I'm currently a DBA with 10 years of experience based in Pune, and I've been working hard over the last year to transition into DevOps, SRE, or Platform Engineering. I've obtained my AWS SA 03 certification and have been studying various concepts like Git, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, GitOps, Python, AWS, and more. Now that I've covered a lot, I'm feeling a bit lost on how to actually make the switch since I lack hands-on experience in these fields. I'm looking for guidance on how to successfully navigate this transition moving forward.
2 Answers
You're actually closer to making this switch than you realize! DevOps and SRE roles often overlap with database operations, so there’s plenty to leverage there—especially in areas like reliability and performance. Try automating your current DBA routines or building small projects. Those experiences can become solid discussion points during interviews.
That first sentence is really encouraging. Thanks for the advice!
You should definitely focus on your existing skills as a DBA. Look for entry-level DevOps roles to apply for. You’ll find that many of the skills you've developed over the years can still be relevant in this new field. Don't hesitate to highlight your experience in your applications.
I’m really eager to move on from being a DBA though. I’m concerned that my years of experience will just make me seem like a beginner in this new domain.
That's great to hear! Can you share an example of a project that would work well for this?