How to get into DevOps?

Are you considering getting into DevOps as a career choice? Well, you have made a great choice! With my 15+ years of experience in this domain, I have seen the way this methodology has shaped the fortunes of companies in various industry verticals. I am happy that many of my students who underwent a DevOps course are now thriving and have successful careers in tech product development.

In my experience, it has emerged as a rapidly growing field that bridges the gap between software development and operations. Gone are the days of legacy applications that we updated once a year. Businesses today strive for faster software delivery and better collaboration. 

This is where DevOps comes to the fore. 

I believe it is the main reason why the demand for DevOps experts has skyrocketed. Looking at the current situation in 2024, I think this trend will continue even in the future. DevOps market will touch $25.5 billion by 2028 from $10.4 billion in 2023. This comes to a CAGR of 19.7% between 2024 and 2028. Now, that is certainly Interesting.

With my versatile experience, I have managed to put down this comprehensive post. It is meant especially for those who are looking to get into DevOps. Both beginners and industry veterans will benefit from the unique insight presented in this post. 

When you read this, you will come to understand a lot about this software development model. You come to know what DevOps is. Plus, I will take you through a guide on how to build a successful career in this field. 

As an industry expert with years of experience in implementing DevOps practices, I want to help you get started on an exciting and rewarding DevOps journey. This guide will help both fresh graduates and experienced IT experts.

What is DevOps?

I personally feel that DevOps is a cultural shift. It has built a successful bridge between development and operations teams. You can define it as an approach that automates the software delivery process. As a result of its principles, companies can now build, test, and deploy software faster and more reliably. 

At the heart of DevOps is its unyielding emphasis on 

• Continuous integration, 

• Continuous delivery, and 

• Continuous deployment

The development team achieves these goals by using tools and practices like version control, infrastructure as code, containerization, and monitoring. 

I have seen first-hand the massive impact of encouraging cross-functional collaboration, shared responsibilities, and a DevOps mindset. This way, organizations can achieve higher quality software. More importantly, from a business perspective, they can push for faster time-to-market. An additional benefit is visible in the form of improved operational efficiency. In my experience, these three factors can strongly differentiate the best from the rest in tech product building. 

DevOps is not just a set of tools or processes. Rather, I would encourage students to perceive DevOps certification. It will empower teams to work together seamlessly. Team members can easily embrace automation and deliver tangible value to customers more rapidly and consistently.

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Why is DevOps vital?

This approach suits modern-day business demands. Today, tech product rollouts have to happen quickly. Every iteration needs to be pushed into the market in quick time to help a company maintain a competitive advantage.  I feel that DevOps helps teams to deliver software rapidly, reliably, and at scale. 

It successfully bridges the gap between development and operations teams. As a result, both teams can drive seamless collaboration and accelerated software delivery. Be it CI/CD, incident response, or real-time monitoring, DevOps empowers teams in many ways. The result of this focused approach is that teams can automate processes and decrease the risk of human errors. 

The approach ensures that changes are thoroughly tested and deployed with minimal disruptions. Moreover, DevOps enables a culture of shared responsibility and transparency. As a result, companies gain the agility to add features and iterations based on evolving customer preferences.

Who can Get into DevOps?

At this stage, you may be wondering if a certain segment of tech experts is a feasible group for thriving in the domain of DevOps. I personally feel that the beauty of DevOps lies in its inclusivity. I have seen people from diverse backgrounds and skill sets thrive in this dynamic field. 

And this includes me as well! 

• You may be a software developer, system administrator, QA engineer, or even a non-technical professional. For all such profiles, DevOps offers exciting opportunities. 
• Developers can leverage their coding skills to build robust applications. They can also automate deployment pipelines. 
• System administrators can apply their infrastructure expertise for provisioning and managing cloud resources. 
• QA pros can contribute their testing prowess to ensure software quality throughout the delivery cycle. 
• Even non-technical people with strong problem-solving and collaboration skills can excel in DevOps. They can grab roles such as release managers or DevOps evangelists. 

The key is a willingness to learn and adapt. Doing so will help you effectively embrace a culture of continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration. With the right mindset and commitment, anyone can commence with a rewarding career journey.

What Qualifications are Needed to Start a Career in DevOps?

There are no strict academic mandates for this particular software development model. However, possessing a solid base in software development, systems administration, or IT operations is highly beneficial. DevOps engineers benefit from skills like coding and security setups. Even automation and testing skills will help. 

