How I Would Prepare for an Entry Level Cloud Engineer Job 2024

Summary

In this video, Gwen, a tech professional with over 10 years of experience, shares her approach to preparing for an entry-level cloud engineering role in 2024. She emphasizes realistic expectations, advising newcomers to start with basic tech roles like help desk support before transitioning to cloud engineering. Gwen explains how to align learning with job requirements, suggests certifications, and highlights the importance of hands-on projects. She also uses tools like ChatGPT and job descriptions to craft interview prep questions, offering practical tips for candidates to succeed in interviews and beyond.

Takeaways

• 😌 Gwen emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations when transitioning into cloud engineering, noting the competitiveness of the market.
• 💼 She suggests starting with an entry-level tech job rather than directly aiming for a cloud role, such as help desk or support analyst positions.
• 📜 Gwen recommends obtaining an associate-level cloud certification and complementing it with a project that implements the learned skills.
• 🔧 She advises taking additional certifications in related fields like Linux, networking, security, or DevOps to broaden skill sets.
• 🏗️ Gwen suggests building on existing projects to add functionality that incorporates new skills, mimicking real-world job responsibilities.
• 🔍 When job hunting, she recommends filtering for entry-level cloud engineer positions and considering factors like location and remote work options.
• 📝 Gwen provides a detailed walkthrough of how to tailor one's certifications and projects to align with specific job requirements.
• 🗣️ She stresses the importance of communication skills and the ability to articulate one's experiences and skills during interviews.
• 🖥️ Gwen uses tools like Grammarly and ChatGBT to improve productivity and prepare for interviews by generating potential interview questions.
• 📈 She advises documenting experiences while in a support role that could be valuable for future interviews, highlighting the importance of behavioral and cultural fit.

Q & A

What is the main point Gwen emphasizes about preparing for an entry-level cloud engineering role in 2024?

Gwen emphasizes setting realistic expectations. She mentions that simply taking a course or joining a boot camp isn't enough to land a job in the current market. Due to increased competition, especially from people with more experience, gaining actual hands-on experience is crucial.

Why does Gwen recommend starting with an entry-level tech job rather than directly aiming for a cloud engineering role?

Gwen suggests starting with an entry-level tech job, such as help desk support, because it helps build the foundational technical skills and experience needed for cloud engineering. This approach makes it easier to transition into cloud engineering later on.

What role did Gwen have as her first tech job, and how did she feel about it?

Gwen's first tech job was help desk support at a nonprofit health clinic, and she admits she didn't enjoy it. However, she stuck with it for a year and a half because it provided the necessary experience for her career progression.

What is Gwen's recommended process for progressing towards a cloud engineering role?

Gwen recommends getting an entry-level tech job first, obtaining an associate-level cloud certification, and then building projects that align with the skills required for cloud roles. She suggests adding functionality to those projects as skills increase, eventually making the transition to cloud engineering.

What kind of certifications does Gwen suggest for someone aiming for a cloud engineering role?

Gwen suggests obtaining an associate-level cloud certification like Azure's AZ-104 or AWS' equivalent. Additionally, she recommends complementing it with certifications in areas like Linux, networking, security, or DevOps, depending on the job requirements.

How does Gwen recommend aligning learning with job opportunities?

Gwen advises being intentional about aligning your learning with the requirements of the job you want. For example, if a job description emphasizes Linux and cloud skills, you should focus on certifications and projects that demonstrate proficiency in those areas.

What tools does Gwen use to enhance productivity when preparing for cloud roles?

Gwen frequently uses tools like ChatGPT for tasks such as grammar checking, drafting emails, asking clarifying questions about technical texts, and generating practice interview questions.

What does Gwen suggest regarding behavioral interview questions?

Gwen recommends documenting and reflecting on your experiences as you work in your support role to prepare for behavioral interview questions. She advises starting a journal or word document where you can record situations that demonstrate skills like problem-solving and handling pressure.

What advice does Gwen give about handling interview questions effectively?

Gwen suggests taking time to embrace the question and ask for clarification if needed before answering. This pause conveys confidence and ensures you fully understand the question, helping you give a better response.

What importance does Gwen place on communication skills in the context of a cloud career?

Gwen stresses that communication skills are essential for growing in a cloud engineering career. Being able to communicate your projects and technical knowledge clearly is key to being a good team member and advancing professionally.