Cloud computing is the bedrock upon which the modern digital world is built. It’s used for everything from the smartphones in our pockets to the complex systems powering global enterprises, and its influence just keeps expanding.
Whether you’re a student exploring career paths or an experienced tech worker looking to stay competitive, understanding cloud computing is no longer optional—it’s essential.
In this post, we’ll explore how cloud technology is reshaping the IT industry, what skills are in highest demand, and why learning the cloud is one of the smartest moves you can make to future-proof your career.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Understanding the Rise of Cloud Computing
- How Cloud Computing is Transforming IT Roles
- Key Skills Needed for Careers in Cloud Computing
- Cloud Certifications: A Valuable Supplement to Your Training
- Future Outlook: How Cloud Skills Future-Proof Your Career
- How to Start Your Journey in Cloud Computing
UNDERSTANDING THE RISE OF CLOUD COMPUTING
Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services—like servers, storage, databases, networking, and software—over the internet instead of via physical hardware on site. In public cloud environments, services are provided by a third party, like Google Cloud. In hybrid cloud environments, a company might keep some data on a private server while using the public cloud for other operations.
Being cloud-based is a major shift in how businesses operate, allowing them to access powerful resources without owning or maintaining their own infrastructure.
Cloud computing is at the core of modern tech environments. Companies use cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud to build apps, store data, and run websites with greater flexibility and lower costs. Traditionally, organizations managed their own data centres, which required space, power, security, and a lot of maintenance. With cloud services, they can now scale quickly, pay only for what they use, and get automatic updates and security.
Companies can leverage data centres from global companies like Amazon and Microsoft rather than maintaining their own
HOW CLOUD COMPUTING IS TRANSFORMING IT ROLES
Cloud computing has enabled IT systems and data to be accessed from anywhere, leading to a rise in hybrid and remote support roles. IT professionals can now manage, troubleshoot, and update systems remotely, reducing the need for on-site support and allowing businesses to offer more flexible work environments.
New IT roles have also emerged as businesses increasingly rely on cloud-based infrastructure. Here are a few examples of cloud computing careers:
Cloud engineers design, build, and maintain the systems and networks that run in the cloud. They ensure cloud services are fast, reliable, and meet the needs of the organization.
Cloud architects plan and design the overall structure of cloud systems. They make high-level decisions about how different cloud services work together and ensure the system is scalable, secure, and efficient. These professionals often work closely with development and operations teams to align cloud architecture with business goals.
Cloud security specialists focus on protecting cloud environments from cyber threats. Security becomes more complicated in a cloud-based world because the focus shifts from protecting local servers to managing risks in distributed environments. These specialists design security policies, monitor systems for threats, and ensure that cloud platforms meet compliance standards.
Cloud security specialists are on guard against cyber threats
KEY SKILLS NEEDED FOR CAREERS IN CLOUD COMPUTING
Success in cloud computing requires a mix of technical and soft skills.
Technical Skills
You need to have a handle on:
Cloud platforms: Understanding major cloud service providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud is essential. These platforms offer services for computing, storage, networking, and more, and each has its own tools and structure.
Networking: Knowledge of IP addressing, DNS, VPNs, firewalls, and load balancers is crucial for setting up secure and efficient systems.
Virtualization: Virtual machines allow multiple systems to run on a single piece of hardware. Knowing how virtualization works helps you manage resources and scale applications in the cloud.
Scripting and programming: Skills in languages like Python, Bash, or PowerShell help you automate tasks, write deployment scripts, and manage infrastructure more efficiently.
Containerization: Tools like Docker and Kubernetes package applications into containers, making them easier to deploy and scale across different cloud environments.
DevOps and automation: Familiarity with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and tools like Terraform, Jenkins, or Ansible helps streamline development and deployment practices.
Soft Skills
Beyond the tech-specific stuff, you also need skills like:
Problem solving: Cloud professionals must diagnose issues quickly and design efficient, scalable solutions that meet business needs.
Communication: Clear communication is important for working with colleagues, writing documentation, and explaining complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Adaptability: Cloud technologies evolve rapidly. Staying current with new tools, services, and best practices is critical for long-term success.
