Hey everyone! I'm pondering a significant career shift and would appreciate your thoughts. Here's a little about me: I'm 36 years old and currently living in Portugal. I have bachelor's and master's degrees in Law, but my legal career hasn't offered the opportunities I hoped for in the EU. I'm thinking about enrolling in a Bachelor's program in Computer Science/IT at ISCTE, with the goal of eventually transitioning into DevOps. My questions are: 1. How realistic is it to move into DevOps at my age, coming from a non-technical background? 2. What's the best way to build the required skills—like courses or certifications? 3. How's the DevOps job market in Portugal, especially for someone just starting out as a junior? I'd love to hear any insights, personal experiences, or advice you can offer! Thanks in advance!
5 Answers
I’d say it’s a pretty tough time for juniors in IT right now. Companies seem to believe AI can replace entry-level folks, so the requirements have climbed. Focus on foundational skills like Linux, networks, and programming (Python or Go)—it’s crucial before diving into tools. Avoid rushing into frameworks; those come after you understand the basics. Problem-solving experience is key, so get your hands dirty and start troubleshooting issues on your own.
What makes you confident about the job market for more experienced roles?
I'm US-based, so I can't speak to the Portugal market, but I’ve noticed that opportunities for junior positions have really dipped recently. If you're switching for practical reasons like salary, it might not be the best time. But if you're genuinely passionate about the field, I say go for it—there will always be space for those who are truly motivated! By the way, what sparked your interest in DevOps?
Honestly, DevOps isn't something you can just step into from another field. It’s closely tied to company culture and practices, requiring a solid understanding of both operations and development. Age is less of an issue than relevant experience. You don’t need a degree, but you should start in environments using cloud tech. Learning coding on your own is essential—Python is a great place to start. Build a GitHub to showcase your work. Overall, networking and mentorship will help too!
Consider taking a short coding bootcamp to test your interest before committing to a degree. Starting with backend development might be a good idea since it often aligns with DevOps roles. Just make sure you have a real passion for it, as that makes all the difference!
Switching from scratch is definitely doable! Just keep in mind, it’s going to take dedication—probably a decade of hard work. Also, just be aware of market trends; those junior roles might evolve significantly over time.
Why do you believe now isn't the best time for DevOps? Any thoughts on more promising career options?