Cloud/DevOps Engineer Roadmap

So many articles promise exciting careers in tech, but they lack real direction. Ready to transform your career? Forget endless research and guesswork. This guide is your blueprint, designed to turn your tech aspirations into reality. This article gives you a concrete, week-by-week plan along with recommended courses to become a Cloud/DevOps engineer, even if you're starting from zero. By the end of this plan, you'll have in-demand skills that position you for top Cloud/DevOps roles.

Before I dive into the roadmap, let's break down the different specializations within Cloud Engineering. Understanding these roles will help you choose the path that aligns best with your interests.

• Cloud Infrastructure Engineer: These engineers are the backbone of cloud environments. They design and manage the core infrastructure – think virtual machines, identity management, automation, and deployment pipelines (CI/CD).

• Cloud Data Engineer: Specialists in handling vast amounts of data. They build pipelines to collect, process, and transform data, powering crucial business insights.

• Cloud AI Engineer: These engineers harness the power of artificial intelligence in the cloud. They develop and train machine learning models, create MLOps pipelines (for streamlined AI deployment), and even build conversational AI chatbots.

• Cloud Networking Engineer: The architects of cloud connectivity. They design and secure virtual networks, manage VPNs, configure DNS, and ensure seamless communication across cloud systems.

• Cloud Security Engineer: The guardians of cloud environments. They focus on protecting cloud assets (like virtual machines, databases, and applications) by implementing robust security measures.

While this article focuses on becoming a Cloud Infrastructure Engineer, the skills you'll develop form a powerful foundation for success in many tech domains. You'll master concepts that easily translate to fields like AI engineering, opening doors to adapt to the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Ready to start your thrilling journey towards a Cloud Infrastructure Engineer career? Buckle up, because with this 6-month roadmap, you'll be building the skills that will power your tech transformation! Get ready for a mix of hands-on learning, exciting discoveries, and focused effort.

Week 1-2: Networking

• Understand the Network Backbone: Start by exploring the fundamentals of how computers communicate: TCP/IP, DNS, routing, and subnetting.

• Practical Skills: Dive into tools like ping, traceroute, and dig to diagnose network issues.

• Why it Matters: A strong network foundation is essential for cloud infrastructure, where smooth communication between systems is key.

• Recommended Courses:

  • How does the internet work? (Full Course)

  • Computer Networking Crash Course (Free Google IT Support Certificate Course)

Week 3: Operating Systems (Linux)

• Master the Command Line: Get comfortable with Linux commands, file system navigation, and package management.

• Processes and Permissions: Learn how Linux manages processes, file permissions, and users.

• Why it Matters: Linux dominates cloud environments, so getting familiar is a must!

• Recommended Courses:

  • Introduction to Linux – Full Course for Beginners

Week 4: Databases (SQL)

• Data Fundamentals: Learn about relational databases, tables, queries (SELECT, JOIN, etc.), and database design.

• Get Hands-On: Experiment with a database like MySQL or PostgreSQL to write queries and manipulate data.

• Why it Matters: Cloud applications often rely on databases, so understanding SQL is crucial.

• Recommended Courses:

  • https://www.udemy.com/course/the-complete-sql-bootcamp/

Week 5-6: Python (Scripting)

Automate the boring stuff and build super-useful tools with Python. This scripting language will become your cloud superpower.

• Python Basics: Explore syntax, variables, data types, control flow (if/else), loops, and functions.

• Automate Tasks: Write scripts that streamline file operations, system administration, or data processing.

• Why it Matters: Python is a super-power for Cloud Engineers, letting you automate repetitive tasks and build custom tools.

• Recommended Courses:

  • https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx8HYVzPNOImIT7msbXNkk5KVHje8cKB2&si=EkGtKgzNrRW20m1s

Week 7: Version Control System (Git, GitHub)

Collaborate on code, track changes, and work like the pros. Git and GitHub are essential tools for any cloud engineer's toolkit.

• Code Collaboration: Learn the basics of Git (add, commit, push, pull) and master GitHub for collaborative projects.

• Branching & Merging: Practice creating branches, resolving merge conflicts, and contributing to larger projects.

• Why it Matters: Git and GitHub are the lifeblood of software development, and even more so for cloud engineers.

• Recommended Courses:

  • Git and GitHub for Beginners - Crash Course

Week 8-13: Cloud (GCP)

• Cloud Foundations: Explore core GCP services: Compute Engine, Cloud Storage, IAM, networking, and billing.

• Build Real Projects: Deploy web applications, set up databases, and create scalable cloud infrastructure.

• Why it Matters: This is where you transform into a cloud pro, designing and managing solutions in a leading cloud platform.

