How to Become a DevSecOps Engineer (Be The Bridge Builder)

If you’ve ever envisioned creating secure software that revolutionizes industries or been curious about what it takes to become a DevSecOps engineer, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’ll reveal the SPECIFIC steps you need to embark on your journey to becoming a DevSecOps engineer. We will discuss:
- The skills you need.
- The education that can help propel your career.
- How to secure your first job as a DevSecOps engineer.
So, whether you’re a novice coder or a tech-savvy professional eager to upscale, stick around.
We’re about to demystify the roadmap to becoming a DevSecOps engineer.
Let’s dive in!
Steps to Become a DevSecOps Engineer
Step 1: Gain a Strong Foundation in Systems Administration
To start your journey towards becoming a DevSecOps Engineer, it’s essential to gain a robust foundation in systems administration.
This role requires a solid understanding of various operating systems like Linux and Windows.
You need to understand how these systems work, how they’re configured, and how to manage them effectively.
In systems administration, you’ll learn about server hardware, virtualization technologies, network protocols, and file systems.
Gaining experience in managing databases, troubleshooting system issues, and maintaining system security will be beneficial.
You can start gaining this knowledge through a formal education in Information Technology or Computer Science.
Alternatively, you could earn technical certifications like the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or the Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC).
Additionally, practical experience is invaluable.
Consider roles such as a System Administrator or IT Support Specialist to gain hands-on experience.
This experience will help you understand the system and network infrastructures that you will be working on as a DevSecOps Engineer.
Remember, a DevSecOps Engineer is not just a systems administrator but also a security expert and a development specialist.
So, starting with a foundation in systems administration is only the first step, but it’s a critical one.
Step 2: Learn Coding and Scripting
In the DevSecOps domain, coding and scripting are critical skills.
As a DevSecOps Engineer, you will need to understand and write code to automate tasks, build and configure systems, and respond to security incidents.
Start by learning one or more programming languages.
Python, Go, and Ruby are commonly used in DevSecOps due to their readability, flexibility, and large community support.
After you have a solid understanding of a programming language, move on to scripting languages such as JavaScript, Bash, or PowerShell, which are used for automating tasks in a DevSecOps environment.
While learning, it’s important to grasp the principles of secure coding.
This involves understanding how to write code that is free from security vulnerabilities, which is a fundamental aspect of DevSecOps.
You can practice your skills by contributing to open-source projects, attending coding bootcamps, or participating in coding challenges.
Next, familiarize yourself with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools like Ansible, Chef, Puppet, and Terraform.
These tools allow you to automate the deployment, configuration, and management of IT infrastructure, which is a key part of the DevSecOps role.
Finally, understanding how to use version control systems like Git is essential.
These systems allow multiple people to work on a project simultaneously, track changes, and revert back to previous versions of code if necessary.
Remember, becoming proficient in coding and scripting takes time and practice.
Keep building and expanding your knowledge as you progress in your DevSecOps career.
Step 3: Understanding of Security Principles
As a DevSecOps engineer, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of various security principles.
This includes knowledge about encryption algorithms, secure coding practices, security protocols, and data protection.
You should also be familiar with security vulnerabilities and threats, as well as the procedures for identifying and mitigating them.
It’s highly recommended to gain practical experience in areas like application security, network security, and information security.
This could be achieved by working on relevant projects or internships.
Additionally, getting certified in security areas like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can significantly enhance your credibility in this field.
Remember that DevSecOps is about integrating security into every stage of software development, therefore, your understanding of security principles should not only be theoretical but also practical.
You should be able to apply these principles to create secure software applications and systems, and also be able to advise other team members on best security practices.
In short, a deep understanding of security principles is not just a step, but a continuous requirement in the career of a DevSecOps engineer.
Step 4: Familiarize with DevOps Practices and Tools
In your journey to becoming a DevSecOps Engineer, it is important to get a deep understanding of DevOps practices and get acquainted with common tools used in the industry.
DevOps practices encourage faster code deployment with minimal failure rates.
Understanding these practices will provide you with a solid foundation to effectively incorporate security within the DevOps lifecycle.
Some of the key DevOps practices you need to be familiar with include continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD), infrastructure as code (IAC), and monitoring and logging.
Continuous integration is a coding practice where developers integrate code changes into a central repository frequently.
Continuous delivery, on the other hand, is a strategy that ensures the code can be safely deployed onto production at any time.
Infrastructure as Code (IAC) is a type of IT infrastructure that operations teams can automatically manage and provision through code.
