How to Master DevOps Engineering: 10 Steps Towards an International Tech Career

Excelling in DevOps engineering can be your passport to international life opportunities. We’ve listed ten steps that Latin American tech pros like you need to follow to stand out in the DevOps domain and land your dream job working for American tech companies. Embrace the power of cloud computing, niche languages, futuristic tools, and a lot of people management. Discover how to master communication to nurture your tech aspirations into center stage.

FAQs on DevOps Engineering Careers

What does a DevOps engineer do?

A DevOps engineer focuses on bridging the gap between development and operations by implementing strategies, tools, and processes to automate and streamline software development, deployment, and infrastructure management. They facilitate collaboration between different teams to enhance efficiency, reliability, and scalability of software delivery.

What are the required skills?

DevOps engineers require a combination of technical and soft skills. Technical skills include proficiency in programming languages (like Python, Ruby, or Bash), understanding of cloud platforms and services, familiarity with infrastructure automation tools (such as Terraform or Ansible), experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and knowledge of version control systems (like Git). Soft skills encompass strong communication abilities, problem-solving, collaboration, adaptability, and a mindset for continuous learning and improvement.

What is the career path like?

The career path for a DevOps engineer typically evolves through various seniority stages:

• Entry-Level: Starting as a Junior DevOps Engineer, focusing on learning foundational skills in automation, deployment, and configuration management.
• Mid-Level: Progressing to a DevOps Engineer role involves deeper involvement in designing, implementing, and managing CI/CD pipelines, cloud infrastructure, and scaling practices.
• Senior-Level: Advancing to a Senior DevOps Engineer involves leadership responsibilities, mentoring junior team members, optimizing processes, and often contributing to strategic decisions.
• Lead/Architect: At the highest level, some may move into a Lead DevOps Engineer or DevOps Architect role, where they oversee the entire DevOps pipeline, design system architectures, and set the direction for DevOps strategies across the organization.

Throughout this progression, continuous learning, acquiring certifications, honing technical and soft skills, and gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies are crucial to climb the career ladder in DevOps.

10 Steps to Stand Out as a DevOps Engineer

Step 1: Speak English Fluently to Increase Your Chances

Before anything else, we need to ask you something: how good are your English skills? We are unapologetic for keeping our bar high. Ubiminders deal directly with clients in the US.
So, sadly enough, if you don’t have advanced knowledge of the language there’s not much we can offer you. Having strong comprehension and conversational proficiency in the English language is essential to work in tech companies, and can also bring better opportunities to your career. It’s the beginning of everything.

• Why: Fluent English opens doors to collaborate in diverse global tech teams. English proficiency opens doors to global tech opportunities.
• How: Practice speaking and comprehension via online platforms and immersive courses. Engage in English-language tech communities for exposure.

Dive into English Media

Watch English movies, listen to podcasts, and read books regularly. It helps understand different accents, phrases, and contexts, boosting vocabulary and language skills.

Have Fun with Language Apps

Use language apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone for interactive lessons. They’re like games and help you learn English while having fun with quizzes and exercises.

Talk, Talk, Talk

Join online groups or events for language exchange. Practicing conversations with English speakers boosts confidence and improves real-life communication skills.

Get a Language Buddy

Ask for help from language tutors or join workshops. They offer personalized guidance and tips, making learning English a lot easier.

Go Pro at Work

Join tech forums or webinars in English. Engaging in tech discussions sharpens language skills and prepares you for the global tech scene.

Step 2: Strengthen Your Communication Skills to Become a Catalyst for Idea Exchanges

There is no use in having technical knowledge and an amazing dev if you are unable to communicate your ideas properly. But what do we mean by communication skills? Basically, you are able to articulate your thoughts and decisions clearly and thoroughly. Have a question in mind? Go ahead and ask! But know to actively listen to others as well. Code-switching based on where you’re at (digital vs. IRL, for example) is also crucial. To expand on this, check out the behavioral skills manager look for in candidates.

• Why: Effective communication bridges the gap between technical know-how and conveying ideas efficiently.
• How:  Hone active listening and articulate your thoughts clearly. Adapt communication styles across digital and physical interactions for seamless collaboration.

Practice Open Dialogue

Communicate openly in team discussions. Share ideas and actively listen to others to foster an environment of collaboration.

Simplify Tech Jargon

Explain complex tech concepts in simpler terms to non-tech colleagues. Clear communication bridges gaps and ensures everyone’s on the same page.

Practice Online

Join online coding communities. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and explain solutions. It hones communication skills within a tech context.

Step 3: Bridge the DevOps Gap by Getting Acquainted with Both Worlds: Dev and Ops

DevOps is definitely one of the fastest-growing and most promising lines of work out there. But in order to enjoy 100% of what cloud computing can do for you (here’s looking at SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS), much discipline is needed. Learning to use the cloud usually requires learning new APIs. App developing in the cloud can feel like visiting a new country: everything might look the same, but there are a couple differences here and there.

• Why: DevOps proficiency maximizes cloud computing potentials like SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS.
• How: Explore cloud APIs and platforms, embrace discipline in cloud use, and adapt to the nuances of cloud app development.

Collaborate Effectively

Initiate joint meetings between engineering and operations. Discuss common goals and challenges, fostering teamwork and shared understanding.

Implement DevOps Principles

Apply DevOps methodologies like CI/CD. Shared tools and practices create a unified workflow, enhancing collaboration between teams.

Foster a Culture of Transparency

Encourage open communication and transparency between engineering and operations. It eliminates silos and promotes collective problem-solving.

