Akshay's Journey from Network Engineer to DevOps Engineer

Background

Akshay, a BCA graduate from Kollam, began his career in IT shortly after completing his degree in 2021. Eager to establish himself in the industry, he earned CCNA and CCNP certifications, which led to his first role as a Network and System Administrator at Autobahn Trucking, a Bharat Benz dealership. Determined to expand his professional experience, Akshay transitioned six months later to a new role at a company in Infopark. Here, his interest in Cloud technology was sparked by the company’s CTO, who advised him to explore Cloud technologies as a pathway for career advancement.

Challenge: The Limits of Self-Learning

To get started in Cloud and DevOps, Akshay turned to online platforms like YouTube and Udemy, embarking on a self-study journey. However, he found that while these platforms provided useful introductory knowledge, they fell short in providing the depth and hands-on guidance he needed to resolve his questions and build true confidence. Realizing he needed structured, mentor-led learning, Akshay began exploring more formal training options.

Solution: IPSR’s AWS Cloud and DevOps Training Program

In early 2024, Akshay came across an IPSR advertisement that highlighted the demand for “Recession-Proof Technologies” like DevOps. IPSR’s reputation as a leader in Linux, Cloud, and DevOps training convinced him to join their AWS Cloud and DevOps program in March 2024. Akshay chose to take two programs simultaneously to accelerate his learning and gain practical, industry-ready skills.

IPSR Training Experience

At IPSR, Akshay was mentored by Sreeraj and Vivek Sir, both known for their dedication and expertise. The training environment was exceptional—Sreeraj frequently went above and beyond, addressing Akshay’s questions late into the night. The online platform was well-structured, making learning accessible, and allowed Akshay to dive deeply into AWS services, Ansible, and core DevOps principles.

One standout aspect of the training was the faculty’s commitment to solving any doubts Akshay had—even if they were outside the standard curriculum. The IPSR mentors emphasized practical applications, ensuring that Akshay could see how each service and tool would be used in real-world scenarios. This hands-on, contextual learning approach prepared him to tackle challenges effectively in a professional DevOps role.

Outcome: Career Transition to DevOps

Armed with his new skills, Akshay was ready to make his long-awaited career transition. In July 2024, he joined Active Lobby, a Kochi-based cloud and DevOps services provider, as a Junior DevOps Engineer. His training at IPSR provided him with a strong foundation, equipping him to step into his new role with confidence and contribute from day one.

Key Takeaways

• Comprehensive Training: IPSR’s structured and flexible training programs allowed Akshay to acquire in-depth knowledge and practical skills in AWS, Ansible, RHCE, and DevOps.
• Unmatched Mentor Support: The support from Sreeraj and Vivek Sir helped Akshay resolve complex questions and apply his learning to real-world scenarios.
• Practical, Real-World Preparation: The faculty emphasized how to use Cloud and DevOps tools effectively in live situations, making learning relevant and actionable.

Akshay’s Advice for Aspiring DevOps Professionals

Akshay advises DevOps career aspirants to constantly update themselves and avoid complacency. He emphasizes that continuous learning and improvement are essential in this fast-evolving field. His journey from Network Engineer to Junior DevOps Engineer is a testament to the power of dedication, strategic upskilling, and the right mentorship.

This case study showcases how IPSR’s training helped Akshay make a successful career transition and highlights the program’s role in empowering professionals to thrive in emerging tech fields.