Introduction to Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is a reliable cloud computing platform that offers computing, analytics, storage and networking services. Its major features are business structure building, deployment and managing applications and services from Microsoft-managed data centres and the cloud. This enormous set of tools and features supports such a wide variety of programming languages, frameworks and operating systems that it has occupied an exclusive place for developers and businesses of all scales.
The platform is designed to solve various scenarios, including data storage, virtual machines, app hosting, and artificial intelligence. Everything from tiny startups to huge enterprises is in mind. As companies move more workloads into the cloud, knowledge about Azure forms a highly coveted skill for IT professionals and developers. Knowing how to utilise the power of Azure would give you much leeway into a more promising and dynamic field of tech. When you are just starting out with Microsoft Azure, there are key focuses that you should look at before completing its certification.
Define Your Career Goals
Before signing up for the Azure training courses, one must clearly define their career goals. Some of the questions to ask include:
Role you want to work on: The roles on Azure vary from a cloud developer and architect to a data engineer and a security specialist.
Industry to work in: Choose a sector that requires specific skills in Azure, such as finance, healthcare or e-commerce.
Specialisation in a particular area: Azure services include many services like AI, Machine Learning, DevOps and databases. Within this category, you might look to specialise in one particular domain or another, which can add more depth to your skill sets.
Assess Your Current Skill Level
Your existing knowledge and experience with cloud computing and Azure will greatly affect your course choice.
Use the following steps to estimate your skill level:
Beginner: If you are new to the world of cloud computing, look for introductory classes that cover the core services, basic concepts, and how to navigate the user interface in Azure.
Intermediate: If you already know Azure or cloud computing, courses that delve deeper into a specific service, architecture and deployment strategies might be needed.
More advanced: For veteran professionals, advanced architecture, security, or DevOps courses or certifications can be conducted for the sharpening of skills and keeping abreast of latest best practices.
Explore Course Content
Different Azure courses offer other content and depth. Researching courses, a person should consider:
Curriculum: Check the course syllabus for relevance to your desired career path. Opt for courses with labs that provide hands-on, practical experience and projects that mirror real-world situations, for mastering Azure requires hands-on learning. For Microsoft Azure certification, you can prepare for the Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), Azure Administrator (AZ-104), or Azure Solutions Architect (AZ-303/304) certifications.
Instructor Experience: Research the instructors background to ensure they are current with relevant experience in Azure and cloud computing. This is most likely where experienced instructors can provide excellent insights and real-world knowledge.
Consider Learning Formats
There are different kinds of courses one can take in Azure, starting with:
Online Self-Paced: The most appropriate training was self-paced courses, whereby one could learn at his or her convenience, like when working or having a busy schedule. Reviewing such materials whenever necessary and being able to find ample time to get hold of complex ideas is advantageous. However, students often need guidance for their doubts and someone who is experienced, so that they can solve their queries alongside doing the course.
Live Virtual Classes: Live virtual classes permit interactive learning by which the trainer as well as other learners can interact with you in real time. This encourages teamwork and feedback, of course.
In-Person Workshops: Students who can get more comfortable in a physical environment of learning, in-person workshops are best for them. It offers direct access to instructors as well as networking opportunities with other learners.
Internship-based courses: Look for courses that already provide internship opportunities. Implementing these can help you understand the actual depth of the learning. Any queries can be asked and will be clearer once you have experience and learning. LSET and others provide these kinds of specialised courses.
Review Course Ratings and Reviews
Before you choose any Azure course, look for the rating and review of previous participants. Feedback from others might be of great importance when pointing out the quality of the course, the relevance of the course content to your areas of interest, or how effective the instructor will be. Most of these courses have reviews through which you might make a decision. Look for them on their website or social media platforms.
Support and Resources
With quality courses that add to their experience through additional resources and support, learners can find it:
Community Access: Almost all classes have some form of online forum or community where you can connect with other learners, exchange your knowledge and ask questions.
Supplementary materials: You should look for those courses that provide supplementary materials in the form of e-books, practice exams and exercises on additional topics that will help to learn.
Mentorship opportunities: There might also be mentorship or guidance by industry professionals, which could give insights and advice in your career in some courses.
Conclusion
Choosing the right course to learn in Microsoft Azure is crucial because it relates to what you want to achieve, your current skill base, and the best learning method. Therefore, defining your goals will lead you to assess your current skills, examination of course content, and finally, consideration of learning formats. Scholars must understand that choosing any course is for their career. The London School of Emerging Technology (LSET) offers you a full guided course on Microsoft Azure Security Technologies (AZ-500). If you are just starting with Microsoft Azure, this course is perfect for you as it will teach the basic principles to advance the level of Azure, which will provide you with a higher edge in your career journey. You can also get an opportunity to get into LSET’s internship program and be job-ready.