The Best Piece Of Advice I Was Given About Getting A Promotion
Learn how I overcame my challenges of getting a promotion.
When I was in my late 20s, my senior working in a Software Architect role gave me an unforgettable piece of advice I would like to share with you.
I was already working as a Software Engineer, delivering features on time without compromising code quality; at least, that is what I thought at the time. I had been running ragged, trying to get promoted to Senior Software Engineer.
But, like most beginners, I was making a lot of mistakes:
ignored what my Senior's had to say about my software design,
did not provide valuable inputs during engineering and product team meetings,
did not overcome my ego, thinking I always delivered the solution needed to get the job done.
Every single day passed, and I was getting frustrated. I thought no one recognized my work. I decided to take matters into my own hands.
I walked into my senior's office to chat about I could progress.
Here's an invaluable piece of advice I received that changed my career trajectory:
"Amrut, you must start thinking and presenting multiple solutions for a problem."
That day, my whole life changed.
Entry and mid-level Software Engineers make the mistake of delivering good enough solutions that work.
They are more tied to the requirements of the feature within a given story they are working on.
They also do not consider system impact and think of edge cases outside the requirements stated.
Starting the next day after the conversation, my whole thought process changed. I began to think of the above aspects more critically.
My quality of input and solutions provided improved.
I started doing code reviews before my manager asked me to. Eventually, I became the subject matter expert for the app I was working on.
Even before I was promoted, I was already acting in a Senior Software Engineer capacity.
And that is the key.
9 months later, I was promoted to Senior Software Engineer, and my manager praised me for all my efforts.
Key takeaway:
I hope you take away the following from my mistake:
Start thinking about which areas in your current role you lack and need improvement.
Do not hesitate to ask your Seniors for guidance.
Talk to them about what they did to where they are today. Their advice might help you get where you want to be sooner while avoiding mistakes.
Notice how they conduct their daily affairs, handle tough conversations, and still deliver quality work.
There are always lessons to be learned around you.
Only if you choose to look, listen, and take action.
Thanks for reading!
Talk to you next week.
Best,
Amrut