Hey everyone! I've been working in QA for about 1.5 years, doing both manual and automation testing at a small healthcare company. I recently got an offer for a position as a Performance Test Engineer / DevOps Support at a fintech company. I'm really excited about this opportunity because it means I could eventually shift into a full DevOps role over time, especially since they have a DevSecOps team. I'm also planning to move to the UK in the next few years and I'm curious about which path might offer better career growth and international opportunities. I'm hoping to hear from anyone who has made a similar move or has insights on:
1. Which role has more job opportunities internationally: DevOps or QA?
2. What's the career growth and demand like for DevOps compared to QA, especially in the UK?
3 Answers
The best path really depends on what challenges you're excited to tackle. I've known folks who jumped into DevOps but struggled when the problems got too complex. I recommend checking out real job descriptions, trying out some personal projects in DevOps, or even taking practice exams to see if you actually enjoy the nitty-gritty of debugging and troubleshooting.
DevOps roles are definitely more transferable internationally. Companies everywhere need solid infrastructure, while QA jobs often get outsourced to countries where labor is cheaper. Moving into a performance test engineering role is a smart step, as it straddles both QA and DevOps, making your transition smoother and more credible.
Just a heads up, DevOps isn't typically an entry-level gig. It usually requires a mix of development and operations experience, often 10 years or more in related roles. I've met several QA folks, and frankly, I wouldn't hire someone without strong foundational experience. Don't get discouraged by the job title ‘DevSecOps’ either; it can sometimes imply a lack of specialization.
That seems a bit extreme. Sure, familiarity with systems and dev work is important, but saying you need a decade of experience is a stretch. Many QAs are transitioning to DevOps just fine, especially if they're motivated learners!
Totally agree! Plus, with AI tools improving testing, the need for traditional QA might decrease even more.