Stage 1 — Build Core IT Knowledge Before cloud engineering, you need strong technical foundations. Focus on: - Networking fundamentals - IP addressing - DNS - Operating systems - Linux basics - Virtual machines - Troubleshooting Recommended Goal: Be comfortable navigating Linux systems and understanding how networks operate. Stage 2 — Learn Cloud Fundamentals Understand the core concepts behind cloud computing. Key Topics: - What is cloud computing? - Public vs private cloud - Regions and availability zones - Compute services - Storage services - Cloud networking - Identity and access management - Monitoring and logging Platforms to focus on: - AWS - Azure - GCP (optional initially) Recommended Approach: Start with one cloud provider first. AWS is often the easiest starting point because of: - learning resources, - community support, - and market demand. Stage 3 — Build Hands-On Skills This is where many learners fail. Do not only watch videos. Build projects. Examples: - Deploy a website - Create a virtual private cloud (VPC) - Configure cloud storage - Launch virtual machines - Set up monitoring - Configure IAM permissions - Build backup solutions Goal: Be able to explain what you built and why you built it. Stage 4 — Learn Basic Automation Modern cloud engineers use automation. Beginner areas to learn: - Bash scripting - PowerShell - Python basics - Infrastructure as Code concepts - Terraform basics You do not need to become an advanced programmer immediately. Stage 5 — Build Your Cloud Resume Your resume should demonstrate: - hands-on projects, - technical understanding, - problem-solving ability, - and continuous learning. Important: Projects often matter more than certifications alone. Stage 6 — Prepare for Interviews Practice: - networking questions, - Linux questions, - cloud fundamentals, - troubleshooting scenarios, - and project explanations. Many interviews focus on: - communication, - problem-solving, - and practical understanding.