How to Become a Cloud Engineer: The Ultimate Guide

Curious about how to become a cloud engineer? This complete guide will walk you through the skills, career paths, and steps needed to enter one of the fastest-growing tech roles today.

As businesses increasingly shift to the cloud, the demand for skilled cloud engineers continues to soar. Cloud engineers courses are essential for building and maintaining the cloud-based infrastructure that powers modern applications and services. They play a crucial role in making systems scalable, cost-effective, and secure — and they’re well-compensated for their expertise, with average base salaries around $127,000.

Let’s dive into what cloud engineers do, how you can become one, and how Prepzee can support your journey.

What Does a Cloud Engineer Do?

Cloud engineers design, deploy, and manage cloud-based solutions. They work across architecture, security, DevOps, and application integration. Their responsibilities typically include:

• Designing Cloud Architectures: Ensuring high performance and cost-efficiency.
• Managing Cloud Security: Monitoring access, addressing threats, and safeguarding data.
• Implementing DevOps Practices: Using tools like Docker and Kubernetes for faster deployment and better reliability.
• Programming and Automation: Writing scripts and applications using languages like Python and Bash to optimize workflows.

Their work bridges traditional IT and modern cloud infrastructure — making them indispensable for today’s tech-driven businesses.

Why Cloud Engineering Is in High Demand

The rise of cloud computing has transformed how organizations operate. Unlike traditional on-premise systems that require significant hardware and hands-on maintenance, cloud solutions offer:

• Scalability on demand
• Lower infrastructure costs
• Enhanced disaster recovery and uptime
• Easier deployment of global services

Top cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure support services used by companies like Netflix and Spotify. Navigating these systems requires specialized skills — exactly what cloud engineers provide.

How to Become a Cloud Engineer

There are multiple paths to becoming a cloud engineer — through a formal education or a self-taught route with hands-on practice. Here’s how to explore both:

Option 1: Traditional Path (Computer Science Degree)

A degree in computer science provides a strong foundation for cloud engineering. Key coursework includes:

• Networking and Network Security
• Programming (Python, Java, Bash)
• Database Management
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud Infrastructure and DevOps

Many universities now offer cloud-focused modules that incorporate hands-on labs and platform-specific learning (AWS, Azure, etc.). This combination of theory and application prepares graduates for cloud engineering roles.

Option 2: Self-Taught Route (No Degree Required)

Don’t have a degree? No problem. Many successful cloud engineers come from non-traditional backgrounds by focusing on:

• Free tutorials and documentation from major cloud providers
• Structured online courses, like those offered on Prepzee
• Building hands-on projects to demonstrate real-world application
• Earning industry certifications

Platforms like Prepzee offer guided courses and learning paths tailored to AWS, GCP, and Azure — helping you gain practical skills while building a professional portfolio.

Certifications That Boost Your Cloud Career

Certifications help validate your expertise and make you more competitive. Here are some top ones to consider:

• AWS Data Engineer Certification
• Google Cloud Professional Architect
• Microsoft Azure Data Engineer Certification

Explore Prepzee’s certification guides and prep courses to get started. These credentials often serve as a strong alternative to traditional education and are respected across the tech industry.

No Experience? No Worries

If you’re just starting out, follow this step-by-step plan:

1. Build Your Fundamentals

Start with beginner-friendly cloud courses to grasp basic concepts and tools.

2. Advance Your Skills

Explore areas like serverless computing (e.g., AWS Lambda), data streaming (e.g., Kinesis), or CI/CD pipelines.

3. Create Personal Projects

Build and showcase projects in your GitHub or Prepzee portfolio to prove your skills.

4. Get Involved in Open-Source

Contribute to projects or participate in hackathons to gain real-world experience.

5. Join Communities & Find a Mentor

Connect on LinkedIn, Reddit, or Discord. Mentors can guide your career and help with job prep.

6. Apply to Jobs

Use your portfolio, certifications, and knowledge to tailor your resume. Prep with resources like cloud interview guides and practice questions.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Cloud Engineer?

The timeline depends on your learning path:

• With a degree: Typically 4 years, though you can land internships or entry-level roles earlier.
• Without a degree: With focused effort, certifications, and projects, it’s possible to be job-ready in 6–12 months.

Consistency and practical experience are key.

Focus Area: Becoming an AWS Cloud Engineer

Want to specialize in AWS? Here’s how to focus your cloud career on the most widely used platform:

• Learn AWS services like EC2, S3, Lambda, and Glue
• Take Prepzee’s Introduction to AWS and follow a certification track
• Build AWS-focused projects to showcase your expertise
• Earn credentials like AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02)

Final Thoughts

Becoming a cloud engineer is an exciting, high-potential career path. Whether you choose a traditional or self-taught route, what matters most is your ability to build, secure, and scale cloud systems effectively.

Use Prepzee to access:

• Beginner to advanced cloud courses
• Certification preparation tracks
• Hands-on project guidance
• Career resources and interview tips

Start your journey today — the cloud is calling!

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Which cloud services should you prioritize when becoming a cloud engineer?

Start by focusing on the leading cloud platforms—AWS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure. These are essential starting points for building a solid foundation in cloud services.

2. Is having a degree necessary to start a career in cloud engineering?

While a degree can be beneficial, it's not a requirement. Many cloud engineers enter the field through self-learning, certifications, and hands-on experience. With dedication and effort, it's entirely possible to succeed without a traditional degree.

3. Which platform is best for learning cloud engineering?

Research job listings you're interested in. If a specific cloud platform is frequently mentioned, prioritize learning that one to align your skills with industry demand.

4. How can I effectively demonstrate my cloud expertise?

Creating a portfolio with practical, real-world projects is a great start. Additionally, earning industry-recognized certifications is one of the most impactful ways to prove your cloud knowledge to potential employers.

5. Is the job outlook for cloud engineers positive?

Absolutely! The demand for cloud engineers continues to grow as more companies adopt cloud technologies, making it a promising and opportunity-rich career path.