I've been working in DevOps since early 2022 after transitioning from a fintech internship in 2021. My experience mainly revolves around managing existing pipelines and handling environment management tasks, but I feel like I'm not fully equipped with the foundational skills needed to land another DevOps role. I've done some defect management but lack the proficiency and understanding necessary for troubleshooting and setting up environments. I realize I should've put more effort into learning the technical aspects of the job, and now I'm worried about what to do if I lose my job. What skills should I focus on to improve my employability, and what alternative job roles could be a good fit for someone with my background?
4 Answers
Your background in release coordination and environment management can lead to roles like Release Manager or Technical Program Coordinator. I'd recommend brushing up on some scripting and cloud basics to enhance your skill set and boost your chances.
It sounds like you're not alone—many people find themselves in similar situations at bigger companies. If you transition to another organization, roles that focus on maintaining existing systems are likely to be the best fit for you.
Honestly, if you're aiming for engineering roles, it might be a tough sell right now. I see a lot of applicants who list skills but struggle to explain basic concepts in interviews. It's important to be sincere about your experience. Given your strengths in coordination and communication, you might be better suited for roles that need those skills. A support position in DevOps could be perfect for you since it aligns with your experience in managing existing systems rather than building them from scratch.
Now's the time to start learning! Focus on the basics: Linux, Networking, Docker, Kubernetes, and Git, plus CI/CD practices. Working on practical projects can help you stand out in interviews.
Thanks for your insights!