Should I Pursue a Career in DevOps or Cloud Engineering?

Both DevOps and Cloud Engineering aren’t strictly entry-level, but Cloud Engineering might be a simpler path initially. That being said, Cloud Engineering encompasses more than just software; it also involves IT operations for corporate cloud infrastructure. It’s worth thinking about which direction you want to take – each comes with its own opportunities and challenges.

I really think that jumping straight into a DevOps role right out of college could be overwhelming. It may be better to gain some experience in a less demanding role first. There’s a lot to learn in DevOps, and it's easy to underestimate how fast-paced and demanding these jobs can be.

Cloud Engineering might be easier to get into, but the market is a bit crowded. DevOps positions involve a mix of skills beyond cloud tech, including networking, troubleshooting, and even software engineering. Some roles might just focus on certain applications, but others require a wider range of knowledge. Be prepared for that!

Getting into DevOps can be tough for freshers unless you have a referral, so it might be a good idea to consider starting in a different entry-level job first. DevOps roles often involve a lot of troubleshooting in production systems. You may find that starting as a sysadmin or junior developer allows you to build key foundational experience, which will help you if you decide to move into DevOps later on.

If you’re considering DevOps, entry-level opportunities do exist if you're willing to learn essential tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and AWS basics. The pay is usually decent compared to entry web development roles, but keep in mind that you'll likely face on-call responsibilities, which can be tough.