How to be a DevOps Engineer

With the increase in demand for IT professionals globally, the Philippines has become a hub for IT talent. Our young and tech-savvy population, focused on adapting to the latest digital trends is why local talent is sought after. Among the popular roles within tech, learning how to become a DevOps Engineer is one that stands out. They play an important role in streamlining software development and deployment—making it an in-demand profession. In this article, we delve into what DevOps Engineers are, what they do, and how to become one. We uncover why it’s a favored expertise by various industries and why it’s considered a recession-proof job.
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What is a DevOps Engineer?

Within a company, the development and operations teams go hand-in-hand for business growth. The role of DevOps Engineers as IT professionals is to bridge the gap between both departments, connecting them through a blend of skills in software development, infrastructure management, and automation. Particularly, DevOps engineers work to streamline the software development lifecycle by automating processes. Their work encourages seamless collaboration among teams, ensuring rapid and reliable software delivery. So, what exactly does a DevOps engineer do?
  • Builds and deploys applications by creating pipelines that automate the process of building, testing, and deploying code changes.
  • Provisions and manages infrastructure through server, storage, and network setups and maintenance—the resources needed to run applications.
  • Configures and manages operating systems to ensure smooth operation and security.
  • Integrates security practices through software development processes to safeguard business operations.
  • Advocates for business collaboration and continuous improvement through organization and constant system updates.
DevOps engineers are one of the most in-demand careers in the Philippines mainly because of their expertise in systems and their correlation with business operations. With the integration of technology in most tasks and responsibilities within organizations, the role of DevOps engineers is crucial to business continuity. Other than that, the average salary of DevOps Engineers begins at ₱647,053 for entry-level positions to ₱1,146,665 for management roles. This amount is generally an attractive compensation package for aspiring professionals, even excluding potential bonuses and benefits provided by private companies.

What are the Skills Needed for DevOps Engineers?

Becoming successful in this discipline requires mastering a diverse set of skills for DevOps Engineers. Some key areas to focus on are:

Technical Skills

  • Coding: While not all DevOps roles require extensive coding, understanding programming languages like Python, Ruby, and Bash scripting can be a valuable asset to you.
  • Infrastructure Management: Knowledge of cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services, Mircosoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform is generally sought-after. Plus, your familiarity with containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes can also be beneficial.
  • Configuration Management Tools: Using tools like Ansible, Chef, and Puppet helps you automate infrastructure provisioning and configuration.
  • Version Control Systems: Programs like Git are a popular and essential tool you can use to track code changes and collaborate effectively.
  • Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD): Your understanding of CI/CD pipelines through tools like Jenkins is crucial when automating the software delivery process.
devops skills

Soft Skills

  • Communication: As an acting bridge among business processes, your skills in communication across technical and non-technical teams are critical for successful collaboration.
  • Problem-Solving: As a DevOps engineer, you encounter challenges regularly. Strong problem-solving skills are a must to identify and resolve issues efficiently.
  • Adaptability: The constant developments in tech mean IT continuously changes. So, as a professional in this field, you need to be adaptable and embrace new tools and technologies.
  • Teamwork: DevOps is a team-oriented field, therefore your ability to work effectively with colleagues and collaborate on projects is essential.

By mastering both your technical and soft skills in DevOps, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive as a DevOps engineer. Utilizing these skills allows you to build your expertise in managing development and operations teams, ensuring seamless collaboration for smooth software delivery.

How Can You Become a DevOps Engineer?

To become a DevOps engineer in the Philippines, there a several paths you can take:

1. Earn a Relevant Degree

While this is optional, obtaining a bachelor’s or master of science degree in computer science, information technology, or software engineering can provide you with a strong foundation for a career in DevOps. Earning a related degree can get your foot in the door as you pursue this profession.

2. Develop Your Coding Skills

As you study, begin by learning basic programming languages and then progress to scripting languages. Taking online computer short courses in the Philippines, coding bootcamps, or even engaging in a bit of self-study can help you build your coding competence.

3. Learn Essential DevOps Tools

Familiarize yourself with the popular and essential DevOps tools like:
  • Git for coding and project management.
  • Maven for building and the management of project dependencies and lifecycle.
  • Jenkins for continuous integration and delivery of project pipelines.
Many of these tools often offer free online tutorials to get you started with the program.
devop engineer working

4. Gain Practical Experience and Build Your Portfolio

At the beginning of your career, look for internships or entry-level roles in IT support, system administration, or software development. These positions provide valuable hands-on experience you can leverage as your career progresses.

And as you gain work experience, be sure to save and compile your work in a portfolio. This provides you with copies of your project accomplishments, highlighting your coding projects and knowledge of DevOps tools.

5. Pursue Industry Certifications

Earning industry certifications like AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional, Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), or Puppet Certified Professional can demonstrate your commitment to the field, validating your skills to potential employers. While it’s not always mandatory, certifications can give you a competitive edge.

6. Network with Professionals

Connect with other DevOps engineers through online communities, meetups, or industry events. Networking lets you learn from experienced professionals and potentially find job opportunities.

7. Enroll in Postgraduate Programs

Institutes like OEd Postgrad offer postgraduate programs specifically designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel as a DevOps engineer. These courses often combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing you for the real-world demands of the role.

While there is no one-track way to become successful in DevOps, following this guide combined with your dedication and commitment to continuous learning can launch your career as an engineer in the Philippines.

professional student learning

Pursuing a Career as a DevOps Engineer with OEd Postgrad

Generally, careers in IT are preferred in various industries as their insights greatly benefit and influence business operations. And with a strong demand for skilled DevOps engineers specifically, leveraging further education can greatly boost the job opportunities available to you.

With that said, consider partnering with OEd Postgrad to fast-track your career in DevOps. Our comprehensive curriculum combined with the flexibility of our learning programs enables you to continue your studies as you pursue your career.

So, what are you waiting for? Take a step towards success in DevOps and contact us to learn more about how we can help you!

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