7 Essential Cloud Computing Skills For Cloud Engineers

Cloud computing has become an integral part of how businesses and individuals use technology. Cloud computing has become one of the most sought-after skills in the tech industry, ranking just after Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. 

Hence, the need for skilled cloud computing engineers who have mastered in-demand tools and have the relevant skills is constantly rising, with incredible salaries awaiting them. But what exactly is cloud computing? And what are the essential cloud computing skills needed to bag one of these high-paying roles? 

In this article, we’ll break down the essential skills needed to succeed in cloud computing – from foundational knowledge for beginners to advanced expertise for seasoned professionals. Along the way, you’ll find tips on how to build these skills through real-world practice, continuous learning, and side projects. So, without further ado, let us get started!

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing refers to the virtual internal service provided by the cloud for data storage. It enhances the security of organizations and enables data storage with minimal or basically no IT infrastructure.

In simpler terms, cloud computing delivers computing services that include storage, databases, networks, and software analytics. There are different methods of conducting cloud computing, including public clouds, private clouds, hybrid clouds, and multi-clouds.

The biggest advantage of cloud computing is its ability to be customized based on the specific needs of a company. It offers adaptability to the cloud infrastructure that best suits the organization and your specific needs.

Foundational Cloud Computing Skills

These are the core skills that form the base for any cloud computing professional. Beginners should start here, as these fundamentals will be necessary no matter which cloud role or platform you work with.

1. Understanding Cloud Fundamentals (Services & Platforms)

This is the broad knowledge of how cloud computing works and the types of services available. The three main cloud service models are Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). 

• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Basic building blocks like servers and storage.
• PaaS (Platform as a Service): Pre-configured platforms for app development.
• SaaS (Software as a Service): Fully managed software delivered via the internet (like Google Docs or Zoom).

You should also know the basics of cloud architecture (such as regions, availability zones, and data centers) and get a feel for how major cloud providers organize their services. 

Why is it important?

No matter what your role in cloud computing, you’ll need to speak the cloud’s language. Knowing how IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS differ helps in designing the right solutions. Employers expect familiarity with fundamental concepts from day one because it shows you can navigate any cloud environment and make informed decisions about which services to use.

How to Start?

Launch a virtual server or upload files to a cloud storage bucket using a free-tier account. Try building a basic app using a PaaS like Google App Engine or AWS Elastic Beanstalk to see cloud concepts in action.

2. Programming and Scripting Skills

Cloud environments are highly automated, so the ability to write code and scripts is a core skill. This includes developing cloud-based applications and automating cloud setup or maintenance tasks. 

Proficiency in one or more of the following is a must:

• Python – Widely used for automation, scripting, and cloud functions.
• Java and C++ – Useful for building cloud-native apps.
• Ruby, .NET, PHP – Often used in enterprise systems.
• SQL – Critical for working with databases in the cloud.

Why is it important?

If you can code, you can unlock the real power of cloud computing. Instead of clicking through web consoles, skilled cloud professionals use code to provision and configure resources quickly and reliably. 

Many cloud roles (from developers to DevOps engineers) involve writing software or scripts. Even basic scripting knowledge can save time by automating routine tasks in a cloud environment.

How to Start?

Start with Python and automate simple tasks like uploading files to cloud storage or deploying a test server. Then, expand into infrastructure automation using scripting or Infrastructure-as-Code tools.

3. Networking and Security Basics

Networking and security are closely intertwined in the cloud. Networking involves connecting resources and controlling data flow, while security ensures that those resources and data are protected from unauthorized access. 

Core Networking Concepts:

• IP addressing, DNS, Load Balancers, Routing
• Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), Subnets, NAT gateways
• Firewall rules, Security Groups

Security Foundations:

• IAM (Identity & Access Management): Controls who can access what.
• Encryption (At-rest and in-transit)
• Role-based access and multi-factor authentication

Why is it important? 

Solid networking skills ensure your cloud services can talk to each other and to users reliably, while solid security skills ensure that data and services are safe from attacks or leaks. 

How to Start?

