I'm currently working as a system administrator with a solid background in managing Azure infrastructure and identifying access controls. Lately, I've been eager to dive into the world of DevOps. I've played around with some basic projects, like building a simple "hello world" web app that I dockerized and deploying an Azure Container Instance (ACI) and Azure Container Registry (ACR) using Terraform, along with managing a git repository and utilizing GitHub Actions.
Given my varied experience but feeling somewhat like a jack of all trades, I'm looking for advice from others who have made a similar transition. What did you study or do to prepare before applying for cloud roles? I'm contemplating pursuing the Terraform Associate Certification as a way to catch a recruiter's eye, but I'm unsure if it will truly benefit my career trajectory. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
6 Answers
Consider aiming for the Microsoft DevOps Engineer Expert certification once you have a good grasp on the fundamentals. Keep a close eye on job descriptions to see what skills are most in demand. This can guide your learning path.
Creating practical projects has been crucial for my success. I built a few Azure projects showcasing how I used Terraform and Azure App Services, and that really helped me stand out. Learning tools like Azure Monitor and GitHub Actions is also beneficial. Instead of focusing solely on certifications, consider documenting your work and projects in a clear manner for potential employers to see your capabilities.
A lot of cloud engineer roles focus heavily on scripting and automation rather than just traditional sysadmin tasks. I suggest familiarizing yourself with different cloud platforms like Azure and AWS, and learn scripting languages like PowerShell and Bash. Infrastructure as Code tools such as Terraform and ARM templates are essential, along with version control and CI/CD pipelines using GitHub or Azure DevOps. Understanding REST APIs is also a big plus. You can start applying for positions even before mastering everything; just highlight your willingness to learn.
Great advice! Scripting has really made a difference in my role, too. I’ll focus on that.
I was in the same boat, starting with zero cloud experience. I was honest about my background during interviews, which I think helped. Focus on leveraging your existing sysadmin skills and keep learning. Don't hesitate to take on new challenges at work or to study topics like containers and CI/CD—these are becoming increasingly important in cloud roles.
Start with the basics. If you're looking at certifications, the AZ-104 is a good start as it covers foundational cloud concepts. Alongside that, get hands-on practice. I’ve been digging into Powershell and BICEP for deployments and it’s been really useful.
I transitioned into cloud by getting heavily involved with cloud projects at my current job. Even though my background is in network administration, I found opportunities in ongoing projects. I recommend being vocal about your interests and taking the initiative to assist with new projects. It may seem challenging to find new cloud job postings, but you can shape your role to meet your aspirations by exploring what's available within your organization.
That’s a smart approach! I should definitely speak up more about my interests.
Thanks for the tips! It’s comforting to know I can start applying even if I don’t tick every box.