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How to Create an Information-Driven Career Using Google Cloud & AWS Certifications
Posted On February 26, 2025 - 11:46 AM
In today's world digital data is at the heart of innovation and decision-making. Businesses rely on data to generate business insight, improve processes, and enhance their customers' experience. With the rising demand for data and data engineering professionals, getting google cloud or AWS certifications can greatly boost your career opportunities in data analytics, data engineering and cloud computing.
This guide will take you through all the information you require to know about building a data-driven career by utilising Google Cloud and AWS certifications which include their significance as well as career options and specific strategies for success.
Why Choose a Data-Driven Career?
A career in data-driven careers has many benefits:
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Highly In Demand: Global Big information and analytics industry is predicted to reach 684 billion dollars by the year 2030 (Statista).
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Salary Competitive: Data professionals earn 20-50% more salary compared to peers who are not certified.
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Multiple Career Options: You can choose to specialize in data engineering and data science AI/ML, business intelligence cloud computing, or business intelligence.
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World Opportunities: Data specialists are required across all sectors from giants of technology to start-ups.
For a successful data-related professional career google cloud and aws certifications will prove your skills in cloud-based solutions for data.
Google Cloud vs. AWS: Which One Should You Choose?
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and aws certification (AWS) provide high-quality tools and certifications to data professionals. Let's compare:
Feature |
Google Cloud |
AWS |
Strengths |
Ideal for AI and ML as well as big data processing |
Most popular cloud platform, a range of services |
Big Data & AI Services |
BigQuery, Vertex AI, Dataproc |
Redshift, SageMaker, Glue |
Certifications for Data Professionals |
Associate Cloud Engineer, Professional Data Engineer |
Certified Data Analytics - Specialty, Solutions Architect |
Ideal for |
Data engineers Experts in AI/ML Analysis, AI/ML experts |
Cloud architects, big data analysts, DevOps professionals |
If you're looking to focus on AI/ML and data engineering, google cloud is a good option. If you are looking to play a larger role in data and cloud, AWS is ideal.
Step 1: Choose the Right Certification Path
Here are the top credentials that are available from Google Cloud or AWS to help you build the career of a data-driven one:
Google Cloud Certifications
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Google Associate Cloud Engineer (Beginner Level)
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Skills in cloud services, applications as well as managing cloud-based solutions
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Ideal for: Entry-level cloud professionals
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Google Professional Data Engineer (Intermediate Level)
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Skills building systems for data processing Machine learning Data transformation
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For Analysts, data engineers, AI specialists
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Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer (Advanced Level)
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Skills: AI/ML model training, Google AI tools
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Perfect for Data scientists, AI/ML engineers
AWS Certifications
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AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (Beginner Level)
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Skills Cloud basics, AWS services overview
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For beginners in cloud computing
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AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (Intermediate Level)
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Skills include: Creating cloud solutions and data storage systems, as well as networking
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Ideal for: Cloud engineers, data architects
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AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty (Advanced Level)
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Skills Analytics, data lake solutions (Redshift, Glue, Athena)
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Ideal for: Data analysts, data engineers
Step 2: Gain Hands-On Experience
1. Try out cloud platforms for free
Each Google Cloud and AWS provide free tiers:
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Google Cloud Free Tier Credits of $300 for 90 days
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AWS Free Tier Services are free for 12 months
2. Work on Real-World Projects
To gain an experience:
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Data Engineering: Create a data pipeline using Google Cloud BigQuery or AWS Glue.
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AI/ML: Learn a machine-learning model using Vertex AI (Google Cloud) or SageMaker (AWS).
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Data Analytics: Analytics of massive datasets using Google BigQuery and Amazon Redshift.
3. Participate in Open-Source & Hackathons
Join platforms such as:
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Kaggle (for data science and competitions in ML)
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Google Cloud Skills Boost (hands-on labs & Qwiklabs challenges)
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AWS Academy & AWS Jam Challenges
Step 3: Build a Strong Portfolio
Portfolios help you show your abilities to potential employers. Include:
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Cloud-based applications: Examples: "Built a real-time data pipeline using Google Cloud Pub/Sub and BigQuery."
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GitHub repository: Upload your code and project on GitHub.
