You're stuck in a traditional IT role. How can you become a successful DevOps engineer?

As a DevOps engineer, before diving into the more advanced aspects of automation. The cornerstone of this foundation lies in a deep understanding of network communications and Linux. Network communication protocols like TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTP are fundamental to any DevOps workflow, as they enable the various components of your infrastructure to interact seamlessly. Understanding how data flows within and between systems helps performance. Linux is another critical component. Its flexibility, powerful command-line interface, and extensive support for scripting operating systems for DevOps engineers. By mastering Linux, you gain control over server environments, allowing you to configure, deploy, and manage applications efficiently.

DevOps is emerging from a joint engineering expertise: automation (i.e. scripting, coding) and IT (i.e. networking, OS), IT Security. As well as he is the one who incorporates efforts of multiple engineering functions (i.e. QA, Dev, Security, IT, etc.) into a single streamlined pipeline. In other words, you need to have a broad expertise to see the whole picture (DevOps is an architect). You need to build up soft skills to efficiently communicate with multiple teams, come to terms and achieve the goals together. So, try different roles, understand them as a piece of the whole "infrastructure", required to create IT products; learn at least one programming language; you must be proficient in basics (Linux or Windows, Networking).

To transition from a traditional IT role to a successful DevOps engineer, focus on 1. Continuous learning. 2. Gaining hands-on experience with core DevOps tools and principles. 3. Obtain relevant certifications. 4. Connect with experienced professionals. 5. Develop essential soft skills like collaboration and problem-solving. 6. Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies to thrive in this dynamic field.

To transition into DevOps successfully, focus on becoming a continuous learner, mastering essential tools, and gaining hands-on experience with CI/CD, Docker, and Kubernetes. Keep up with trends like IaC using Terraform and use monitoring tools like Grafana and Prometheus to ensure system performance and reliability.

DevOps: Integrating Skills for Agile Innovation DevOps merges Infrastructure Management, Automation, and Development with a focus on Continuous Learning to uphold CI/CD ideals. It’s about dynamic infrastructure upkeep, understanding key network protocols, and leveraging Automation for operational efficiency through IaC and Monitoring Alerts. SDLC insights enhance team Collaboration, streamlining integration and deployment strategies.

When it comes to skill, here are certain topics which are must: 1. Containerization: Docker, Dockerhub, ECR 2. Orchestration: Kubernetes, ECS 3. CI/CD: Jenkins (write groovy code), Circle CI, Argo CD, Github Actions 4. IaC: Terraform, Ansible 5. Cloud providers: AWS, Azure, GCP

Automate everything. Really, everything than can be automated, everything that you will do again! Through your need for automation, you will learn all the necessary skills.

Continuous learning and hands-on practice are key to staying ahead in the fast-paced world of DevOps, and the skills you acquire will enable you to drive efficiency, reliability, and innovation in your projects. Container Technologies: Kubernetes, ECS, Docker, Cloud managed Kubernetes service. Cloud: AWS, Azure, GCP CI/CD: Jenkins, ArgoCD Infrastructure as Code(IaC): Terraform Monitoring Tools: Elasticsearch, Kibana, Prometheus, Grafana,Fluentbit, Logstash Scripting: Python, Bash scripting Operating System: Linux Application Servers: Nginx Configuration Managemen: Ansible Version Control: Git Artifact Management: Jfrog, ECR Code Quality Check: SonarQube

Identify who you mentally are: - a gardener - an architect - a librarian - or a student If a librarian or an architect -> focus on sourcing for fundamental handbooks or courses. For an architect -> just familiarize and try out. For a librarian -> reprocess the findings and document for yourself. For a gerdener or a student. - Train on existing Dev role. - Automate your routine on local. - Then start outomating your contributions. - Seek bias and adjust your relevance with what you perceive for the DevOps role. - Keep adjusting your perception until you find a match.