Set up a private cloud network, launch a couple of instances, and practice controlling access using security groups. Use cloud IAM tools to create users with limited permissions and observe how access differs.

4. Data Management (Databases and Storage)

Most applications rely on data, so managing data in the cloud is a key competency. This means understanding different kinds of databases and storage services that cloud providers offer. 

Key Storage Types in the Cloud:

• Object Storage (e.g., Amazon S3, Azure Blob): Great for files, images, and backups.
• Block Storage: Used with virtual machines for structured storage.
• File Storage: Shared access file systems for applications.

Database Types:

• SQL Databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL): Best for structured, relational data.
• NoSQL Databases (e.g., MongoDB, DynamoDB): Suitable for unstructured or dynamic schema data.
• Cloud-native data warehouses (e.g., BigQuery, Redshift) for analytics.

Why is it important?

Virtually all cloud-based apps need to store and retrieve data. Choosing the right database or storage solution can impact an application’s performance, scalability, and cost. If you understand how a cloud database scales and how to enable features like automatic backups or caching, you can keep applications running smoothly as data grows. 

Quick Cloud Computing Quiz

Test your knowledge with a few quick questions! (Answers are provided after the questions, so try not to peek and see how you do.)

1. Which cloud service model are you using if you access an email service like Gmail via your web browser?
   
   • A. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
   • B. Platform as a Service (PaaS)
   • C. Software as a Service (SaaS)
   • D. None of the above
     
2. Which of these is commonly used as a scripting language for cloud automation?
   
   • A. Python
   • B. Java
   • C. HTML
   • D. C++
     
3. To restrict access so that only your computer (and no one else on the internet) can connect to your cloud virtual machine, what should you configure?
   
   • A. A firewall or security group rule on the VM
   • B. A faster processor for the VM
   • C. A container around the VM
   • D. A different operating system on the VM

Answers: 1. C) SaaS; 2. A) Python; 3. A) A firewall or security group rule on the VM

Advanced Cloud Computing Skills

Not everyone working with cloud computing will need all of the following skills right away. However, as you grow and specialize, these advanced skills become increasingly valuable. They build on the foundational skills and allow you to tackle more complex projects and design sophisticated cloud solutions.

1. DevOps and Cloud Automation

DevOps is a set of practices that combines software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) to shorten the systems development lifecycle while delivering updates more reliably. In the cloud, DevOps goes hand-in-hand with automation. 

Key DevOps skills include:

• CI/CD tools like Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform, CloudFormation, and Ansible
• Monitoring tools like Prometheus, Grafana, or Cloud-native dashboards

Why is it important?

Modern cloud environments are too complex to manage by hand. Companies value engineers who can automate deployments and keep cloud services updated without downtime. A strong grasp of DevOps practices allows teams to innovate faster and with fewer mistakes. 

How to Start?

Learn Git basics and integrate with a CI tool like GitHub Actions. Then create a simple pipeline that tests and deploys a web app to the cloud. Later, move on to IaC — try provisioning a VM or network using Terraform scripts instead of the cloud provider’s console.

2. Containers and Orchestration

Containers (e.g., using Docker) allow developers to package applications with all their dependencies into a standardized unit that can run reliably in any environment. This has revolutionized how applications are deployed in the cloud, making them highly portable and efficient. 

Key Tools & Platforms:

• Docker: To package apps and dependencies into containers.
• Kubernetes: To manage, scale, and deploy containers at scale.
• Helm or Docker Compose: For defining multi-container applications.

Why is it Important?

Containers let you build apps that run the same anywhere, on your laptop, a cloud VM, or in a Kubernetes cluster. They’re efficient, portable, and ideal for microservices. Orchestration tools like Kubernetes take it to the next level by automating scaling, healing, and networking across multiple containers.

How to Start?

Begin by writing a simple Dockerfile for a web app, building an image, and running it locally. Once you’re comfortable, deploy the same app on a local Kubernetes setup like Minikube. Learn how to manage pods, services, and volumes, then gradually explore cloud-managed Kubernetes offerings.

