OVERVIEW
What Is a Cloud Consultant?
Cloud consultants familiarize companies with available cloud computing services, helping them to make decisions that benefit operations. Familiar with all technical aspects of cloud-based applications, cloud consultants maintain strong communicative roles. They are responsible for relaying the benefits of cloud services to individual companies in a way that nontechnical company representatives can understand.
You will likely need to obtain a relevant undergraduate degree to become an IT consultant of any kind. In addition, employers might require that you have at least a few years of experience in a cloud computing environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Cloud Consultant Do?
Cloud consultants fulfill a wide variety of responsibilities. On some days, you’ll likely spend time communicating with clients and researching cloud services they express interest in. On other days, you might collaborate with cloud engineers and cloud administrators, and help them create cloud-based applications according to client preferences.
Depending on the size of your technology firm or IT department, you might also be responsible for creating and implementing some, or all, of the cloud-based applications you discuss with clients.
The individual responsibilities of a cloud consultant include:
- Communicating with companies to determine their cloud service needs and answer any of their cloud-related questions.
- Researching cloud-based applications that companies might be interested in.
- Collaborating with cloud engineers, administrators, and IT teams to create cloud-based applications that satisfy a client’s needs.
- Creating cloud-based applications that clients might need, typically after helping clients ideate those applications.
- Integrating cloud-based applications into a client’s network after they have been created.
- Configuring client networks to handle any new cloud services.
- Training client employees on the correct use of any new cloud-based applications.
- Familiarizing client companies with any changes to their existing cloud-based applications.
Between communicating with clients and integrating their preferred cloud-based applications, cloud consultants fulfill a critical role for any technology firm or IT department.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
What Education Does a Cloud Consultant Need?
As a cloud consultant, your career in cloud services begins with a bachelor’s degree in cloud computing or a closely-related field. This program helps introduce you to the world of cloud-based applications and teaches you skills that you’ll be able to use in your professional IT career.
Courses are designed to help you excel in a cloud environment. You’ll develop an understanding of network and security through specific classes on Linux foundations and other emerging technologies. Before graduating, you’ll be able to understand and implement cloud platform solutions, informing any future consultations you have with clients.
Where Do Cloud Consultants Work?
Cloud consultants can work in a variety of different locations. Depending on your employer, you might work on-site for a large company as part of their internal IT department, informing their cloud-related decisions. In other cases, cloud consultants work for independent technology firms and are contracted first for consultations, before the full creation of cloud-based applications.
Cloud consultants might work in one or more of the following locations:
- Medium or large companies
- Technology research firms
- Independent cloud computing firms
- Information technology providers
As a cloud consultant, your location will likely depend on the nature of your employer. If you are contracted as a cloud consultant to work with individual clients, you may also be required to travel between a client’s office and your own.
Best Degrees for a Cloud Consultant
Technology
Cloud Computing – B.S.
A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and...
A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and credentials you need for a career like systems administrator, computer systems analyst, cloud support specialist, AWS support administrator, and more.
- Time: 63% of graduates finish within 37 months.
- Transfer: Your previous college coursework and existing certifications may waive course requirements, helping you finish even faster.
- Tuition: $3,985 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
- 3 Tracks: Choose between a multi-cloud, AWS, or Azure focused track to learn specific software specialties.
Certifications at no extra cost, including:
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Amazon AWS SysOps Administration–Associate
- Azure Fundamentals
- Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure
- LPI Linux Essentials
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Cloud+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and Automation
- Managing Cloud Security
- Development
- Applications
- Ongoing maintenance and security
Technology
Back End Web Development Certificate – School of Technology
The Back End Web Development Certificate helps students gain a critical...
The Back End Web Development Certificate helps students gain a critical foundation in databases, Java, SQL, and other areas that are crucial for success in the field.
- Time: 6 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $3,950 for the certificate.
- Courses: 5 courses total in this program.
This certificate is designed to help individuals who want to pursue web development gain important skills and experience, boosting their résumé right away. In this program you will take courses that move directly into a School of Technology bachelor's degree at WGU, where you are guaranteed admission after completing your certificate. This program is an important step for your career.
Build your foundational skills in back end web development with a focus on SQL queries, user interface, database management, Java fundamentals and frameworks, and more.
How Much Does a Cloud Consultant Make?
$116,589
The exact income of a cloud consultant can vary based on many factors, including their employer, employer’s location, years of experience, education, and active certifications.
On average, the salary of a cloud consultant is $116,589, with a range of roughly $23,500 to $205,000 earned each year.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
4%
Cloud consultants are expected to enjoy a positive job outlook over the next decade. Employment for network and computer systems administrators is expected to increase by 4% from 2019 to 2029, a growth rate roughly the same as the projected growth across all occupations.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Cloud Consultant Need?
Cloud consultants regularly depend on a variety of different skills in the workplace. These skills help them effectively communicate with clients and implement cloud-based solutions whenever necessary.
Cloud consultants regularly depend on the following IT skills:
- Interpersonal communication: The ability to correspond effectively with client representatives and fellow IT team members.
- Teamwork: The ability to work well in a collaborative environment as an IT team creates and integrates cloud-based applications into a company’s current network.
- Cloud management: The ability to develop and sustain cloud-based applications, according to a company’s specifications, that work well with their existing network.
- Data management: The ability to effectively use all necessary database platforms, data storage programs, and file transfer software.
- Instruction: The ability to teach clients about new developments in cloud computing, helping them to recognize the benefits of implementing potential new applications.
- Research: The ability to continually seek, identify, and implement cloud solutions that can enhance a client’s output and security.
- Problem-solving: The ability to troubleshoot and overcome any issues that might be negatively affecting a client’s cloud-based applications.
These and other skills allow cloud consultants to connect with clients, implement cloud-based applications, and inform their understanding of an evolving cloud landscape.
Our Online University Degree Programs Start on the First of Every Month, All Year Long
No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It's back-to-school time at WGU year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you'll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor's or master's degree—sooner than you might think!
Next Start Date
{{startdate}}
Interested in Becoming a Cloud Consultant?
Learn more about degree programs that can prepare you for this meaningful career.
