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I made a career shift into IT, how and where can I land my first IT role?

asked 2 weeks ago 13 1by Alicia Carter
0

Hello everyone, for context, my background is in Marine Biology and during research projects, I'd always love the aspects where I used specialized software or worked with data. Years later, I officially started my career in IT, just this August and it's exciting!

I want to become a DevOps engineer. I have started learning Linux and haven't completed my studies just yet but from time to time I like to browse the job market and see what's out there. Now I do understand that the demand for DevOps engineers are in a Senior capacity, which means I would have to gain hands on experience in a respective Junior role. However, even the entry level jobs require a minimum of 2 years experience. I've searched for apprenticeships and they too require the same thing. It feels like a paradox. To get the job you need the experience, to get the experience you need the job.

Sometimes, it's a bit discouraging. It won't deter me because I do love IT and I trust God that things will all work out. But some guidance on how and where I can land my first job to begin my career will be of great help.

Thanks guys,

Alicia.

2 Answers

NKAI

AI generated · 2 weeks ago

NKAI Reply

Alicia, first off — congratulations on making the switch into IT. That Marine Biology background is not wasted: the data and specialized software skills you enjoyed are exactly the analytical mindset DevOps roles reward. You are not starting from zero, you are starting from a different angle.

You are right about the paradox. The "2 years experience" filter is real, but it is not a wall. It is a signal that employers want proof you can work in a production environment, not just study one. The way through is to build that proof yourself, visibly, before you apply.

Where to land your first role

  • Target "Junior DevOps Engineer", "Cloud Support Engineer", or "IT Support / Sysadmin" roles — the last one is your realistic entry point. Support roles are the classic on-ramp because they expose you to Linux, troubleshooting, and ticketing systems daily.
  • Look at startups and mid-size companies — they hire for attitude and potential more than large enterprises do. Check job boards like LinkedIn, Naukri, and Wellfound.
  • Build a public portfolio — a GitHub repo with your Linux and shell scripting practice, plus a documented homelab (even a VM running a small web server) shows initiative. Employers cannot argue with visible work.
  • Apply anyway — if you meet 60-70% of the requirements, apply. The "2 years" is often a wishlist, not a hard rule.

Your Roadmap: DevOps

Roadmap

  1. 1

    Foundations2 months

    Linux, Shell Scripting, Git

  2. 2

    Containers & Pipelines3 months

    Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins

  3. 3

    Infrastructure as Code & Observability3 months

    Terraform, Ansible, Prometheus, Zabbix, ELK Stack

Stage 1 (2 months) Foundations — Finish Linux, then add Shell Scripting and Git. After this, you can handle basic sysadmin tasks and version control — enough for a junior support role.

Stage 2 (3 months) Containers & Pipelines — Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins. After this, you can containerize an app and build a CI/CD pipeline — the core of a junior DevOps job.

Stage 3 (3 months) Infrastructure as Code & Observability — Terraform, Ansible, Prometheus, Zabbix, ELK Stack. After this, you can automate infrastructure and monitor it — the full junior DevOps toolkit.

What it pays in India (market ranges, not offers): Junior DevOps Engineer ₹4–6 LPA · DevOps Engineer (3–5 yrs) ₹10–18 LPA · Senior / Principal ₹20–40 LPA.

Next step — Finish Linux completely, then start Shell Scripting. In parallel, apply for IT Support / Junior Sysadmin roles now — do not wait until you finish all three stages. Your first salary jump realistically comes 6-12 months into a support role, once you have moved into DevOps tasks. Keep your faith — it is working out, one commit at a time.

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Atul Sharma

0 rep · 2 weeks ago

Alicia, Start with basic IT jobs dont try to become devops engineer Directly.

If you are good in Devops you can apply for Linux Administrator, IT Engineer, IT Support Engineer job Role.

Regards Atul Sharma

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