3. Serverless Computing

Serverless computing is a cloud model where you can run your code without managing any servers. In a serverless setup, you write small units of code (functions) and the cloud provider runs them on demand, automatically handling all the underlying server management and scaling. 

Why is it Important?

Serverless allows you to focus purely on writing logic, no server provisioning, patching, or scaling required. You write small, single-purpose functions and let the cloud provider handle the rest. It’s highly cost-efficient and ideal for event-driven applications, APIs, and automation workflows.

How to Start?

Write a simple function (like sending an email or resizing an image) and deploy it to AWS Lambda or any other platform. Trigger it via an HTTP call or file upload. Over time, connect multiple serverless functions to build entire backend workflows or APIs.

Keep Learning and Building

Cloud computing is a fast-evolving field – new services and tools appear all the time. The good news is that you can keep pace by continuously learning and applying your knowledge. Here are some tips to grow your skills:

• Get hands-on: Nothing beats practical experience. Create side projects – for example, deploy a personal website or app using cloud services, or set up a cloud database for a hobby project. The more you tinker with real cloud environments, the more confident you’ll become.
  
• Never stop learning: Stay curious and up-to-date. Follow cloud technology blogs, join online communities, and take advantage of free tutorials or courses. Cloud providers often offer free training modules and publish guides on new features, these can keep you informed about the latest trends. Regularly engaging with these resources will keep your knowledge fresh.
  
• Consider certifications: Earning a cloud computing certification can structure your learning and showcase your skills to employers. There are vendor-specific certifications as well as vendor-neutral ones. While not mandatory, preparing for a certification ensures you cover important topics and can give you a valuable credential.
  
• Collaborate and network: Work on projects with others or contribute to open-source cloud projects. This exposes you to real-world scenarios and best practices. Plus, networking with peers or mentors can spark insights and provide support as you learn.

If you want to learn Cloud Computing from Scratch, that too for free, then consider enrolling in GUVI’s Cloud Computing Course, where you will master technologies like matplotlib, pandas, SQL, NLP, and deep learning,  and build interesting real-life cloud computing projects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of cloud computing is broad and ever-changing. By starting with foundational skills and steadily adding advanced skills to your toolkit, you’ll be ready to design and manage modern cloud solutions. 

Remember that every expert was once a beginner – the combination of practice, curiosity, and perseverance is your best strategy. With dedication and hands-on effort, your cloud computing skills will soar, opening up exciting opportunities in your career. Good luck on your cloud journey!

FAQs

What are the skills required for a cloud engineer fresher?

To excel as a fresher in cloud engineering, you need strong foundational skills in networking, operating systems, and programming languages like Python. Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), virtualization, containerization, and automation tools is crucial. We discuss more about the core skills necessary in the article above.

Does a cloud engineer need coding skills?

Coding skills are essential for a cloud engineer. They enable automation, infrastructure as code, and the creation of custom solutions. Knowing how to code in languages like Python, Java, or scripting languages allows engineers to manage and optimize cloud resources efficiently. While not all tasks require extensive coding, a foundational understanding is crucial for success in this role.

Can a beginner become a cloud engineer?

Yes, most definitely, given you use the right resources. First, you must start by learning cloud basics, like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Gain expertise in networking, security, and infrastructure. Certifications like AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner are valuable. Build projects and seek internships for hands-on experience. And enroll in a course like GUVI’s, where you get all of this and more with placement assistance all in one place!

Do cloud engineers need SQL?

Yes, cloud engineers need to rely on SQL quite a lot. SQL (Structured Query Language) is crucial for managing and querying databases in the cloud. Cloud-based applications frequently rely on databases, and SQL is used to extract, manipulate, and analyze data. Proficiency in SQL enables cloud engineers to optimize database performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure data integrity, making it a valuable skill in the cloud computing domain.

Can a non-IT person learn cloud computing?

Absolutely! Cloud computing isn’t exclusive to IT experts. Many resources, like online courses and tutorials such as the highly accredited Cloud Computing program, cater to beginners. Start with foundational concepts, like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud basics. As you gain confidence, explore advanced topics. With dedication and the right resources, anyone, regardless of their IT background, can become proficient in cloud computing.