The DevOps Travel Guide: Product Companies vs. Consulting Firms – Your Ticket to Tech Adventure

So, you’re diving headfirst into the world of DevOps? Brilliant choice! It’s the ultimate destination for anyone who loves the thrill of blending development and operations into one seamless journey. But before you pack your virtual suitcase and set off, there’s a big decision to be made: Should you opt for the all-inclusive resort of a Product Company or go for the adrenaline-pumping Consulting Firm tour? Both have their charms, but like any savvy traveller knows, it’s all about picking the right itinerary. So, grab your passport (or, in this case, your laptop), and let’s explore the options, shall we?

Now, when I was weighing up my internship choices, it was like planning the ultimate getaway. Should I settle into the steady luxury of a product company, where I could truly get stuck in and explore the finer details? Or, was I ready for the jet-set lifestyle of a consulting firm, hopping from one exciting destination to the next, with new challenges around every corner? Let’s just say, the pros and cons of each path were worth some serious thought.

But here’s the thing: it’s not just the itinerary you need to consider. Every seasoned traveller knows that the climate and culture of your destination can make or break the trip. Are you heading somewhere with warm, supportive vibes, where team-building, learning, and rewards are part of the daily forecast? Or will you find yourself stuck in a place where the only thing on offer is grey skies and stress? Picking the right work environment is just as crucial as choosing the right role.

Product Companies: A Luxurious Stay at a 5-Star Resort

Picture this: you’ve just checked into a posh coastal resort. The view is immaculate, the service top-notch, and you know you’ll be here for a while. No need to rush—just time to settle in, get comfortable, and savour the experience. This is what working at a product company feels like. You’re there for the long haul, becoming a master of your domain, and enjoying the perks of a slower, more refined pace.

Pros:

Consistency, Like a Sea-View Balcony

At a product company, you’ve locked in your destination and you’re staying put. You’ll have the chance to dive deep into one product—really get your hands on it and know it inside out. Think of it as waking up every morning to that glorious sea view, knowing it’s yours for the foreseeable future.

Local Expertise, or the Hidden Gems of the Product

After a while, you’ll uncover all the quirks, strengths, and little-known tricks of the trade. Much like finding the best local spots that the tourists miss, you’ll become the go-to person for your team. It’s the kind of insider knowledge that takes time and dedication to build—and it’s worth its weight in gold.

Predictability, or Knowing What’s on the Menu

There’s a certain comfort in knowing what to expect. No last-minute surprises or frantic changes to your itinerary. You can plan your days, get things done at a steady pace, and still have time for that metaphorical poolside cocktail. It’s all about balance, darling.

Cons:

Monotony, or Too Many Days by the Pool

Even the most stunning resort can get a bit samey after a while. If the product isn’t changing much, you could find yourself repeating the same tasks, day in, day out. It’s like having that fifth pi?a colada—nice, but you start to wonder if there’s something more exciting on the horizon.

Legacy Systems, or the Dodgy Old Hotel Wing

Some product companies have systems that are, let’s say, a little past their prime. You might find yourself spending more time patching things up than creating something fresh. It’s like being stuck in the old wing of a luxury hotel—sure, the chandelier’s lovely, but you’d rather be in the newly renovated suite.

Climate and Culture: Is It All Sunshine and Mojitos?

Now, let’s talk about climate. Are you walking into a company where the culture is all about collaboration, gender equality, bonuses, and personal growth? Think of it like an all-inclusive resort that offers yoga at sunrise, team drinks at sunset, and everything in between. Or, is it the kind of place where everyone retreats to their rooms after work, leaving you to sip your solo gin and tonic? A good product company invests in you—and that means team-building, rewards, and a vibe you actually want to be part of.

Consulting Firms: The Jet-Setter Lifestyle

On the other hand, there’s consulting—fast-paced, high-adrenaline, and full of excitement. It’s like booking a series of first-class tickets to some of the world’s most fascinating destinations. One day you’re in Paris solving a client’s crisis, the next you’re in Tokyo implementing cutting-edge tech. Consulting is for those who crave variety and thrive on a bit of chaos.

Pros:

Variety, or the Ultimate City Breaks

No two days are the same in consulting. You’ll be constantly jetting off to different clients, each with their own unique challenges. It’s like ticking off a new city on your travel bucket list every week—you’re never bored, and there’s always something new to explore.

Fast Learning, or Intensive Language Courses on the Go

Much like picking up new phrases in each country you visit, consulting forces you to learn—and fast. Each project introduces you to new tools, methodologies, and ways of thinking. It’s like getting a crash course in every technology under the sun, and before you know it, you’re fluent.

Networking, or Meeting Fellow Travellers Along the Way

Every new project means a new team, a new client, and a new opportunity to expand your network. Consulting is a bit like joining the most exclusive travel club, where every connection could lead to exciting future adventures.

Cons:

Stress, or the Eternal Race to Catch Your Flight

It’s not all glamour, though. Consulting can be a bit of a rat race—tight deadlines, high expectations, and the constant hustle of moving from one project to the next. It’s like spending your entire holiday sprinting through airports, always hoping you make the next connection.

No Long-Term Ownership, or Leaving Before the Best Bit

In consulting, you’ll often hand over your work just as things start getting interesting. It’s like visiting a stunning city but having to leave before you’ve really soaked it all in. You solve the problem, move on, and never get to see the full fruits of your labour.

Climate and Culture: Buzzing Metropolis or Chaotic Rush Hour?

Consulting firms can feel like vibrant cities—alive with energy, buzzing with possibility, and full of exciting opportunities. But, depending on the firm, it can also feel like you’re stuck in rush hour, with everyone too busy to stop for a chat. Some firms invest in their people with personal development, team outings, and bonuses. Others? Well, they’re all about the work, with little time for play. If you love the thrill of the hustle, it’s a perfect match. But if you’re after some downtime, it might feel like a never-ending layover.

Which Ticket Should You Book?

So, where does that leave you, globetrotter? If you’re looking for stability, where you can unpack your suitcase, become an expert in your surroundings, and enjoy a slower pace, a product company is your perfect 5-star retreat. You’ll have time to dig deep, develop your skills, and truly own your space.

But if you’re the adventurous type—always itching for something new, keen to solve diverse problems, and willing to live out of your metaphorical suitcase—consulting is the jet-set lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of. It’s fast, it’s thrilling, and it’s sure to take you places you never expected.

For my own internship, I found myself torn between the two. In the end, I chose a product company because I wanted to dive deep into specific tools and work within a more stable environment, where I could master the nuances of a particular project. But let’s be clear—I’ve got a serious case of wanderlust, and I’d love to explore consulting firms in the future. The idea of working on diverse projects in different industries? Yes, please! Sometimes, you just can’t resist the call of adventure.

But remember, it’s not just about the destination—it’s about the vibe too. Does the company offer a supportive, engaging climate where you can grow, learn, and enjoy the ride? Is it all about team-building, gender equality, and rewarding your efforts? Or is it a place where you’re just another tourist passing through? Whether you’re sipping cocktails by the pool or racing through terminals, the culture can make or break your experience.

So, pack your bags and pick your path. Bon voyage, my friends—your DevOps journey is just beginning, and I promise, it’s going to be one hell of an adventure!