How to Transition to the Cloud From Traditional IT Background

In Today’s Cloudbites:

💻 How to Transition to the Cloud From Traditional IT Background

🏋️ Overcoming 3 Common Challenges in Your Career Transition

☁️ Online Cloud Events to Look Forward to

🤫 PLUS: Microsoft’s Copilot Pages Revolutionizes Teamwork

Read time: 6 minutes

Hi friends, welcome back to Cloudbites

Today, I’ll share some strategies to help you transition to the Cloud from a traditional IT background. I’ll also be sharing an update on Microsoft’s Copilot Pages.

CLOUD COMPUTING ☁️

💻 How to Transition to the Cloud From Traditional IT Background

As more organizations migrate to the Cloud, professionals with traditional IT backgrounds have the opportunity to shift their careers.

Here are 5 steps to help you transition to the Cloud:

#1 Understand the Basics of Cloud Computing

In many Cloud roles, you’ll be expected to have a solid understanding across a range of technical domains, such as networking, compute, storage, databases, and security.

Additionally, learning at least one Cloud provider (e.g. AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud) and their services will help you grasp their use cases and how businesses utilize them.

If you’re unsure where to start, I’d recommend watching one of my YouTube videos How to Get Ahead of 99% of Cloud Learners to have a better idea on how to effectively create your learning strategy. 

#2 Assess Current (Transferable) Skills 

Once you’ve had solid Cloud foundational knowledge, you can start evaluating your IT skills and identify which can be transferred to a Cloud environment. 

Skills in network management, system administration, and security are often relevant in Cloud roles. 

You can also create a skills matrix that lists your strengths alongside the competencies required in Cloud roles to spot any areas of improvement you could work on. 

#3 Get Certified

Obtaining Cloud certifications will demonstrate your commitment to transitioning into the Cloud and enhance your credibility in the job market. 

I’d recommend you to explore various certification paths based on your career goals and the Cloud platforms you are interested in, and start with foundational certifications, like AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.

If you’re interested in preparing for your certification exams and/or considering taking further specialized certifications, check out my YouTube video on The Best AWS Certification Learning Paths (Roadmap by AWS).

#4 Hands-On Learning & Networking

Doing hands-on projects is the best way to apply, consolidate, and review the your understanding of the Cloud.

Participating in hackathons or contributing to open-source projects related to cloud computing will also be helpful to meet like-minded peers.

This is because networking is crucial to expand your insights into the Cloud industry and get potential job leads.

You can do this by attending industry meetups, joining Cloud forums/communities, and connecting with professionals on LinkedIn. 

#5  Is There a Cloud Team in Your Company?

Before seeking job opportunities elsewhere, check whether your current organization has a Cloud team or project(s) that align with your interests. 

If your company supports internal mobility, you might find a smoother path to a Cloud role without having to leave your organization.

Seeking opportunities for cross-training or shadowing can provide valuable experience and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth in the Cloud. 

🏋️ Overcoming 3 Common Challenges in Your Career Transition

#1 Cultural Shift

Moving to a Cloud environment may require a significant cultural shift, promoting agility and collaboration rather than traditional siloed practices.

How to Overcome: Adopt a growth mindset and be open to change. Familiarize yourself with Agile and DevOps methodologies, and seek opportunities to collaborate on cross-functional teams.

#2 Navigating New Tools and Technologies

The Cloud landscape is rapidly evolving, with a number of tools and technologies to learn, which can be overwhelming.

How to Overcome: Start with a few key Cloud services and tools relevant to your role rather than learning everything at once. Create a learning roadmap that outlines what to focus on over time. 

#3 Understanding Cloud Security

Security in Cloud environments is fundamentally different from traditional IT security practices, which can lead to confusion.

How to Overcome: Prioritize learning about Cloud security best practices, compliance standards, and risk management. Stay updated on industry trends and participate in security workshops to build your confidence.

☁️ Online Cloud Events to Look Forward to

#1 AWS – Cloud Practitioner Essentials (14 Oct)

Learn how to use AWS services to improve business processes and also gain an understanding of how to benefit from AWS security and compliance services.

Click here to register. 

#2 AWS – Cloud Practitioner Essentials (30 Oct)

Learn how to use AWS services to improve business processes and also gain an understanding of how to benefit from AWS security and compliance services.

Click here to register. 

#3 Azure – Fundamentals (23 & 24 Sep)

Develop an understanding of foundational Cloud concepts and expand your knowledge of Cloud models and service types.

Click here to register. 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 🤖

🤫 PLUS: Microsoft’s Copilot Pages Revolutionizes Teamwork

Microsoft has launched Copilot Pages, a new collaborative tool for businesses that facilitates "multiplayer AI collaboration," allowing teams to work together on documents using AI assistance.

💡Here’s what you need to know:

• Copilot Pages can be easily shared via a link, enabling you and other users to edit documents similarly to shared Word documents in real-time

• The new AI feature is integrated with BizChat, allowing you to pull in data from the internet and work files for various business needs

• Microsoft also introduced new Copilot agents, virtual employees that can automate tasks such as monitoring emails and performing data entry to enhance work efficiency

Copilot Pages will be available to all Microsoft 365 Copilot subscribers, and users with free access to the Copilot chatbot through business Microsoft Entra accounts.

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THAT’S A WRAP

Thanks for reading! 😊

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