Network Administrator → Cloud Network Engineer

A realistic transition from Network Administrator to Cloud Network Engineer: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 9%. Difficulty: Hard.

Difficulty: Hard7 stepsDuration: 16 to 20 monthsOverlap: 9%

Transition from Network Administrator to Cloud Network Engineer.

Skills to learn

  • Cloud networking (VPC/VNet)
  • Terraform
  • Hybrid connectivity
  • Security groups / NACL
  • Load balancing
  • Automation

Step-by-step learning plan

  1. 1. Build on your Network Administrator experience

    2–4 weeks

    Map your current strengths against the Cloud Network Engineer role.

  2. 2. Close the partial gaps toward Cloud Network Engineer

    3–6 weeks

    Improve

    • Routing

    Raise Routing to the level a Cloud Network Engineer relies on.

  3. 3. Learn the core of the Cloud Network Engineer role

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Cloud networking (VPC/VNet)
    • Terraform
    • Hybrid connectivity
    • Security groups / NACL

    Technologies

    AWS VPCAzure VNetTransit Gateway

    Cover the biggest gaps first: Cloud networking (VPC/VNet), Terraform, Hybrid connectivity.

  4. 4. Master advanced Cloud Network Engineer skills

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Automation
    • Load balancing
    • Troubleshooting

    Technologies

    TerraformAnsibleIPsec

    Handle the advanced topics: Automation, Load balancing, Troubleshooting.

  5. 5. Get productive with the Cloud Network Engineer toolchain

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    AWS VPCAzure VNetTransit GatewayTerraformAnsibleIPsecF5HAProxy

    Be hands-on with AWS VPC, Azure VNet, Transit Gateway and the rest of the target stack.

  6. 6. Practise Cloud Network Engineer work in real conditions

    4–8 weeks

    Ship a portfolio project or take on Cloud Network Engineer tasks at work.

  7. 7. Get certified and position yourself as a Cloud Network Engineer

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    AWS Advanced Networking SpecialtyAzure AZ-700Terraform Associate

    Update your CV and LinkedIn around Cloud Network Engineer, then apply to target roles.

Alternative routes