How to become a DevOps engineer is probably something on the minds of most people who want to embark on this wonderful career.
It’s not an easy task if you’re starting from scratch. I’ve seen programs promising to make you a DevOps engineer in 18 days.
However, there's a lot to DevOps. The approach may be simple, but the technical demands can sometimes be enormous.
This career path might seem like a steep mountain to climb, but with the right mindset, tools, and guidance, it’s entirely achievable. DevOps is one of the most sought-after career fields today, blending development with operations, and fostering a culture of collaboration, automation, and continuous improvement.
But where do you start?
Let’s walk through a roadmap to becoming an entry-level DevOps engineer, touching on the technical skills, soft skills, and certifications that will set you apart.
We’ll also look at some industry statistics, facts, and trends to understand why DevOps is such a game-changer in today’s tech world.
Why DevOps is in Demand: A Quick Look at the Stats
Before we dive into the roadmap, let’s talk about why DevOps is such a hot topic. According to Statista, the global DevOps market was valued at around $7 billion in 20201, and it’s projected to exceed $12 billion by 2026.
Companies adopting DevOps practices see a 60% faster delivery of software products and a 24% improvement in team collaboration. 2If you’re considering DevOps, you’re stepping into a field that is not only growing but also revolutionizing how businesses operate.
But here’s the question: why is DevOps such a big deal?
Simply put, DevOps bridges the gap between software development and IT operations, leading to quicker deployments, fewer bugs, and happier customers. The modern tech industry is fast-paced, and companies need teams that can deliver software rapidly without compromising quality.
This is where you come in.
Step 1: Building a Strong Technical Foundation
Let’s not sugarcoat it: DevOps requires a strong technical foundation. This isn’t just about understanding a few coding languages or running a few scripts.
DevOps engineers must be able to juggle multiple skills, including system administration, networking, coding, and cloud computing.
Where to Start?
- Linux/Unix: Over 90% of the world’s servers run on Linux, so learning how to navigate the command line and administer Linux systems is crucial. Start by familiarizing yourself with basic commands, file permissions, and shell scripting.
- Networking Basics: Understanding how networks work, the OSI model, TCP/IP, and firewall rules will give you a leg up in configuring infrastructure.
- Version Control: Tools like Git are essential in managing code versions. Git isn’t just for developers—DevOps engineers use it for tracking infrastructure code, scripts, and configuration files.
Here’s a practical tip: start small. Learn how to deploy a simple web server using Linux and Git. This exercise will teach you how to configure a system and manage code versions—all while deepening your technical foundation.
Step 2: Mastering Automation and Scripting
Ask yourself this: how can I make my work easier and more efficient?
The answer is automation, the heart of DevOps. Automation helps teams speed up deployments and reduce errors. A report by Puppet states that high-performing DevOps teams automate 72% of their testing, configuration, and deployment processes.
So, what does this mean for you?
Scripting is Your Best Friend
Mastering scripting languages like Python, Bash, or PowerShell will allow you to automate repetitive tasks. For example, you could write a Python script that automatically monitors and restarts failed services on a server, or use Bash to automate backups of important data.
Consider this scenario: you’re working in a team, and you’re tasked with deploying an application to multiple servers. Doing this manually would take hours. However, with a Bash script and tools like Ansible, you could automate the entire process, saving time and ensuring consistency.
Step 3: Understanding DevOps Tools
DevOps isn’t just about coding—it’s about using the right tools to streamline processes. Let’s break down some of the most commonly used tools that you should familiarize yourself with:
- Docker: Used for containerization, Docker allows you to package applications with all their dependencies in a lightweight, portable container. According to a survey by RightScale, 75% of companies use Docker in their DevOps processes.3
- Kubernetes: This is a container orchestration tool that automates the deployment, scaling, and operation of application containers. Kubernetes might sound intimidating, but it’s vital to learn, as companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft rely on it heavily.
- Jenkins or GitLab CI/CD: Continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines ensure that code changes are integrated, tested, and deployed automatically. Mastering a CI/CD tool like Jenkins will significantly boost your productivity and reduce errors in the deployment process.
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Tools: Tools like Terraform or CloudFormation allow you to manage infrastructure (servers, databases, etc.) using code. This is one of the most powerful aspects of DevOps, as it ensures infrastructure can be easily replicated and scaled.
But how do you learn all of these tools?
Start with one. Set up a simple Docker container and deploy a basic web application. Then, experiment with Jenkins to create a CI/CD pipeline. With each project, you’ll gain more confidence and a deeper understanding of how these tools work together.
Step 4: Hands-On Experience—The Key to Mastery
Here’s the thing: no amount of theoretical knowledge will substitute hands-on experience. That’s why DevOps is often described as a journey. The best way to learn is by doing.
