Professionals in Hong Kong with cloud expertise have long been sought after by companies eager to move digital assets, databases, and applications from on-site data centres into the cloud.
Demand for roles such as the Cloud Engineer got a further boost from the pandemic, as organisations pivoted to scalable, cost-effective cloud solutions to interact with their remote workforces and socially distanced customers.
IT professionals in development, security, data, and other areas can also enhance their marketability by adding cloud skills to their Cloud Engineer resume.
Demand for cloud skills in Hong Kong is now far outstripping the supply. Cloud computing, security and architecture is the top skill set needed by IT departments but are the most challenging to find in the Hong Kong hiring market.
While it’s clearly a great time for professionals with cloud expertise, you’ll still need to be proactive about your career development if you want to secure a plum promotion at your current company or your dream role elsewhere.
Let’s look more closely at the skills and certifications you need to add to your Cloud Engineer resume.
Related: How to include unique skills on your resume
Skills to add to a Cloud Engineer resume
If you want to differentiate yourself from other candidates in Hong Kong, you should aim to sharpen your skills in some of the following areas:
1. Industry frameworks and methodologies
Many employers require or prefer experience in methodologies like Agile, DevOps and Scrum.
2. Cloud security
Employers will want to know that you understand the common risks and vulnerabilities associated with cloud architecture before entrusting you with business-critical data.
Related: How to explain career gaps in your resume
3. Machine learning and artificial intelligence
The major cloud platforms now offer tools and services that provide access to cloud-based AI and machine learning applications. Expanding your knowledge in these areas is a great way to stand out from the crowd.
4. Cloud migration
Organisations looking to migrate from in-house setups to the cloud or from one cloud platform to another will favour candidates with experience in this process. If your current organisation has a migration project underway, seize any opportunity to work on it.
5. Communication
Cloud architects need to collaborate with a diverse set of stakeholders, internal teams and external providers to not only design cloud solutions but also make compelling business cases for them. To excel in this process, you will need to be an excellent and patient communicator.
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Certifications to add to a Cloud Engineer resume
The must-have cloud certifications are specific to the “big three” vendors (Microsoft, Amazon and Google) and their market-dominating platforms in Hong Kong. Additional nice-to-have certifications that will help you flesh out your Cloud Engineer resume include:
CompTIA Cloud+
A global certification covering all major aspects of cloud computing, including configuration, security and troubleshooting. It’s ideal for engineers looking to gain expertise across multiple products and systems.
VMware Certified Professional - Cloud Management and Automation
This certificate shows that you know how to configure and administer a VMWare vRealize environment.
Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment
High-end specialists in this cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) software are highly sought.
Being a Cloud Engineer in Hong Kong
Acquiring some of the skills and qualifications mentioned above may be easier than you think. As the competition for tech talent becomes ever fiercer, many employers are leveling up their career development programs to help them recruit and retain top talent.
As well as talking to your manager about professional development opportunities, ask for stretch assignments to upskill in aspects of cloud computing outside of your comfort zone. If one of your colleagues is designing an exciting or challenging solution, ask if you can sit in with them during any meetings or brainstorming sessions.
To hone your soft skills, volunteer for projects that require interdepartmental collaboration, giving you the chance to interact with people outside your immediate circle and specialisation.
Related: How to write a career objective
Cloud Engineer salary in Hong Kong
Finally, be sure to track what your skills and experience are worth in the current Hong Kong market so that you feel confident negotiating a salary with a potential employer or a raise with your current one.
Currently, the midpoint salary for a Cloud Engineer in Hong Kong is HKD$840,000.
These trends reflect the growing importance of cloud computing in business — and society.
For professionals willing to master the deeper intricacies of the cloud and continually build their cloud skills, the sky’s the limit.
