By Emily Lucas

Cloud computing has become increasingly essential across industries –– including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and logistics, and even the public sector. As a result, it has also become fertile ground for people seeking promising careers in technology.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some career options for those interested in technology.

Cloud Security Analyst

A degree in cybersecurity can lead to a number of different careers today, and being a cloud security analyst is one of the up-and-coming options. Cloud security is an extremely important aspect of cloud computing practices, especially for companies that handle large amounts of personal and/or enterprise data. A cloud security analyst makes sure that the security in place is up-to-date and that a security breach is unlikely to happen. In the unlikely event it does happen, the analyst will work to understand what went wrong, and help to inform and implement adjustments.

Cloud Architect

Qualifications for a position of this nature will include a background in management information systems or a similar area of study. This background focus entails education on software development and systems architecture (among other disciplines) –– both of which factor into the primary duties of a cloud architect. Someone in this position will be tasked with creating and executing a company’s cloud computing initiatives, as well as making sure everything is running smoothly and within the confines of an established budget. There is occasionally some overlap with cloud security analysis, as well.

Cloud Software Engineer

This is a good career to consider if you are interested in (or have already pursued) a computer science or software engineering education. A cloud software engineer is often in charge of leading the architecture, development, deployment, and maintenance of product features the company is rolling out. They have close communication with engineering teams and customer support to ensure that product features are working as intended, and to implement any feedback given. Software engineers in this space will also occasionally work on disaster recovery (as well as forming plans for disaster recovery in advance).

Database Administrator

This is another career for which a background in computer science will serve you well. Databases have been around for a long time, but as cloud technology becomes the norm, more companies are making the decision to migrate everything to the cloud. This migration is not just a one-time move either –– it usually involves moving over pieces or sections of data at a time, checking to ensure the migration was successful, and then progressing to the next batch of data. Database administrators are also responsible (together with a security analyst) for ensuring the integrity of security systems in order to avoid any type of data breach. And finally, being a cloud database administrator today also includes the extra responsibilities of data recovery and access speed.

Cloud Consultant

While most of the previously mentioned careers are company-based, (meaning you’d be working on the company payroll and responsible for that company’s data), a cloud consultant is more of a freelance career path. Cloud consultants are experts who give their advice to companies that are looking to implement or improve cloud services. As such, a cloud consultant must have a deep understanding of various types of cloud services and related practices. You’ll be asked to pair this broad but thorough understanding with a company’s needs in order to deliver advice, hands-on solutions, or both.

Cloud computing has opened many doors for those who have studied, or are studying, technology-based degrees. And while many employers in this space are looking for those with bachelor’s degrees or higher, getting your foot in the door with internships and related programs is also a great idea. The cloud isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and it’s expected to evolve consistently over the next few years, if not decades. That means you have plenty of time to make your way into this exciting, evolving tech industry.