Application Support Engineer → DevOps Engineer

A realistic transition from Application Support Engineer to DevOps Engineer: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 15%. Difficulty: Hard.

Difficulty: Hard7 stepsDuration: 16 to 20 monthsOverlap: 15%

Transition from Application Support Engineer to DevOps Engineer.

Skills to learn

  • CI/CD pipelines
  • Docker
  • Kubernetes
  • Terraform
  • Cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP)
  • Observability

Step-by-step learning plan

  1. 1. Build on your Application Support Engineer experience

    2–4 weeks

    Map your current strengths against the DevOps Engineer role.

  2. 2. Close the partial gaps toward DevOps Engineer

    3–6 weeks

    Improve

    • Linux
    • Python / Go scripting

    Raise Linux, Python / Go scripting to the level a DevOps Engineer relies on.

  3. 3. Learn the core of the DevOps Engineer role

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • CI/CD pipelines
    • Docker
    • Git & branching strategies
    • Terraform

    Technologies

    KubernetesTerraformAnsible

    Cover the biggest gaps first: CI/CD pipelines, Docker, Git & branching strategies.

  4. 4. Master advanced DevOps Engineer skills

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Kubernetes
    • Cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP)
    • Observability
    • Security in pipelines

    Technologies

    GitLab CIGitHub ActionsArgoCD

    Handle the advanced topics: Kubernetes, Cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP), Observability.

  5. 5. Get productive with the DevOps Engineer toolchain

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    KubernetesTerraformAnsibleGitLab CIGitHub ActionsArgoCDHelmAWS

    Be hands-on with Kubernetes, Terraform, Ansible and the rest of the target stack.

  6. 6. Practise DevOps Engineer work in real conditions

    4–8 weeks

    Ship a portfolio project or take on DevOps Engineer tasks at work.

  7. 7. Get certified and position yourself as a DevOps Engineer

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    CKAHashiCorp Terraform AssociateAWS DevOps Engineer Professional

    Update your CV and LinkedIn around DevOps Engineer, then apply to target roles.

Alternative routes