The outlook for cloud careers in 2024 is strong. In fact, a recent report by media outlet CIO.com indicated cloud computing positions are at the top of the list that organizations in the tech space will be looking to fill in 2024.
The news will come as no surprise to those who have been following the development of cloud computing in recent years. Businesses in virtually every sector shifted from the data center to the cloud as they sought to find the flexibility and scalability digital transformation demanded.
The following areas of cloud expertise represent those careers that promise to be in high demand in the coming year.
The Cloud Architect
While reports show that cloud spending is on the rise, they also reveal businesses are wasting as much as 32% of their cloud budget. The cloud architect is there to help the client achieve meaningful digital transformation from their cloud expenditures. Additionally, a great cloud architect can reduce costs through optimal design while also promoting business agility.
To excel in their role, cloud architects must develop a deep understanding of business operations as well as available technology tools. Unlike the cloud engineer, who is focused on the hands-on work of building cloud networks, the architect focuses on understanding business needs and leveraging technology to support those needs.
Becoming a cloud architect requires developing business acumen. Architects must have the executive presence required for meeting with the C-suite, speaking their language and understanding their concerns. They must be able to present solutions, sell solutions and lead the teams that will ultimately build and deploy those solutions.
The Enterprise Architect
The enterprise architect extends the focus of the cloud architect to include infrastructure, processes and information systems. Their work flows from a deep understanding of the existing systems within an organization and the role they play in supporting operations. Just like the cloud architect, enterprise architects use their expertise to develop projects that deliver business value.
Enterprise architects also assist organizations in building teams that are competent in using and supporting cloud-based systems. They ensure key personnel are properly trained and resources remain accessible and secure.
According to a recent survey, 51% of executives reported the tech projects their organizations invested in during the past two years did not improve overall business performance. That sad fact is the reason enterprise architects will be in high demand in the coming year. Enterprise architects keep businesses from experiencing tech project failures that result in millions, if not billions, of dollars in loss.
The Security Architect
Organizations that experience security breaches suffer dire consequences. The average cost of data breaches in 2023 was $4.45 million. Beyond the financial costs, businesses also face the long-term implications of reputational damage. In some cases, breaches can result in lawsuits targeting business executives.
To guard against those risks, organizations are increasing their reliance on security architects. These specialists develop the methodologies necessary to repel the cyberattacks that have become common in the business world. Succeeding in this role requires a deep understanding of major cloud platforms, security best practices and trending security threats.
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Architect
The agility, scalability and flexibility provided by cloud technologies, combined with near-unlimited computing capacity, have played a key role in the advancement and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). AI architects are focused on helping organizations improve their business performance by designing systems to improve operations. Whether the goal is automation, increasing employee productivity, improving forecasts or other innovations, the AI architect will help companies design AI solutions that will help their clients’ operations and profitability.
A recent report estimated that 50% of IT leaders struggled with moving AI projects past the point of conception in 2023. AI architects are the people who know how to help organizations best leverage the benefits of AI technologies. AI architects need a full understanding of all the types of available AI technologies along with business acumen, leadership skills, sales skills and presentation skills.
The ever-increasing importance of cloud services combined with the lack of available talent means the four roles listed above are positioned to see excellent career growth in 2024. So, if you’re ready to embark on a new career path or continue on your journey, the sky’s the limit.
