Hey everyone, I could really use some guidance on my career path. I'm a web developer with around 10 years of experience, primarily in front-end and full-stack roles. I've used AWS for various freelance projects, not on a massive scale, but I've deployed and maintained real applications.
Recently, I passed the AWS Solutions Architect Associate (SAA) exam, which I know isn't a guarantee for getting hired, but I hope it shows I'm serious about this field.
Due to personal circumstances, working fully remote is a non-negotiable for me, and I'm leaning towards moving into DevOps to find more stability in the long run. I'm trying to figure out if it's feasible to shift toward cloud, DevOps, or platform roles given my strict remote requirement, or if it would be smarter to stick closer to application development while taking on more infrastructure responsibilities.
I have a few specific questions I'd love your insights on:
1. For DevOps and platform positions, how much do hiring teams value certifications like the SAA?
2. Does my programming background hold any relevance?
3. Am I being unrealistic? Is this a practical path for me?
I'm not looking for job leads, just some honest advice on where to focus my efforts over the next 6 to 12 months. Thanks so much!
4 Answers
It's tough to find fully remote roles these days, and a lot depends on luck and market demand. Just because you need remote work doesn't mean it's the norm in this field right now. You might have to be flexible or patient in your search.
It's definitely possible to transition into DevOps, especially since you already have some web development experience. Your programming skills will definitely help, even if they don’t translate directly to the DevOps focus. It sounds like you're on the right track, but be aware that you may need to back up your experience with actual projects in DevOps.
You can totally do it! Just keep learning and be ready to demonstrate your experience.
Honestly, certifications like the SAA don't carry much weight unless you're aiming for a big contractor or government projects. Most companies look for real-world experience more than certs. Just focus on showcasing what you've done in your freelance work with AWS.
Yeah, I agree—hands-on experience trumps certs in most scenarios! Keep highlighting your real projects.
I think certifications can help you get past HR, but it ultimately comes down to experience and fit.
In my experience, certifications haven't really been a key factor during hiring. Focus on building a portfolio of projects and emphasizing your problem-solving skills instead! That's what hiring managers care about more these days.
For sure! I've seen a lot of devs pivot into DevOps. It just takes some extra effort on your part to showcase relevant experience.