23rd May 2023, Mumbai: According to a report by Digital Ocean Holdings, approximately 44 percent of developers in India expressed their intention to leave their software development jobs in 2022. These statistics raise questions about the perception that “software development” is the most in-demand career. It suggests that software engineering may not be the only choice for engineering graduates in India.
Are there alternative career options apart from software engineering that can bring satisfaction to engineering graduates? Will software development continue to be the top career choice for Gen Z? Let’s consider a real-life scenario involving Siddhart, an engineering graduate with a bachelor’s degree in computer applications. Despite the majority of his classmates opting for software engineering, Siddhart wanted to explore careers outside of coding. He found coding unenjoyable and sought a career that would allow him to enhance his skills. Unfortunately, he lacked knowledge about other career possibilities in the technology field.
What are the alternative paths that can offer successful careers to graduates? Many skilled individuals in the tech industry, like Siddharth, may not want to leave the field entirely. Instead, they may seek opportunities to specialise in areas that require less emphasis on coding. These areas include data analysis, cybersecurity, network engineering, DevOps, and more. By focusing on these alternative areas, engineering graduates can still have fulfilling careers in the technology sector without feeling disadvantaged.
In today’s world, there are also options for individuals who lack interest or proficiency in coding but still wish to pursue careers in the tech industry. Engineering graduates with backgrounds in mechanical engineering or IT can readily explore alternative career paths beyond software engineering.
One of the code-less career options is that of a DevOps Engineer. DevOps engineers are responsible for managing the processes and tools involved in software application development, deployment, and maintenance. They collaborate with developers, system administrators, and other IT professionals to ensure efficient and reliable software delivery.
This article explores four such careers with a detailed understanding of what each role entails.
Code- Less Career Options:
•DevOps Engineer
The role of a DevOps engineer encompasses various responsibilities, including automating software deployment processes, monitoring and troubleshooting software applications, managing infrastructure and cloud resources, optimising application performance in collaboration with development teams, and ensuring compliance with security requirements.
Skills: DevOps engineers require a diverse skill set that includes knowledge of programming and scripting languages, automation tools, cloud platforms, containerization technologies, and continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) tools. Strong communication and collaboration skills are also essential for effective teamwork across different departments.
Scope and Growth: DevOps is a rapidly expanding field with high demand in industries such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce. The growth prospects are promising, with the DevOps market projected to reach $10 billion by 2023.
Challenges: DevOps engineers face challenges related to managing complex systems, ensuring security and compliance, and adapting to new technologies and practices.
•Site Reliability Engineer ( SRE)
Role: Another code-less career option is that of a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE). SREs focus on ensuring the reliability, scalability, and performance of a company’s software systems. They collaborate with software developers, operations teams, and other IT professionals to identify and resolve issues related to system performance and availability.
Responsibility: The responsibilities of an SRE include monitoring system performance, resolving system failures, conducting system upgrades, and implementing new technologies and processes to enhance system reliability and scalability.
Skills needed: To become an SRE, one needs a strong background in software development, system administration, and IT operations. Problem-solving skills, collaboration abilities, and excellent communication skills are crucial. Familiarity with automation tools, cloud technologies, and programming languages like Python or Java can be advantageous.
Scope and Growth: The scope for SREs is promising as more companies invest in technology infrastructure and aim to improve system reliability and performance. With advancements in technology, the demand for SREs is expected to grow. The shift towards DevOps practices, emphasising collaboration between development and operations teams, is likely to create more opportunities for SREs.
Challenges: SREs face challenges in staying updated with new technologies and tools. They must adapt quickly to changes in the technology landscape and keep pace with developments in software engineering and IT operations. Additionally, SREs must handle pressure and manage multiple priorities efficiently, as system failures often require immediate attention.
- Q/A Testing Engineers
Role: A QA testing engineer, also known as a software tester, plays a crucial role in ensuring that software products meet defined requirements and standards. They closely collaborate with software developers and other team members to identify and address defects and bugs in the software before its release.
Responsibilities: The primary responsibility of a QA testing engineer is to develop and execute test plans and test cases to identify software defects. They work alongside developers to establish and maintain testing environments, analyze test results, and provide feedback on the usability and functionality of the product.
Skills needed: To become a QA testing engineer, one needs a solid understanding of software development principles and techniques. Familiarity with software testing methodologies and tools is also essential. Strong problem-solving, analytical skills, and attention to detail are important traits. Additionally, effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate with others are necessary.
Scope and Growth: The scope for QA testing engineers is promising as software development continues to be a significant area of growth in the technology industry. With software products becoming more complex and the demand for thorough testing increasing, the need for QA testing engineers is expected to grow. Opportunities for career advancement may include roles in test automation, quality assurance management, and software development.
Challenges : Working as a QA testing engineer comes with challenges, such as the continuous need to adapt to new testing technologies and methodologies. These professionals must also manage tight deadlines and handle multiple priorities, which can be stressful. Effective communication and collaboration skills are vital when working with developers and other team members.
•System Security Engineer
Role: The role of a system security engineer involves designing, implementing, and maintaining the security of computer systems, networks, and IT infrastructure. They are responsible for safeguarding data confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as well as preventing unauthorised access, theft, or damage to information.
Responsibilities: The responsibilities of a system security engineer include conducting risk assessments, identifying security vulnerabilities, establishing security policies and procedures, implementing security controls and technologies, monitoring system activity for signs of security breaches, responding to security incidents, and maintaining documentation related to security activities.
Skills needed: To be successful as a system security engineer, one needs a strong understanding of computer systems and networks, knowledge of security best practices and standards, proficiency in security technologies like firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and antivirus software. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are necessary, along with the ability to effectively communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical individuals.
Scope and Growth: The scope of system security engineering is broad and expanding as companies increasingly rely on technology. The growing interconnectedness of systems also increases the demand for system security engineers. Additionally, there is a rising need for security professionals to address the growing threat of cybercrime.
IAMOPS Internship for Fresher
IAMOPS, a DevOps start-up, has launched its “DevOps Career Starter Programme” in Surat, India, targeting aspiring DevOps professionals. This 3-month course is designed to help individuals kick-start their DevOps careers.
The DevOps Career Starter Programme offered by IAMOPS enables participants to gain expertise in AWS, learn the fundamentals of DevOps, and more.
•By enrolling in the course
•Participants can receive a certificate of completion
•Learn from industry experts, receive prompt answers to their questions
•Complete the AWS certification within three months.
The programme is delivered by the IAMOPS training and research academy. For further details, please refer to the provided link.