I've been working in the same small team at a company since graduating a few years ago. I started here as an intern while studying computer science and transitioned to a full-time role right after graduation. My team focuses solely on infrastructure automation for a large bank, using Azure Bicep for cloud infrastructure and Ansible for on-premises work. While I've become quite skilled in Ansible and have a solid understanding of on-prem infrastructure engineering, I'm realizing that there's not much opportunity for upward mobility in my current role. I'm eager to branch out into more conventional Cloud or DevOps Engineering but don't know how to do it. What certifications can I pursue, and what steps can I take to expand my skill set? I'm feeling quite stuck and would really appreciate any advice.
3 Answers
You could consider changing teams or even companies altogether. Given that you are already working at a junior-level salary while performing at a borderline senior level, it may not be worth staying where you are. Look for companies that appreciate your skill set in automation and are willing to invest in your growth into an intermediate or senior role.
You might not need certifications unless they are required for compliance. First off, chat with your manager about wanting to explore different areas in your day-to-day tasks. It’s a normal conversation, and you might find opportunities to rotate into other teams. You can proactively look for roles within the company too. In my experience, I switched teams multiple times just by asking for it! If you're looking to deepen your tech knowledge, start a small project on GitHub to get hands-on experience with Terraform or any technologies you're interested in.
Your background with Ansible is a great foundation for moving into cloud or DevOps! Here are a few ideas:
1. Leverage your existing skills; since you know Bicep, try transitioning to Terraform as a learning exercise—it’ll be easier than you think.
2. You can still use Ansible for cloud automation. Look into running it with cloud-based VMs or containers.
3. For certifications, consider the AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Azure Administrator. Both are well-recognized in the industry. However, showcasing a personal project on GitHub with Terraform and CI/CD might impress hiring managers even more! Don't hesitate to talk to your manager about cloud migration projects; there are often opportunities around them. You're more valuable than you might feel right now, and the market is looking for automation experts who can bridge the gap to the cloud!
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