What Jobs Can I Get With A Cloud Degree?

Technology is constantly growing and changing. New software is developed and new tools are created to make our lives even more efficient. One of the increasingly popular and necessary tools in information technology is cloud computing. Many people don’t realize how often they use cloud computing every day. And IT employers are finding that there is a shortage of qualified professionals who have the cloud skills their organizations need.

Cloud degree programs like WGU’s online cloud computing bachelor’s degree can give you the skills and credentials you need to fill this big tech gap in cloud computing. 

But you may be thinking, ‘I’m not sure if I just want a cloud job for the rest of my life.’ Well, you’re in luck. The cloud degree at WGU doesn’t just prepare you for a cloud career. In fact, most cloud degrees give you training for many other IT jobs, as well as giving you the extra qualifications you need to fulfill responsibilities related to the cloud. This kind of program can give you an edge over the competition when it comes to many IT jobs. 

Whether your dream job is a cloud computing career, or even if you’re not sure what kind of IT career you’d like to have, it’s smart to know what jobs you can get with the help of your cloud degree.

With a degree focused on cloud administration, you will be qualified for the many IT careers that directly focus on cloud systems, including:

• Cloud architect. Cloud architects are responsible for overseeing a company’s cloud computing strategy. They oversee the application architecture and deployment of cloud systems and help an organization stay up-to-date on cloud technology.

• Cloud engineer. Cloud engineers are in charge of all cloud software. They develop systems, maintain them, and stay ahead of new technology to be ready for upgrades and improvements. They help an organization design new systems or upgrade to new systems.

• Cloud sales. Cloud sales involves helping organizations understand the product offerings and how cloud technology could help their organization. A background in cloud computing can help you accurately speak to the benefits of a technology and help new users navigate it as well.

• Cloud administrator. A cloud administrator manages all the cloud systems and cloud servers for an organization. They oversee and maintain the multi-user computing element, like multiple user licenses for a software or rules about how simultaneous users are handled for a software,  involved with an organization’s cloud. 

• Cloud consultant. Cloud consultants work with clients to help them understand their cloud needs. They have extensive knowledge about cloud systems and help clients understand how to solve problems, and how to use technology.

If you’re not sure about pursuing a cloud-specific job, a cloud degree could still be a great idea. An increasing number of IT job descriptions list requirements related to experience and skills with cloud computing. Getting a cloud degree can set you apart from the competition for all kinds of IT jobs by demonstrating you have that extra knowledge that can help an organization.

• Computer and information research scientist. Computer and information research scientists are in charge of creating new approaches to computer technology. They create new computer languages, tools, and programs in a variety of industries. Computer and information research scientists benefit from having an education in cloud computing because it expands their horizons in terms of the tools they can create for users.

• Software developer. Software developers are the ones who create computer programs. They are sometimes called software engineers, and they use their technical ability to create programs that users need. They design, test, and develop software, recommend software upgrades for current programs, create models and diagrams to help computer programmers, and document every part of the system for the future. They don’t actually do the hard coding of telling the computer how to run the program, but rather give the general process of what the finished product needs to do. Cloud knowledge is vital for software developers who are going to be involved in organizations that work with cloud technologies and platforms, which is most organizations today.

• Computer programmer. Computer programmers are in charge of writing code and creating software programs. Software developers and engineers create the idea for software, and computer programmers code the instructions so computers can actually run the program. Computer programmers also find flaws and issues with the programs. They test the programs and make sure they get the expected results. If the program isn’t working correctly, they check the code for mistakes and fix them. Computer programmers who have cloud programming experience have greatly expanded job opportunities in cloud systems and software development. 

• Computer support specialist. Computer support specialists are the professionals who provide help and guidance for users. They answer questions, test systems, perform maintenance, and troubleshoot hardware and software whenever they need to. They are the help desk that is directly responsible for making sure users have everything they need. Cloud knowledge helps support specialists be able to answer questions and help users with cloud software. 

• Database administrator. Database administrators store and organize data, give users access when needed, and keep everything secure from unauthorized access. Database administrators make sure organizational data is secure, back-up and restore data, identify users to create administrator databases, update permissions, and more. Database administrators benefit from having cloud experience because it provides them with a broader and deeper understanding of how these systems work, thus helping them perform all of their tasks more effectively.

• Information security analyst. Information security analysts are in charge of the security measures for an organization’s system. They monitor the networks for security breaches, use firewalls and other software to protect information and data, prepare reports about any security breaches, do penetration testing to look for vulnerabilities, and develop security standards for the company. Information security analysts that have cloud experience can use their experience to secure cloud systems and develop cloud-specific security standards for their company. 

• Web developer. Web developers are the professionals in charge of designing websites. They are responsible for the look and technical elements of the website, and may create content for the site as well. They create and test applications for the website, write code, create the site’s layout, integrate images and videos, and monitor web traffic. When web developers have cloud experience it allows them to extend their capabilities to cloud systems and programs, which can be hugely beneficial for an organization.

If you’re interested in any of these IT positions, a degree in cloud computing or cloud administration can give you the skills and knowledge you need to find success.