Can you become a DevSecOps Staff Engineer without a degree?

An alternative career path to becoming a DevSecOps Staff Engineer with its major challenges, possible benefits, and some unconventional ways to hack your way into it.

Yes, it is possible to become a DevSecOps Staff Engineer without a degree. In the field of cybersecurity and information security, practical skills and experience often hold more weight than formal education. Many organizations value hands-on experience and industry certifications over a degree when hiring for technical roles like DevSecOps.

How to achieve this career goal without a degree

1. Gain practical experience: Start by gaining practical experience in areas related to DevSecOps. This can be done through internships, entry-level positions, or even personal projects. Look for opportunities to work with tools and technologies commonly used in DevSecOps, such as CI/CD pipelines, containerization, and infrastructure automation.

2. Build a strong foundation: DevSecOps requires knowledge in areas like software development, system administration, and security. Self-study and online resources can help you build a strong foundation in these areas. Focus on learning programming languages, understanding networking concepts, and familiarizing yourself with security best practices.

3. Obtain relevant certifications: While certifications are not a substitute for practical experience, they can help validate your skills and knowledge. Consider pursuing certifications like Certified DevOps Engineer, Certified Kubernetes Administrator, or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). These certifications demonstrate your expertise in DevSecOps and can boost your chances of landing a job.

4. Network and collaborate: Networking is crucial in any career, and the cybersecurity field is no exception. Attend industry events, join online communities, and participate in open-source projects to connect with professionals in the field. Collaborating with others can provide valuable learning opportunities and help you establish a reputation in the DevSecOps community.

Hacks and advice

• Contribute to open-source projects: Contributing to open-source projects not only helps you gain practical experience but also showcases your skills to potential employers. It demonstrates your ability to work collaboratively and contribute to real-world projects.

• Create a portfolio: Develop a portfolio that showcases your projects, contributions, and any relevant work you have done. This can be a website or a GitHub repository where you can showcase your skills and demonstrate your understanding of DevSecOps principles.

• Stay updated: The field of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and techniques. Follow industry blogs, attend webinars, and participate in online courses to keep your knowledge up to date.

Potential difficulties and benefits

One potential difficulty of pursuing a career in DevSecOps without a degree is that some employers may have strict educational requirements. However, many organizations recognize the value of practical skills and experience, so it is still possible to find opportunities.

The benefits of pursuing a career in DevSecOps without a degree include:

1. Flexibility: Without the constraints of a formal education, you have the flexibility to choose your own learning path and focus on the areas that interest you the most.

2. Cost savings: Pursuing a degree can be expensive, and opting for a self-study approach can save you both time and money.

3. Hands-on experience: By focusing on gaining practical experience, you can develop a strong skill set that is directly applicable to real-world scenarios.

Differences from a conventional or academic path

Choosing a non-academic path to become a DevSecOps Staff Engineer may require more self-motivation and self-discipline. You will need to actively seek out learning opportunities, build a network, and continuously update your skills.

In contrast, a conventional or academic path typically provides a structured curriculum and access to resources like professors and research opportunities. However, it may take longer to gain practical experience and may not always align with the rapidly changing industry needs.

Ultimately, the choice between a conventional or non-academic path depends on your learning style, goals, and resources available to you. With dedication, practical experience, and relevant certifications, you can successfully pursue a career in DevSecOps without a degree.