• Do you want to know how to get into DevOps? A good starting point will be proficiency in the below tech skills -  
• Coding languages like Python, Ruby, or Bash scripting. This helps automate processes and write infrastructure such as code. 
• Knowledge of operating systems and virtualization technologies is vital. You can also have experience on cloud platforms like AWS or Azure. This knowledge will come in handy for provisioning and managing infrastructure. 
• Familiarity with version control systems (Git) and continuous integration/continuous deployment tools like Jenkins and CircleCI would be helpful
• Many job roles also require hands-on experience with containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes
• Beyond technical skills, a good candidate will have excellent problem-solving skills. They will also have proficiency in collaboration and communication skills. 

These prerequisites will be valuable when you enter the competitive DevOps field.

Is DevOps Hard to Get Into?

DevOps may seem daunting at first. But as I have seen since the time I first started out, it certainly gets easier. I see that this approach is not related to a specific role or tool. I would rather view it as a cultural philosophy that emphasizes collaboration and continuous improvement. 

The learning curve can be steep. But I feel this is mainly due to the need for a broad skill set spanning coding, infrastructure management, and process automation. This explains why a person will have a greater chance of success when they apply willingness to learn with a structured approach.

• Your mindset should include these learning strategies – 
• You should break down the necessary skills into smaller, achievable goals 
• You can leverage online resources and hands-on projects
• See if you can take advantage of mentorship opportunities at a company or with an expert. They can greatly facilitate the learning process after you have completed the DevOps course. 
• You can also benefit from the DevOps community. It is proven to be vibrant and supportive. They present several avenues for networking, knowledge-sharing, and growth. 

You should possess an essence of perseverance and a mindset of growth. With it, you can overcome the initial hurdles and thrive in the exciting world of DevOps.

How to Get Started in DevOps?

Some steps will help you emerge as a master DevOps developer. These are as follows –

1. Coding knowledge: The first step is to master the necessary coding languages that come in handy for DevOps. You are likely to have a programming certification or prior tech experience. You can pivot to DevOps with Python and JavaScript knowledge. 

2. Courses and Certifications will help: Your resume needs to help you come across as a valuable candidate. For this, you can go for certifications like AWS-certified DevOps Engineer. Other good choices include Puppet Certified Professional and Microsoft Certified DevOps Engineer Expert. You can also go for courses such as the ones I offer at Star Agile.

3. Practical experience: If you are a beginner, then you can start with an internship at a tech product development organization. If you already have experience, you can build a portfolio of projects. You may use a platform like GitHub to showcase your project online. 

4. Apply for a job: Now, you are right on track to start with real-world job experience. For this, you can apply to various roles in the DevOps engineering space. You can tap into an existing network of technology experts to transition smoothly into your new role. 

With these tips, you can get started properly as a DevOps expert.  

How to Get Started in DevOps with No Experience?

I have personal experience starting in DevOps with no experience. It is challenging but certainly not impossible. You can start by pursuing a good DevOps certification course. Try to enroll in a course that is specifically designed for beginners in DevOps. 

Another good option would be to attend DevOps meetups and conferences. This will help you to network and learn from industry experts. 

A strong portfolio is a viable answer to your query, ‘How to get into DevOps with no experience.’ Create a compelling portfolio showcasing your projects. This will also highlight your problem-solving abilities. 

The next point will be to step into entry-level roles such as DevOps Engineers or Site Reliability Engineers. Here, you can apply your skills and continue learning on the job. 

How to grow in DevOps with prior experience?

If you are working in the technology domain, then pivoting to DevOps needs to happen with a singular goal – You need to be a go-to employee for all DevOps projects. You may already have extensive coding experience in HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and Python. So, your first step has already been taken care of. 

A good idea would be to be alert within the organization. If a position opens up in the DevOps team, then you can volunteer for it. It will help you add to your base programming knowledge. Here, you can learn about specific areas inside DevOps like

1. Learn Version Control: Version control is a crucial skill in DevOps. Hence, you should make GitHub your friend. You can start with online resources such as “Pro Git,” with Ben Straub and Scott Chacon as authors.

2. Master the Command Line: CLI tools do the heavy lifting for DevOps. Hence, you can gain mastery of tools like Powershell and Bash commands. They will help a lot in automation and management. 

3. Continuous Integration and Deployment (CI/CD): This is the backbone of the DevOps philosophy. Here, you can think about learning tools like Jenkins. Even GitLab CI/CD or CircleCI can be valuable resources. 

