Hey there, I'm wrapping up my Master's degree in Computer Science (due to graduate in May 2025) and I'm on the hunt for roles in DevOps, Cloud Engineering, and SRE. My passion lies more with servers and infrastructure, especially in areas like deployments, scripting, and automation, rather than core programming. I have a solid understanding of the basics like OOP, Java, and Python, but coding isn't really my jam. I've been applying for jobs for the past six months but I keep seeing roles that require "developer knowledge." This leads me to wonder: how much coding ability is actually needed for entry-level DevOps or SRE positions?
Here's a bit more about my background: I've done coursework in networking and cloud computing, and I'm currently engaged in a hands-on MLOps project that involves CI/CD, GCP, Airflow, and Kubernetes. I'm also familiar with tools like Terraform, Jenkins, Docker, and GCP/AWS. On top of that, I'm planning on getting certified as a Google Cloud Associate Engineer and Terraform Associate.
I'm looking for advice on how to approach job applications for full-time DevOps/SRE roles as a new grad, what key skills or tools I should focus on developing, and if there are any standout projects or certifications that would boost my entry-level prospects. Any tips from those who've transitioned into DevOps without a strong programming background would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!
5 Answers
I've been in DevOps and SRE for over a decade, and honestly, getting a foot in the door can feel like luck sometimes. I started in IT help desk, moved to sysadmin after my automation work got noticed, and eventually transitioned to DevOps. For me, certifications weren't a huge deal—hands-on experience truly mattered more. Typically, many people move into DevOps from within their own companies, rather than applying externally. If you're looking for advice, I'm happy to dive deeper into my journey or answer questions!
How did your transition from sysadmin to DevOps go? I've been a sysadmin for 8 years and I'm thinking about getting certified for DevOps.
Getting into GitOps could really boost your appeal based on your current skills. I recommend checking out Codefresh's complete bundle. It's got great labs for hands-on experience, plus they're offering a decent discount right now! Let me know if you're interested, I might be able to help with an additional coupon discount!
Sounds great! I’m definitely interested!
Could you share the discount code with me as well?
If possible, definitely apply for a summer internship! It can be super beneficial to gain practical experience and make connections in the field. Plus, it shows employers that you're proactive about your career!
Regarding how much coding is really expected for entry-level roles, from my experience, many places want you to pass a software engineering interview to even be considered for DevOps positions. It's like having all the expectations of a software engineer while receiving a fraction of the pay. Such is the life of a DevOps engineer!
What kind of systems did your company deal with that required such a high bar for coding?
Let's be real, DevOps isn't exactly an entry-level role. It’s pretty hard to excel in it without having a few years of experience as a developer or at least understanding the tooling and infrastructure involved. Companies often mislabel positions as "entry-level DevOps" when they're really looking for Infrastructure engineers who just have a new title.
Thanks for the insight! I have a few years in IT operations with some experience in SRE and DevOps. Would you recommend I focus on coding skills before applying for mid-level jobs, or stick to looking for entry-level roles for now?