Starting a career in DevOps can be a rewarding journey if you focus on the right skills and tools. Begin by understanding the core principles of DevOps: collaboration, automation, and continuous improvement. **Key skills** include scripting (Bash, Python), understanding version control (Git), and familiarity with CI/CD pipelines.

**Tools** to learn: 
- **Docker** for containerization
- **Jenkins** for automation
- **Terraform** for Infrastructure as Code
- **Kubernetes** for orchestration.

Don’t overlook cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, as they are crucial in today’s DevOps roles. Lastly, build a solid foundation in networking and security principles, as these are integral to the DevOps workflow. Practice by setting up your own projects and contributing to open-source communities to gain real-world experience.