• Complete Associate Cloud Engineer certification: https://cloud.google.com/learn/certification/cloud-engineer

• After that if you feel like complete Professional Cloud Architect certification: https://cloud.google.com/learn/certification/cloud-architect

• Recommended Courses:

  • https://www.coursera.org/learn/gcp-fundamentals

  • https://www.coursera.org/learn/gcp-infrastructure-foundation

Week 14: Terraform

Turn your infrastructure into code with Terraform. Build and manage cloud resources efficiently and consistently across any cloud.

• Infrastructure as Code: Learn Terraform syntax to code your infrastructure, making it repeatable and manageable.

• Provision GCP Resources: Use Terraform to automate the creation of networks, VMs, and more. Practice creating resources using Terraform which you manually did in the previous week.

• Why it Matters: Terraform is essential for efficient and consistent cloud infrastructure management.

• Recommended Courses:

  • https://www.udemy.com/course/terraform-for-the-absolute-beginners

Week 15: Rest, Revision and gearing up for new learnings

• Recharge and Consolidate: Take a break to let concepts sink in. Review previous topics and strengthen your foundations.

Week 16-18: Kubernetes

• Container Orchestration: Learn Pods, Deployments, Services, and core Kubernetes concepts.

• Deploy Applications: Package apps in containers and deploy them on a Kubernetes cluster.

• Why it Matters: Kubernetes is vital for managing microservice-based cloud applications.

• Recommended Courses:

  • https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-kubernetes/

  • Kubernetes Tutorial for Beginners [FULL COURSE in 4 Hours]

Week 19: Build a Standout LinkedIn Profile

• Optimize Your Profile: Craft a compelling headline, summary, and work experience sections that highlight your cloud skills. Use relevant keywords throughout.

• Showcase Your Projects: Highlight projects from your roadmap journey, emphasizing the technologies used and the results achieved.

• Network Strategically: Connect with recruiters, cloud engineers, and hiring managers in the tech industry.

• Why it Matters: A strong LinkedIn profile is your virtual resume and networking hub in the tech world. It increases your visibility to potential employers and helps you build valuable connections.

• Recommended Courses:

  • https://youtu.be/Q72I_D5xSxI?si=xCY1CBsqvvS6X8Ay

Week 20-21: System Design Basics

• Scalability Concepts: Learn about load balancing, caching, replication, and how to design systems that can handle large amounts of traffic.

• Data Storage Strategies: Explore different database types (relational vs. NoSQL) and understand when to use each for maximum performance.

• Design Exercises: Practice designing simple systems (e.g., a URL shortener, a chat application) to apply the concepts you learn.

• Why it Matters: System design skills are essential for building cloud solutions that perform well and meet the demands of growing businesses.

• Recommended Courses:

  • https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTCrU9sGyburBw9wNOHebv9SjlE4Elv5a&si=XElZUroIfP6wmVne

Week 22: GenAI Basics

• Intro to Machine Learning: Explore core concepts like supervised/unsupervised learning, classification, regression, and common algorithms.

• Build Your First Model: Use a beginner-friendly library like TensorFlow or PyTorch to train a simple image classifier or text predictor.

• Practical Applications: Discover how GenAI is used in areas like image recognition, natural language processing, and recommendation systems.

• Why it Matters:  GenAI is revolutionizing industries. Getting started now positions you to take advantage of this rapidly expanding field.

• Recommended Courses:

  • https://www.deeplearning.ai/courses/generative-ai-for-everyone/

  • Many more courses at: https://www.deeplearning.ai

Week 23-24: Mock Interview Preparation

• Targeted Practice:

  • Research common Cloud Infrastructure Engineer interview questions (behavioral, technical, and situational).

  • Practice answering example questions aloud or with a partner.

• Master the Fundamentals:

  • Review the core skills covered in your roadmap: networking, Linux, databases, scripting, cloud, infrastructure-as-code, and containerization.

  • Prepare clear explanations of your projects and experience.

• Showcase Your Projects:

  • Review your portfolio of projects completed during the roadmap.

  • Be ready to discuss your design choices, challenges overcome, and results achieved.

• Mock Interview Simulations:

  • Ask a friend in the field or find an online mentor to conduct mock interviews.

  • Get feedback on your answers, body language, and overall presentation style.

• Beyond the Technical:

  • Practice behavioral questions that assess teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.

  • Show your enthusiasm for learning and your understanding of the company you're interviewing for.

You've done it! You've journeyed through the core skills needed for a successful Cloud Infrastructure Engineer career. But remember, learning never stops! Embrace challenges, get hands-on with new projects, and keep exploring. The cloud is your playground – go build amazing things!