I'm feeling a bit down due to family issues, but I'm trying to find motivation to keep moving forward. My Red Hat certification is set to expire on November 15th, and I've been on quite the journey to get here. I started working in support at a managed service provider back in 2020 and over the years, I've earned my CCNA and RHCSA, and I even dabbled in CCNP Encore for a while. However, I realized I was spreading myself too thin. I've been using GNS3 to practice and learn as much as I can during remote work since COVID started.
Now, it seems that most Linux roles are transforming into DevOps positions, which is why I've decided to pursue my RHCE, focusing on the Ansible version. I feel like I'm close to making a breakthrough, but I've been chasing these certifications for so long while my sister is graduating with a nursing degree. I couldn't afford college myself since I had to support my family, but I've enjoyed learning and experimenting in labs. I've run into concepts like CI/CD following my curiosity, which Cisco emphasizes in their DevNet program.
But now, I can't help but feel like I wasted my 20s since many job listings filter for degrees. With my certification journey and the pressures of finding an entry-level DevOps role looming, I'm wondering if the RHCE will be my ticket to a better opportunity. I'm not looking for a high-paying job, just a chance to grow and have something to work towards.
4 Answers
From my experience, RHCE can definitely give you an advantage when looking for a junior DevOps role, especially if you already have your RHCSA. It's also wise to get familiar with cloud technologies like AWS or Azure since those are heavily used in DevOps. You should also focus on CI/CD practices—like learning containers and tools like GitLab or GitHub Actions and building personal projects to showcase your skills. I’d recommend creating a simple web app using infrastructure as code, like Terraform and Ansible, to show potential employers you can handle basic DevOps tasks.
Honestly, I know a few folks, myself included, who jumped straight into DevOps roles after some sysadmin experience. I didn't have any certifications or a degree at the time; I just learned on the job. It’s more about your willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
While RHCE is helpful, it's not the end-all for DevOps roles. Most positions really focus on understanding CI/CD processes and the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). Having your RHCE while learning Ansible is a solid path, especially if you're currently in a sysadmin role.
I think RHCSA provides a strong foundation for getting into DevOps, but I wouldn’t spend too much time on the RHCE. Focus on gaining practical experience and learning about CI/CD, security tools, and server deployments instead.
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