SGD 90,000 - SGD 130,000
UK	£50,000 - £80,000
Canada	CAD 90,000 - CAD 120,000

Top Cloud Computing Roles

1. AWS Expert: An AWS expert is a cloud professional who specializes in building secure internet protocols and maintaining the most recent versions of AWS security services and features. 

2. Service Cloud Architect: The Service Cloud Architect defines all cloud computing services and solutions implemented within and outside a corporate business network. The person in charge is responsible for cloud service diagnosis, analysis, design, deployment, and integration, enabling businesses to execute their operations in the cloud. The Service Cloud Architect considers the core business requirements before matching them with a workable cloud solution. 

3. Azure Cloud Architect: An Azure Cloud Architect is a specialist in IT who helps with the planning, implementation, and administration of an Azure cloud environment. Check online to learn more about how to become an Azure architect. 

4. Solutions Architect: A solutions architect is a person who coordinates the development of a systems solution. The task of a solutions architect is to develop the overarching vision, serving as the foundation for the suggested solution and translating that vision into the solution through implementation. The AWS cloud solutions architect is responsible for putting AWS technologies into use and keeping them secure. The person uses their skills and knowledge to help create complex cloud-based solutions and transfer current workloads to the cloud. 

Conclusion 

This article discusses in detail how to become a cloud solutions architect and the essential skills you need to possess to launch your career in cloud computing. Follow the tips provided for future career prospects. Check out KnowledgeHut’s Cloud Computing course to learn about the tools, technologies, and trends driving the Cloud Computing revolution. The course offers you both a theoretical and practical understanding of the subject while providing excellent exposure to industry experts.