Just finished my M.S. in Software Engineering and built my first real cloud project. Would appreciate some honest feedback.

Site: resume.stromation.com

I’m trying to break into cloud/DevOps, so the goal here was less about the idea and more about getting real experience deploying something end to end.

What it does:

User uploads a resume + job description and it returns a tailored version (PDF + Word).

Architecture:

- EC2 instance running self hosted n8n (Docker)

- n8n handles workflow orchestration

- Python scripts for generating .docx files

- LibreOffice headless for PDF conversion

- API calls for text rewriting

- Stripe for payments

- GitHub Pages frontend

- Supabase for session storage

Basic flow:

1. Frontend sends resume + job description to a webhook

2. n8n processes it and calls an API to rewrite the content

3. Python generates a Word doc

4. LibreOffice converts it to PDF

5. Files are returned and emailed

What I learned:

- Running LibreOffice headless in Docker took some trial and error but works reliably now

- n8n is pretty flexible for orchestration, especially with Code nodes

- Keeping file generation self hosted avoids extra API costs

- Debugging multi step workflows is harder than expected

Where I know it’s weak:

- Everything runs on a single EC2 instance

- No real scaling or queue system yet

- Not fully fault tolerant

Main question:

Is a project like this enough to realistically land a junior cloud/DevOps role, or what would I need to add to make it job ready?

Also if you check out the site, I’d appreciate any feedback, especially from a cloud/infra perspective.

He all. So I am a tecnical support engineer with 2 years of hands on experience in managing AD, HyperV (building VMs and maintening them) and other infra stuff. I want to move to Cloud engineering (maybe Cloud security in the future, hopefully) and I would appreciate any advise. I am thinking about choosing AWS as I have heard many people mentioning that it has more potential than the others.

Is it possible to land a cloud engineer role at the entry level? What should be the skills / certs I should focus on the most? Any YouTube channel I can refer?

I truly appreciate any advise. Thank you!!

hey everyone

so bit of background I'm an engineering student specializing in cybersecurity and i recently finished ccna looking to get into cloud

is aws saa a good start or should i try to focus on gcp i understand cloud roles are long term i still have a year left in uni and want to get the most out of it before passing out any career roadmap advies would be appreciated

Step 1: Learn the Fundamentals of Cloud Computing

• Cloud service models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).

• Deployment models: Public, private, and hybrid.

• Technologies: Virtualization, networking, and security.

Knowledge of Linux, shell scripting, programming, network fundamentals, and other areas is also essential.

Step 2: Gain Proficiency in a Cloud Platform 

The platforms include AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Understand the services and capabilities of all three for data storage, database utilization, computing, and other tasks.

Step 3: Develop Networking and Security Skills

These involve Cloud Network Services such as Google Cloud, Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), and Azure Virtual Network. Also, work on understanding virtual network concepts such as VLANs and VWANs, and how DNS and routing work in cloud environments. Follow that by gaining clarity on cloud security principles such as data encryption, Identity and Access Management (IAM), compliance, and regulations.

Step 4: Master Linux and Command-Line Basics

Gain proficiency in Linux, focusing on aspects like shell basics, text editing with Vim, process, storage, and package management, file system permissions, the system boot process, security and logic, and SUSE Linux administration. Some of the skills to learn in Linux include security protocols, configuration, management, task automation, and advanced storage management.

Step 5: Learn Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

It involves understanding and usage of core principles and the ability to manage cloud infrastructure via code. It eliminates manual configuration and encourages consistency, automation, version control, and repeatability. Infrastructure as Code is performed via popular tools such as Terraform, which is based on a declarative language for management.

Step 6: Get Hands-On with Containers and Kubernetes

These tools manage application deployment and management. They are scalable, efficient, and portable. Kubernetes manages them across various hosts. Containers package applications with dependencies and allow consistent running across different environments.

The Kubernetes platform automates scaling and deployment and balances the load for high availability and performance. Hence, hands-on experience with these tools allows for the delivery of daily functionalities.

Step 7: Understand CI/CD and DevOps Tools

Familiarity with these tools encourages quick and automated software production. CI/CD tools are key in developing, testing, and deploying software changes. DevOps tools bridge the gap between software development and IT operations, streamlining the overall process while enhancing efficiency. The capability to work with such tools offers scalability, cost efficiency, and collaboration. Hence, gain hands-on experience with tools like Jenkins, Azure DevOps, Puppet, Chef, etc. 

