How long does it take to land a Devops or Cloud computing job
So, some people are wondering if they can start the journey as a cloud engineer. Is cloud engineering or DevOps right for me? If I am to start the journey, how long will it take for me to become a DevOps engineer or a cloud engineer?
Today’s blog is focused on two things:
- How long it takes to become a successful developer or cloud engineer.
- Who can become a DevOps or cloud engineer.
You want to read this article if you’re aiming to know whether you’re suited to become a cloud engineer or a DevOps engineer, or if you’re ready to take the steps toward becoming one.
How Long Does It Take to Become a DevOps Engineer or Cloud Engineer?
This is a question many people have at the back of their minds. The answer is: DevOps is a practice.
Let me use a simple analogy. A medical doctor, depending on the country, typically takes about seven years to become fully qualified. During this period, they go through coursework in school, learning about the body’s systems. After understanding these systems, they move on to hospitals for practical experience. The process combines academic and hands-on learning over the seven years.
Similarly, cloud engineering or DevOps is also a practice. It involves mastering a specific set of technologies. Once you can confidently say you’ve mastered these technologies, you’re ready to enter the market as a DevOps engineer.
These technologies are vast, and the time it takes to learn them depends on your aptitude. Some people learn quickly and can grasp these technologies at an accelerated pace, while others may take more time to fully understand the concepts and practice.
On average, it takes six months to a year to develop a foundational understanding of the key technologies used in the DevOps environment. This includes technologies for the AWS stack, Azure stack, or GCP stack. After gaining this foundational understanding, you’ll need time to practice and deepen your knowledge.
Learning and Practicing DevOps Technologies
Attending a boot camp for three to six months might give you exposure to the basics, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re fully qualified. After a boot camp, you should spend an additional year or two practicing these technologies.
I recommend setting up a project repository to document your learning and practice. By consistently updating your repository and applying your knowledge, you’ll become comfortable with these technologies.
For example, one crucial tool to master is Terraform, an infrastructure-as-code technology widely used for deploying infrastructure. It might take you one or two months to understand Terraform scripts, variables, and functions. You can then expand your knowledge by learning how to use Terraform alongside other tools, such as AWS CloudFormation.
Mastering a single cloud platform and its infrastructure-as-code tools can take four to six months. Gaining a general understanding of cloud technology stacks typically takes six months to a year. Afterward, you’ll need another one to two years to apply your skills to real-world projects.
By the end of 18 to 24 months, you should be ready to apply for entry-level roles. With further practice and experience, you can aim for lead roles (e.g., Lead Cloud Engineer or Lead DevOps Engineer) after four to six years in the field.
Who Can Become a Cloud or DevOps Engineer?
Literally anyone can become a cloud or DevOps engineer if they are willing to put in the passion and commitment to learn. It’s important to note that the field requires dedication. Hearing about six-figure salaries shouldn’t make you jump in expecting quick success. Instead, focus on consistently learning and improving.
If you’re currently pursuing a degree in a tech-related field, or if you already have a degree and want to transition into tech, you can consider starting your journey in cloud engineering or DevOps. Even individuals from non-tech backgrounds (e.g., finance, law, or academia) can become cloud engineers by enrolling in an academy and following a structured curriculum.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a cloud engineer or DevOps engineer requires:
- Passion to learn and grow.
- Discipline to stay consistent.
- Commitment to practice over time.
On average, it takes six months to a year to gain foundational skills and another one to two years to practice these skills. Entry-level roles are within reach after about 18 to 24 months of dedicated learning and practice.