4. Cloud Platforms: This is another area that you can follow and gain proficiency in. Your experience with top cloud providers like AWS or Azure will come in handy. You can go for specific certifications in this context.

Hands-on experience through personal projects or certifications can significantly boost your chances of landing a DevOps role. The key is cultivating a passion for continuous learning and a DevOps mindset.

What are the growth and career opportunities once you get started in DevOps?

Once you set out on the DevOps journey, you will come across a world of exciting growth and career opportunities. With the growing reliance on tech products, organizations continue to embrace DevOps practices. Hence, the demand for skilled experts will only surge. 

You can advance your career path by specializing in specific areas such as cloud computing or site reliability engineering (SRE). Another good aspect worth considering is the pursuit of leadership roles like DevOps Manager or Director. In this role, you will oversee cross-functional teams and drive cultural transformation. 

With experience, you can also transition into consulting roles. This will help you give expert guidance to businesses on their DevOps adoption. Another good area to explore is gaining experience as a DevOps trainer. My own experience has helped me impart valuable domain knowledge to other aspiring learners who want to establish themselves in the highly lucrative DevOps space. 

Also Read: DevOps Manager Salary

Will AI Replace DevOps?

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked debates across various industries. It is no different with DevOps. AI undoubtedly holds immense potential for automating certain tasks and augmenting human capabilities. However, it is highly unlikely to entirely replace the DevOps field. This is a multifaceted discipline. It extends far beyond just automation and technology. It spans a cultural mindset along with a deep understanding of business needs. 

AI can certainly streamline and optimize certain DevOps processes, such as continuous integration, testing, and monitoring. However, the human element remains crucial for strategic decision-making and driving cultural change within companies. 

In my experience, AI will not replace DevOps. Rather, it is more likely to become a powerful tool in the DevOps toolbox. It will enable teams to work more efficiently and deliver value faster. Human oversight and configuration will be needed for the approach to work smoothly.

Conclusion

In this guide, I have covered insights on how to proceed when you are a beginner or when you have prior experience. If you know about the powerful impact of this area of software development but don’t know where to start, then this guide will definitely help you. You can reach out to me for anything you need to know about my DevOps certification course. 

FAQs

1. Is DevOps highest paid?

DevOps roles are generally well-compensated. However, salaries can vary based on factors like experience and industry. Even the geographical location can come into play here. While not necessarily the highest paid, DevOps engineers and managers often command competitive salaries. This happens due to the high demand for their skills and the value they bring to companies.

2. How much time will it take to get into DevOps?

The time it takes to transition into DevOps can vary depending on your existing skills and experience. For those new to the field, it may take 6 to 12 months of dedicated learning and hands-on practice. Experienced IT professionals may have a shorter learning curve of 3 to 6 months. They can acquire the necessary DevOps skills within this timeframe.

3. Can a non-IT person do DevOps?

It is true that DevOps roles typically require a technical background. There is a bright chance for non-IT people to have strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills. They can potentially transition into roles like release managers or project managers within DevOps teams. However, they may need to acquire some technical knowledge via training or certifications.

4. Does DevOps need coding?

Yes, coding skills are essential for DevOps professionals. You should be proficient in scripting languages like Python, Bash, and Ruby. Plus, you need to have a working knowledge of infrastructure, such as code tools like Terraform or Ansible. This is crucial for automating tasks and provisioning infrastructure. With this knowledge, you can streamline the software delivery process.

5. Is DevOps still in demand?

DevOps is in high demand and continues to grow as more organizations recognize the benefits of faster software delivery and operational efficiency. The adoption of cloud computing, containerization, and agile methodologies further fuels the need for skilled DevOps experts.

6. Is DevOps good for freshers?

DevOps can be a great career path for freshers. Recent graduates with a strong foundation in software development, system administration, or IT operations will find it a great choice. Many organizations offer entry-level DevOps engineer roles or internships. This will help beginners grab opportunities to learn and grow in the field.

7. How do I get my first DevOps job?

To land your first DevOps job, you can focus on building a solid base via online courses and personal projects. You can highlight relevant skills on your resume. Hence, you should put more emphasis on coding, scripting, CI/CD tools, and cloud platforms. Attending industry events and going for internships also help you gain practical experience.

8. Is DevOps worth it in 2024?

DevOps is expected to remain highly relevant and in demand in 2024 and beyond. Businesses continue to prioritize digital transformation and rapid software delivery. It is here that the principles and practices of DevOps will become increasingly crucial. They will help companies achieve operational excellence and let them maintain a competitive edge.