Becoming a Cloud Architect: Key Skills and Getting Started

[@fredericnicholson80]

I have been a telecommunications solution architect for 15 years with experience in core applications and RAN (including cloud RAN). Cloud solution architect appears to be the best option to leverage my expertise in the current job market.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Glad this video helped!

[@JayMar14]

My current plan is to get into the tech field as a cloud support engineer and then work my way up to a cloud architect.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

I think that's a solid approach! What's your current training plan looking like?

[@msdaulphinlover]

Your videos are really motivational...I have been in customer service/ call center type roles for ever and it just became so boring I wanted something more challenging. I studied on my own with the help of Udemy and AWS Skillbuilder to pass my Cloud Practitioner exam and do some hands on projects. I also joined the CloudUp for her program with Amazon for Solutions Architect and I'm hoping to be able to pass my exam soon but mostly I'm wanting hands on experience because a job in the cloud and knowing how to do that job is most important. I'm also starting the Cloud Institute next week, so I'm very excited about that as well. I love learning! I look forward to when you videos come out. Thank you!

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

You are destined for greatness!

[@ummareddychirra216]

I am currently working in a data center environment, primarily focusing on hardware. Now, I want to start my journey with cloud computing and become a cloud architect.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

That's AWSome you want to start your cloud journey 🙌

[@eliasperez5168]

I’m ready can’t wait to land my first role I’ve been a hair stylist for 17 years I’m all about customer care and building life time relationships

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

AWSome! Do you have a study plan?

[@NaturalStateJosh]

I'm brand new to it all. I was told to find a good bootcamp to attend. After that find a job.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Some people have great success with a bootcamp and some do not. Do your research and confirm that program will work for you.

[@gregorriusadolphus2729]

Hey hey! I'm an (out of work at the moment LOL) QA Engineer; I've done manual testing and automation testing (primarily using JavaScript-based frameworks like Protractor, Cypress, and a little Playwright). I just got hip to cloud engineering; I took a crash course on the Cloud Practicioner Cert, but have moved on to taking an exam prep course for the Solutions Architect course. My plan/line of thinking is to complete that, ace the exam, and then put it on my resume and start applying for junior Solutions Architect positions. I've done a search on LinkedIn and it looks like the field is not saturated with applies like QA or Software Development so I'm excited about that. Any tips/pointers? Thanks a lot and I just subscribed!

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

One addition to your plan. Get hands on experience and start networking with people in the industry on LinkedIn to help get your name out there.

[@gregorriusadolphus2729]

@@ThoughtfulTechyCloud excellent; will do and thanks much!!

[@anmolpadda69]

I’m getting a bachelors degree in management information systems right now. What other things would you suggest for me to do while I’m in college? Specific certs or internships?

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Definitely seek out opportunities to learn more about cloud. Try to mix in some AWS training and even go for an AWS certification to get a jumpstart. AWS Cloud Practitioner is a nice cert to start

[@oabilwemakhutla4605]

I am based in South Africa and I've just finished high school. I'm about to start a course in Support Services just to get started and build knowledge and fundamental skills to can push forward. Would this course be a great way to start?

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

That’s a great start. Where do you see your career in 5 years? Will that program you’re enrolling in now put you on a path to get there?

[@SteveAHenning]

Thank you for the video! I am looking to start a career in the tech field. Would love to know the best approach to becoming a cloud architect!

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

AWS Knowledge Badges are a great starting point and the training is free. Then you could progress on to AWS certifications.

[@infini.tesimo]

That southern accent coming through strong 🤠

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Real strong 💪😃

[@biggeststeve1]

Hi Greg, thanks for this easy to listen to and understand intro to becoming a cloud arch. i am 2 months and a bit into my cloud journey, studying to sit my 1st cloud certification but eager to learn the the areas to focus on for real work life environment . hope to hear from you soon. stephen from south Africa

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Thanks for being part of the ThoughtfulTechy Cloud community! I’ll see you in the next video.

[@vikhilsingh2929]

What about me recently post graduated completed my MCA not interested in coding still by dragging my self in coding subjects completed MCA but have intrest in cloud what should i do now completely unemployed currently and no hope and completely lost now 😢

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

What cloud roles interest you most?

