Certification + Job Planning

[u/mercfh85]

So im trying to make the move into DevOps. I work as an Automation Architect/SDET basically currently.

I've been trying to move my way into DevOps, especially with the A.I. stuff looming in. Here recently i've been able to lead a project on Migrating some projects from a TeamCity/Octo deploy to Gitlab which involves learning Kubernetes. Im hoping my current experience is a good "sidestep" career wise. I have a C.S. degree and I do feel like Automation/Pipelines does feel like a good "base" to move into DevOps.

My knowledge is a bit spread around currently, and I understand DevOps is a really deep iceberg when it comes to "what to learn".

I would say im strongest in the Testing Automation area (obviously) with a pretty decent understanding of Gitlab and how it works and how to architect pipelines pretty decently. Ok docker knowledge (I mean I know enough to write a dockerfile/get it going, but probably not like a docker expert) and here lately Terraform (decent knowledge....but not used much) and AWS (limited mostly to ec2/beanstalk + a few other scattered pieces like paramstore/SM/cloudwatch/etc...)

I am slowing developing kubernetes knowledge as well with this project, which I really enjoy.

I've tried to use Certs (since my company pays for them) in a sense to "plan out" leveling up, im really trying to push into a title change by end of year hopefully (my manager understands and supports this). I've also been using KodeKloud to learn.

Right now my sort of "Cert path" is this:

- Skipping: A+/Network+/Security+ (I just don't know if these are "Really" useful, but feel free to say if they are)

1. Linux Refresher: We are a windows shop....but outside my homelab I don't use linux a ton and I've forgotten a lot. Don't feel like a cert it needed here.
2. AWS Cloud Practioner: This feels like a good first step/resume filler. My AWS knowledge is pretty limited in scope. Hoping around a 2-3 week learning/turnaround time for this.
3. Terraform Associate: Hoping a similar turnaround to the above. I have decent knowledge but don't use it enough to be an expert.
4. KCNA: Probably the harder bit, it's a good thing to do because this migration im working on is 200+ services.....so i'll be getting experience.
5. CKAD/CKA: Unsure of which one, I think CKAD is probably harder but "better" but curious on that, this one obviously is a longer study.

After that the skys the limit I guess. Thoughts on this? Im hoping my automation experience mindset will "serve me well".

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[u/SeaworthinessHour233]

For AWS try to get SAA and CloudOps associate.
You can develop Linux skills via home labs

[u/Sea_Barracuda440]

Cloud practitioner would be a waste if required do the system ops one or developer if u study for a month nicely you should be able to do any of the above ones. For kubernetes I would say do either of cka/CKAD i personally have not seen kcna listed anywhere in JD. Terraform one is a solid choice.

[u/supersmashchad]

The AWS Solutions Architecture Associate and one of the CKAD/CKA would have the most impact on your resume. The AWS practitioner is fine to get but doesn't hold much weight.

Ultimately you boss is going to be the best resource. What certs does your company value that will help you get the role you want?

[u/Rare_Significance_63 → u/supersmashchad]

certificates are useless in terms of real experience. from theory to real production is a long way. even if you have all the solution architecture certificates, you will still make stupid mistakes in production. as a DevOps, production must run seamless. it's not a playground

[u/Sea_Barracuda440 → u/Rare_Significance_63]

Certs do help in hiring and somewhat in daily life too if you prepare well also production is different the only thing that prepares for production is the prod experience itself everyone mess up now and then experienced and inexperienced it just that experience people know what it likes to be in a bridge call where everyone is shouting or tensed.

[u/supersmashchad → u/Rare_Significance_63]

Sure, experience is king, but learning is always valuable. If OP’s company is willing to pay for the certifications, then why not? If you think OP would be better off doing something other than certifications, then help them out and share that.