“We teach technical tools and knowledge, but the skills we emphasize are mostly soft skills. I’m trying to teach students skills like critical thinking, problem solving, being autonomous, being independent,” says Sergio Gonzalez, a Herzing instructor who has more than 20 years of IT experience.
“Employers know that newcomers might not be familiar with the particular tool that company uses, but they expect you to be able to adapt with little training. They’re looking for people who can adapt quite quickly to a new environment.”
CLOUD CERTIFICATIONS: A VALUABLE SUPPLEMENT TO YOUR TRAINING
Cloud certifications are a great way to complement a formal education. While college training provides a strong foundation in computing principles and problem solving, certifications show employers that you have practical, up-to-date knowledge of specific cloud platforms. That can help you stand out in a competitive job market and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.
Some of the most valuable certifications for job seekers include:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
- Google Associate Cloud Engineer
These entry- to mid-level credentials cover core cloud concepts and platform-specific tools, making them ideal for beginners and career changers. More advanced certifications, like AWS Certified DevOps Engineer or Google Professional Cloud Architect, are useful for those aiming for senior roles.
However, certifications alone aren’t enough. Real-world experience—like internships, labs, or hands-on projects—builds the practical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills that employers expect. Cloud environments are complex and constantly changing, and being able to apply your knowledge in real scenarios is more valuable than memorizing answers for a test.
In short, certifications can open doors, but real-world training is what truly prepares you to succeed in cloud computing roles.
Certifications like those from Google can boost your profile, but real-world experience trumps all
FUTURE OUTLOOK: HOW CLOUD SKILLS FUTURE-PROOF YOUR CAREER
According to Grand View Research, the global market for cloud computing was worth $752 billion in 2024 and is expected to see a compound annual growth rate of 20 per cent between 2025 and 2030.
IT jobs in general have a positive outlook. According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, roles like systems analyst and IT consultant have a good to very good outlook in most of the country over the next few years, and Canada could be facing a shortage of cybersecurity specialists by 2033.
The IT field is also known for competitive salaries. Job Bank data shows that cybersecurity specialists, software engineers, systems analysts, and IT consultants all have median salaries of at least $95,000. At the high end, these professionals can make anywhere from $137,000 to $176,000.
A wide range of industries in Canada are actively hiring cloud specialists. These include technology, finance, healthcare, government, education, and retail. For example:
- Banks use cloud platforms for secure digital services
- Hospitals rely on cloud-based systems to manage patient data
- Retailers use cloud infrastructure to handle online sales and customer analytics
Nearly every industry that handles data or runs digital services now depends on cloud technologies.
Having cloud expertise future-proofs your IT career by aligning your skills with where the industry is headed. As technology continues to evolve, cloud computing remains central to innovations like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity.
Professionals who understand how to design, secure, and manage cloud systems will continue to be essential—making cloud skills a smart investment for long-term success.
HOW TO START YOUR JOURNEY IN CLOUD COMPUTING
The future of cloud computing is bright. Getting started begins with a mix of learning, practice, and real-world experience.
There are many training programs and self-study options available for beginners. Cloud concepts are part of many broader college programs, such as cybersecurity or computer networking. They’re also covered in university degrees in computer science or software engineering.
Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer courses on cloud fundamentals, often tailored to specific providers like AWS, Microsoft, or Google. Vendor-specific training programs, such as AWS Academy or Microsoft Learn, are also excellent starting points.
Once you understand the basics, it’s important to build a portfolio of cloud projects to show employers what you can do. You can start small by creating your own cloud-hosted website, setting up a virtual server, or building an app that uses cloud storage. Document your process, challenges, and outcomes—either in a GitHub repository or personal blog—to demonstrate your skills.
Finally, gaining hands-on experience through internships, co-op programs, or virtual labs is critical. Many cloud providers offer free tiers or sandbox environments where you can experiment with real services. Look for opportunities to contribute to open-source projects or volunteer to help local organizations with cloud-based solutions. This experience is key in turning your cloud knowledge into job-ready skills.
GET READY FOR THE FUTURE OF CLOUD COMPUTING
Herzing College’s technology programs are built around the concepts and skills you need to launch a rewarding career in IT. All programs can be completed in 18 months or less and include an internship for real-world experience.
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