[@vikhilsingh2929]

​@@ThoughtfulTechyCloudsince then I've gone deep and leaned good enough Linux still going in but I kind of have not feel intrested while learning it as in future I'll be learning shell scripting etc but I wanna become cloud architect as it's seems like my type of roles completely know about cloud technologies and services guiding business for solutions etc but I did see cloud architect is not entry level role 😢

[@wilsonlim584]

Thanks Greg for the inspiring guides! I am very much grateful to your knowledge sharing! While being layoff recently, I have prior experience in IT infra and app support for over 15 years. I am considering to change field to be a Cloud Architect, but was being pushed back by recruitment agencies for the lack of experience in Cloud (I have about 2 yrs admin experience) and Architecture. Apart from continuing selective job (IT Support) seeking, my thought is to refresh my Cloud, bash, Python and DevOps etc. knowledge where coding is my weak area. Thanks.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

You have a solid background to build on 🙌

[@wilsonlim584]

@@ThoughtfulTechyCloud thank you Greg for your encouragement! I do very much appreciate your help via the channel and on LinkedIn!! 😃 These days so much going on with the virtual and physical world, it is so easy to get off focus! I will follow my heart to pursue something I believe I would really enjoy and that is with Cloud architecture 🤠

[@samjones4327]

Thank you so much for this super informative video! I appreciate yo taking the time to lay out a great pathway for us to follow! I'm just starting my AWS journey and this info is super valuable to me. I'm gonna be sitting for my SAA exam at the end of the month and these tips have helped me out! Thanks for all you do for us! Be well, be safe and Cheers!

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Have fun on your journey! See you in the next video!

[@devopsulting4862]

Hey Greg, Thanks for this wonderful and timely video on becoming a Cloud architect, which is what I am aspiring to pretty soon. I am working as an AWS Cloud and DevOps Engineer for over 5 years now and have cleared Architecht associate and SysOps Associate Certifications in the past,and having pretty good hands-on. I now want to move towards being a Cloud architect. Kindly guide how should I move from here. Many thanks

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

This video should help: What's Life as a Solutions Architect at AWS? kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHjTZqmAqseaja8

[@allisonb9072]

This is a great video I subscribed to your channel, but didn’t really take a lot of time to watch a lot of videos yet and I was doubling back because I’m interested in cloud. your videos are full of substance and not a bunch of crap thank you so much very well put together. That is the best definition of a cloud architect that I’ve ever heard. ❤😊

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Thank you so much! What cloud related topics interest you most?

[@xyzyjt]

You’re the man Greg. Thanks for all your efforts and guidance.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Just trying to help as many people as I can 🙏

[@StaffyDoo]

@@ThoughtfulTechyCloud 🙌

[@deborshikashyap6745]

I know how to create compute instance I know how to create VPC I know how to create firewall I know how to create bucket from cloud storage These are the basic things I learnt there are more to learn

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

That’s AWSome! Keep learning 🙌

[@SayfSentinel]

i'm a self taught backend developer ( node.js, typescript, php ) with 6 years of experience. i've spent 2 years in a company that has everything in AWS and i was in charge of everything, backend + AWS EC2, S3, SES, SNS, RDS, Codedeploy, github actions. Now I want to switch to cloud architect but I need certifications i guess?

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

With your experience you don't really "need" the certification.

[@RWH03]

I’m 45. Been in hands-on trades for over 20 years. Currently in school and working towards my bachelors degree in cloud solutions then wanting to further my education with a masters in AI. Sometimes I wonder if I’m wasting my time and wonder what people would think about my lack of experience in tech. It’s all about the drive and the want. Idk, what do you think? 😂 I’m not afraid of constructive criticism either

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Go for it!

[@hellobaymax]

The video was absolutely fantastic, very informative, and I am extremely grateful.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@7mazbah]

I have CCNP with 15 years experience on networking, never built cloud solution; please advise.DMVPN can interconnect all clouds, with OSPF and iBGP in my understanding, what cert I should try for cloud ? thanks,

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

What cloud role interest you most?

[@divyaraj-rana]

Hi Greg, Thank you for creating such inspiring and impactful videos to dive into the emerging areas of cloud technologies and with some beginning hand on experience in AWS, I’m so far loving their architecture! Let’s not break into tech but dive into tech and breakdown the key aspects of emerging cloud computing. Once again thank you for posting these videos 🙂

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Wow, thank you!

[@ClaudioBOsorio]

This is liquid gold. You are very good at explaining. I really appreciate the time you took to create this video. Thank you. Subscribed and turned on the notifications.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Glad it was helpful! See you in the next video!

[@kassimalimohamed8817]

Thanks Greg for sharing these useful insights with us. I passed Cloud Practitioner last month, and I have scheduled to take Solutions Archtect next Saturday .

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Best of luck!

[@OrlandoPerez-vy6oy]

I’m new to all of this. My current career is in industrial automation for Tesla. I wanted to get out of this field and do something else. I seen that my job offers this class to take from ACC COLLEGE. How hard is it for a beginner to join this space.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Sounds like you have some tech background already. It's totally possible, but will require effort.

