I'm looking to break into the DevOps field and I've got some connections who currently work in various IT roles, including DevOps. I came across a Cloud Support Associate degree that seems to offer some solid opportunities, including an internship. My question is whether this degree would actually help me land a DevOps position. I've heard that graduates tend to have an easier time finding jobs than if they were to go it alone. What do you all think?
3 Answers
DevOps isn't really an entry-level position. You usually need experience in a broad range of skills before jumping in. I doubt you'll land a DevOps role with just a two-year degree and no prior experience.
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend this route. These programs tend to cover basic IT skills without diving into what you actually need in the field. Typically, you’d be looking at 5-10 years of experience in either development or operations before moving into a DevOps role. If you're serious about a career in IT, start with something foundational that you can build on. Jumping straight into a high-level role without understanding the basics could lead to a rough ride.
I'd be cautious about any degree promising to teach DevOps skills. The best professionals are often too valuable to be teaching in college. Colleges with very niche courses may not have the best reputation. I got into DevOps after starting as a junior at a company that trains and places junior DevOps engineers. It's a tough road—you're expected to master both development and system admin skills before you can really step into DevOps.
That’s fair, but through this program, I’d gain internship and project experience. The college also collaborates with companies for job placements. Wouldn’t this program at least be a decent starting point?