I just graduated with a first-class honors degree in Computer Science and I'm keen on pursuing a career in DevOps, focusing on platforms, cloud engineering, containers, automation, and CI/CD. My professor even suggested this path during my MLOps dissertation. However, I'm concerned because I don't have any formal backend development experience. I've played around with Docker and GitHub Actions in my projects, deployed stuff on Railway, and I've been involved in creating pipelines for my dissertation, but I haven't worked as a developer before.
I often see advice saying that you should have some development experience before jumping into DevOps. The thing is, I'm not really interested in app development or frontend work; I want to focus on the infrastructure and deployment aspects.
Currently, my learning plan includes: 1. Learning Linux fundamentals (I've just started), 2. Understanding networking basics (like DNS, HTTP, TCP/IP, and ports), 3. Delving deeper into Docker, 4. Mastering CI/CD with GitHub Actions, 5. Getting familiar with Azure or AWS (since Azure is more popular in Dubai), and 6. Learning Kubernetes.
So, I have a few questions: 1. Is it really a disadvantage to skip the "be a dev first" path, or is that advice better suited for mid-career transitions? 2. What level of coding knowledge should I aim for—just scripting languages like Bash and Python, or do I need something more extensive? 3. Any tips on how to land a junior DevOps or Cloud role with no professional experience?
3 Answers
Jumping into DevOps straight out of college is tough, but not out of reach. It will help if you have some understanding of backend concepts first. This will make the transition smoother when you're dealing with infrastructure. I'd suggest learning Python since it’s widely used in DevOps. And if you’re considering programming languages, both JavaScript/TypeScript and Python have their merits, but for scripting and automation, Python might be the better choice.
Starting in DevOps without much backend experience can be challenging. It’s true that many companies prefer candidates with some development background, but it’s not impossible to break into the field. Just be prepared to learn quickly and build on your experiences. Since you're focused on infrastructure and automation, your current learning plan is a great start. Getting hands-on experience wherever you can—like personal projects or internships—will also help solidify your knowledge.
If you're aiming for a junior role, think about contributing to open-source projects or finding freelance opportunities, even if they’re small. These experiences can help boost your resume. Focus on building a solid portfolio that showcases your skills in the areas you’re passionate about. Also, networking with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and job leads.
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