From Self-Study to Cloud Engineering: My Journey Through Academy.

Launch Your Cloud Journey with Saranen - Nordcloud Academy 

At Nordcloud, we believe in creating opportunities for passionate individuals to grow into cloud professionals. That’s one of our core values: We help uniquely talented people achieve greatness. Our collaboration with City of Kuopio and Saranen Consulting is designed to help people transition into the cloud industry through hands-on experience and tailored training. The Saranen - Nordcloud Academy’s first edition students are already onboarded to customers’ projects, gaining real-world work experience. In this blog, Joonas Mertsalmi shares his inspiring journey from self-study to becoming a Junior Azure Managed Cloud Engineer. 

From Self-Study to Cloud Engineering: My Journey Through Academy 

I discovered the Saranen - Nordcloud Academy program last summer. It felt like the perfect fit: a chance to deepen my knowledge, gain practical experience, and work alongside professionals in the industry. I applied and was admitted to the program. 

Before that, I was unemployed for a while and wondered what my next step should be. My previous IT experience was from eight years ago, and the world had changed a lot since then. Cloud computing was everywhere, and I wanted to be part of it. I also had several friends in cloud roles, and their stories inspired me. So, I started self-studying Azure through Microsoft Learn and YouTube tutorials. I even earned a few certifications on my own. But I knew that to truly break into the field, I needed more than theory – I needed hands-on experience. The Academy offered exactly that.  

Highlights of the Training 

The Academy lasts six months and has covered a variety of topics. For me, the most valuable sessions were the Azure-focused ones, like the AZ-800 training on managing hybrid infrastructure. There were also courses on SQL language and basic coding skills, which broadened my understanding even if they weren’t directly relevant to my daily work. 

One thing that stood out was how quickly we transitioned from learning to doing. After about a month, I was already working on a customer account.  

Working at Nordcloud 

Joining Nordcloud was a game-changer. Even though the job is remote, the sense of teamwork is strong. I work closely with a team of eight, including senior colleagues who are always ready to help. That support has been crucial as I’ve grown more independent and taken ownership of tasks from start to finish. 

My work involves managing Azure environments, deploying virtual machines, handling incident tickets, and performing various administrative tasks. Every day is different, which keeps things exciting. 

Advice for Future Cloud Professionals 

If you’re thinking about a career in cloud, start with self-study. There’s so much free material online – Microsoft Learn, YouTube, AWS and Google Cloud resources. Certifications help, but the real learning happens on the job. Don’t worry if you don’t have prior cloud experience; what matters most is showing your interest and willingness to learn. 

Programs like the Saranen - Nordcloud Academy are invaluable because they combine theory with practice. You’re not just studying – you’re working in a real environment, which makes all the difference. 

Looking Ahead 

I’m currently a Junior Azure Managed Cloud Engineer, and I love what I do. In the next few years, I hope to grow into a senior role, maybe even an Azure architect. Nordcloud offers plenty of opportunities to explore different paths, so I’m confident the future is bright. 

From self-study to a rewarding career in cloud – this journey has been challenging, exciting, and absolutely worth it. 

Ready to Start Your Cloud Journey? 

If Joonas’ story inspired you, now is your chance! Apply until 4 January 2026 for the next Saranen - Nordcloud Academy program organized together with City of Kuopio and take the first step toward your cloud career with us.  

The program’s language is Finnish. To apply, you must be currently unemployed and a resident of Kuopio. 

Learn more here.