How to Break Into DevOps

A Recruiter’s Guide from Motion Recruitment

As a DevOps recruiter here at Motion Recruitment, I often speak with tech professionals eager to make the leap into DevOps—but unsure of where to start. Whether you’re coming from a development background or an infrastructure/operations role, transitioning into DevOps is not only possible, it’s an exciting career move that can open doors to high-impact, in-demand roles across the tech industry.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to pivot into DevOps based on your background, the core skills to focus on, and practical ways to get hands-on experience.

1. Breaking into DevOps from a Development Background

If you’re a software developer, you already bring strong coding, debugging, and application-building skills to the table. The transition into DevOps will involve expanding your expertise into automation, infrastructure management, and CI/CD pipelines.

How to get started:

  • Learn infrastructure as code (IaC) tools like Terraform or Ansible.
  • Get comfortable with containerisation (Docker) and orchestration platforms (Kubernetes).
  • Explore CI/CD pipelines using tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, or CircleCI.
  • Understand the deployment process and how to build repeatable, automated workflows.

2. Moving into DevOps from an Infrastructure or Operations Background

If you’re coming from IT infrastructure, system administration, or operations, you’ve already got a solid grasp of systems, networking, and security. DevOps will ask you to work more closely with developers, adopt code-driven approaches, and automate traditional manual tasks.

How to build on your experience:

  • Learn basic scripting and version control (Git is essential).
  • Study configuration management tools like Puppet or Chef.
  • Practice deploying and managing infrastructure through code using tools like Terraform.
  • Embrace container technology and CI/CD principles.

Core Skills and Technologies to Master

Regardless of your background, there are several key tools and practices that every aspiring DevOps professional should learn:

  • Containerisation: Docker
  • Orchestration: Kubernetes
  • CI/CD Pipelines: Jenkins, GitLab CI, CircleCI
  • Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Terraform, Ansible, AWS CloudFormation
  • Version Control: Git
  • Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
  • Monitoring & Logging: Prometheus, Grafana, ELK Stack

These technologies form the backbone of modern DevOps practices. Mastering them will not only make you a competitive candidate but also give you the confidence to contribute meaningfully from day one.

 Gaining Real-World Exposure

Getting hands-on experience is crucial—and yes, it can be daunting at first. But there are plenty of accessible ways to start building your DevOps toolkit.

Here’s how to get started:

●      Online Courses & Certifications

Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Pluralsight offer comprehensive DevOps training. Look for certifications from AWS, Microsoft, and Kubernetes to validate your skills.

●      Build Projects & Contribute to Open Source

Create your own DevOps projects or contribute to open-source initiatives. This is one of the fastest ways to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting.

●      Participate in DevOps Challenges

Sites like DevOpsChallenge and hackathons can sharpen your skills under real-world constraints and time pressure.

●      Use Free Cloud Tiers

AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure all offer generous free tiers. Use them to build and deploy projects without breaking the bank.

●      Internships & Freelance Gigs

Even short-term internships or freelance DevOps work can give you the practical experience hiring managers love to see.

●      DevOps Bootcamps

If you’re looking for an immersive, fast-track option, consider enrolling in a DevOps bootcamp. Many programs offer job support and hands-on labs that mimic real-world environments.

●      Engage With the DevOps Community

Join forums, attend local meetups, and follow DevOps influencers and blogs. The community is incredibly active and supportive, and you’ll learn a lot just by engaging with others.

The journey into DevOps may look different depending on where you’re starting from—but the destination is the same: a dynamic, high-growth career at the intersection of development and operations.

At Motion Recruitment, we see firsthand how demand for DevOps professionals continues to grow. With the right skills and a commitment to continuous learning, you can absolutely make the transition—whether you’re a developer, sysadmin, or starting from scratch in the tech industry

 

For further help with your DevOps journey reach out to Sinead@motionrecruitment.com.au