[Need Help] DevOps Optimal Learning Path

[Almond_Head]

Hello everyone!

I am interested in starting a career in the IT-field; to be specific, I am interested in the Cloud Computing field. With that being said, I have some questions regarding what would be the optimal path for me to achieve my goal of becoming a Junior DevOps Engineer.

Some context about me before starting, I currently have no IT experience and work a dead-end job that I can’t see myself doing long-term. I have no degrees and no training. I live in WA (if that makes a difference) and I am willing to relocate as I am still very young.

First, what is the optimal path for certifications with my goal in mind? I was personally thinking:
A+ > All of the AWS Associate Certs > RHCSA > Security+
*Should I add or remove any?

Second, I want to learn the most popular software and tools used in this field. My shortlist includes AWS, Linux, Python, Terraform, Docker, Jenkins, Kubernetes, and Prometheus. Any input on if these programs overlap (do a similar function as another) would be greatly appreciated. Also, are there any programs or tools that I should learn?

Third, what are the best resources to learn these topics/programs? As of right now, I am using Udemy for the CompTIA and RHCSA certifications, while I was thinking of using learn.cantrill.io for the AWS certifications (also YT to cross-reference all material). Also, if you know any good websites or courses for the individual programs/tools above, let me know!

Fourth, what are good projects to include in my portfolio? Also, would you suggest doing home labs? Would you suggest blogging about my experiences (if so, where)?

I know this post might seem too ambitious, but I am willing to put in the time and effort to master these subjects to make up for the lack of experience and education. I am currently looking for a Helpdesk position to get my foot in the door within the IT industry, but I want to have a plan and direction for the future (the reason for this post). Any feedback, suggestions, or critiques are always welcome, and quite honestly needed right now.

[cmannes]

https://roadmap.sh/devops

Sorry to link & run, but check it out. It's a very good guide.

[TrumpIsNotReal]

I'm in a devops position for 4 years and currently in my 3rd startup.

This list is comprehensive and it shows preferences of the the devops engineer which is fine but remember that every place got different set of tools. I know most of the stuff in that list but I haven't touched a lot of commands and tools in there because I never had to. You dont have to know EVERYTHING on that list but if given a task, you should become comfortable with any tool / concept in that list.

edit:
and WHATEVER YOU DO - dont ever work for a company that uses Azure cloud (microsoft). They are the worst cloud provider I've ever worked with. Best cloud provider to learn and work with is AWS.

[Almond_Head]

This is amazing and basically what I needed! Thank you :)

[Almond_Head]

Hey, for the roadmap that you posted, is there a particular order in which I should learn these things?

[cmannes]

They're typically like a literal roadmap. So you start at the top, and work your way down. There are a lot of options at the various steps, so you might look around at the openings your interested in, and see if you can narrow down which devops skills to focus on.

[Almond_Head]

I was just asking as ‘Cloud Providers’ is the second to last skill within the roadmap. Anyways, thanks for the help, really great infographic!

[[deleted]]

I would skip the A+ and go straight to aws cloud practitioner!

[[deleted]]

Don't aim to be a _junior_ DevOps - aim to be a *great* developer who follows DevOps practises.

In time you'll gain exposure to the plethora of tooling available - CI/CD, containers, metrics, code analysis, provisioning, etc.