Introduction to the DevOps Engineer Career
One of the most sought-after roles in the tech industry right now is that of DevOps Engineer. A DevOps Engineer is responsible for combining software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) to increase an organization’s ability to deliver applications and services at an even faster pace.
As a recent graduate, if you have a background in software development or IT, a career as a DevOps Engineer could be the right fit for you.
Career Values, Traits, Skills
To excel as a DevOps Engineer, there are certain skills, traits, and values that you need to possess. Most importantly, you should have a passion for building, testing, and deploying software applications. You should also be able to work effectively in a team.
A DevOps Engineer must be tech-savvy and have knowledge of programming languages such as Java, Python or Ruby, DevOps tools like Jenkins and Docker, and cloud computing platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.
Due to the nature of the job, DevOps Engineers should also have strong problem-solving and analytical skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to multitask and prioritize.
- Career Path
To become a DevOps Engineer, you would typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software development, or a related field. However, some organizations hire based on relevant work experience and certifications.
In terms of the career path, entry-level DevOps Engineers can start as Junior DevOps Engineers and later advance to Senior DevOps Engineers, DevOps Managers, or DevOps Architects – depending on their experience and level of knowledge.
- Salary Range
DevOps Engineers are highly in demand, resulting in a higher-than-average salary in the technology world. According to Glassdoor, a DevOps Engineer in the United States earns an average of $110,000 a year. The average salary for a Junior DevOps Engineer or a DevOps Engineer with less than five years of experience is roughly around $90,000 per year.
- Tips for Success
If you want to find success as a DevOps Engineer, it is crucial to be proactive and stay up-to-date with the latest technologies in the industry. Participating in online forums or attending conferences and workshops can help you stay informed and improve your skills.
Working as a DevOps Engineer would also require you to have complete transparency and knowledge of the systems involved, so it is essential to maintain excellent communication and collaboration skills with your team members.
Additionally, you should continue to learn and improve your skills while expanding your network to stay current with the trends in your industry.
- References
If you’re interested in learning more about DevOps and its practices, here are some excellent references and resources:
- "Continuous Delivery" by Jez Humble and David Farley.
- "The DevOps Handbook" by Gene Kim et al.
- "The Phoenix Project" by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, and George Spafford.
- The DevOps Institute and the DevOps Research and Assessment organization.
- The Agile Alliance and various DevOps Meetups provide opportunities for learning and networking in the DevOps community.
