Reena Jhaveri looks at the career options in this exciting new field
Field overview
India is one of those places where cloud computing is creating waves, and with the waves it is creating thousands of new jobs on a routine basis. And that’s why everyone in the IT industry needs to understand the importance of this field. More and more organisations today are adopting cloud computing, and so if you have to take up temporary programmes to brush up your skills, please do!
It is due to these factors that cloud computing is becoming widely recognised in the market, and it had penetrated quite deep within the industry. It is for the IT workforce to now keep up pace with the developments. In the near future, the cloud computing market is likely to grow at a really fast pace, according to the Indian Cloud Market Overview 2011-2016 report by International Data Corporation (IDC), which says that the market is likely to grow 50% over the next three years.
For catering to the demands created by the rapid growth, trained professionals are needed, which are few to find currently. Most reports say that the current work force is not ‘cloud ready’. Experts believe that companies are finding it harder and harder to find trainees with particular skills in cloud computing.
Cloud computing entails that computing services are delivered over the internet, and no longer products within the organisation’s office, and thus, the outlook towards the field has changed, since engineers will have to unlearn a lot of what they have gathered and learn new things.
However, those who have been enthusiastically following this field, say that once this technology sets in, getting space (cloud space over the internet) will be as easy as using an application over a smart phone or a tablet. You simply go to the online store, look for what you need and pay as you use!
To get there
This field produces several types of careers on cloud computing. For that, you need to have some level of understanding of how a cloud solution works well for your business. Beginning as an engineer would be apt for this career. For that, you have to take up science in class 11, and take your class 12 exams (HSC or equivalent) with physics, chemistry and maths. After that you have to take all the entrance exams required to get into an engineering programme, and take up computer engineering if possible.
If you do not opt for the engineering route, you could also take up a BSc degree in Information Technology (IT) and then get a certification. For pursuing BSc-IT, you need to take up science in class 11 and 12, and take the board exam with physics, chemistry and science. Many colleges affiliated to Mumbai University offer this programme and the admissions are based on the marks secured in class 12.
After completing your graduation, you can opt for a professional certification on cloud computing. Many certifications are on offer and it will add a lot of value to your skills as well as your resume. Combining these new skills with a previous technical background will make it a lethal combination! Acquiring a certification will also give you a formal recognition as someone prepared to deliver what is expected and increases your chances of employment.
Larger cloud computing technology providers such as IBM and Microsoft, as well as independent training organizations offer these programmes. Some of them are:
The market
A recent study conducted by EMC and Zinnov Management Consulting says that total cloud market in India is estimated at $400 million: this is expected to touch $4.5 billion by 2015. The study says that the private cloud market, where the infrastructure is operated for specific companies, to create 100,000 IT jobs by 2015.
The study also says that currently companies have no choice but to hire those with either basic or near-to-no knowledge in this area since properly qualified personnel is now available. Thus, even today, underskilled staff is addressing cloud computing implementations, which is expected to change soon.
In such a scenario, a trained person will be absorbed by the industry very fast. Among technical jobs, one job that us becoming popular in this arena is that of an ‘enterprise cloud architect’. This is an expert who understands IT infrastructure as well as IT applications, which is very different from traditional IT services.
Industry insiders point out that besides technical jobs, other related jobs will also be created in the field, especially for marketing and selling of cloud-based solutions.
The time has arrived where engineers who can write cloud-ready applications, and provide infrastructure at the back end will be the ones who will be in demand because of the obvious edge they will hold over others.
Remuneration
In this field, the salary levels are high since the expertise and experience demanded is also specialised and unique. A professional at entry level will make a more-than-satisfactory amount per annum, in the range of `5-6 lakh, and with a few years of experience under his or her belt, this professional can make it `15 to `18 lakh per annum.
A mid-managerial level person with great responsibilities as part of the job description can make around `20 lakh per annum. With technology giants like IBM, Infosys, Microsoft and HCL creating job opportunities in this field, one can imagine how far the scope is.
In fact, many believe that new job avenues will definitely come up, and the roles will be better defined in the years to come as the market for cloud computing matures and the need is defined. Many also feel that it is essential for software and IT professionals to learn from now, and be ready to adapt in this situation. Service providers are being prepared to deliver the best in terms of technology and to achieve this result, they are demanding a high number of experts to support their complex environments.
A student says
Swapnali Kirkire, Pursuing her certification
Even though many say that you do not need a particular degree to take up a career in cloud computing, you need to have a scientific bent of mind, especially analytical thinking, if you want to enter this field. During the course of my work and certification exams, I have come across a few things. You can start learning cloud computing from scratch even if you have very basic skills on information technology.
It is not necessary that to lean about cloud computing you need to be able to code, but it helps if you do know how to. Cloud computing is becoming a technology used in all the global industries and not only by technical people. Chances are that you are working in a company that is already using a cloud infrastructure.
To understand who uses this technology, think about your everyday activities. You are probably using it right now! Consumers and businesses use the cloud on a daily basis without even being aware. If you use email, or go to a social network and post photos, access online document software, or use your company’s hardware/ software, you are probably using this technology! You may also use it to store online records. You can also use cloud computing to back up files for storage off your computer.
In the field
Nipun Goel, Software engineer
You need several essential skills to make a career in cloud computing. You need technical skills no doubt and the type and extent of such skills will depend on how much of the work load you are responsible for. There is no question that you have to have the knowledge base to focus on the capabilities for using the internet for open source tools and languages. It might help you to have certain business skills to know a successful project from a useless one – one that does not meet the needs. You need to throw such projects out. You obviously need a few IT skills in architecture and you should be able to talk the language of the business.
At mid-managerial level, you need to rely on your project management skills since these are necessary when working with a team of experts who think they know everything.
You should also be able to integrate data, analyse material and learn about security and compliance in the way that the industry demands it.
An aspirant asks
Purva Sharma, Engineering student
I am currently pursuing BE. Cloud computing is the new buzz word in the IT sector these days, and considering that, I feel that we – as the future employees should brush up our skills to take up jobs like a cloud architect. Can you provide some insight regarding the value of a professional certification in this field?
Professional Nipun Goel answers: There are clear benefits and a few disadvantages of getting a certification in the field for IT. The advantages extend not only to the individual, but also to the organizations and perhaps the client as well. First and foremost, a certification in the field will act as a differentiator in the IT Industry – both for the employee and the employer (when sifting out the candidates for hiring). As competition increases and the marketplace shrinks, ensuring a highly-skilled, efficient workforce is mandatory.
While one might want to get a certification for securing a job, there are many benefits, including: increased income/ profit potential; higher individual and team productivity; reduction in support costs and so on. The disadvantages are limited, especially to the cost. If the organisation bears the cost of certification, the organisation is disadvantaged, otherwise the individual is. Given the current market conditions, individuals should consider costs and benefits of investing time and money.