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Blog posts and tutorials: Create a post about AWS Redshift tuning performance and Google BigQuery the best ways to use Medium and LinkedIn.
Step 4: Apply for Data-Driven Roles
Through Google Cloud & aws certifications you can apply for the:
Top Job Roles & Salaries
Job Role |
Average Salary (US) |
Data Engineer |
$115,000 - $150,000 |
Cloud Data Architect |
$130,000 - $160,000 |
Machine Learning Engineer |
$120,000 - $180,000 |
Business Intelligence Analyst |
$90,000 - $120,000 |
Top Companies Hiring
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Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, Netflix, Facebook
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Firms in the financial sector (Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan)
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Startups & SaaS companies
Step 5: Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Technology is constantly evolving. Keep up-to-date by joining Google & AWS groups, following Cloud updates (AWS re the Invent platform, Google Cloud Next) Learning advanced classes (AI, Machine Learning, Serverless Computing) Social networking through LinkedIn and attending gatherings.
Benefits of Creating an Information-Driven Career Google Cloud & AWS Certifications
The investment in a career that is driven by data by acquiring google cloud and AWS certifications offers many benefits. These certifications will boost your career growth:
1. High Demand for Data Professionals
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The global big market for analytics and data is expected to grow to $684 billion by 2030.
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Companies are looking for accredited data engineers, analysts, as well as cloud experts.
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Cloud certifications boost your employability by proving your abilities in real-world situations.
The benefit: Better job security and career development opportunities.
2. Competitive Salaries & Career Advancement
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Cloud professionals who are certified get 20% to 30% more than their non-certified counterparts.
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Google Professional Data Engineer and AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty holders earn more than $130,000 annually.
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The certifications can help you advance into higher-level positions faster (e.g. Data Architect or Engineer for Machine Learning Engineer).
The benefit: Higher salary potential and faster career advancement.
3. Versatile Career Opportunities
Through Google Cloud and AWS certifications, You can be employed in many areas, such as:
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Data Engineering (BigQuery, Redshift, Glue)
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Machine Learning & AI (Vertex AI, SageMaker)
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Cloud Architecture (Cloud Storage, EC2, IAM)
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Business Intelligence & Analytics (Looker, QuickSight)
The benefit: Flexibility to change roles and sectors.
4. Hands-on experience with Leading Cloud Technologies
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The two services Google Cloud and AWS provide the real-world experience of project-based learning.
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You'll gain experience in data pipelines (ETL, real-time processing) Cloud-based storage of data (BigQuery, Redshift, S3) AI & ML solutions (Vertex AI, SageMaker)
The benefit: Practical knowledge that will make you job-ready.
5. Increased Job Prospects with Top Companies
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Google Cloud Certified by AWS professionals is in high demand at tech bigwigs (Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook) Financial institutions (JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs) Healthcare & Retail (Pfizer, Walmart, Tesla)
The benefit: Better chances of securing a job with top-of-the-line firms.
6. Future-Proof Your Career with Cloud & AI Trends
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Companies are shifting to cloud-based analytics using AI, insights derived from the cloud as well as big data-based solutions.
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Google Cloud and aws certifications keep you informed about the latest developments in serverless computing and automation powered by AI-powered data analytics Multi-cloud and hybrid strategies
Advantage: Stay ahead of trends in the industry and future technologies.
7. Strong Networking & Career Growth Opportunities
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The ability to access Google Cloud as well as AWS forums, communities and global events.
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Get connected to industry leaders mentors, recruiters, and managers.
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Join exclusive groups Join exclusive groups on LinkedIn, Slack, and GitHub.
Advantage: Expand your professional network and opportunities for career advancement.
8. Helps with Entrepreneurship & Consulting
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Professionals who are certified can be cloud consultants, or begin companies that are based on data.
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Google Cloud and AWS expertise are highly sought-after in freelance (Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal) Assisting startups on cloud migration and data strategy. Launching AI/ML-powered products
Advantage: Opens doors for business and independent consulting opportunities.
Final Thoughts
A career in data-driven work that includes google cloud and AWS certificates is a long-term investment. Demand for cloud-savvy data professionals is increasing which makes now the perfect opportunity to upgrade your skills and become certified.
Start today by deciding on the appropriate certification, getting hands-on experience, and creating practical projects.
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