Meanwhile, monitoring and logging help track application performance and identify issues before they become major problems.
The DevOps ecosystem boasts of a range of tools that help automate tasks, reduce manual effort, and increase efficiency.
Familiarize yourself with tools like Jenkins for continuous integration, Kubernetes for container orchestration, Ansible for configuration management, and Docker for creating isolated environments to run applications, among others.
Getting hands-on experience with these practices and tools will not only enhance your skills but also make you a valuable asset in the DevSecOps landscape.
Consider getting certified in these tools to showcase your expertise and commitment to potential employers.
Step 5: Specialize in Security Automation
As a DevSecOps engineer, you will need to focus your skills and expertise on the intersection of development, operations and security.
A crucial area of specialization in this field is security automation.
This involves developing and implementing automated tools and processes that can help identify and resolve security issues more efficiently and effectively.
You should aim to acquire a deep understanding of various security technologies and tools, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, anti-virus software, and more.
The better your understanding of these technologies, the more capable you will be at developing automated security solutions that can be integrated into the DevSecOps pipeline.
Furthermore, you should aim to master scripting languages such as Python or Ruby, which are often used in security automation.
Being proficient in these languages can help you design and implement automated scripts that can carry out security checks, detect vulnerabilities, and more.
Also, you should have a solid understanding of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, as these platforms often come with their own set of security services and features that can be automated.
Finally, having a strong foundational knowledge of secure coding practices and principles is crucial.
This knowledge can help you ensure that the code developed by your team is not only functional but also secure from potential threats and vulnerabilities.
Remember, as a DevSecOps engineer, your role isn’t just about responding to security incidents but proactively identifying and mitigating potential security risks through automation.
Step 6: Dive into Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD)
As a DevSecOps Engineer, one of the key areas you should focus on is the Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) model.
Essentially, CI/CD is a method designed to deliver apps to customers with the introduction of automation into the stages of app development.
The main concepts attributed to this method are continuous integration, continuous delivery, and continuous deployment.
CI/CD is a crucial part of the DevSecOps culture since it encourages frequent code changes that are simultaneously easy to manage.
It reduces the time between when code is committed to a version control system and when it’s deployed, which greatly reduces the chance for conflicts to occur between different code branches.
You should start by learning the basics of CI/CD and then gradually move towards understanding more complex aspects of this methodology.
Acquiring the practical skills to use CI/CD tools like Jenkins, Travis CI, CircleCI, and GitLab CI is also important as they help automate steps in your software delivery process.
Understanding how to integrate security tools into the CI/CD pipeline is vital as well, as this will enable you to automatically find and fix security issues in the early stages of development.
Taking on projects where you can apply these tools and concepts will help reinforce your understanding and provide you with experience in real-world scenarios.
As you gain more familiarity with CI/CD, you will be able to create more efficient and secure software delivery pipelines, which is a crucial skill for a DevSecOps engineer.
Step 7: Gain Practical Experience with Cloud Services
In order to effectively carry out the role of a DevSecOps Engineer, it’s crucial to gain hands-on experience with various cloud services.
Platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), or Microsoft Azure are widely used in the industry, and understanding how to leverage these technologies is crucial for this role.
Experience with cloud services encompasses more than just understanding how these platforms work.
It also involves knowing how to integrate security practices within these platforms.
This includes knowledge on how to set up virtual private clouds, implementing identity and access management, encrypting data, and setting up firewalls and other security groups.
Moreover, understanding the different service offerings of these platforms and how to utilize them for automated deployments and scaling can also be beneficial.
You can gain this experience through various means.
If you are currently in a role that does not give you exposure to these platforms, consider seeking out projects that do.
Alternatively, you can also use free-tier access offered by these platforms to experiment and learn.
There are also numerous online courses and certifications offered by these providers and other educational platforms, which can serve as both a learning resource and a demonstration of your cloud knowledge to potential employers.
Remember, the goal here is to not only understand these platforms but also to learn how to infuse security into every aspect of using them.
This is the essence of the DevSecOps philosophy.
Step 8: Develop Soft Skills
In addition to the technical skills required for a DevSecOps engineer role, it is also crucial to develop soft skills that will enable you to communicate effectively, adapt to different scenarios, and collaborate with your team.
DevSecOps engineers often work in teams and must be able to clearly articulate complex security and operational issues to stakeholders, developers, and other non-technical team members.
