Breaking Into Cloud Without a CS Degree

"I don't have a computer science degree. Can I still get into cloud?"

I hear this question weekly. And I understand the anxiety behind it — job postings are filled with degree requirements and candidates with impressive credentials.

Here's my honest answer: Some of the best cloud engineers I know don't have CS degrees.

The Degree Myth

Let me tell you what a CS degree actually teaches you:

Data structures and algorithms
Theoretical computer science
Programming fundamentals
Some software engineering principles

You know what it typically doesn't teach?

How to troubleshoot a production outage at 2 AM
Why that network configuration isn't working
How to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
Real-world system administration

Cloud work is fundamentally operational. It's about building, maintaining, and fixing systems. That's not what CS programs focus on.

What Actually Matters

1. IT Fundamentals

If you've worked in IT support, help desk, or system administration, you already understand:

How computers and networks actually work
The patience required to troubleshoot problems
How to work with users and stakeholders
The importance of documentation

This is incredibly valuable. Don't discount it.

2. Problem-Solving Mindset

Can you break down a complex problem into smaller pieces? Can you research solutions you've never seen before? Can you learn new tools quickly?

These skills matter more than any degree.

3. Communication Ability

Cloud engineers don't just build things. They explain things — to developers, managers, and clients. If you can translate technical concepts into business value, you're ahead of many CS graduates.

The Path I've Seen Work

Step 1: Build on What You Know

Already understand networking? Azure networking will click faster for you than someone learning from scratch.

Experienced with Windows Server? Azure VMs and Active Directory (now Entra ID) will feel familiar.

You're not starting from zero. You're extending existing knowledge.

Step 2: Get Certified Strategically

Certifications aren't everything, but they help when you don't have a degree. They prove baseline knowledge to recruiters who might otherwise filter you out.

The path I recommend:

AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) — Get familiar with the landscape
AZ-104 (Azure Administrator) — Prove operational competence
Specialty cert based on interest — Security, networking, or DevOps

Step 3: Build Things That Prove Your Skills

Certifications open doors. Projects prove you can do the work.

Create a GitHub profile with:

ARM templates or Bicep files you've written
Documentation of architectures you've designed
Scripts that automate real tasks

When an interviewer asks "tell me about a project you've built," you want to have something to show.

Step 4: Network Intentionally

Many cloud jobs never get posted publicly. They're filled through referrals.

Attend local meetups (Azure user groups exist in most cities)
Engage on LinkedIn with cloud content
Contribute to discussions, don't just lurk

One genuine connection at a meetup is worth 100 cold applications.

The Uncomfortable Truth About Job Postings

"Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field"

Here's what hiring managers have told me: this is often a wishlist, not a hard requirement. If you have relevant experience and can demonstrate competence, many companies will interview you anyway.

The key word is "relevant." Your IT support experience IS relevant. Your networking background IS relevant. Position it that way.

What I've Actually Seen

In my years training cloud professionals, the career changers — the sysadmins, the network engineers, the help desk technicians — often become excellent cloud engineers.

Why? Because they've done the unglamorous work. They've troubleshot systems at midnight. They understand that production environments are messy and theory only gets you so far.

A CS degree teaches you to write a binary search algorithm. IT experience teaches you to stay calm when the CEO's email is down.

Both have value. But for cloud operations, the practical experience often wins.

Your Next Step

Stop waiting for permission. You don't need a degree to:

Create a free Azure account
Deploy your first VM
Build something that interests you
Apply for that cloud role

The path exists. The only question is whether you'll take it.