3rd sem CS student, basic Python, planning backend → DevOps | Sanity check on my 5-year plan?

[u/Spiritual-Refuse69]

Where I am right now->

3rd semester CS student at a university in EU. Did Java and C for university exams, passed them, but I'd call myself beginner level in both. I'm now learning Python on my own. No real projects, no professional experience, no DSA foundation.

So yeah, genuine beginner. Not being modest, that's where I am.

The plan:

I'm thinking backend first. Python, SQL, Linux as the foundation, then transition into DevOps/platform engineering after 2–3 years of actual backend work. The idea is to get work experience in Europe after graduating (I'm already here, might as well use it), and then eventually transition to remote international work if that's realistic.

I've deliberately avoided frontend and full-stack. The reasoning: I don't want to compete in the most crowded segment of the market. I'd rather go deep on backend + infrastructure where the supply of engineers is thinner, especially for remote roles.

What I'm currently using:

Considering boot dev (paid, ~$29/month) as my primary resource. It's backend-only, structured linearly, and covers Python → DSA → Linux → Git → SQL → Docker → K8s → CI/CD in one subscription. The alternative I'm weighing is just using free resources (CS50P, Exercism, OSTEP, etc.) but honestly, free resources give me decision fatigue and I end up tab hopping instead of learning.

What I wanna know:

1. Is boot dev worth the subscription for someone at my level, or is there something better? I've seen mixed opinions. Some people swear by it, others say just do CS50 + Exercism + free MIT courses. For context: I need structure. I don't do well with "here's 50 free resources, figure it out." If boot dev isn't it, what paid resource actually is?
2. I've deliberately avoided frontend and full-stack, is that going to bite me?
3. What should I actually be studying right now at the beginner stage? Not "what's the full roadmap" just the next 6 months. I'm mass-consuming Python basics but I don't know if I should also be touching Linux/Git/SQL in parallel or if that fragments my focus. What order did you do it in, and what would you change?

Thanks. Happy to give more details if it helps.

[u/KitchenCommercial396]

Reeks of AI slop..

[u/SnooCalculations7417]

boot.dev and udemy are great for you right now. Building facimilies of real projects, or real projects will push the needle on what you consider a real project. starting off commiting to github may feel wierd, then youll do your first local package to your global python env, then youll use a package manager so you can use your library in venvs, then youll be deploying to pypi and etc because youve built all these abstractions you want to use etc etc. DSA is important but mastery of the ecosystem just as much annd anything you can do to get reps in for that is good. gl!