Hi everyone! I'm 22 and recently transitioned out of a year in IT support, working with Active Directory, Microsoft 365, Exchange, and some lightweight Azure tasks. Unfortunately, I got laid off, but I see this as a chance to level up my skills over the next few months. I just passed the AZ-104 exam and completed some hands-on Microsoft labs where I deployed various resources like RBAC, VNets, storage, and VMs.
Now, I'm aiming to shift away from support roles and land a junior position in cloud/azure. With some time to learn, I'm torn between a few options: diving deeper into Terraform/Infrastructure as Code, exploring Kubernetes/containers, studying for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03), or working on real-world Azure projects such as a hub-and-spoke network setup or migrating on-prem Active Directory to Azure.
Should I broaden my cloud knowledge by studying AWS, or will it serve me better to focus on hands-on Azure projects? I'm also aware that Terraform and Kubernetes might be more advanced topics for me right now. Ultimately, my goal is to get a junior cloud role to kickstart my career. What do you all recommend? Thanks for your input!
5 Answers
Given your background in Azure, I suggest concentrating on building your skills within that ecosystem. You’ve already got a foundation, so translating what you learned into automation using PowerShell might be a great next step! It’s versatile across various platforms, and once you get comfortable there, diving into Terraform and even Python will be much smoother for you.
Regardless of your focus, I'd suggest starting your job search now. The sooner you know what skills are in demand, the better prepared you’ll be! Overall, if you want to continue in Azure, stick to learning more about it while also keeping an eye out for roles that could further your career as a sysadmin, given your experience level.
I think sticking to the Azure path is a smart move, especially since many Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are often hiring. They provide a fast-paced environment which is great for gaining experience quickly. Setting up a home lab to practice Azure Migrate would be valuable too, especially working with older setups to see how they can transition smoothly to the cloud.
You're young and have time to grow! Try applying to MSPs for a cloud support role. They usually hire people eager to learn, even at entry-level. The trade-off is potentially long hours and lower pay initially, but the experience you'll gain will be critical for building your future career—plus, you might end up exposed to multiple cloud technologies!
I’d recommend a progressive learning path that includes Terraform, Kubernetes/CICD, alongside building real-world Azure projects. If you’re up for more certifications, consider going for AZ-500 or AZ-304 as they can really boost your profile. And remember to keep learning daily and share your journey on platforms like LinkedIn!
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