Hey, fellow DevOps enthusiasts! I graduated with a degree in civil engineering and I'm considering a switch to a career in DevOps. I've heard mixed opinions — some say it's only for those with a lot of experience, while others suggest that it's possible to start off at a startup and then move to a bigger company later. I know of someone who made this leap; he was in mechanical engineering and is now a DevOps intern at a startup, despite having a career gap. Personally, I'm good academically and ready to tackle challenging concepts and put in the hard work. I've looked into the DevOps roadmap and have an idea of where to start, but I'm worried about opportunities. Can someone like me, with a civil engineering background, really break into DevOps? Has anyone else here made this transition? Thanks in advance!
5 Answers
I transitioned from being a production engineer to DevOps after working for a few years in manufacturing. It was definitely the right choice for me! If you find the right opportunity and are committed, you can make this switch too. Just stay motivated and keep learning!
Transitioning directly to DevOps can be tricky since it's typically a role requiring mid to high-level experience in both development and operations. Anyone claiming you can easily switch without substantial background knowledge might not be giving the full picture. It's not impossible for engineers from other fields to get into DevOps, but gaining relevant experience first in those areas is essential. Start there, then pivot to DevOps!
Isn't there a chance to get hired as a DevOps intern in some startups? They might train you under experienced engineers.
Okay, gaining experience it is then!
You can absolutely do it if you have the curiosity and drive to learn. I didn't even finish my electrical engineering degree but started in IT support and then broke into DevOps. Starting in a supportive role helped me get my feet wet, and I loved it!
Your story gives me some confidence that I can do it, thank you.
Definitely, don’t limit your options! If DevOps is where your passion lies, go for it. You'll shine if you're motivated enough!
Hey, thanks for your kind words! I'm going for it!
Yes, it's definitely possible to switch to DevOps from civil engineering! However, landing a job right away might be tough. You might need to start with a more traditional IT role or a software engineering position first to build up your skills. It's really competitive out there, with many companies preferring more experienced candidates for those 'junior' DevOps roles. But show them your projects and passion, and you might stand out!
Oh okay then, I will look into entry level software engineer roles and reassess my plans.
How did you prepare for the change? Did you start fresh in DevOps?