[@jay2004r]

Is this more for a solutions architect or a architect working at one company or both ?

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

There are similarities to both roles

[@jerzeywolf76]

I currently work in IT Support at Amazon and they are paying for school to achieve a BS in cloud computing. I am looking to become a cloud architect. I also have a Masters in IS

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Great background! No doubt you will accomplish your goal!

[@Onkar-r8d]

Hello Greg. Thanks for such an amazing video. I am currently handling entire Office 365 portfolio along emails and security part and now I want step ahead for cloud architect. However as you correctly said guidance is important. So please advice me how to reach to my end goal of becoming cloud architect.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Looks like a duplicate comment. I responded to your other comment. Hope it helps!

[@ud2014]

Nice video. Looking for detailed training on skills needed to become an architect. It’s so difficult to find. My background is IT service management

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Glad it was helpful!

[@terannocodes1717]

Hi Greg, I got to your KZbin channel through LinkedIn. Your videos have not only been inspiring but also motivating and I just recently got my AWS- SAA cert after failing the exam twice last year. I have a lot of development experience as a developer (about 8years) with JavaScript, NodeJS , a little python, git, etc And my goal is to transition to a senior cloud architect and gain the AWS-SAP. However I feel I don’t have enough hands on projects to land a senior role as an architect and my confidence is not there yet, what will you advice/recommend for me?

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

I'm so glad you kept pressing forward! Check out AWS Skill Builder 'Builder Labs' to get you some hands on practice.

[@terannocodes1717]

@@ThoughtfulTechyCloud 🙏🏾🙏🏾 Thank you

[@lawrencegelder4022]

Done my AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification, previously was Oracle DBA, now pushing more towards cloud again but need to improve the networking skills! Would appreciate your input? as not sure if I should go down the Cloud Engineer Path or Architect? plan currently is AWS SAA C03 cert then the AWS SOA-C02.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

When you say networking, you mean people networking or computer networking?

[@lawrencegelder4022]

@@ThoughtfulTechyCloud Computer networking! I’ve just booked my SAA-C03 exam For end of December so something to aim for 👍 and it was discounted via the associate challenge.

[@Greyman1114]

So I'm a systems engineer with about 9 years of experience that works on IS/IT systems (about 3.5 years experience, the other has been in satellites, RF and space) in the defense industry. I'm familiar with the basics of each of these areas. My plan was to eventually jump over to a cloud engineer within the defense industry maybe in a different company with in the industry not sure then make the jump into the tech industry. I was also planning on diving deeper into all of these topics too. Any pointers or should I tweak the plan?

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

I would plan to jump to cloud sooner than later if it were me.

[@kelechinwankwoala2617]

So my study plan consisted of finishing Stephane Marrakes AWS SAA course then taking a bunch of practice test while at the same time studying with flash cards. Is there any way I can improve this, my test is in August fyi.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Take a look here for additional resources: d1.awsstatic.com/training-and-certification/ramp-up_guides/Ramp-Up_Guide_Architect.pdf

[@MightyBean-yh4io]

Hello greg, thank you for the video. I'm currently a sophmore earning my degree in IT at Florida international university. I am interested in becoming a cloud architect or solutions architect. What type of internships should I be looking for going into my junior year? Also, what skills should I be focusing on? I was thinking to earn the Azure cert but wonder if there are any others that I should work on? I would also like to know some beginner projects I could work on in order to start building up a portfolio.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

www.amazon.jobs/content/en/teams/amazon-web-services/internships

[@Iplabrosse]

I so appreciate you Greg! I'm excited to see more.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

I appreciate you! So excited to create more AWSome videos for you to watch on the channel!

[@mmustafabebek]

Thank you for the valuable information you provided in the video. I learned important information about how to become a Cloud Architect. I find your videos instructive and useful. Can you share information about how to become a Cloud Security Engineer in your new videos? Thanks.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@basuasthana9803]

Hello, thanks for all your advice, currently I am working as a devops engg I my day to day work I used cloud azure aws on regular basis but not so much coustmer engagements but I want to move as a cloud architect role pls suggest

[@rejee_raj9665]

Thanks a ton Greg for such motivational and insightful videos. I'm a huge fan and follower of yours :) Thank You!

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

I appreciate that! See you in the next video!

