How to Become a Devops Engineer 2025

Learn everything you need to know about becoming a Devops Engineer. Our comprehensive guide covers the education requirements, certification paths, and skills you'll need to succeed in this computer science career path.We'll show you the best computer science schools across the United States that offer specialized programs for aspiring Devops Engineers. You'll find detailed information about program lengths, course content, and career outcomes specific to this role.

How to Become a DevOps Engineer in 2025

What Does a DevOps Engineer Do?

A DevOps Engineer is a critical player in modern tech companies, bridging the gap between software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops). These professionals work to streamline the entire software development lifecycle, from initial coding to deployment and ongoing maintenance. This involves automating processes, implementing continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, and promoting collaboration between development and operations teams.

The goal is to get software updates and new features out to users faster and more reliably. Instead of separate teams working in silos, a DevOps culture encourages shared responsibility and communication. This leads to faster release cycles, reduced downtime, and better overall software quality. DevOps engineers make it possible for businesses to adapt quickly to changing market demands and customer feedback.

DevOps engineers use a range of tools and technologies to achieve their goals. This can include containerization technologies like Docker, orchestration tools like Kubernetes, cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud, and automation tools like Ansible or Chef. A core responsibility is also monitoring system performance and identifying potential issues proactively, improving system resilience.

Why is this career appealing? For many, it is appealing because it combines technical skills with problem-solving abilities. They get to build and improve systems, work with a variety of technologies, and have a direct impact on the success of a company. The demand for DevOps engineers is high, leading to competitive salaries and career growth opportunities. Learn more about the field at sources like IEEE's website: https://www.ieee.org/

DevOps Engineer Educational & Certification Requirements

A career as a DevOps Engineer often starts with a foundation in computer science or a related technical field. While a bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering is common, it isn't always a strict requirement. Some people transition into DevOps from other IT roles, such as system administration or software development, gaining experience along the way. Relevant degrees provide a solid basis in areas like operating systems, networking, and programming, which are all valuable in DevOps.

Beyond formal education, certifications can significantly boost your credentials and demonstrate your skills to potential employers. Several certifications are popular within the DevOps community, focusing on specific tools and methodologies. For example, certifications related to cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) are highly sought after, since DevOps often involves managing infrastructure in the cloud. Visit AWS's home page or Microsoft Azure's home page or Google Cloud's home page to see the certifications that they have.

Certifications relating to automation tools, such as Ansible, Chef, or Puppet, are also beneficial, demonstrating your ability to automate infrastructure provisioning and configuration management. Similarly, proficiency with containerization technologies like Docker and orchestration platforms like Kubernetes is usually validated through certification programs. These validate skills needed for effective DevOps.

It is also a good idea to continue learning and staying updated with the latest trends and tools in the field. Many free online resources and training programs can supplement your formal education and certifications. Hands-on experience through personal projects or internships is invaluable for solidifying your skills and building a portfolio to showcase your abilities to prospective employers.

Step-By-Step Guide to Becoming a DevOps Engineer

Becoming a DevOps Engineer can seem like a big task, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it much easier. This guide provides a clear path you can follow to gain the skills and experience needed for this career. The goal is to give practical instructions that completely explains how to become a DevOps Engineer.

Step 1: Build a Strong Foundation in Development and Operations

The core of DevOps is combining software development and IT operations. Start by picking one area to focus on. If you enjoy coding, learn programming languages like Python, Java, or Go. If you're more interested in the infrastructure side, learn about Linux system administration, networking, and cloud computing basics. You don't need to be an expert right away, but a solid foundation is key. Good starting points can be found online, for example, at educational resources.

Step 2: Learn Essential DevOps Tools

DevOps relies heavily on automation. Get familiar with common tools used in the DevOps lifecycle. Here are a few to start with:

  • Version Control: Git (and platforms like GitHub) is fundamental for code management and collaboration.
  • Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD): Jenkins is a popular open-source automation server. GitLab CI is another good option.
  • Configuration Management: Ansible, Puppet, and Chef allow you to automate server configuration and management.
  • Containerization: Docker allows you to package applications into containers, and Kubernetes helps you manage those containers at scale.
  • Cloud Computing: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) provide a wide range of services used in DevOps.

Practice with these tools by setting up your own projects and experimenting.

