A few days ago, a friend of mine reached out with a big question:
“I’m thinking of going back to IT after many years—what should I focus on?”
She studied software engineering many years ago but hasn’t worked in tech since. Now, she’s ready to jump back into the world of technology, though she isn’t quite sure where to start.
Our conversation inspired this blog post.
We talked about the best entry points, job market trends, learning paths, and how she could realistically transition back into IT. I recommended DevOps or Cloud Engineering, and in this post, I’ll explain why—and how anyone else in a similar situation can evaluate whether this path is right for them.
Whether you’re returning to tech after a break or switching careers entirely, this guide will help you understand the differences between DevOps and Cloud Engineering, what each field offers, and how to choose the one that aligns with your interests, strengths, and goals.
Why DevOps and Cloud Engineering Are Great for Career Changers
If you’re considering a career change or returning to the tech industry after a break, DevOps and Cloud Engineering are two of the most accessible and future-proof directions you can take. Here’s why:
1. Modern and Expanding Fields
Both DevOps and cloud computing are still relatively new but rapidly growing. Companies of all sizes—from startups to global enterprises—are investing in these areas to automate their infrastructure, migrate to the cloud, and deploy software faster and more reliably.
2. You Can Start with Zero Experience
You don’t need deep coding skills or prior cloud experience. There are beginner-friendly resources, free cloud accounts (AWS Free Tier, Google Cloud), and plenty of online courses that allow you to learn by doing.
3. They Offer Great Pay and Remote Flexibility
Both roles are consistently ranked among the top-paying tech jobs, with strong demand across industries—and many offer remote or hybrid work options.
4. Clear Paths to Certification
There are well-established, entry-level certifications for both fields, making it easier to build confidence and get noticed by employers.
DevOps vs. Cloud Engineering: What’s the Difference?
While often mentioned together, DevOps and Cloud Engineering serve different core purposes. Understanding this difference can help you choose the right path.
DevOps Engineer
Focus:
- Automating software deployment and infrastructure changes
- CI/CD pipelines (Continuous Integration / Continuous Deployment)
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
- Monitoring, logging, incident response
- Bridging development and operations teams
Key Tools:
GitHub Actions, Jenkins, Docker, Terraform, Kubernetes, Prometheus, Ansible.
Ideal For You If You:
- Like automation and efficiency
- Enjoy scripting and building pipelines
- Are interested in how software gets delivered to production
Cloud Engineer
Focus:
- Designing and maintaining cloud-based infrastructure
- Managing compute, networking, storage, and security on cloud platforms
- Building scalable and cost-efficient systems
- Cloud migration and architecture
Key Tools & Platforms:
AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, IAM, VPC, BigQuery, Cloud Functions, Terraform
Ideal For You If You:
- Enjoy building systems and solving infrastructure challenges
- Are interested in cloud services and architecture
- Want to work with cutting-edge cloud technologies
Learning Roadmaps: Two Different Paths
Here’s how you can begin your journey depending on which path excites you most:
DevOps Roadmap for Beginners
- Linux & Command Line Basics
- Git & Version Control
- CI/CD Concepts + Tools (GitHub Actions, Jenkins)
- Containers & Docker
- Infrastructure as Code with Terraform
- Kubernetes Basics
- Monitoring & Alerting (Prometheus, Grafana)
- Optional: Learn cloud (AWS/GCP) to support your DevOps pipelines
Cloud Engineering Roadmap for Beginners
- Linux & Networking Fundamentals
- Cloud Fundamentals (choose one: AWS, GCP, Azure)
- Compute, Storage, IAM, VPC Setup
- Terraform for Infrastructure Automation
- Cloud CLI Tools + SDKs
- Security, Monitoring, and Cost Optimization
- Optional: Learn DevOps tools to build pipelines on cloud infra
Certifications That Help You Get Started
DevOps-Focused
- Terraform Associate
- Docker Certified Associate
- Kubernetes CKA/CKAD
- Optional: Cloud platform certs to support infrastructure
Cloud-Focused
- AWS Cloud Practitioner / Associate Solutions Architect
- Google Associate Cloud Engineer
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals / Administrator
Which Path Should You Choose?
Ask yourself:
- Do you enjoy automation, scripting, and deployment pipelines? → Go DevOps
- Do you enjoy infrastructure, architecture, and cloud services? → Go Cloud Engineering
- Want the best of both worlds? → Combine both for roles like Cloud DevOps Engineer or Platform Engineer
Final Thoughts: You Can Absolutely Do This
DevOps and Cloud Engineering are not just tech buzzwords—they’re powerful career paths that are open to anyone willing to learn. Whether you’re returning to IT after years away or making a complete shift from another profession, these roles offer:
- Realistic entry points
- In-demand skills
- Excellent job opportunities
Choose the path that fits your interests, start small, stay consistent, and build real hands-on experience. The tech industry needs more people like you.
