I've spent over a decade as a Project Manager and now feel like I've hit a wall in terms of growth. I looked into moving into Program Management, but it seems like the salary increase wouldn't be significant. So, I'm thinking about switching to DevOps for more technical experience and better long-term career prospects.
For those who have made the jump from PM to DevOps, I'm curious:
- How does the job compare to PM work?
- Was the transition worth it in terms of your career and salary growth?
- What skills should I focus on, especially since I've dabbled in GCP but AWS appears to be more prevalent?
I hold a bachelor's degree in computer science engineering, but I haven't coded in over a decade. I'm eager to hear about real experiences and insights from anyone who has been through this.
4 Answers
Transitioning to DevOps from a non-technical background is tough. I’ve been in DevOps for over 15 years and typically see people enter through technical roles like coding or system administration first. In interviews, I’ve had to discuss everything from networking to systems architecture. So if you're serious about making this shift, you'll likely need to build some technical skills first.
Most companies look for candidates who have hands-on experience in areas like Linux, networking, and coding before tackling DevOps. It’s not an entry-level gig. That said, if you focus on one strong technical area and build your way up, you might stand a chance!
It’s crucial to leverage your PM strengths, like project coordination and documentation, while you learn. Consider getting AWS or Terraform certifications to enhance your profile.
Just a heads up, if you're looking to get into DevOps for the right reasons, make sure it’s not just for a pay bump. You'll need a lot of dedication and a genuine interest in technology. If your focus is solely on salary, then you might want to reconsider if this environment suits you.
Compensation is a factor, but I’m excited about working in a tech-heavy role. I want to develop my skills further and be hands-on.
That’s the right mindset! Making sure you’re passionate about the work will help you tackle the learning curve.
Have you considered data engineering instead? It might align more with your existing skills, especially since you have a data background. Plus, there’s a huge demand for data engineers right now!
Yes, that’s a path I’m exploring too. Do you have any recommendations on resources or how to start?
Definitely! Learning R or Python is a great start. There are plenty of online courses that focus on data engineering fundamentals.
I think you need to have at least a foundational tech background to jump into DevOps. I started in operations with a focus on networking and security, and that really helped. If you don’t have significant technical experience, catching up will be a challenge. This field requires a deep understanding of various tools, languages, and systems, so without a solid base, you might find it overwhelming.
I understand that’s a concern. I have some academic knowledge, but I haven’t coded in a long time. I wonder if I could still make it work.
Without practical experience, it might not be the right time. Gaining some coding experience or sysadmin skills is critical before diving into DevOps.
Absolutely. Target a niche in tech like AWS, learn Linux, understand networking basics, and pick up a programming language like Python. Try to build two solid projects that demonstrate your ability to manage infrastructure and applications.