What is a cloud architect? A vital role for success in the cloud

Through your early career, you’ll want to focus on starting out in roles such as IT support technician, systems administrator, cloud developer, cloud engineer, cloud administrator, DevOps engineer, network administrator, or cloud security analyst. These roles will help you gain the right skills, knowledge, and expertise to continue down a cloud-related career path. Establish a career plan with your manager and communicate your intentions of becoming a cloud architect, and find the right mentors who can guide you on your career path.

As a cloud architect, you may find yourself on an Individual Contributor (IC) path, which is an alternative to leadership that still allows you to grow and develop your career. As an IC, you’ll evolve into a subject matter expert in your field of expertise, assisting with high-level development and implementation plans for cloud solutions. Continuous learning will be a priority on the IC path, ensuring you continue to grow and develop your expertise and learn about new and emerging tech.

Others will find themselves on a management path, leading teams of cloud architects and engineers, ensuring they stay on track and budget when it comes to cloud infrastructure. For those on the leadership path, continuous learning will also be important, but soft skills will become a priority. Your focus will be less on the technical aspects of the cloud and more on leading teams, encouraging collaboration, and communicating to key stakeholders the benefits of cloud adoption.