In the fast-paced world of DevOps, where staying up-to-date with industry trends and advancements is crucial, mastering social media can be an invaluable asset. Social media is not only a means of staying connected to your peers, but it can also help showcase your work, connect with potential clients and employers, and establish yourself as an authority in your field.
True, as a DevOps engineer, you might feel confused once being introduced to social media. Like “Is it really my business?” or “I am here for clean code and coordinated processes. Why even care about my Instagram/Twitter/Facebook”. Well, you’ve partially answered your question: you don’t have to use Instagram to show your work. There are plenty of alternatives to consider and help you assert yourself and your professionalism.
The folks from The Designest have collected a few guides and courses about social media for digital professionals (not to mention all the resources), so you can follow their advice and choose a platform that would be you (most likely, it’ll be some professional social media like GitHub or StackOverflow. Or it might be Twitter where you’ll be able to share your pains and gains. And jokes. And memes). For there rest, here goes our article where we’ll answer the rest of your Whys.
Showcase your work
GitHub, Stack Overflow, and LinkedIn provide a platform for DevOps engineers to showcase their work and projects to a global professional audience. They are specifically designed for technical content, making them the ideal place where you can share your code in a visually compelling way. By including details about the project, such as the architecture, design process, and challenges faced, you can present yourself as a specialist who can be attractive to potential clients and employers. Not to mention the community.
Another advantage of showcasing your work on social media is the ability to receive immediate feedback. All these platforms gather like-minded specs in one place, allowing them to discuss and share their work, seek support, and discover advanced solutions. This might be particularly valuable if you work remotely or do freelance and lack professional communication.
Connect with potential clients and employers
Social media can be a perfect tool for networking. By sharing your work and engaging with others in your industry, you can meet your potential client or employer and assert yourself as a trusted professional with a rich background. Even as a beginner, you can grow a portfolio of your pilot projects to get a job.
A great way to connect with employers on social media is by joining themed groups and conversations and sharing your knowledge and expertise. Participating in technical discussions can demonstrate your level and build your reputation as a thought leader in your field. This can lead to businesses seeking you out for advice and guidance, as well as attracting those who are impressed with your knowledge and skillset.
Remember that social media is a two-way street, and engaging with others in your industry is just as important as sharing your code. By supporting your colleagues, you can build valuable relationships and create a sense of community in the DevOps industry.
Stay up-to-date with industry trends
Social media is a great source of information and inspiration for DevOps engineers. By following other engineers and technical accounts, you can stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments. This can help you improve your skills and remain competitive in a constantly evolving industry.
In addition to following leading professionals, you can use social media to find inspiration in other industries. For example, a DevOps engineer may follow cloud computing, machine learning, or cybersecurity accounts to explore emerging technologies and best practices.
Establish yourself as an authority
Sometimes, by sharing your knowledge and expertise on social media, you can assert yourself in your field. This can help you attract new clients and collaborators, as well as build a loyal following of fans and supporters. Once you spread your thoughts on technical topics, show out-of-the-box solutions, or win competitions, you can position yourself as a thought leader and gain the respect and admiration of your colleagues.
Stay true to yourself, and don’t be shy to share every minor victory. Showed good score in a professional competition? Tell how you’ve made it. Have something to tell about the recent update of the service you use for work? Speak up! You’ll see for yourself that there are plenty of things you actually would like to show and share your option about — and it’s likely to bring like-minded professionals to your posts or tweets.
Build your personal brand
Social media can be a powerful tool for building your brand as a DevOps engineer. You can create your name by showing your work, engaging with others, and establishing yourself as a pro. Your brand represents your skills, personality, and values and can help you stand out in a crowded industry.
Consistency is one of the most important aspects of building your personal brand on social media. This means consistently sharing content that aligns with your professional field and tells more about you as a specialist.
Another critical aspect is authenticity. Being genuine and transparent when talking and showing your work is essential. Share the original code. Admit your strengths and weaknesses. Give advice when you can. Be thankful for support and guidance. The IT community is sensitive to such things, even if it might seek like stone-faced people are hiding behind all those accounts.
Conclusion
Mastering social media can be a game-changer for a DevOps engineer. Some benefits are obvious: you might connect with potential clients and employers or find it easier to stay up to-date with industry trends. However, the main perk is about growing a strong bond between you and the professional community, which will give you a powerful sense of belonging.
It’s not a generic audience of Instagram (yet who knows?), but a very cozy place where you can be yourself and show your best or your failures without being judged. Sounds like a thing to try, doesn’t it?
