As individuals, we use “the cloud” everyday; streaming Netflix while pulling a picture from your iCloud account to send to your mom via Gmail has you operating in the cloud in three ways at once. The cloud simply refers to the programs and data we interact with that aren’t stored physically on our computers or servers on premise at a business, but that we access through the internet. Some businesses—like those just mentioned—have obvious connections to the cloud. But the reality is that nearly all businesses and other organizations are making greater use of cloud computing in order to reap the benefits in cost, speed, flexibility, scalability, and innovation. This has created enormous need to hire staff who can help transition a company from an on-premise model to a cloud environment, or imagine the possibilities of using cloud services more extensively, or harvest the machine-learning potential of the cloud to capture new business insights from massive data sets, or simply to keep the systems up and running.
Big names in cloud right now are Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. Data from Indeed shows increases from 2018 to 2019 in job postings for AWS at 21%, Azure at 31% and Google Cloud 41%. Jobseeker searches for these roles have not kept pace—actually, searches for AWS and Google Cloud roles fell in the most recent year. This suggests a mismatch: companies need more cloud computing talent than people who have cloud computing skills. This is an opportunity.
Career examples
Below are a few examples of occupations within this career path that are expected to grow over the next 10 years in the U.S., including in Chicago. Jobs in this career path require expertise in programs that our renowned academic partners are offering.
Designs a business's cloud computing strategy and oversees application architecture and deployment in cloud environments. Cloud architects also integrate cloud applications with other applications and act as an advisor to the business on ongoing cloud management strategies.
- Python, GCP, software development, cloud architecture, and DevOps.
- This job usually requires a bachelor’s degree.
- About 60% of job postings require 6 years of experience.
- Sample Certificates: CISSP, AWS CSA and IT Infrastructure Library
Works with software engineers and system operators to develop, build and install new technology systems and manage code releases. DevOps engineers participate in strategic project planning, track changes in projects and guide project team work as new systems are deployed. They also identify and fix problems while providing system maintenance.
- DevOps, Python, Linux, Ansible, Kubernetes, Java.
- 60% of jobs require 3-5 years of previous work experience
Manages the day-to-day operations of an organization's computer networks, including the systems that connect computers and other technology to each other and to outside networks. Systems administrators install, organize and support the hardware and software of these systems.
- Systems administration, Linux, Microsoft Active Directory, VMware, Windows Server
- 70% of jobs require under 5 years of past experience.
- Note on Credentials: Greater than 70% of all job postings in each pathway required a bachelor’s degree; certifications were only required occasionally.
- Note on Occupations: This sample list of occupations within the career paths is not exhaustive.
- Note on Data: Number of job postings in Chicago and expected job growth in Chicago includes data for the Chicago–Naperville-Elgin IL–IN–WI Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes the metropolitan area of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs.
- Sources: Burning Glass Technologies. (2020) “Labor Insight Real-Time Labor Market Information Tool.” [Data File]. https://laborinsight.burning-glass.com/us#dashboards/occupation-profile . Retrieved May 5, 2020; US Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2020) “Employment Projections.” Retrieved May 6, 2020.