Effective communication skills are critical in this role, as you will often need to explain the importance of security measures and potential vulnerabilities to people who may not be familiar with the technical details.
Also, being able to negotiate, persuade and manage conflicts can be essential as you work to ensure security practices are implemented and followed.
A good DevSecOps engineer also needs to be adaptable.
They should be able to handle rapidly changing technology and security landscapes and be comfortable with constant learning and improvement.
Problem-solving is another important soft skill.
DevSecOps engineers are routinely faced with complex security and operational challenges and must be able to devise and implement effective solutions.
Lastly, developing leadership skills can also be beneficial as the role often requires leading projects, coordinating teams, and sometimes making crucial decisions that can impact the entire organization.
Whether it’s leading a project, mentoring junior team members, or influencing management’s decisions, having strong leadership abilities can certainly make you stand out in the DevSecOps field.
Remember, these soft skills can be developed through various avenues including workshops, online courses, and practical experience in teamwork and leadership roles.
Step 9: Earn Relevant Certifications
As a DevSecOps Engineer, having the right certifications can provide a significant boost to your career.
These certifications validate your skills and knowledge in the field of development, security, and operations, making you more valuable to prospective employers.
Start by considering the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.
This globally recognized certification focuses on security management and is beneficial for DevSecOps Engineers as it covers various security practices and principles.
Another important certification is the Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP).
It focuses on application security in the software development lifecycle, a critical aspect of the DevSecOps approach.
You might also want to look into the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer certification if your work involves Amazon Web Services.
This certification covers the basics of using AWS for continuous delivery and process automation, two key areas of DevSecOps.
The Docker Certified Associate (DCA) certification can also be beneficial as Docker is a popular tool among DevSecOps professionals.
This certification demonstrates your proficiency in using Docker for creating and deploying applications.
Lastly, consider the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) or the Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) if you’re working with Kubernetes, a popular container orchestration platform.
Remember that these certifications require passing exams, so you will need to study for them.
Many of them also require some level of professional experience, so they are best pursued once you’ve already gained some experience in the field of DevSecOps.
Step 10: Participate in DevSecOps Communities and Forums
Participation in DevSecOps communities and forums is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a DevSecOps Engineer.
These communities are platforms where professionals from around the world share their insights, experiences, and best practices related to DevSecOps.
They are an excellent place to learn about the latest trends, tools, and technologies in this field.
By actively participating, you can ask questions, share your thoughts, and get practical advice from seasoned professionals.
This not only provides you with a wealth of knowledge but also helps you build your professional network.
Engaging with others in the field can lead to career opportunities and partnerships that you might not come across otherwise.
Popular DevSecOps communities and forums include GitHub, Stack Overflow, and the DevSecOps community on LinkedIn. Attending DevSecOps webinars, workshops, and conferences, whether online or in-person, is another great way to network and stay abreast of developments in the field.
Remember, becoming an active participant rather than just a passive reader can significantly enhance your learning experience.
Don’t hesitate to contribute to discussions, share your expertise, and ask questions – this is all part of the learning process in the world of DevSecOps.
Step 11: Stay Updated with Latest Security Trends
As a DevSecOps engineer, you should always stay updated with the latest security trends, technologies, and practices.
This involves keeping an eye on the current cybersecurity threats, understanding the new security architectures, and gaining knowledge about the latest security tools and applications.
Subscribe to relevant online resources, blogs, and forums where information about vulnerabilities, exploits, and patches are shared.
Following renowned security experts and influencers on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter can also help you stay updated with the latest happenings in the security field.
Attend webinars, workshops, and conferences that focus on cybersecurity.
These events not only provide valuable insights but also offer networking opportunities to connect with other professionals in the field.
You can also consider joining local DevSecOps groups or online communities for regular meet-ups and discussions.
Staying informed about the latest security trends will enhance your skill set, making you a more valuable asset to any organization.
It will also help you to anticipate potential security threats and implement preventive measures accordingly.
This continuous learning process is essential to thrive in the ever-evolving field of DevSecOps.
Step 12: Build a Portfolio of Security Projects
As a DevSecOps Engineer, you will often be asked to demonstrate your hands-on skills and experience.
A portfolio of security projects can be an excellent way to show potential employers the breadth and depth of your expertise in integrating security into DevOps.
Begin by working on projects which highlight your understanding of security principles and your ability to apply these principles within the DevOps context.
The projects could involve tasks such as secure code development, automated security testing, threat modeling, and network security.
