Hey everyone, I'm looking for some guidance as I switch careers. I've spent the last four years as a Release Manager in regulated environments, and now I'm working towards becoming a Cloud/DevOps Engineer, specifically in Azure. Here's a bit about my background: I've recently passed the AZ-204 (Azure Developer Associate) and have a degree in Computer Science. I have hands-on experience with tools like Terraform, GitHub Actions for CI/CD, Azure App Services, Key Vault, App Insights, Docker, Python, and PowerShell. I've also done some web development part-time with React and Node.js. I've put together a portfolio with projects like a Serverless JWT Token Generator using Azure Functions and a Full MERN App Deployment. However, I'm feeling really stuck because I haven't received any callbacks from job applications, and it's starting to get to me. I'm looking for any advice on what I should do next!
4 Answers
You might also want to connect with recruiters in your area. They can provide guidance and might have leads on roles that aren't widely advertised. Just be aware the job market is tough, especially with many companies outsourcing right now.
I noticed your project examples are more focused on development rather than engineering. Maybe try to emphasize your experience in infrastructure, networking, and specifically Terraform in your applications. It could make your profile more appealing to hiring managers!
Honestly, it’s a bit tricky. Often, recruiters only contact candidates whose profiles closely match their needs. I’d recommend being proactive: reach out to some recruiters directly and ask for feedback on your resume or application. They might give you some useful insights!
It seems like you might be lacking commercial experience as an Azure Cloud Engineer, right? That's a tough hurdle to overcome since most positions require some on-the-job experience. Don't lose hope, though! Maybe consider looking for internships or entry-level positions that might not necessarily be labeled as 'engineer' but can still give you relevant experience. Hang in there!
Yeah, that's true. I’m a bit worried since junior roles seem harder to find nowadays.

I totally get you. It feels like everyone wants experience but how can we gain it without being given a chance?