Online Cloud Engineering Bootcamps Guide
Table of Contents
Overview | What to expect in a bootcamp | Popular bootcamps | Career paths | Tips for success | Resources |
Choosing your bootcamp | FAQs
Why consider a cloud engineering bootcamp
Overview
An online cloud engineer bootcamp, also sometimes called a cloud computing bootcamp, is an intensive program designed to give you the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to work with cloud technology. These bootcamps typically consist of online lectures, projects and labs to develop the specialized skills you need to design, plan, manage and maintain cloud databases.
Pursuing a cloud engineering bootcamp can help to prepare you for a promising career. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t present data specific to cloud engineer careers, the BLS reports that the median annual wage for computer hardware engineers in 2023 was $138,080. Demand for cloud engineers and IT professionals continues to increase, thanks to the evolving and increasing use of technology. And cloud engineering can help peripheral careers such as data scientists, by teaching platforms such as Microsoft Azure. Businesses are turning to cloud computing for its flexibility and scaling capabilities, as well as for its cost savings compared to traditional IT infrastructure.
Mike Millerson, a former USA Army sergeant with an interest in engineering and electronics, enrolled in a cloud engineering bootcamp that focused on AWS and Microsoft’s Azure. “This choice stemmed from my interest in engineering and electronics, coupled with the growing relevance of cloud technology in modern computing.”
That bootcamp was an intensive 12-week full-time program, and it provided a comprehensive education. “The bootcamp equipped me with hands-on experience in cloud computing and a broad, overall understanding of cloud services such as data storage, networking and software development in the cloud environment,” Millerson says. “It built a solid foundation for the challenges of the field.” Since completing the bootcamp, Millerson has used those skills to manage data storage and sharing, navigate cloud-based platforms and provide technical support.
“The bootcamp equipped me with hands-on experience in cloud computing and a broad, overall understanding of cloud services such as data storage, networking and software development in the cloud environment.”
–Mike Millerson
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What to expect from an online cloud engineer bootcamp
Cloud engineer bootcamps are intense programs designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a cloud engineer. These bootcamps cover comprehensive topics, including types of cloud services, cloud deployment models, cloud architecture and major cloud platforms. Most bootcamps can be completed in four to six months, so while they’re fast-paced, they also allow you to begin your career sooner than you would with a traditional undergraduate or graduate program.
Coursework
Online cloud engineer bootcamps typically consist of several different coursework types. Many feature live and/or video lectures and classes. Additionally, you may be responsible for completing individual coursework and assignments, group projects and potentially a capstone project.
Cloud engineer bootcamps begin by covering fundamentals like cloud service types and deployment models. From there, they move into more details concepts like how to use platforms like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, as well as cloud machine learning, data storage solutions and network security.
You will learn the following concepts and more:
- Foundations of IT: Explore common operating systems, learn how to establish network connectivity and understand how to identify and use software applications.
- Introduction to cloud resources: Explore cloud resources and concepts, including how to identify vulnerabilities, connect and monitor cloud networks and troubleshoot network issues.
- Microsoft Azure: Learn about Microsoft Azure, including cloud computing principles and models, as well as Azure solutions and services and how to design applications.
- Python: Learn the fundamentals of Python, including language syntax, programming and implementation.
- Linux: Explore the Linux Operating System, including its command interface and the skills and processes you will need to use the program.
- DevOps: Develop a deeper understanding of DevOps, including the development of CodeBuild, CodeDeploy and CodePipeline skills.
Experiential learning opportunities
A quality cloud engineer bootcamp will give you multiple chances to gain experience using the skills that you’re developing. You will likely be assigned several projects that explore the concepts you’re learning. Many bootcamps also incorporate group projects, which not only give you another opportunity to put your skills to work, but also give you a chance to engage with and learn from your classmates.
Popular online cloud computing bootcamps
Here are just a few examples of online cloud engineering bootcamps and what they offer:
The University of Texas at Dallas Cloud Computing Bootcamp
About: This 32-week bootcamp features hands-on, project-based learning to immerse you in cloud computing and DevOps. During the bootcamp, students will learn AWS and Azure Cloud platforms, and you will explore more than 20 cloud computing tools and frameworks. More than 40 hands-on projects and a capstone allow students to apply the skills they’ve learned.
Admission requirements: It is preferred that applicants have an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree. Applicants may have a non-programming background. While prior work experience is recommended, it isn’t mandatory. (Source)
Tuition and fees: $8,000
UC Santa Barbara Online Cloud Engineering Bootcamp
About: This 24-week bootcamp is designed for IT professionals who want to advantage their career. It consists of live lectures, workshops, and weekly projects as well as a capstone project. The immersive bootcamp features two two-hour live sessions per week, ensuring students have instructor support. Students also have access to career services and virtual office hours.
Admission requirements: Applicants should have basic IT experience and foundational programming knowledge. (Source)
Tuition and fees: $7,900
Fullstack Academy Online Cloud Computing Bootcamp
About: This 26-week bootcamp is designed for students of all levels. It consists of live lectures, workshops and projects, with classes held on Tuesdays and Thursdays and an optional Wednesday lab. One-on-one interaction with instructors is emphasized, and students work to develop teamwork and soft skills.