Consider contributing to open-source security projects or volunteering your skills for non-profit organizations.
This not only helps to build your portfolio but also gives you practical experience and exposure.
Each project in your portfolio should ideally include a clear description of the problem you were trying to solve, the approach you took, the tools and technologies you used, and the final result.
Remember, the aim is to showcase your ability to effectively embed security into the entire lifecycle of application development.
Including details about how you tackled real-world security issues within the DevOps pipeline can be particularly impressive to potential employers.
You can host your portfolio on professional networking sites, personal websites, or platforms specifically designed for such portfolios.
Keep it updated and ready for presentation during job interviews or networking events.
This portfolio will serve as evidence of your skills, helping you stand out in the competitive job market for DevSecOps Engineers.
Step 13: Apply for DevSecOps Positions
At this stage, you should have a solid foundation in coding, operations, and security.
Now it’s time to apply your skills and knowledge to the real world.
Start your job hunt by exploring job listings for DevSecOps roles in different companies.
Look for positions that match your skills and career interests.
When applying for jobs, make sure your resume is updated and highlights your DevSecOps skills, certifications, and relevant work experience.
Showcase projects or initiatives you’ve worked on that demonstrate your understanding of DevSecOps principles and practices.
In addition to traditional job applications, networking is a crucial part of the job search process.
Attend industry conferences, meetups, and online forums to connect with professionals in the field.
Before going into interviews, prepare yourself.
Research the company’s DevSecOps practices and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their processes.
Be prepared to answer technical questions about software development, operations, and security, and be ready to provide examples of how you’ve used your skills in real-world scenarios.
Remember, DevSecOps is a growing field and companies are actively seeking professionals with these skills.
Be persistent in your job search and don’t get discouraged if you don’t get hired right away.
Keep learning and improving your skills, and the right opportunity will come.
DevSecOps Engineer Roles and Responsibilities
DevSecOps Engineers are responsible for integrating security practices into DevOps processes.
They work closely with developers and administrators to ensure secure application development and deployment.
They have the following roles and responsibilities:
Security Integration
- Integrate security policies into DevOps practices.
- Work with developers and system administrators to ensure secure application development and deployment.
- Implement and maintain security tools and infrastructure.
Automation
- Automate security controls, processes, and quality checks.
- Build security into CI/CD pipelines.
- Develop scripts and tools to automate security testing.
Testing and Validation
- Validate that security controls are implemented and working as expected.
- Conduct security testing and risk assessments.
- Perform automated and manual security testing.
Incident Management
- Respond to security incidents and vulnerabilities.
- Investigate security breaches and develop incident response plans.
- Provide post-incident reports and analysis.
Collaboration
- Work closely with cross-functional teams to understand and address security requirements.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to implement security best practices.
Security Awareness
- Promote security awareness across the organization.
- Provide training and mentoring to team members on security best practices.
Documentation
- Create and maintain security documentation, such as policies, standards, and procedures.
- Document security incidents and actions taken.
Compliance
- Ensure compliance with industry security standards and regulations.
- Audit systems for compliance with security policies.
Security Research
- Research and evaluate new security technologies and trends.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest security vulnerabilities and threats.
Continuous Learning
- Develop and maintain technical and security skills.
- Attend security conferences, workshops, and training programs.
Communication
- Communicate security risks and recommendations effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Report on security activities and incidents to management.
What Does a DevSecOps Engineer Do?
DevSecOps Engineers work primarily in the Information Technology sector within organizations where development, security, and operations intersect.
They can also work as self-employed consultants.
Their role involves integrating security practices into the DevOps pipeline.
They work closely with software developers and system administrators to ensure security is a top consideration at every phase of software development.
DevSecOps Engineers are responsible for designing, testing, and implementing secure systems and applications.
They frequently perform code analysis to identify potential vulnerabilities in a system and then implement the necessary security controls to mitigate those risks.
They also monitor system logs to identify any suspicious activity and take appropriate actions based on their findings.
They are often tasked with developing automated security and compliance controls within the DevOps workflow.
In addition to these tasks, DevSecOps Engineers continually assess new security technologies and practices, and educate other members of the IT team on how to incorporate these practices into their workflow.
They play a critical role in maintaining the security and integrity of an organization’s infrastructure and data.
Essential DevSecOps Engineer Skills
- Security Knowledge: DevSecOps engineers must have a deep understanding of security principles, strategies, and technologies. This includes knowledge of network security, application security, encryption, identity and access management, etc.
