Get to know Shikha
This week’s Kubestronaut in Orbit is Shikha Priyedarshi, a DevOps Engineer based in Pune, India. Shikha has experience delivering products in every phase, from requirements gathering to final delivery. She specializes in understanding product requirements and transforming them into business solutions while leveraging the latest technology trends. Shikha has experience working with Kubernetes, Istio, Terraform, AWS, Prometheus, Python and other DevOps tools. She loves helping the community grow by sharing knowledge .
If you’d like to be a Kubestronaut like Shikha, get more details on the CNCF Kubestronaut page.
When did you get started with Kubernetes and/or cloud-native? What was your first project?
I started my Kubernetes journey in 2017. The project I was involved in focused on running microservices in the cloud without orchestration, however, managing tasks such as autoscaling, deployment, security, and monitoring became increasingly challenging. To address these issues, we evaluated Kubernetes as a solution and initiated the transition to it.
What are the primary CNCF projects you work on or use today? What projects have you enjoyed the most in your career?
The primary CNCF projects I work with are Kubernetes, Helm, Harbor, and Prometheus. These all have played an important role in shaping my career and given me a better understanding of cloud native infrastructure.
How have the certs or CNCF helped you in your career?
The CNCF certifications have provided a way to prove my proficiency in managing and developing cloud-native applications and the hands-on, practical approach of CNCF certifications, particularly Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD), and Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) have been incredible. These certifications focus on real-world application allowing me to develop practical skills that I can immediately apply in my work. The CNCF certifications and involvement have played a major role in my career by providing me with recognized credentials and valuable networking opportunities.
What are some other books/sites/courses you recommend for people who want to work with k8s?
The official Kubernetes documentation is one of the best resources available for every Kubernetes learner. I would also recommend courses on Kubernetes by KodeKloud.
What do you do in your free time?
I might immerse myself in a good book in something related to personal growth and learning. I also relax by meditating to clear my mind.
What would you tell someone who is just starting their K8s certification journey? Any tips or tricks?
Focus on Core Concepts The Kubernetes official documentation. This is the best place to learn Kubernetes Troubleshooting skills that are essential. Also, consistency is the key – Kubernetes is a powerful tool that can be challenging to learn but incredibly rewarding. More and more companies are transitioning to cloud native applications and containerized infrastructure and Kubernetes is at the center of this transformation. Embrace the journey, stay curious, and keep experimenting. Kubernetes is more than just a technology—it’s a gateway to mastering modern application deployment, scalability, and infrastructure management.
Today the Cloud native ecosystem is way more than Kubernetes. Do you plan to get other cloud native certifications from the CNCF?
Yes, next on my list is the Certified Argo Project Associate (CAPA).