Admission requirements: This bootcamp is intended for beginners as well as for professionals with existing skills. No prior experience is necessary, but applicants must complete a 30-minute, timed, logic-based exam. (Source)
Tuition and fees: $13,495
Career pathways for cloud bootcamp grads
Students who complete an online cloud engineer bootcamp will be prepared for several different careers:
Cloud software engineers and architects: Cloud software engineers and architects are responsible for creating, optimizing and maintaining cloud solutions. Architects may work on front-end and back-end infrastructure. They often work to monitor and troubleshoot cloud platforms, develop new solutions for businesses and optimize the cloud environment for enhanced performance.
Cloud security engineer: Cloud security engineers work to protect cloud systems from threats. They use technology to identify and prevent threats, implement and monitor security controls and conduct security audits to identify vulnerabilities.
Cloud network engineer: Cloud network engineers specialize in creating and maintaining networks, such as local area networks, intranets, extranets and more. They evaluate a company’s network needs and then build appropriate cloud network solutions.
Cloud administrator: Cloud administrators are tasked with overseeing a company’s entire suite of cloud applications. Administrators set up and maintain user access permissions, train employees in the application use, update protocols, troubleshoot issues and more.
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How to succeed in an online cloud engineer bootcamp
Helpful resources
- The Cloud Computing Association creates opportunities for cloud-based providers and end-users to connect and learn. The Association holds conferences, summits, expos, issues e-newsletters and updates and publishes white papers and webinars.
How to choose the right program for you
Align with your career goals
Consider your career goals before choosing the right bootcamp for your needs. For example, if you want to become a cloud security engineer, then it’s important to choose a bootcamp with a heavy focus on security concepts and skills. Identify any specific skills or experiences that will be important to your career and look for a bootcamp that will provide you with that knowledge. You may also want to consider the hands-on projects and capstones that a bootcamp requires, since they could be valuable additions to your work portfolio.
Evaluate the bootcamp’s reputation
It’s also important to consider the bootcamp’s reputation. If a bootcamp has established a reputation for being rigorous and challenging, it could have a positive impression on a potential employer.
Take some time to ask around about others’ experience with the bootcamp. In addition to reading student reviews, see if you can connect with bootcamp graduates directly through social media or through your personal network. Graduates are often happy to answer your questions, and learning about their experience could help you to determine if a bootcamp is the right fit for you.
Cost-effective decision making
Consider the cost of the bootcamps that you’re evaluating. Online cloud engineer bootcamp costs can range from $8,000 to $14,000 or more. You’ll need to consider whether the value offered by the bootcamp justifies the financial investment. Plus, it’s important to think about how much your budget will allow you to spend.
If you’re considering a certain program, contact the financial aid office to find out about the payment schedule options. You can also ask to see if there are any scholarships, loans or fellowships available to help you pay for the bootcamp.
Accreditation and its equivalent for cloud bootcamps
Accreditation is often used as a tool to measure and confirm the fact that a higher education program provides a quality education. Many employers and graduate schools want to see that you’ve received an education from an accredited program or university. However, cloud engineer bootcamps are typically considered short-term career training programs, so while some bootcamps are gradually pursuing accreditation, most bootcamps aren’t yet accredited.
Instead of relying on accreditation to evaluate a bootcamp, you can use data provided by the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR). The CIRR surveys bootcamps and then collects data including the number of students who graduate, as well as their employment rates and salaries. Since this data is publicly available, you can check the data on any bootcamp that you’re considering to get a sense of whether it’s a quality program.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Are online cloud engineer bootcamps worth it?
Online cloud engineer bootcamps can be a worthwhile investment in your IT career. These bootcamps provide a comprehensive education that prepares you for several roles, including roles as a cloud software engineer and a cloud security engineer. They can also be an excellent way to enhance your existing IT skills, keeping you updated and trained on the newest technology so you can better perform in your existing career. Bootcamps are short-term training solutions, so you can start applying your knowledge and skills sooner than you could when pursuing a traditional degree. Plus, since they’re delivered online, they offer more flexibility, often allowing you to learn at your own pace.
Can you become a cloud engineer with just a bootcamp?
es, most cloud engineer bootcamps are designed to prepare you to step into an entry-level cloud engineer position upon graduating. To maximize your chances of finding a position, it’s helpful to choose a bootcamp that also offers career support, such as interviewing training and resume development. Choosing a bootcamp that also incorporates plenty of hands-on projects is also important, since this hands-on experience may help to prepare you for a job.
What is the difference between a bootcamp and a course?
Cloud engineer bootcamps condense all of the skills and knowledge you need to get started with your career into an intense few months. They start with the foundations of cloud engineering, then quickly progress to more detailed skills and programs. Courses, on the other hand, usually focus on a smaller portion of that skill set. For example, a course might focus just on Microsoft Azure, but a bootcamp will include not only Microsoft Azure, but also DevOps, Python, Linux and more.
Final thoughts
Online cloud engineer bootcamps can be an excellent way to prepare for a new career or to build on your existing IT skills. These online bootcamps give you some scheduling flexibility while also quickly progressing from foundations to more advanced concepts and skills. Multiple hands-on projects help you to build the experience that you need to work in the cloud engineering field, and these bootcamps can prepare you for rewarding and in-demand cloud careers.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, explore available online cloud engineer bootcamps today.
With professional insight from:
Former U.S. Army Sergeant; Graduate, Cloud Engineering Bootcamp AWS and Microsoft Azure
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All Online Schools is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
All Online Schools is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.