What Certifications or Courses Should I Pursue Next for Career Growth in DevOps?
Asked by
TechSavvyRider42
Hi all! I'm a DevOps engineer with four years of hands-on experience primarily focused on operational aspects like infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, Kubernetes, and cloud services. My programming skills are pretty basic—just what I learned in high school and further in a post-secondary ITS program before diving into ops work.
Here's what I've accomplished so far:
- AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals)
- Introduction to Kubernetes (edX)
- CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator) – I just passed this one!
In the next 12-24 months, I want to enhance my market visibility and step up to a solid mid to senior DevOps role, particularly strengthening my skills in cloud and automation. I'm curious about which certifications or courses would be the most beneficial for someone in my position.
Some certifications I'm considering include:
- Cloud-focused: AWS Certified DevOps Engineer or Solutions Architect Associate, or Azure AZ-104 or DevOps Engineer Expert
- Advanced Kubernetes: CKS
- Infrastructure as Code: Terraform Associate
- Observability/Security: Prometheus/Grafana, or DevSecOps/cloud security
If you were in my shoes, what 2-3 certifications or areas should I focus on for:
1. The best job market impact (like demand and potential salary increase)
2. Genuine skill growth (not just getting certifications)
I'd really appreciate any insights, personal experiences, or practical advice! Thanks!
Answers
Congrats on passing the CKA! As for what’s next, I’d definitely suggest looking into the Azure DevOps Engineer Expert. It's highly sought after and could really help with your cloud skills. Also, think about diving deeper into security with DevSecOps—it's a hot topic these days.
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You might find it beneficial to start building some personal projects to showcase your skills. This hands-on experience will complement any certifications you pursue and will be valuable on your resume. I'd recommend certifications that align with the projects you're working on. It’s a great way to learn and demonstrate real capability, rather than just getting paper certs.
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I think the most impactful certs for you would be the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer and the CKS. Both are in high demand and will set you apart in the job market. Plus, they'll give you practical knowledge that you can apply immediately in your role. The Terraform Associate is also a great choice since Infrastructure as Code is becoming crucial in the industry.
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