Workforce Spotlight: Cloud Computing

Students interested in entering the job market quickly, improving their skills, or changing careers can choose from dozens of Collin College workforce programs ranging from animation to welding that will train them for rewarding futures. These programs prepare graduates to enter the workforce ready to succeed, armed with the technical skills and knowledge that employers are seeking.

The Cloud Computing program at Collin College prepares its students to work in a rapidly growing field of information technology (IT). Businesses are adopting cloud computing because it allows for organizational agility while reducing costs from pay-per-use IT resources and services.

Professor Aparna Godbole, discipline lead for Cloud Computing called it a game-changer for business. She said that, unlike other IT degrees focused on specific areas such as computer networks, programming, and others, cloud computing is very broad.

Cloud Computing students must develop diverse skills, she said, They must understand cloud infrastructure and architecture, write code, apply security solutions, learn project management, and more.

Collin Colleges program provides students with the foundational knowledge and training to enter the workforce as cloud administrators or cloud support specialists. First-year students learn about cloud concepts, virtualization and storage technologies, operating systems, and scripting languages. Second-year students are exposed to leading cloud vendor platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and their services, while also exploring more advanced topics.

Most of the coursework includes hands-on labs or projects based on real-world scenarios and aligns with the objectives of industry certifications. As they work towards their degrees, students also receive training to add valuable credentials to their rsums. The program also offers articulated pathways into the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) degrees from four-year institutions.

The demand for cloud computing continues to grow as more and more companies embrace the cloud for its benefits, Godbole said. As organizations continue to migrate to the cloud, cloud administrators will continue to be in demand.

Career Outlook*

Computer Programmer

Average salary: $112,500
10.4% job growth

Choose Your Education

Associate of Applied Science
Cloud Computing-Infrastructure
(60 credit hours)

Certificate Level 1
Cloud Computing-
Infrastructure
(42 credit hours)

For more information on Collin Colleges Cloud Computing programs, visit www.collin.edu/academics/programs/CLCM_1Overview.html.

* Data for Collin County obtained from JobsEQ and O*Net. Average salary is as of 2020 and job growth is projected from 2020-2027.