Hey everyone, I recently graduated with a degree in civil engineering and I'm considering a switch to DevOps. I've heard mixed opinions about whether it's feasible for someone like me to break into this field. I know a guy who switched from mechanical engineering and got an internship at a startup, despite having a career gap. I'm academically strong and ready to learn, but I'm worried that DevOps jobs are mostly for people with IT experience. Has anyone here transitioned from a different engineering discipline to DevOps? Is it actually possible to make this switch? Thanks for any insights!
5 Answers
I didn’t finish my electrical engineering degree, but my curiosity about tech led me to start in IT support first. It really helped me ease into DevOps since jumping straight in can feel overwhelming if you're totally new to IT.
I made the transition from production engineering to DevOps after four years in manufacturing. When the opportunity arose, I seized it, and it’s been the best decision I’ve made in five years.
How did you manage that switch? What steps did you take to prepare for your new role?
Yes, you can absolutely switch to DevOps as a civil engineer! Just keep in mind that it might be tough to get hired directly into a DevOps role without prior experience. A lot of companies prefer to hire candidates with a background in more traditional IT roles first. To boost your chances, consider starting out in IT support or software development to build your skills. The job market is competitive, and many junior positions are disappearing, so gaining relevant experience will be key for you.
Got it, I’ll look into entry-level software roles then to kickstart my plans.
Switching to DevOps directly from civil engineering is a challenge. DevOps roles usually require solid experience in both development and operations. While it’s not impossible for non-CS grads to make this leap, it really helps to gain experience in either development or system administration first. With the current job market, building those foundational skills will make it easier to transition into DevOps later.
Isn’t there a chance some companies hire interns and train them in DevOps under experienced engineers?
Absolutely, go for it! If you’re passionate and committed, don’t hold yourself back. You’ll do great things!
Thanks for the encouragement! I'm totally going to pursue this path!
Thanks for sharing your journey! Your story inspires me to believe I can do it too.