- Collaboration and Communication: DevSecOps engineers must coordinate with the development and operations teams to integrate security throughout the entire software development lifecycle. Excellent communication skills are crucial for this role.
- CI/CD Pipelines: Understanding and experience with CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) pipelines is crucial. DevSecOps engineers often use tools like Jenkins, GitLab, and Travis CI.
- Automated Security Testing: Automated testing plays a significant role in DevSecOps. Engineers should be familiar with security testing tools and frameworks and be able to integrate them into the development process.
- Cloud Technologies: With the rise of cloud computing, knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure is increasingly important. DevSecOps engineers should understand how to secure applications and data in the cloud.
- Scripting: Proficiency in scripting languages like Python, Perl, or Ruby is often required in DevSecOps. Scripting can be used to automate tasks, analyze data, and more.
- Containers and Microservices: DevSecOps engineers often work with containerized applications and microservices architectures. Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, and similar technologies is crucial.
- Threat Modelling: The ability to anticipate and model potential threats is a core skill in DevSecOps. Engineers should understand attack vectors, risk analysis, and mitigation strategies.
- Agile Methodologies: Understanding Agile methodologies is important as DevSecOps fits into the Agile philosophy of iterative development and continuous improvement.
- Software Development: Like other roles in the DevOps paradigm, DevSecOps engineers should have a solid foundation in software development principles and practices, including coding and testing.
- Configuration Management: Experience with configuration management tools like Puppet, Chef, or Ansible is essential for maintaining secure configurations and automating deployment processes.
- Compliance: DevSecOps engineers should understand relevant compliance requirements for their industry, such as GDPR for data protection or PCI DSS for payment card data.
DevSecOps Engineer Career Path Progression
The Foundation: Junior DevSecOps Engineer
The first step in your journey is as a Junior DevSecOps Engineer.
You will be focusing on integrating security within the development process, building secure coding practices, and learning about various security tools and technologies.
Here are some pointers to succeed in this role:
- Security Skills: Develop a strong foundation in cybersecurity, including understanding various threats, vulnerabilities, and defense mechanisms.
- Development Skills: Learn how to code and understand the software development life cycle (SDLC).
- Collaboration: Work closely with the development and operations teams to integrate security throughout the development process.
The Ascent: DevSecOps Engineer
After gaining significant experience and mastering various security tools, you’ll progress to the role of a DevSecOps Engineer.
You’ll be responsible for implementing security infrastructure, auditing systems, and ensuring compliance with security standards.
Here’s how you can thrive in this stage:
- Security Integration: Work on integrating security tools and practices into the DevOps pipeline.
- Threat Modeling: Develop the ability to anticipate potential security issues and implement preventive measures.
- Automation: Use automation tools to monitor and manage security vulnerabilities efficiently.
Reaching New Heights: Senior DevSecOps Engineer
As a Senior DevSecOps Engineer, you’ll be recognized for your expertise in securing the development process.
You’ll guide the implementation of security policies, mentor junior engineers, and ensure that the organization’s security standards are met.
Here’s how to excel at this stage:
- Leadership: Lead security initiatives and help your team understand and implement security best practices.
- Policy Development: Contribute to the creation and implementation of security policies and procedures.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest security trends, threats, and mitigation strategies.
Beyond the Horizon: Lead Roles and Beyond
As your career advances, you may choose to specialize in a specific area, such as becoming a Lead DevSecOps Engineer, Security Architect, or even a Security Director.
These roles involve higher responsibilities, leadership, and strategic decision-making.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Strategic Thinking: Plan and implement security strategies that align with the organization’s objectives.
- Management Skills: Develop your leadership and communication abilities to guide your team effectively.
- Innovation: Keep innovating and stay at the cutting edge of security technologies and practices.
Pinnacle of Success: Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
At the pinnacle of the DevSecOps career ladder, you may reach the position of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
Here, you’ll be responsible for shaping the organization’s overall security strategy, making crucial decisions, and managing larger teams.
DevSecOps Engineer Salary
Entry-Level DevSecOps Engineer
- Median Salary: $75,000 – $110,000 per year
- Entry-level DevSecOps engineers typically have 0-2 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity, often holding a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. They often assist in implementing security measures in development and operations.
Mid-Level DevSecOps Engineer
- Median Salary: $110,000 – $150,000 per year
- Mid-level engineers possess 2-5 years of experience and take on more complex responsibilities, including the development, deployment, and maintenance of security infrastructure and software.