Build Real Projects
Create a portfolio that showcases your skills. Start by deploying your website, building a CI/CD pipeline, or contributing to open-source projects. The point is to gain practical experience that demonstrates your ability to use DevOps tools and methodologies.
Contributing to open-source projects is a powerful way to learn. Not only will you gain experience, but you’ll also collaborate with other engineers, get feedback, and start building a network. Platforms like GitHub are great places to find DevOps-related projects that need contributors.
Internships and Volunteer Work
If you’re just starting, look for internships, apprenticeships, or volunteer opportunities. Many non-profit organizations or small companies need help with their IT infrastructure but may not have the budget for full-time DevOps engineers. Offering your skills in exchange for experience is a win-win.
Step 5: Soft Skills—The Secret Sauce
DevOps isn’t just about technology—it’s about people and collaboration. A study by Google showed that the highest-performing DevOps teams excel not just because of their tools but because of their communication and teamwork. You need to be able to work effectively with software developers, IT operations, and business stakeholders.
Key Soft Skills
- Collaboration: DevOps engineers work in cross-functional teams. Your ability to communicate and collaborate with developers, testers, and system administrators is critical. Tools like Slack, JIRA, or Confluence will help you keep everyone on the same page.
- Problem-Solving: When things go wrong—and they will—you need to be able to troubleshoot and come up with solutions on the fly.
- Continuous Learning: The DevOps field is constantly evolving. New tools, frameworks, and methodologies are introduced every year. Adopting a mindset of continuous learning will help you stay ahead of the curve.
Step 6: Certifications—Do They Matter?
The short answer: Yes, but they’re not everything.
Certifications like AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert, or Docker Certified Associate validate your knowledge and give you a competitive edge in the job market. According to Global Knowledge, professionals with DevOps certifications earn, on average, 20% more than their non-certified counterparts.
But here’s a little secret: certifications are just the icing on the cake.
What employers care about is your ability to solve real-world problems and contribute to their team’s success. So, while certifications are valuable, don’t neglect the importance of practical experience and hands-on projects.
Step 7: Keep Up with Industry Trends
The world of DevOps moves fast, and keeping up with trends is crucial. Whether it’s the rise of serverless computing or the growing adoption of AI in operations, staying informed will keep you ahead of the game.
Resources for Staying Up-to-Date
- Podcasts and Blogs: Subscribe to podcasts like DevOps Chat or blogs like DevOps.com to stay informed about the latest industry developments.
- Conferences and Meetups: Attend conferences like KubeCon or local meetups to network with professionals and learn about emerging trends.
- DevOps Communities: Join online communities like Stack Overflow, Reddit, or LinkedIn Groups to ask questions, share knowledge, and engage with other professionals.
Step 8: The Importance of a Growth Mindset in DevOps
What truly sets great DevOps professionals apart is their curiosity and willingness to constantly learn and adapt.
In DevOps, technology is always evolving, and with new tools emerging almost daily, it’s crucial to embrace a mindset focused on growth and exploration.
Being open to experimentation, trying new approaches, and learning from failures is just as important as mastering the technical tools. The ability to navigate through challenges with persistence and an eagerness to find better solutions is what fuels innovation in DevOps.
This career is more than just following a playbook — it’s about understanding why things work and how to make them work better.
Equally essential is the respect for diverse perspectives.
A successful DevOps culture thrives on collaboration across teams with different skills, values, and ideas. Engineers must value the input from developers, operations staff, QA testers, and even non-technical roles.
By fostering a respectful and inclusive environment, you’re not only improving the technical output but also ensuring smoother communication and more innovative problem-solving.
In a landscape saturated with tools — from automation platforms to cloud services — it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
The key isn’t knowing every tool available, but understanding how to choose the right ones for the job and how to leverage them effectively.
Successful DevOps engineers don't just rely on knowing what tools to use; they focus on building a deep understanding of how those tools fit into the bigger picture of continuous improvement and automation.
Seek Feedback and Mentorship
- Surrounding yourself with a network of experienced professionals allows you to absorb their knowledge and avoid mistakes they’ve already encountered.
- Engaging in online communities, attending industry conferences, or even joining local meetups can be a great way to stay informed. These spaces offer valuable insights into emerging technologies, best practices, and the evolving needs of the industry.
Final Thoughts
Breaking into DevOps as an entry-level engineer may seem daunting, but it’s a rewarding and dynamic field. The key to success lies in your willingness to learn, experiment, and collaborate.
Take things one step at a time, embrace the culture of continuous improvement, and never stop experimenting with new tools and methodologies.
DevOps isn’t just about mastering technical tools—it’s about transforming how businesses operate and deliver value to their customers.
And that’s what makes it such an exciting and impactful career path.