Gain proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or Ruby.Learn configuration management tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef.Familiarize yourself with containerization technologies like Docker and orchestration tools like Kubernetes.Understand and practice using CI/CD tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, or CircleCI.Gain experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform, focusing on their DevOps tools and services.

My colleague was stuck in a traditional IT role but wanted to become a DevOps engineer. He started attending industry meetups and engaging with professionals on LinkedIn. Through these efforts, he learned about the latest DevOps tools and practices. One of his new contacts referred him to a DevOps position at their company, and he successfully transitioned into the role. Networking made all the difference in his career change.

Networking is key for DevOps role in product companies. It helps in giving the idea of VPC, setting up on premise infrastructure.

Join DevOps communities and forums such as DevOps.com, Reddit’s r/devops, and Stack Overflow.Attend meetups, webinars, and conferences to meet professionals in the field and learn about the latest trends and best practices.Engage with the LinkedIn community by connecting with DevOps engineers and participating in relevant discussions and groups.

Networking plays a pivotal role in transitioning. By actively engaging with the community through forums, meetups, and both local and online groups, you can stay updated on industry trends and best practices. These interactions not only expose you to real-world challenges and solutions but also open doors to mentorship opportunities. Learning from seasoned DevOps professionals can provide personalized guidance, helping you refine your skills and navigate your career path more effectively. Building these connections can accelerate your growth and enhance your understanding of DevOps.

Start small projects that incorporate DevOps practices to build a portfolio of practical experience.Volunteer for DevOps-related tasks in your current IT role, such as automating a part of your workflow or setting up a CI/CD pipeline.Look for internships or part-time opportunities in DevOps to gain hands-on experience.

Project based learning is the only way. Learn about microservices. Deploy a microservice application without optimizing it. In the next step, dockerize it and then deploy it. Make k8s cluster of it. Create a CI/CD pipeline for it. Finally, go ahead and write terraform code. Don't forget to add monitoring.

Practical experience is essential and crucial in any field. Start by automating tasks in your current job or contributing to open-source projects. This approach allows you to apply DevOps principles in real-world scenarios, which is crucial for deepening your understanding. Setting up a home lab for experimenting with deployment and management using tools will further enhance your skills and showcase your initiative. Demonstrating practical application not only solidifies your knowledge but also makes you a more attractive candidate. The hands-on experience is invaluable and complements theoretical learning, and it helps build a strong portfolio to demonstrate your capabilities.

Documentation is the key. Always keep your architecture ready and put them on github. Show them to the world. In most of the cases, you will find only a properly documented projects are getting a lot of tractions. Also have the habit of reading an official document about the tools or technology.

Create a GitHub repository to showcase your projects, scripts, and contributions to open-source DevOps tools.Write blog posts or create video tutorials to share your knowledge and experiences in DevOps, which can also help solidify your understanding.Obtain DevOps certifications from recognized organizations to validate your skills and knowledge (e.g., AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, Certified Kubernetes Administrator).

As you accumulate experience, showcasing your skills is crucial. Building a portfolio that highlights your work—such as scripts, managed infrastructure, or completed projects—can significantly boost your visibility and credibility. A well-organized GitHub repository is an excellent way to demonstrate your abilities and commitment. During interviews, be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail, explaining how your projects reflect your understanding and application of these methodologies. This not only provides concrete evidence of your skills but also shows your proactive approach and dedication to the field.

Keep fundamentals always strong to get more understanding in deep concepts. Whatever you learn, Try to do it practically by your own if you don't get a chance to work in real time. Always learn any topics from different sites, forums etc. to get more clarity. Be consistent in learning. ??

Regularly update yourself with the latest DevOps tools, technologies, and methodologies by following industry news, subscribing to newsletters, and participating in continuous education.Experiment with new tools and practices in your personal projects to stay ahead of the curve and understand how they can be integrated into existing workflows.Engage with the DevOps community to learn from peers and experts about emerging trends and innovations.