How to get Python/Cloud/Java/DevOps/Admin job in this crazy market?

Source: Dev.to

My Journey into DevOps

I graduated in 2019 with a Master of Engineering in Computer Science, three years of internship experience at Intel, and a few modest Android apps that generated ad revenue. My résumé listed:

• Bachelor’s degree (master’s was a formality)
• 3 years of experience at a big‑tech company (intern)
• Some Python and Java (Android) experience
• PHP projects from high school
• Entrepreneurial spirit with proven projects

I applied to the biggest companies first—Amazon and AMD. I reached a final round at Amazon and was rejected; AMD gave me a take‑home coding challenge that they deemed “not good enough.” Subsequent applications for Java, PHP, Python, JavaScript, and Android roles received only silence.

A senior developer I knew suggested I try IT help‑desk or DevOps because once you’re inside, it’s easier to move later. I had no clear idea of what DevOps entailed, but I knew Linux and had dabbled with Docker. I added those skills to my résumé, sent a handful of applications, and got two responses. In the interview I emphasized my basic Docker knowledge, Linux experience, and willingness to learn. That honesty landed me the job, and everything after that was relatively smooth.

Over the next five years I built a solid DevOps career, earned several certifications, and switched jobs multiple times. What mattered most wasn’t the certifications themselves but problem‑solving ability, persistence, and being currently employed—a factor that often biases recruiters.

What Really Helps You Get Hired

1. Publish Meaningful Projects (Not Just Any Repo)

• In 2025, recruiters skim through countless GitHub profiles. A generic React To‑Do app won’t stand out.
• If you have a useful, unique project, be ready to demo it during the interview.

2. Bootcamps Are Not a Magic Bullet

• They can be valuable when you need to switch languages or domains you have no prior exposure to.
• Otherwise, they often cost money without significantly improving job prospects.

3. Certifications: Helpful, Not Decisive

• Certifications alone rarely secure an offer.
• They become valuable when paired with hands‑on experience and can be used to justify salary negotiations or internal moves.

4. Take Any IT‑Related Role

• Entry‑level positions (help‑desk, sysadmin, network assistant, hardware support) provide the crucial “currently employed” signal.
• While on the job, observe: sit in on stand‑ups, ask developers to review your work, and volunteer for small tasks that expose you to software engineering practices.
• Internal transfers are often easier than external hires.

5. Treat the Salary as an Upskilling Budget

• Accept a modest salary, but save a portion for courses, certifications, personal projects, or hardware (e.g., a VPS, a test tablet).
• Treat every minute of learning as an investment funded by your work.

6. Be Proactive in Your Environment

• Offer to set up routers, run Ethernet cables, install software, or teach basic IT skills to local businesses or charities.
• These activities reinforce your résumé and expand your network.

A Practical Strategy

1. Apply for any IT role that’s available—help‑desk, junior sysadmin, network support, etc.
2. Excel at the role: be reliable, solve problems quickly, and document your work.
3. Leverage the position to learn adjacent skills (scripting, cloud basics, monitoring tools).
4. Network internally: request to shadow developers, attend stand‑ups, and ask for mentorship.
5. Document achievements: create a concise portfolio of scripts, automation tasks, or infrastructure improvements you implemented.
6. Prepare for internal moves: update your résumé with measurable outcomes and start applying for internal openings when they arise.

Closing Thoughts

The job market can feel chaotic, especially for roles like DevOps, Cloud, Java, or general IT. The most reliable path to employment today is getting your foot in the door—any IT‑related position—and then using that foothold to grow. Persistence, problem‑solving, and a willingness to do the “unglamorous” tasks often outweigh formal credentials.

If you’re already deep into learning new technologies, don’t abandon that knowledge. Instead, apply it where you can—even in a help‑desk role—to demonstrate value and keep the momentum toward your ultimate career goal.