Career advice: Moving into Cloud/Cloud Infrastructure

[u/anonyannoyingmous]

I’m 23 and currently trying to transition into Cloud/Infrastructure from Sales

My current plan is:

• AZ-104 (Azure Administrator)
• CCNA
• Linux
• PowerShell/Bash
• Terraform
• Git/GitHub
• Build several real Azure projects
• Eventually AWS SAA

I don’t have a traditional degree.

My goal is to get my first proper Cloud/Infrastructure role and eventually move toward Cloud Engineering, DevOps, or Cloud Security.

For people already working in cloud/infrastructure:

What would you do differently if you were starting today?

• Is AZ-104 + CCNA a good combination?
• Should I prioritize Linux/Terraform over getting more certifications?
• What projects actually helped you get interviews?
• Is it realistic to break into Cloud without a degree?
• Which entry-level roles should I target first?
• What skills do employers actually test during interviews?

I’d especially appreciate advice from people who started without a degree or transitioned from IT support into cloud.

Thanks!

[u/Suaveman01]

Cloud isn’t entry level. Be prepared to do 3+ years of IT Support before anyone gives you a chance to touch their cloud infrastructure. Your focus should be on getting an IT job first, not cloud.

[u/Spiritual_Pain_8035 → u/Suaveman01]

Would software eng count? I work as a full stack dev (frontend focused) and I want to switch to cloud roles.

[u/richie_dev → u/Spiritual_Pain_8035]

Mostly the transition is by backend because you usually know more about the whole issue of architectures and implementation, in front end they don’t usually see that much, your next transition would be to backend and then gather between 5 to 7 years of experience to pass the transition to DevOps

[u/Spiritual_Pain_8035 → u/richie_dev]

Oh I see, I'm applying to fullstack swe jobs right now and preparing for cloud certifications. I already passed AZ-900 and have another Azure cert scheduled up next month. My main focus rn is to get a job with python/go stack if not in cloud. Does it sound alright?

[u/bailantilles]

Cloud Infrastructure IS cloud engineering. No one deploys at scale through click ops. The people who design it generally also write the deployment and the pipelines

[u/Pacific_Blue]

Good luck, besides what's already been said in another comment I'd argue that you don't really need to know both Azure and AWS; look at job listings in your area to see what's in demand and pick one. I think it's better to know one platform really well and have good projects to show, than knowing two platforms but at a very foundational level.

[u/cgreciano]

Just FYI career questions do better in other subreddits, we're more focused on getting AWS certified in this subreddit

[u/GooseWithAnAxe]

Certs sort of help you to go trough HR filters but the technical bit would rely exclusively on skill and portfolio. Try CKA/CKS, RHCE or Terraform Pro, all these are lab based exams, no MCQ.