I'm currently serving in the Army as a 35T and my responsibilities align closely with DevOps/sysadmin roles. I manage system integration, troubleshooting, networking, security, and ensure our mission-critical systems run smoothly. I have an active TS/SCI clearance, 5 years of hands-on operational experience, and currently hold a Security+ certification. I am contemplating pursuing a degree in Software Engineering at WGU due to its flexibility and affordability.
I have a few questions:
1. Would earning a degree from WGU or UMGC really benefit me once I transition to civilian life, or should I just continue accumulating certifications?
2. For transitioning into DevOps roles, which certifications would you suggest I focus on next? Would AWS, Azure, or Kubernetes be the way to go?
3. For those who have made the shift from military IT/maintenance to DevOps/SRE, what advice or resources were most helpful during your transition?
5 Answers
Having an active security clearance opens up a ton of job opportunities for you, especially in government contracting since many companies prefer candidates who already have it. So pursuing those types of roles could work well for you!
Definitely go for the degree! It can really unlock doors for you, especially in agency work. I work in a consulting firm and having a degree helped me a lot. You just need to find the right fit in what you want to study.
But which degree? I've heard there's a saturation of CS and Cybersecurity graduates in the market.
Don't miss out on the DoD SkillBridge program! It offers a 6-month internship during your last months of service, which can ease your transition. Building a HomeLab can also help with hands-on experience, so get comfortable with tech tools and automation too.
I transitioned from military IT to DevOps and found that a degree helps a lot, especially when shifting towards more developer-focused roles. Plus, your GI Bill will support your education—don't let it go to waste!
What degree did you pursue? Any particular challenges you faced during this transition?
While certifications are useful, they aren’t everything. A degree can significantly improve your job prospects, so if you can manage it, aim to earn it from a solid institution. WGU has some mixed reviews, but a degree there can still carry weight if you work hard for it.
As a current WGU student, I can tell you it’s not as quick as people say. The program is rigorous and involves practical exams too. It's worth the effort if you stay dedicated.
I've been in a similar boat trying to get a specific sysadmin role for a year, but the company won't sponsor clearance. It's tough when they require such specific qualifications.