Hey folks! I'm curious about the current state of the job market for DevOps roles regarding infrastructure skills. Are companies still hiring DevOps Engineers for On-Premise or Hybrid infrastructures, or has everything shifted to the Cloud? Additionally, how important are traditional infrastructure skills like Networking, Linux administration, and Hardware knowledge in today's DevOps landscape? Should I focus solely on mastering Cloud-native services such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, or is it still worth investing time in those 'old school' skills? I'd love to hear insights from those already working in the field—does having deep infrastructure knowledge really give you an edge, or is it fading into obsolescence?
5 Answers
Absolutely! Working with infrastructure still matters a ton, especially the basics like networking and Linux. They help you navigate cloud environments and understand how everything connects. Don't make the mistake of neglecting these skills, thinking they aren't useful for cloud work.
The cloud essentially is just a different form of infrastructure, and having solid knowledge of what's happening under the hood is crucial. It not only helps you build systems effectively but also troubleshoot them when issues arise. Without that knowledge, you could end up guessing and just clicking through options without real understanding.
I've worked in various settings—on-prem, managed cloud, and hybrid. In all those scenarios, my knowledge of networking and Linux has been invaluable. There’s so much variety in the field, and while not everyone needs all skills, having a foundational knowledge definitely gives you options in your job search. Focus on what you enjoy, and specialize in that to match prospective employers' needs.
Exactly! I was mentoring a new hire, and while they were super sharp with Kubernetes, they struggled with basic networking concepts. It just goes to show how valuable Linux and networking skills can be.
Agreed! Even if you're not familiar with networking now, if it’s required, taking a few courses can really enhance your skill set.
Yes, even with the rise of cloud computing, traditional skills remain critical. Understanding the fundamentals helps you make sense of modern architectures and lets you tackle challenges more effectively, especially when things go wrong.
On-prem and hybrid setups are still very relevant due to various reasons like compliance and cost. Networking and Linux skills are non-negotiable; without them, you're going to struggle in understanding security measures or routing necessary for effective cloud management.
Totally agree! The level of access to cloud infrastructure can really depend on the employer, but many larger companies still maintain tight control over on-prem resources, while allowing DevOps some leeway with cloud systems.