Freelance cloud engineer: what is it and how to become one
Freelance cloud engineer: what is it and how to become one
Cloud technology has become global because companies often expand their resources to match this fast-paced world. As a result, the demand for cloud computing expertise has risen, as requires cloud engineers. However, large companies are expanding these roles to include independent cloud engineers to quickly manage and track their operations.
If you have chosen this field, keep reading. This article explains what it means to be a freelance cloud engineer, the skills you need to become one of them, and what you can gain as a cloud engineer working from home.
Freelance cloud engineer: what is it and how to become one
An independent cloud engineer is an IT specialist who manages the company's cloud infrastructure. They are responsible for the migration, design, monitoring, and supervision of cloud systems. Cloud engineers help companies migrate stored data from a traditional data center to a virtual environment so that users can access it from anywhere in the world.
Cloud-hosted services such as SaaS (software as a service) and PaaS (platform as a service) need a cloud engineer to provide cloud support and ensure a smooth operation. Therefore, they hire the help of cloud engineers to do the job.
Freelance cloud engineers are those who can work in different companies simultaneously. However, as an independent Cloud Engineer, you can only specialize as a cloud engineer trained under a cloud service provider.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual starting salary of a freelance cloud engineer is USD 118,776 (USD 57 / hour). This salary range explains the competitiveness of this profession. But while you can earn comfortably from the comfort of your own home, you still need the right skills to fit the demands of cloud computing.
The skills you need as an independent cloud engineer
To work as a highly rated freelance Cloud Engineer, you need to be among the best, which means acquiring important cloud computing skills that put you in the front ranks. Consider the following skills that you need as an independent cloud engineer.
1. Understanding cloud and cloud service provision
Understanding how the cloud works and the cloud service provider you will be working with is essential, to start with. Cloud service providers differ in their characteristics and types of services.
You should be able to compare their features to determine what best suits your needs or project. You may need to compare them to choose the cloud provider that you are comfortable with.
2. Security and data recovery
No cloud system is complete without ensuring security and data recovery. You need to acquire the necessary skills to secure the stored data from hackers, avoid security breaches, and recover lost data.
As part of security checks, you need to be able to track data security, measure how secure cloud systems are, and respond quickly to unforeseen events.
3. Blinks know-how
Large companies run their servers and programs using Linux, and you must have a high level of proficiency in dealing with the Linux operating system. Most companies are looking for individuals who have practical experience with Linux and its operating system, with a powerful scripting system.
To gain sufficient experience and proficiency with Linux, you will have to take Linux courses for developers and cloud engineers, and you must have knowledge of the design, maintenance, and monitoring of Linux operating systems.
4. Study Programming
The main parts of cloud computing require you to program and develop new software for the smooth operation of the corporate cloud. High proficiency in programming languages such as Java, SQL, and Python Gives You an advantage in the competitive market. You can employ your programming skills in cloud engineering and develop them to create an integrated cloud that meets the specific needs of the client.
5. Virtual simulations
Virtualization is as basic as programming in cloud computing. Your ability to easily migrate and run the program in virtual environments will be a competitive advantage for you. This is also important because as a company or business grows, it will need scalability to adjust IT resources to suit the business requirements of that period.
6. Communication
Communication is a vital skill for any freelancer. You need to be able to communicate and collaborate with your customers to achieve the best results for them. Even though you don't work on the site, you want to show them that you are a team player and committed to work. Take one or two courses that teach you customer retention and business communication. You have to be happy in learning.
Steps to become an independent cloud engineer
Once you have the basic skills of freelance cloud engineers, you can follow the following steps to become one of them.
1. Obtaining a bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree in Information Technology or computer science is important for understanding the basics of cloud engineering. At this level, you will learn about concepts such as cloud infrastructures, cloud solutions, and cloud architecture. Moreover, having a bachelor's degree from a prestigious school would qualify you for a career in cloud engineering.
2. Learn programming languages
The next step to becoming a cloud engineer is to learn programming languages and take courses that teach you how to program. Join our programming boot camp courses to develop your skills while constantly practicing. Joining a course also helps you gain some form of experience to move forward in your career.
3. Obtaining a certificate
Get certified and learn about the various cloud providers available. Most cloud service providers offer professional courses for aspiring and experienced engineers on the cloud. Some of the best certification courses are AWS Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Certification, and Microsoft Azure Certifications.
4. Application for an internship
Applying for an internship helps you get hands-on experience by working with cloud engineering experts long enough to become an independent cloud engineer.
While working with experts in a team, you can hone technical and soft skills that will be useful in the success of your career as an independent cloud engineer. Surprisingly, technology companies such as Google, Amazon, SpaceX, and Microsoft accept interns.
5. Joining freelancing platforms
Finally, join freelancing platforms like Upwork, Pfeiffer, or Guru, where you can meet clients and offer your services to them. Before you join any freelancing platform, make sure you do enough research on how to start as a freelancer to find out where your services will be relevant and what you need to do.
Freelancers or cloud engineers in companies: choosing the right path
The world is embracing digitization, and it is changing the structure of workplaces. In recent years, employers have sought newer business models that do not require employees to be present in a physical place while maintaining proper communication and ensuring that achievements are met with customers.
Freelance cloud engineers can work from anywhere without having to commute to work daily. It saves time, reduces stress, and can increase productivity, you should deal with work-life balance and be an expert in organization and time management.
On the other hand, on-site cloud engineers benefit from productivity and teamwork in the workplace, unlike freelancers and they also earn a little more than a freelancer, with an annual salary of 126,667 dollars (61 dollars per hour), and freelancers can take on as many projects as they can handle while still earning more.
Finally, if you tend to work with a team to experience teamwork and motivation from colleagues, becoming an engineer in the workplace would be great, and if you enjoy the flexibility and the idea of working according to your schedule, you should become a freelance Cloud Engineer.
Independent cloud engineer
Cloud engineering is an ever-advancing place. So apart from having a very competitive remuneration, it also has interesting sub-roles that are in high demand and to successfully launch your career as a freelance Cloud Engineer, enhancing your knowledge of cloud computing and getting hands-on experience are top priorities.