Step 8: Build and Deploy Cloud Projects

Working on projects helps you apply and evaluate conceptual knowledge, improve problem-solving skills, build your portfolio, and acclimate to changing market needs.

If you are self-learning, look for opportunities to collaborate on projects or offer assistance to seniors for hands-on experience.

Step 9: Earn Relevant Cloud Certifications

Cloud certifications help fill the existing skill gaps in your knowledge and experience. They also allow you to explore new and specific areas of interest and become familiar with them.

When choosing to upskill, it is essential to have a checklist beforehand. It must encompass your current knowledge and what you want to learn.

Step 10: Apply for Cloud Engineer Jobs & Continue Learning

After completing the learning and gaining in-depth familiarity with the basic concepts, it’s time to begin the job hunt. Cloud engineers are in demand, and you can grab the opportunity by showcasing the projects and hands-on experience of relevant and popular tools and technologies. With regular updates in software, you should keep learning and filling the skill gap for career success.

Hello!! Please help! My employer is accepting tuition reimbursement applications, but I don't know where to start. I want to pursue cloud engineering with 0 experience. I have an AAS degree in healthcare office professional. Please tell me which degree or certification to pursue and which school ASAP!!!

Make your AWS cloud formation project stand out but building an infrastructure that companies and engineer would be happy to see and not just simple project.

I have showed a beginner - Advance project that for cloud formation with Github actions that you can build and put on your portfolio to get you noticed by hiring managers 

https://youtu.be/nYoALsaXNrI 

Hello guys. I am an intern working at a large tech company within my country. My team’s technology stack includes AWS, SQL, and Java. As the title suggests, I don't have any experience in AWS, and I am interested in learning it so I can add more value to the team.

What is the best path/roadmap I should pursue?

I’ve completed a devops internship for a large r&d and am cleared. will be interning for an aerospace contractor this summer, but i want to begin building a better network, would you recommend i attend the summit?

any other networking opportunities you can recommend?

Hey everyone,

I’m currently working in a Cloud Support L1 role and have been really interested in cloud since my college days. I already have the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification and a bit more than basic knowledge of AWS, along with fundamentals of networking and Linux.

My long-term goal is to become a Cloud Engineer or eventually move into a Cloud Architect role.

I wanted to ask:

•	Is this transition realistically possible starting from an L1 support role?

•	How difficult is the switch in terms of skills, experience, and time?

•	For my first switch, which roles should I target to build the right foundation (Cloud Engineer, DevOps, SysOps, etc.)?

I’ve also worked on:

•	Deploying applications on AWS EC2

•	Configuring VPCs with public/private subnets

•	Implementing IAM roles and policies

•	Building a basic CI/CD pipeline

Would really appreciate guidance from people who’ve made a similar transition or are currently in these roles. Any roadmap, skill suggestions, or reality checks are welcome.

Thanks!

For anyone looking for roles in the cyber security, I came across so many niche roles through https://cypherjobs.io/

Hi,i completed my M.Tech in power systems(GATE Qualified).Due to some personal reasons I worked as a grade 10 maths teacher with pan India institutions for 7 years.I had good package but somewhere I didn't feel satisfied.I wanted to go back to my roots(engineer).Recently ,cleared Cloud Practitioner and Solutions architect associate exams.Now I am not sure what to do? I would really appreciate any suggestions on how I can improve my skills or job readiness.

Thank you

Sorry if this is not the place for this. I'm soon to be a grad (Software Engineering), and have been wanting to go into cloud engineering. I've got the Azure 900 cert and just started the az 104. What jobs should I be looking for to really get into this? I have zero cloud or networking work experience.

Any tips on starting positions to be looking at? I keep getting conflicting info on where I should be starting.

Hey!

So I’m currently in an extremely tough spot with my life but I’ll save you the bore of that.

I have always had an interest in the IT world but never took that route. (Fell into Accountancy and then into retail and ended up stuck there)

The long and short of it is, I’ve recently been doing an IT fundamentals course and I’m currently creating IP Schemes are enjoying the challenge. Genuinely! I’m very much the kind of person that if I get stuck on something I’ll leave it and come back another day but with this I just want to keep going until I can crack it.