Senior DevSecOps Engineer
- Median Salary: $140,000 – $190,000 per year
- Senior engineers have 5+ years of experience and are typically responsible for leading security projects, making decisions about security infrastructure, and mentoring junior DevSecOps engineers.
Lead DevSecOps Engineer / DevSecOps Manager
- Median Salary: $160,000 – $230,000+ per year
- These roles require significant experience and often involve technical leadership, security project management, decision-making, and coordination between development, security, and operations teams.
Principal DevSecOps Engineer / Director of Security / VP of Security Operations
- Median Salary: $190,000 – $320,000+ per year
- These high-level positions require extensive experience and deep technical expertise in security. They often involve setting security strategies for a company and overseeing all aspects of security in development and operations.
DevSecOps Engineer Work Environment
DevSecOps Engineers typically work in office settings, often for tech companies, software publishers, and data firms, but they can also be found in any sector that relies on software development, such as finance, healthcare, and government.
These professionals work in a fast-paced environment due to the rapidly changing nature of technology.
They are often tasked with integrating security into DevOps processes, therefore they must constantly keep abreast of the latest in security threats and countermeasures.
DevSecOps Engineers usually work full-time and may be required to work extra hours when there are system emergencies or tight project deadlines.
They often work in teams with other IT professionals and have to communicate effectively to ensure the security of the software development lifecycle.
With sufficient experience and expertise, a DevSecOps Engineer may choose to work as a freelance consultant or start their own security consulting firm.
Remote work or telecommuting is also a common option for these professionals due to the nature of their tasks, which largely involve using computers and can often be performed anywhere.
FAQs About Becoming a DevSecOps Engineer
What is needed to become a DevSecOps Engineer?
To become a DevSecOps Engineer, you typically need a strong understanding of development (Dev), security (Sec), and operations (Ops) principles.
This can be achieved through formal education, such as a degree in Computer Science or a related field, as well as practical experience and certifications.
Key skills include proficiency in programming languages (like Python or Java), knowledge of cloud platforms, understanding of security protocols, and experience with automation and configuration management tools.
Soft skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and strong communication are also vital in this field.
How long does it take to be a DevSecOps Engineer?
The time it takes to become a DevSecOps Engineer can greatly vary depending on your educational path and experience level.
If you pursue a traditional bachelor’s degree in a related field, it typically takes four years.
However, gaining relevant work experience as a software developer, systems engineer, or in a cybersecurity role is equally important.
You may also need to spend additional time earning industry certifications, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
Can I be a DevSecOps Engineer without a degree?
Yes, it’s possible to become a DevSecOps Engineer without a traditional four-year degree.
Many employers prioritize practical experience, technical skills, and industry certifications over formal education.
You can acquire the necessary skills through self-study, online courses, and practical experience.
Building a strong portfolio of projects and earning relevant certifications can enhance your job prospects.
However, a degree in a relevant field might provide a competitive edge in the job market.
Is DevSecOps engineering a stressful job?
DevSecOps engineering can be stressful at times, as it involves balancing the often conflicting demands of development speed and security.
It can also involve dealing with security crises or breaches.
However, the level of stress can vary depending on the organization, the specific role, and the individual’s work-life balance and coping strategies.
Many DevSecOps Engineers find the work to be intellectually challenging and rewarding, which can offset the stress.
What are the prospects for DevSecOps Engineers in the next decade?
The prospects for DevSecOps Engineers are very promising in the next decade.
As companies continue to prioritize security in their development and operations processes, the demand for professionals with DevSecOps skills is expected to grow.
Emerging fields like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) provide exciting growth opportunities for DevSecOps Engineers.
Conclusion
And there it is.
Starting your journey to become a DevSecOps Engineer is no minor undertaking, but it’s certainly gratifying.
Equipped with the necessary skills, apt education, and steadfast resolve, you’re already on your path to make a substantial mark in the realm of technology.
Keep in mind, the route may be demanding, but the prospects are infinite. Your innovative solutions could pave the way for the next groundbreaking development, transforming the way we live, work, and engage.
So, take the plunge. Immerse yourself in continuous learning. Connect with industry professionals. And most importantly, never cease to innovate.
Because the world is eagerly anticipating your contributions.
And if you’re seeking personalized guidance on kickstarting or progressing your career in DevSecOps, check out our AI Career Path Advisor.
This complimentary tool is engineered to provide tailored advice and resources, assisting you in effectively maneuvering your career trajectory.
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