Ritik Kumar · August 29, 2025 
Introduction
Are you an IT student wondering how to build a DevOps career in 2025? With companies worldwide moving to cloud, automation, and agile development, DevOps has become one of the most in-demand IT roles. The good news is that your IT background already gives you a strong foundation—skills like networking, system administration, and basic scripting directly align with DevOps practices. By learning the right tools, gaining certifications, and following a clear roadmap, IT students can smoothly transition into a rewarding DevOps career with high salaries and global demand.
Table of Contents
What is DevOps and Why is it Important?
DevOps is both a culture and a technical approach that merges software development (Dev) with IT operations (Ops). Instead of working in silos, teams collaborate to automate, monitor, and deploy applications smoothly.
Why DevOps Matters:
- Faster software releases
- Improved product quality
- Enhanced collaboration between IT and developers
High demand across industries
Why Do IT Students Fit Well in DevOps?
IT graduates already have a strong foundation that gives them an edge in DevOps. Here’s how:
| IT Skill | DevOps Application |
|---|---|
| Networking knowledge | Cloud infrastructure & container networking |
| System administration | Managing servers, OS, troubleshooting |
| Basic scripting | Automation with Python, Shell, Bash |
| Cloud exposure (AWS, Azure) | Running CI/CD pipelines on cloud |
| Troubleshooting mindset | Monitoring, incident management |
This overlap makes the transition smoother compared to non-IT backgrounds.
7-Step Roadmap: How to Become a DevOps Engineer with an IT Background
1. Learn Programming & Scripting
Start with Python, Shell, or Bash scripting.
Why? Automation is the backbone of DevOps.
How? Write scripts for server setup, deployment tasks, and monitoring.
2. Understand CI/CD Pipelines
Learn about Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) using tools like:
Jenkins
GitLab CI
GitHub Actions
These pipelines ensure faster and error-free deployments.
3. Get Hands-On with Cloud Platforms
Most DevOps environments run on the cloud. Gain skills in:
AWS (most popular for DevOps)
Microsoft Azure
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Tip: Start with free-tier accounts to practice.
4. Master Containerization
Containers make applications portable. Focus on:
Docker – Containerization
Kubernetes – Orchestration
These are must-have skills in every DevOps job description.
5. Explore Automation & Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
Learn tools that simplify infrastructure management:
Ansible (automation)
Terraform (infrastructure as code)
Puppet / Chef (configuration management)
This ensures scalability and repeatability in deployments.
6. Practice Monitoring & Security
Reliable systems need strong monitoring and security. Explore:
Prometheus & Grafana – Monitoring and visualization
ELK Stack – Logging and troubleshooting
DevSecOps basics – Security integration in pipelines
7. Build Projects & Get Certified
Hands-on projects will showcase your abilities. Alongside, pursue certifications such as:
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer
Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions
Docker & Kubernetes certifications
These boost credibility and hiring chances.
Key Skills Needed for DevOps Engineers
Technical Skills:
Cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP)
Automation tools (Ansible, Terraform)
Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
Monitoring tools (Prometheus, Grafana)
Scripting (Python, Shell, Bash)
Soft Skills:
Collaboration with teams
Problem-solving under pressure
Adaptability to new tools
Continuous learning mindset
Career Opportunities & Growth in DevOps
DevOps opens doors to multiple roles such as:
DevOps Engineer
Cloud Engineer
Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
Automation Architect
Salary Trends (India 2025):
Entry-level: ₹6–10 LPA
Mid-level (3–5 yrs exp): ₹12–18 LPA
Senior-level: ₹20 LPA+
Global average: $100,000+ per year
Challenges in Transitioning from IT to DevOps
- Continuous Learning – Tools evolve rapidly.
- Fast-Paced Work – Frequent deployments and on-call duties.
- Tool Overload – Choosing the right tool requires practice.
Tip: Don’t try to master everything at once. Follow the 7-step roadmap consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can IT students become DevOps engineers?
Yes. IT backgrounds overlap with networking, system admin, and cloud skills essential for DevOps. - Is coding mandatory for DevOps?
You don’t need to be a software developer, but basic coding and scripting are crucial. - Which certification is best for beginners?
Start with AWS Certified DevOps Engineer or Docker + Kubernetes certifications. - Does DevOps lead to cloud careers?
Yes. DevOps and cloud engineering often go hand in hand. Many professionals switch between the two roles. - Is DevOps a good career in 2025 and beyond?
Absolutely. With AI, IoT, and 5G expansion, demand for DevOps will only grow. - How long does it take to move from IT to DevOps?
With consistent learning and projects, 6–12 months is enough to become job-ready.
Career Plan B – Your Success Partner
At Career Plan B, our mission is simple: Right to Quality Education and Career, hence Quality Life!
With over 16 years of expertise in education and career counselling, we ensure students never miss opportunities.
Here’s how we help you build a strong roadmap:
- One-on-One Counselling – Tailored plan for DevOps or alternative IT careers.
- Psycheintel Career Assessment – Discover your strengths and learning style.
- Custom Academic & Career Roadmaps – Move from IT to DevOps with guidance.
- Backup Career Strategies – Alternatives if your first plan doesn’t work out.
Book your free counselling session today and take control of your DevOps career journey! Click Here
Conclusion
The answer is a clear yes. IT graduates already have networking, cloud basics, and system management skills, which give them a head start in DevOps. With the right skills, certifications, and projects, transitioning into DevOps is both achievable and highly rewarding.
