Embracing a New Journey at My 40’s: From Customer Obsession Analyst to DevOps Engineer and Mastering AWS
Introduction
Life is full of surprises, and sometimes those surprises lead us down unexpected paths. When it comes to careers, many people believe that once you reach a certain age, changing your professional direction becomes increasingly challenging. However, the truth is that age is just a number, and with determination, passion, and the right resources, you can successfully pivot into a completely different field.
In this article, I share my story — a dedicated Customer Obsession Analyst who took the leap at the age of 40 and transitioned into the world of DevOps engineering, fuelled by a desire to master AWS.
The Catalyst for Change
I had spent over a decade working as a Customer Obsession Analyst, analysing customer feedback and helping improve services offered by our customer support staff. While I enjoyed my role and had developed a deep understanding of customer needs, I felt a growing curiosity about the technical side of things.
I realised that by acquiring new skills and knowledge in the field of DevOps engineering, I could contribute to the development process in a more hands-on way and make a broader impact on the customer experience.
Training and Learning Journey
To embark on this new career path, I knew I needed to invest time and effort into acquiring the necessary skills. I enrolled in a training program provided by my employer and began extensively researching the world of DevOps, familiarising myself with core concepts and best practices. Eager to gain practical experience, I enrolled in online courses, bootcamps, and certifications offering comprehensive training in DevOps methodologies and tools.
Here are some of the notable trainings I undertook:
1. DevOps Foundations
This course provided a solid foundation in the principles and practices of DevOps. I learned about continuous integration, continuous delivery, infrastructure automation, and configuration management.
2. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
With an interest in cloud computing, I pursued this certification to gain foundational knowledge of Amazon Web Services (AWS).
3. AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate
Recognising the growing significance of cloud computing, I pursued this certification to gain expertise in AWS. The training covered various services including EC2, S3, RDS, and Lambda.
4. Docker and Kubernetes
Understanding the importance of containerisation and orchestration, I dived into Docker and Kubernetes. These technologies allowed me to build, deploy, and manage applications with ease, ensuring scalability and portability.
5. Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
I honed my skills in infrastructure automation by learning popular IaC tools such as Terraform. This enabled me to provision and manage resources in a consistent and repeatable manner.
6. HashiCorp Terraform Associate Certification
I also undertook this certification as I was learning Infrastructure as Code.
Overcoming Challenges
Transitioning into a new field is rarely without challenges. The most significant hurdle was overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome — common feelings experienced by many career changers. However, I remained determined, reminding myself of my passion for learning and my commitment to personal growth.
Another challenge was balancing work and classes; at some point this took a toll on me, but with determination I managed to push through. Learning does not stop — take each day and learn something new.
Networking also played a crucial role in this journey. I joined local DevOps and AWS user groups, attended online conferences and meetups, and connected with professionals already working in the field. This helped me expand my knowledge, gain insights into real-world scenarios, and build a support network of like-minded individuals. A special mention to my mentors from Moringa School and all DevOps professionals online — they were a great help in this journey.
Achieving Success and Embracing the Future
My dedication and hard work paid off when I landed my current role as a DevOps Engineer. My experience as a Customer Obsession Analyst proved invaluable in this new role, as I possessed a deep understanding of customer needs and how to align technical solutions with those requirements.
With each passing day, I continue to master AWS and deepen my knowledge in DevOps practices — leveraging my expertise to build robust and scalable infrastructures, automate processes, and ensure a seamless experience for customers.
Conclusion
I hope this journey from a Customer Obsession Analyst to a DevOps Engineer at the age of 40 proves that it's never too late to chase your dreams and embark on a new career path. With the right mindset, determination, and a commitment to continuous learning, anyone can overcome obstacles and embrace a new professional future.
So, whether you're 20, 40, or 60 — remember that your passion and willingness to grow are the keys to unlocking a fulfilling and rewarding career in the ever-evolving world of technology.
Originally published on Medium on July 19, 2023.
