What Should I Focus On as a New DevOps Intern Without Guidance?

Congratulations! But just a heads up, it sounds like you might be walking into a challenging situation. Without someone to guide you, it can feel daunting. I'd recommend you start by having a conversation with your manager to clarify their expectations. Knowing what they want you to work on—like improving CI/CD pipelines—can give you some direction. Focus on understanding the systems in place and take it from there.

Just to clarify, DevOps is not a standalone role; it's more about the methodology that encourages collaboration across development and operations. If your team is looking for you to shoulder that responsibility alone, it could be a setup for failure. It's important that everyone involved participates in DevOps practices.

Just a tip: Try using AI or online resources for guidance. You could make use of platforms like chatbots or forums to ask questions and troubleshoot issues you face. It's not ideal, but it might help fill the gaps where there’s a lack of direct mentorship.

This is a bit of a red flag. Internships are typically meant to provide mentorship, and being thrown into a position with no support can be tough. My advice is to approach this experience like a learning opportunity. If possible, create a small version of your company's infrastructure in a safe environment. Experiment, see what breaks, and learn from it.

Don't sweat it too much! Remember, they hired you because they need help, and everyone knows it. Take some time in your first week to learn about how the business operates and what they really need from you. Making connections with your colleagues can also lead to valuable insights. Don't rush—understanding the business's challenges is key.