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When Did You Transition from Network Engineer to DevOps?

August 3, 2025 6 answers
Asked by TechWhiz123
I'm curious to hear from former network engineers about when you decided to make the switch to a DevOps role. I've been a network engineer for about 8 years now and have a CCNP, with plans for a CCIE. I also love working with cloud technologies and got my AWS-SAA a few years back, although that certification has expired. I initially enjoyed working with hardware, but now I find coding to be quite fun. I've heard that companies often look for DevOps engineers who also understand networking, but I'm unsure if my knowledge of networking and tools like Terraform, automation, and pipelines is enough for the transition. I'm a bit nervous about making such a big change in my career, but I also think it could be a rewarding move if I'm qualified. I'm looking for advice from those of you who have been in my shoes!
automation career transition cloud computing DevOps network engineering System Operations

Answers

NetworkNinja
The term DevOps itself is about merging development with operations. If you're skilled at coding, your network skills will definitely help with troubleshooting deployment issues. If you're leaning more toward development, just remember that successful DevOps roles can also focus heavily on the operations side, which often involves sysadmin tasks alongside consulting for developers.
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PaycheckSteps
Honestly, my perspective on transitioning to DevOps came when I realized I was doing multiple roles and felt I deserved better pay. If you think you can earn more in a DevOps position and are ready to level up your skills, that’s often a great motivator to make the switch!
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SysAdminGuru
It really depends on the company, but DevOps roles often evolve from sysadmin positions. So, it's generally more about operations than development. In my experience, most DevOps pros are former sysadmins or network engineers. You'll want to get comfortable with Linux administration, CI/CD methods, monitoring tools, and scripting languages like Bash or Python. This skill set seems pretty standard in the industry.
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AutomationEnthusiast
Have you tried applying automation tools to your current networking work? If you're already doing that, shifting to DevOps might just be a matter of title change rather than a complete overhaul!
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CareerClimber
For me, networking was just the beginning. I wanted to explore all aspects of IT, so I moved into systems administration (both Windows and Linux) and ended up deploying applications to support development teams alongside all I learned. My journey might not be for everyone, but it gave me great context for tackling tough problems. Follow what interests you!
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TransitionTrooper
I know a few folks who've transitioned successfully from network engineering to DevOps, and even people from non-tech fields have made the leap. It won't be too hard if you're genuinely motivated. Ignore the gatekeepers who say otherwise; they often don't reflect the reality of the field.
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