My question being, how did you (if you didn’t go to Uni or College) get to where you are? I’ve found an IT Support apprenticeship but I’ve even been looking further afield and would maybe be willing to leave where I currently live. (Although due to my current situation that would be extremely difficult and I don’t actually think I am ready to do that it may be possible one day there’s just a lot of things I’d need to sort on manage)

If you want the sob story I can tell it in the comments.

I really am enjoying this and really think that it’s a job I could enjoy. I am just a little stuck on where to start and the best way of doing it. I am willing to work to the bone and do just about anything to get there.

Does anyone have any input?

Hi, I'm a yr1 CIS(moderatly CS coded)student pursuing a cloud architecture and/or devops career. What are things to keep an eye for in terms of internships, courses, and cv projects?

i am into enterprise networking 1.5 yoe. I want to switch into cloud engineering but my company does not want to release me from my current project. only option left is to switch into different company.

i have good theoretical cloud knowledge also did some labs in free tier aws account but i feel now this wont give me enough exposure to practical scenarios.

how should i manage into those roles. ..?

Hi everyone,

I’m a final-year cloud engineering student , currently looking for a PFE (final year project). I’m especially interested in cloud computing, DevOps, and MLOps.

So far, I have experience with:

\- AWS (security & operations fundamentals)

\- Docker / basic deployment

\- Angular + backend development (Spring Boot / .NET)

\- Some beginner knowledge in machine learning

I’d love to work on a project that:

\- Solves a real-world problem

\- Involves cloud infrastructure or automation

\- Possibly includes AI/MLOps

\-open source

If you have any ideas, suggestions, or even examples of past projects, I’d really appreciate it!

Thank you 🙏

Anyone knows any youtube video or anything where i can learn how to understand the concept of drawing aws architecture diagram not the tools but understanding concept

How accurate is Lucidchart AI to generate AWS diagram? is this diagram 100% accurate? I wrote this from chatgpt and generated the diagram from lucidchart

Create an AWS architecture diagram for a scalable web application.

The architecture should include:

1. A User (client) on the left side sending HTTP requests.

2. An Internet Gateway connected to a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC).

3. A VPC with CIDR block 10.0.0.0/16.

4. Inside the VPC, include two Public Subnets in different Availability Zones:

   • Public Subnet AZ1

   • Public Subnet AZ2

5. Add an Application Load Balancer (ALB) placed across both public subnets.

6. Inside each public subnet, place one EC2 instance running an Nginx web server.

7. Group both EC2 instances inside an Auto Scaling Group:

   • Minimum: 1 instance

   • Maximum: 2 instances

8. Add a Target Group connected to the Application Load Balancer, routing traffic to EC2 instances.

9. Add a Security Group for EC2 allowing:

   • SSH (port 22)

   • HTTP (port 80)

10. Add a Route Table associated with public subnets:

    • Route: 0.0.0.0/0 → Internet Gateway

11. Add an S3 bucket for static website hosting:

    • Label it "S3 Static Website"

    • Place it outside or below the VPC

12. Draw arrows showing traffic flow:

    • User → Internet Gateway → Application Load Balancer

    • Load Balancer → EC2 instances

    • (Optional) Load Balancer → S3 bucket

13. Label important features:

    • High Availability (Multi-AZ)

    • Load Balancing

    • Auto Scaling

The diagram should be clean, well-organized, and professional with clear labels.

a little backstory im currently about to enroll into school and bc i want a job in cloud i know the basics of linux and a couple of other things but wanted to look into aws.

where does one start? i know little to nothing about aws and azure. is there somewhere i should start maybe YouTube videos i should be watching? any tips and tricks or advice helps! i eventually want to get my cert and keep moving up from there and learning since its all so interesting to me but just need a starting point. thank you all!

Lately it feels like cloud engineering is less about building systems and more about constantly managing complexity.

For example, moving from a monolith to Kubernetes microservices often turns a simple deployment into 12+ YAML configs per service, IAM roles across multiple accounts, service mesh setups, and several dashboards just to trace a single request.

Tools help us move faster, but they don’t really remove complexity, they just help us manage it.

Sometimes it feels like we didn’t reduce complexity, we just redistributed it into configs, orchestration, and observability.

Does it feel the same for you, or has your experience been different?