Best Schools for DevOps Engineers in 2024

Essential Education to Become a DevOps Engineer

Entering the field of DevOps engineering requires a blend of formal education, practical experience, and a continuous thirst for knowledge. As you aim to launch or advance your career in this dynamic domain, understanding the foundational education and areas of study necessary is crucial. Here's a breakdown of the essential educational pathways and specific areas of concentration you should focus on.

Understand the Basics with a Degree

• Computer Science or Information Technology: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or related fields is often considered the baseline. These programs offer a comprehensive understanding of programming languages, software development, system architecture, and data structures.
• Software Engineering: Degrees in software engineering are also highly relevant, focusing more on the development lifecycle, methodologies, and project management.

Specialize with Relevant Courses and Certifications

Beyond a degree, specific courses and certifications can sharpen your skills and make you stand out as a DevOps engineer.

• Cloud Computing Platforms: Gain expertise in cloud services like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform. Certifications such as AWS Certified DevOps Engineer or Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert are highly valued.
• Containerization and Orchestration Tools: Understanding Docker and Kubernetes is essential. Look for courses that offer hands-on experience with these tools.
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Familiarize yourself with IaC tools such as Terraform and Ansible. These skills are crucial for automating and managing infrastructure efficiently.
• Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) Pipelines: Learn how to build and maintain CI/CD pipelines using tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, or CircleCI.
• Scripting and Automation: Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell is necessary for automation tasks.

Develop Soft Skills

• Collaboration and Communication: Since DevOps emphasizes collaboration between development and operations teams, strong interpersonal skills are vital.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues swiftly is key in maintaining operational efficiency.

Engage in Continuous Learning

• Online Learning Platforms: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Pluralsight offer courses on advanced DevOps topics. Staying updated with new tools and practices through these platforms is beneficial.
• Community Involvement: Participate in forums, attend workshops/seminars, and contribute to open-source projects to gain practical experience and network with other professionals.

By focusing on these educational pathways and areas of concentration, you'll be well-equipped to enter the field of DevOps engineering. Remember, the landscape of DevOps is ever-evolving, so embracing a mindset of continuous learning is just as important as any formal education or certification you pursue.

DevOps Engineer Education Resources

Professional Associations

Joining a professional association can be a game-changer for your career as a DevOps engineer. These organizations offer a wealth of resources, including networking opportunities, workshops, and the latest industry news. Here are a few you should consider:

• DevOps Institute: This organization is dedicated to advancing the human elements of DevOps. They offer certifications, resources, and community events to help you grow in your career.
• The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM): ACM provides a vast array of computing literature and learning resources, along with Special Interest Groups (SIGs) in various fields, including DevOps practices.

Industry Publications

Staying updated with the latest trends, tools, and technologies is crucial in the fast-evolving field of DevOps. Here are some publications that can keep you in the loop:

• DevOps.com: As the name suggests, this website is a treasure trove of articles, webinars, and interviews focusing on DevOps culture, practices, and tools.
• The New Stack: This website covers a wide range of topics relevant to DevOps engineers, including software development, cloud services, and more.
• DZone: A great resource for developers and DevOps professionals alike. DZone offers in-depth articles and guides on various technical subjects.

Online Learning Platforms

In the field of DevOps, continuous learning is key. These online platforms offer courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels:

• Coursera: Offers courses in partnership with leading universities and companies to provide quality education on DevOps topics.
• Udemy: Features a wide array of DevOps courses covering different tools, technologies, and practices.
• edX: Provides access to courses from universities around the world, focusing on both foundational knowledge and cutting-edge technologies in DevOps.

Books

Sometimes, diving into a good book is the best way to deepen your understanding. Here are a few must-reads for DevOps engineers:

• The Phoenix Project by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, and George Spafford: A novel that delves into IT management and DevOps principles.
• Accelerate by Nicole Forsgren, Jez Humble, and Gene Kim: Offers research-backed discussions on software delivery performance.
• Site Reliability Engineering edited by Betsy Beyer, Chris Jones, Jennifer Petoff, and Niall Richard Murphy: Provides insights from Google engineers on how to make systems more reliable.

Career.Guide

Don't forget about us here at Career.Guide! We're continually updating our resources to bring you the latest guidance, tips, and insights into becoming a successful DevOps engineer. From interview prep to salary guides, we've got you covered. Visit our DevOps Engineer section for more information.

Utilizing these resources can significantly aid in your growth and development as a DevOps engineer. Whether it's joining professional communities or diving into educational content, each step you take will bring you closer to achieving your career goals.

DevOps Engineer Education FAQs

What degree do I need to become a DevOps Engineer?

While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, most DevOps Engineer positions require:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Alternatively, degrees in Software Engineering or Network Administration can also serve as a strong foundation.

Can I become a DevOps Engineer without a degree?

Yes, it's possible to become a DevOps Engineer without a traditional degree by focusing on:

• Acquiring relevant certifications (e.g., AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, Docker Certified Associate)
• Building practical experience through projects or internships
• Continuously learning and staying updated with the latest tools and technologies

What certifications will help me become a DevOps Engineer?

Several certifications can boost your career as a DevOps Engineer, including:

• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
• Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
• Docker Certified Associate (DCA)
• Kubernetes Certification (CKA/CKAD/CKS)

Are coding skills necessary for a DevOps Engineer?

Yes, coding skills are crucial for automation, scripting, and managing codebases. Key programming languages include:

• Python for scripting and automation
• Ruby or Go for infrastructure management scripts
• Bash for Unix/Linux shell scripting

What soft skills are important for a DevOps Engineer?

In addition to technical skills, the following soft skills are vital:

• Effective communication to collaborate with development and operations teams
• Problem-solving abilities to tackle unforeseen challenges
• Adaptability to keep up with the fast-paced tech environment
• Teamwork and collaboration to ensure smooth deployment processes

How important is continuous learning in DevOps?

Extremely important. The DevOps field is constantly evolving, so staying informed about:

• New tools and technologies
• Best practices in continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD)
• Updates in cloud computing platforms

is essential to remain competitive in this career path.

Where can I find resources to learn more about becoming a DevOps Engineer?

Several platforms offer courses and resources tailored for aspiring DevOps Engineers:

• Coursera and Udemy for comprehensive courses covering all levels
• LinkedIn Learning for industry-specific insights and tutorials
• GitHub to contribute to projects and understand real-world applications
• Professional forums and communities like DevOps subreddits or Stack Overflow for Q&A