The Journey From Individual Software Engineer to Engineering Manager
Hello, everyone, I'm Ritulina John, and I'm thrilled to share my voyage from being an individual contributor as a software engineer, to entering into an engineering manager role.
A Bit About My Background
My journey began while pursuing my masters in computer science in USC, LA, which led me to my first full-time job at Oracle. After spending about two and a half years at Oracle, I moved to a start-up, CoreOS, where I delved into different roles beyond just software engineering. But the real thrill began when I joined Lyft.
My Journey at Lyft
At Lyft, I started off as a software engineer, eventually moving into the world of management. Here's a brief on how that happened:
- I joined the infrastructure organization, providing a strong foundation in working with stakeholders and customers
- I also learned how to build resilient clusters and effective tools to aid developers in the company
- Finally, I found my first opportunity in management in the developer environments team
I grounded my journey with a strong "why" statement. The joy I found in collaborating and mentoring people outshone that of writing code, and this gave me the initial push into the world of management.
Essential Skills On My Management Journey
Undoubtedly, becoming a manager involves honing new skills. Here are some of the key ones that I developed:
- Coaching: Unlocking the potential of your direct reports is a key duty as a manager. I personally found the "grow" model invaluable in grounding my coaching in goals.
- Providing Effective Feedback: Giving critical feedback can be tricky, but it becomes easier once rooted in a place of trust and care.
- Leading Without Charge: Even before getting a title, pedaling your leadership instincts by inspiring colleagues with your ideas is a good move.
In addition to skills, my journey taught me to advocate for my opportunities. Visibility is essential. Don't be afraid to showcase your success and celebrate your wins; it shows you can drive your career development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, embarking on any journey requires a clear why statement to keep you motivated and a calculated how for guidance. But most importantly, understand that you are the driver of your own career development. Ensure you're always learning because learning never stops. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out in the comments section.
Remember, visibility is not bragging, but a way to connect you to good opportunities and help you to drive your career.