Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Cloud Specialist- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Working Life
Cloud computing is a general term for anything that involves delivering hosted services over the Internet.
Work involves developing and managing the use of virtualisation infrastructure and cloud technologies to deliver solutions that support the business goals of a company or organisation.
As a Cloud Specialist you will provide technical leadership by way of design, development and delivery of internal and external solutions.
Cloud Specialists can be responsible for database maintenance, overall monitoring of standards and procedures, file design and storage, and integration of systems through database design. They also conduct quality control and auditing of databases in a client/server environment to ensure accurate and appropriate use of data.
Work may also involve writing technology and project proposal briefs.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Back up network data.
- Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
- Analyse and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.
- Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
- Document network support activities.
- Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.
- Install network software, including security or firewall software.
- Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.
- Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.
- Evaluate local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) performance data to ensure sufficient availability or speed, to identify network problems, or for disaster recovery purposes.
Qualities - Cloud Specialist
You will need excellent technical and leadership skills. You will require exceptional problem-solving skills, excellent interpersonal and communications skills, as well as the ability to write technology and project proposal briefs.
The ability to work independently and to use time-management skills to deliver outcomes is essential. It is necessary to be self motivated and a quick thinker.
Interests - Cloud Specialist
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Entry / Progression - Cloud Specialist
There are many pathways to developing skills for a career in cloud technologies.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: ICT systems, tech support engineer, IT network security, it support specialist, general management, project management, prince-2, scrum master.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: cloud computing, cloud computing with coding, computer applications and mobile technologies, ICT, networking, pre-apprenticeship.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: ICT: Cybersecurity, Network Engineer, Software Developer, Software Solutions Architect.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: computing, computer science, computer engineering, stem, science, technology, engineering, maths.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: cloud computing. MBA cloud computing, security, computer infrastructure, cloud technologies..
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Cloud Specialist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €60k - €130k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Lincoln / Morgan McKinley/ Brightwater / Clark/ Abrivia/ Archer/ Azon
Last Updated: April, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Cloud Specialist
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Information technology and telecommunications directors; IT specialist managers; IT project and programme managers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The annual average employment growth rate for this occupation over the five-year period was strong, with employment levels growing annually since 2018. Those employed were primarily male (70%), working full-time (97%) and the share of non-Irish citizens at 19% was in line with the national average.
The number of employment permits issued grew from 359 in 2021 to 974 in 2022; although the majority were for the ICT sector, they also spanned a range of other sectors, with roles including IT project/program manager and technical lead. Vacancies for IT project managers were identified in the Recruitment Agency Survey and by employers (Spotlight on Skills and Skills for Growth) as being difficult to fill. While demand may be slowing, shortages persist for this occupation.
Useful Contacts - Cloud Specialist
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Smart Futures
- Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
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- Click Here
