Hey everyone! I'm just starting out in my career and have been applying for jobs since December, focusing mainly on Software Development Engineer (SDE) and Full Stack roles. However, I'm noticing that entry-level positions seem to be disappearing, and many listings are asking for 2+ years of experience. I'm starting to wonder if AI is contributing to this trend and if there are any roles that might be more immune to automation. I've heard from a friend that DevOps could be a good option, but I'm unsure if that's accurate. Is there more job potential in DevOps compared to SDE or Full Stack development right now? Would it be a wise decision to switch my focus to DevOps, or should I stick with pursuing SDE opportunities? Thanks for reading my post!
5 Answers
Exactly! DevOps isn't really an entry-level role. To be effective in that area, you need real-world experience and understanding of various systems—far more than what you'd grasp as a beginner SDE. Check out resources like the DevOps Roadmap for more info!
Transitioning to DevOps can be a smart move! AI seems to impact entry-level coding positions more significantly, while DevOps focuses on hands-on infrastructure and cloud skills that aren't as easily automated.
While DevOps might seem like a safer bet, it's not a foolproof solution. You're basically hoping your job won't get automated while SDE roles do. The truth is that both paths can be successful if you're good at what you do. If you really dislike coding, then maybe DevOps is for you, but choosing a career based on fear of AI could lead you to a job you don't enjoy. Nobody likes dealing with infrastructure issues at 2 AM!
I think starting as an SDE before moving to DevOps could really benefit you in the long run. Understanding how applications operate will give you valuable insight. However, if the job market for entry-level SDEs looks bleak, maybe exploring DevOps now isn't a bad call!
So it sounds like people in DevOps aren't facing AI threats for now, right?
DevOps is definitely not a role for freshers. Think of it like needing real-life experience as a doctor before you can consult patients. You'll need to work in something like Cloud Ops, SRE, or SWE for at least 2-3 years before moving into DevOps or platform engineering.
That makes a lot of sense!