Step 4: Write Ruby, Python, and Other Niche Software Development Languages

We live in a time where everything changes quickly and surely. New challenges are the norm. While Java and other languages are very popular among DevOps, knowing niche ones like Bash, Python and JavaScript can set you apart. We seriously recommend you expand your horizons. Tech agnostics fare way better. The more tools you have, the better. Your problem-solving repertoire becomes much more interesting.

• Why: Diversify your skill set to stand out; niche languages amplify problem-solving capabilities.
• How: Expand language proficiency through online courses and projects, emphasizing Bash, Python, and JavaScript mastery.

Explore Language Basics

Start with beginner-friendly tutorials for Ruby, Python, or JavaScript. Begin coding small projects to grasp language fundamentals.

Get Hands-On Practice

Develop mini-projects or scripts using these languages. Practice regularly to build fluency and familiarity with different language syntaxes.

Embrace Community Resources

Engage with coding communities like GitHub. Review others’ code, collaborate on projects, and seek feedback to enhance coding skills.

Step 5: Grow Your Web Application Architecture Knowledge, It’s The Foundation for Robust Web Apps

Here’s one way you can apply the aforementioned skills: web apps. Their architecture exists to define interactions between apps, middleware, and databases to ensure they work well together. An analogy is in order: if we would consider a website a theater play, then the dev who deals with web application architecture would be the person who makes sure everything’s working before the curtain opens. This skill is a must for DevOps since a major part of internet traffic uses web-based communication.

• Why: This is crucial due to web-based communication prevalence. Understanding web app architecture is fundamental for seamless internet traffic management.
• How: Study architectural frameworks, their interactions with middleware and databases, and practice integrating them for optimal performance.

Learn Frameworks

Study popular web app frameworks like React or Angular. These frameworks offer insights into creating efficient and scalable web applications.

Dive into Design Patterns

Explore different design patterns for web development. Understanding these models aids in structuring and optimizing web applications.

Work on Personal Projects

Develop personal web apps. Building real-world applications sharpens skills and deepens understanding of web app architecture.

Step 6: Get Acquainted with Terraform and Co. for Efficient Infrastructure Management

Terraform is a tool used to build, change, and manage infrastructures efficiently. By having a basic knowledge of it, your journey to learn other cloud computing tools will be much smoother. Besides, if you work with app development this might help out – a lot.

• Why: Terraform knowledge facilitates efficient infrastructure management and complements app development.
• How: Begin with basic Terraform tutorials and explore its role in cloud infrastructure orchestration

Start with Tutorials

Begin with beginner-level tutorials on Terraform. Experiment with basic infrastructure setups to understand its functionality.

Move On to Hands-On Application

Implement Terraform in personal or side projects. Experimenting practically sharpens skills in managing infrastructure as code.

Join Online Communities and Courses

Engage with online communities or enroll in courses. Learn from forums, discussions, and courses to grasp advanced Terraform concepts.

Step 7: Streamline Source Code Management Through Version Tracking with Git

Git is a (very versatile) distributed version-control system for tracking changes in source code. It was created with remotely coordinating work in mind, but it can also be used to track changes in any type of file. Usually, it’s used to maintain documents’ files, setting, and source code.

• Why: Git is essential for version control across code and file changes, enabling remote coordination.
• How: Practice Git basics, version-tracking workflows, and collaborate on repositories for hands-on experience.

Grasp Version Control Basics

Start with Git basics and version control concepts. Learn how Git tracks changes and manages project versions.

Ensure Daily Usage

Utilize Git for personal projects or assignments. Commit regularly, create branches, and merge changes to master to grasp Git’s workflow.

Collaborate and Learn

Join collaborative projects on platforms like GitHub. Review others’ code, contribute, and learn through real-world Git usage.

Step 8: Practice Containerization with Docker for Seamless App Isolation

Containers are a great tool to remove apps from their environment easily with no worries. Because of this and other benefits, companies like Google, Facebook, and Netflix have started using it.

• Why: Docker containers facilitate seamless app portability and streamline app management.
• How: Dive into Docker tutorials, grasp containerization principles, and create and manage containers effectively.

Hone in on Docker Fundamentals

Start with Docker basics. Understand containers, images, and Dockerfile concepts before diving into complex setups.

Build Personal Containers

Create custom containers for personal projects. Practice deploying apps within containers to understand isolation benefits.

Experiment and Collaborate

Experiment with Docker in team projects or open-source communities. Collaborate on Docker-based projects for hands-on learning.

Step 9: Dive into Kubernetes to Manage Containerized Applications Effectively

Google has been using Kubernetes to command their systems for over10 years. What it does is manage containers, allowing you to move them to clusters and creating a virtual machine network. It’s an incredibly versatile tool – that’s why it’s important for DevOps.

• Why: Kubernetes’ versatility in managing containers and clusters is crucial in modern DevOps.
• How: Learn Kubernetes fundamentals, explore cluster management, and understand its role in virtual machine networks.

Learn Kubernetes Basics

Start by understanding Kubernetes basics and its role in managing containerized apps. Learn about pods, deployments, and services.

Create Kubernetes Clusters

Experiment by setting up Kubernetes clusters locally. Practice deploying and managing apps within these clusters.

Leverage Online Resources and Practice

Engage with Kubernetes-focused tutorials and documentation. Practice scaling, updating, and monitoring apps on Kubernetes.

Step 10: Think you have what it takes? Ubiminds might be in the cards for you.

Ubiminds specializes in hiring nearshore software engineers for distributed teams, fostering top-tier software team performance and collaboration. Embrace talent-as-a-service and join Ubiminds to explore remote teams’ possibilities, expanding your career horizon internationally. Discover exciting staff augmentation opportunities in Latin America, partnering with Ubiminds for a transformative tech journey.