[@Aerialkilla456]

I currently work as a data center technician for AWS. I am also studying for my cloud practitioner and then after that going to for for the SA associate all while playing with the console to to familiarize myself with the system. Do you think. I’m on a good path, I open to any suggestions or advice

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

That's a good path

[@abhinavverma3763]

Hello Nice video, As you said about where you are in your cloud journey? So I am aware of fundamentals technical skills, and currently working as a cloud Engineer in current area, I am very much keen to fall into Architect role in future career, please if you can help with some references which can guide step by step to achieve into this role ?

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

If you're currently working as a Cloud Engineer you already have much of what it takes to jump into the Architect role.

[@virtuoso790]

Great as always ! I am a great fan... and to respond to your question: i am a solution architect but in legacy systems.. your videos are an inspiration to go forward in my learning journey ..

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

You've got a great tech foundation! It wouldn't take much for you to start ramping up on cloud. Go for it!

[@mariuszk8572]

Hi Greg, great videos! I'm in IT support role for 5 years now. It's 2nd line IT engineer role. I have Azure Fundamentals certificate and thinking to go into cloud architecture. I know it's a long journey but your videos are putting clarity on how to get there. I'm thinking to get Azure-104 next, then maybe some Networking cert and then moving deeper to Azure. Please let me know if you have any advise for me! Greetings from UK

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Hi there! My advice is put AWS on your roadmap

[@kamalpreetcor6178]

What makes your videos different? I believe the clear crystal explaination , I plan to follow up everything this year ! I wirked as a Technical support but always wanted to become a cloud engineer , i am learning alot from your videos , could you please do more technical videos or resume for cloud engineer as well. By your supportive videos , things look easy 🎉thankyou

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@FluffyOwll]

Hi, I am new to your channel and love the content you are putting out in this channel. I was wondering if you could give me some guidance. I look through job postings in LinkedIn etc about Cloud Architect roles. Is it possible after all the trainings (i.e., certifications, training, labs, projects) to land a cloud architect role? They kept mentioning like 5-7 years of cloud experience or some sort. So do I need to land a junior cloud role first and climb my way up to keep myself realistic of my cloud architect journey. If so, what are the junior roles you recommend me to look out for? I am committed in learning the skills required to be a cloud architect, I just need guidance to have a realistic goal in my journey to be a cloud architect. Thank you so much, appreciate your channel!

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

If you're new to cloud, it may be tough to apply to job asking for 5-7 years of experience. An Associate Solutions Architect is more entry level/junior.

[@Grewal0007]

But I’m nowhere in tech 🥺 but yeah learning cloud.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

We all start from somewhere. You can do it too 🙌

[@nikhilsambhus502]

I am a Senior Java developer and want to become a solution or cloud architect. Can you please guide? Thanks!

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Starting out with an AWS cert is a nice start.

[@omarkhan1543]

Brilliant video. I’m tied down for the next 12 months to begin studying for my certification. I’m a total noob to it. What free courses in Udemy would you recommend to study in the meantime? To gain some relevant it knowledge/skills to become a cloud professional?

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Lots of free training on AWS Skill Builder! Thank you!

[@eng-gamaraldeenalshaikh8044]

Hello Greg Hope you doing well , I have no bad experience about cloud fundamental as I had read AZ 900 course and cloud computing and feel has a good business analysis skills , have a good networking experience and desired to be cloud architect engineer , now I'm reading cloud practitioner course from Udemy could you please advice me with links or any thing guide me to reach there! Thanks and for your usual motivational and valuable info !

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

This should help kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWTInap3gsycb9k

[@lawalopeyemi9134]

Thanks for this video, it answered my questions and I believed I am good to go, just need someone to give me a chance.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

See you in the next video!

[@StaffyDoo]

Been there, done that. This guy is legit 🖖

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

🙌

[@2EngineerBgl]

Thanks for making this video

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

It's my pleasure!

[@arvindpandey8793]

nice.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Thanks!

[@MarkLorenzEspellogo]

❤

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Thanks for watching!

[@yavarjn2055]

Cut the crp dude

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Thanks for viewing

[@yavarjn2055]

@@ThoughtfulTechyCloud Didnt mean to be rude, but want to remind you your audience are not 14 year olds. I personally came here to learn about "Becoming a Cloud Aerchitect", not being lectured about simplest tips about how to study. The video is just waste of time in that respect. Engineers need precise language and to the point. I would remake the video completely.

[@Onkar-r8d]

Hello Greg. Thanks for such an amazing video. I am currently handling entire Office 365 portfolio along emails and security’s part and now I want step ahead for cloud architect. However as you correctly said guidance is important. So please advice me how to reach to my end goal of becoming cloud architect.

[@ThoughtfulTechyCloud]

Hello! Take a look at your current skills and determine what gaps you have. Then work to close those skill gaps.