This topic is discussed in episode #011 of our Cloud & DevOps Pod
The Path to Becoming an IT Professional: A Guide to Breaking into DevOps
Becoming a professional in the IT industry is an exciting journey filled with learning, curiosity, and problem-solving. Whether you're just starting or transitioning from a different career, the pathway to success often begins with a deep interest in technology and a willingness to experiment with it. In this blog post, we’ll walk through the steps you can take to build a rewarding career in IT, particularly in the field of DevOps.
The First Step: Getting Hooked on Technology
For many IT professionals, the journey begins with early exposure to computers or technology. Often, it starts with something as simple as playing video games, experimenting with early computers, or even exploring basic coding languages like BASIC or C.
Getting a first computer, whether it’s a Mac or a PC, allows budding IT enthusiasts to explore software and hardware, gradually learning how things work. Playing around with software, setting up a network to play games with friends, or exploring early online platforms can ignite a passion for understanding how the technology behind these experiences functions.
But one crucial turning point is when individuals start using the Internet. Connecting a computer to the Internet opens up endless possibilities—access to information, learning resources, and communities of like-minded tech enthusiasts. This moment often transforms a casual interest into something much deeper, as people begin to see the potential of the digital world beyond simple games and applications.
Exploration and Self-Learning
After getting hooked on technology, many IT professionals start diving deeper into learning. At this stage, self-learning becomes key. Back in the early days, aspiring tech experts would scour bookstores for resources like HTML and programming books. These days, platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and YouTube offer countless free and paid resources to learn the essentials of programming, networking, and other IT skills.
Learning to code is often the next step in this journey. Many professionals begin by learning a foundational programming language. In the past, languages like C were highly recommended, but today, more accessible languages like Python are often the go-to for beginners. Python’s ease of use and powerful capabilities make it an excellent choice for anyone new to programming. Once the basics of programming are mastered, more complex concepts like databases, server management, and cloud technologies follow.
This phase is also marked by curiosity and experimentation. It’s not just about following tutorials or classes—it’s about trying things out on your own. For example, setting up a home network to connect multiple computers or experimenting with Linux installations can offer hands-on experience that builds confidence and skills.
Overcoming Challenges: Learning from Mistakes
A significant part of the journey to becoming an IT professional involves learning from mistakes. At some point, everyone in IT faces technical hurdles. Maybe it's trying to set up a network that won’t connect properly, or trying to debug a program that refuses to run. These challenges, while frustrating at times, are invaluable learning experiences.
For instance, many early IT enthusiasts had to navigate dial-up Internet connections, troubleshoot modem issues, or figure out how to make computers communicate with each other over networks. Today, the equivalent might be setting up cloud infrastructure, securing networks, or troubleshooting APIs. The point is that IT professionals develop resilience by solving problems, often through trial and error.
Experimenting with different setups, such as creating your own web server or building a custom PC, also fosters creativity and problem-solving. In the past, some IT professionals found themselves learning about networking by setting up their own mini-servers and sharing websites or files with others. This kind of hands-on experimentation is key to developing a deep understanding of how systems work.
Formalizing Knowledge: Courses and Certifications
As the journey continues, many aspiring IT professionals look to formalize their knowledge. While self-learning is critical, structured education—whether through university courses, technical schools, or certification programs—can provide foundational knowledge and credibility in the job market.
Courses in computer science, information technology, or software engineering help solidify concepts like algorithms, data structures, networking, and system administration. But beyond degrees, certifications play a huge role in the IT industry. Certifications such as Cisco’s CCNA, CompTIA’s Security+, or AWS’s Certified Solutions Architect provide specialized knowledge and demonstrate expertise to potential employers.
Many professionals also pursue certifications in system administration and cloud technologies. For example, learning Linux through certifications like LPI (Linux Professional Institute) or mastering cloud platforms like AWS or Azure through vendor-specific certifications can open doors to roles in system administration or cloud engineering.
Embracing New Technologies: The Move Toward DevOps
As IT evolves, new fields like DevOps have emerged, combining software development with operations to streamline the deployment of software. This shift has opened up exciting new opportunities for IT professionals. To succeed in DevOps, it’s important to develop skills across several areas, including programming, system administration, automation, and cloud infrastructure.
DevOps professionals are often involved in building and managing infrastructure using code. This can include setting up servers, automating tasks, and managing large-scale cloud deployments. Many DevOps engineers start by learning tools like Docker, which is used for containerization, and Kubernetes, which is used for orchestrating containers across clusters.
Additionally, understanding continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines is essential for DevOps roles. CI/CD tools like Jenkins, CircleCI, and GitLab automate the process of testing and deploying code, making software development more efficient.
The key to thriving in DevOps is staying curious and continuously learning. The technology landscape is always changing, and DevOps professionals must keep up with the latest tools and methodologies. Continuous learning—through online courses, certifications, or hands-on experience—is critical for staying relevant in this fast-evolving field.
Building a Career: From Hobbyist to Professional
Turning a passion for technology into a career is a natural progression for many IT enthusiasts. Whether it’s starting as a freelancer, working on side projects, or securing a formal IT role, the journey to becoming an IT professional is about growth and development.
Networking is another important aspect of building a career. Engaging with online communities, attending conferences (virtually or in-person), and collaborating on open-source projects can help you connect with others in the industry. Many IT professionals have found opportunities by contributing to open-source software, participating in forums, or simply networking with peers at tech events.
Finally, once you’ve built up your skills and experience, don’t hesitate to pursue positions that align with your interests. Whether you’re passionate about cloud infrastructure, automation, or system security, there are countless roles available in the tech industry that allow you to put your skills to work.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey
Becoming a DevOps professional—or any IT specialist—is an ongoing journey. The key is to remain curious, continuously learn, and embrace challenges. By experimenting with new technologies, formalizing your knowledge through certifications, and gaining hands-on experience, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful career in IT. Whether you’re starting out or transitioning into a new role, the opportunities in this field are endless.