Step 3: Deepen Your Knowledge of Cloud Platforms

Cloud computing is an integral part of many DevOps roles. Choose one of the major cloud providers (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and learn its services. Focus on services related to computing, storage, networking, and databases. Many of these providers have certification programs, which can demonstrate your proficiency. It's a very useful practice to follow tutorials on a provider's home page.

Step 4: Understand Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is the practice of managing and provisioning infrastructure through code, allowing for automation and repeatability. Learn tools like Terraform or CloudFormation to define and manage infrastructure. This will allow you to automate the setup and modification of your infrastructure in the cloud.

Step 5: Gain Experience Through Projects and Contributions

Practical experience is essential. Work on personal projects, contribute to open-source projects, or seek internships to gain real-world experience. Create a portfolio to showcase your skills and projects to potential employers. Participating in a project, no matter the size, can provide you with hands-on experience with the tools and workflows used by DevOps engineers.

Step 6: Develop Soft Skills

DevOps isn't just about technology; it's also about communication and collaboration. Develop your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Learn how to work effectively with both development and operations teams.

Step 7: Stay Up-to-Date

Technology moves fast. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in DevOps by reading blogs, attending conferences, and participating in online communities. Continuous learning is a requirement for success in this area.

How To Network As a DevOps Engineer

Building a strong network is key to career advancement as a DevOps engineer. A good place to begin is within your current company. Talk to people in different departments, particularly those who collaborate with the development and operations teams. Learn about their pain points and how DevOps practices could improve their workflows. This internal networking can lead to opportunities to showcase your skills and contribute to projects outside your immediate team.

Externally, attending industry conferences and meetups is invaluable. These events provide opportunities to learn about new technologies and connect with other professionals in the field. Seek out DevOps-specific conferences or those focused on cloud computing, automation, or security. Don’t just collect business cards; participate in discussions, ask questions, and follow up with individuals you connect with afterward. Resources like Meetup host local tech groups where you can meet peers.

Online communities are a great way to expand your reach. Platforms like LinkedIn and GitHub provide avenues for interacting with other DevOps practitioners. Contribute to open-source projects, answer questions on forums, and share your knowledge through blog posts or articles. Networking is about building relationships, so focus on being helpful and providing value to others. Use LinkedIn to connect with people you meet at events or those working in companies that interest you. Find companies that are hiring DevOps engineers and reach out. The goal is to build authentic relationships.

Don't underestimate the strength of alumni networks. If you attended a university or coding boot camp, connect with former classmates and instructors. They may have insights into job openings or be able to introduce you to people in their networks. Stay in touch with them periodically, even if you don't need help right away. Building your network is a continuous process that requires consistent effort and engagement.

Actionable Tips & Resources For Aspiring DevOps Engineers In 2025

Becoming a DevOps Engineer can feel like a big step, but with the right plan and resources, it's definitely achievable. The key is to focus on practical skills and build a solid foundation. This section offers actionable steps and resources to guide your path in 2025.

First, prioritize learning the core technical skills. This includes proficiency in at least one scripting language like Python or Bash. Knowing how to automate tasks is fundamental to DevOps. Next, get comfortable with Linux. A strong grasp of Linux system administration is a major plus. You should also familiarize yourself with cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), or Microsoft Azure. Many companies are moving to the cloud, so cloud skills are in high demand. Each offers free tiers to get started.

Another important area is understanding Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines. Learn how to use tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, or CircleCI to automate the software release process. Explore containerization technologies like Docker and container orchestration tools like Kubernetes. These are vital for managing and deploying applications efficiently. Consider checking out resources like the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) homepage for information about Kubernetes and other cloud-native technologies.

Beyond technical skills, soft skills are also vital. Practice communication and collaboration. DevOps is all about working closely with development and operations teams, so being able to clearly articulate ideas and work effectively in a team is important. Look for opportunities to contribute to open-source projects on platforms like GitHub. This is a great way to build your portfolio, gain experience, and connect with other professionals.

Finally, stay current with the latest trends. The technology industry is constantly evolving, so continuous learning is a must. Follow blogs, attend webinars, and join online communities to stay up-to-date on new tools and practices. Look into resources offered by companies like Red Hat about new tech coming out. By focusing on practical skills, continuous learning, and strong communication, you can set yourself up for success as a DevOps Engineer.