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>Everybody wants to hire senior engineers; nobody wants to make them. Gold.

humanlion87 6y ago
I have been struggling with this right now. I am not good enough nor experienced enough to figure out things on my own (to get to senior engineer). I feel I just need some guidance or push to get to the next level. But it's so discouraging to get no support from my management. And other folks around me also keep saying that depending on management to support me in my career growth is not a good idea. I feel it's ridiculous and distorts my image of the role of management. I just have to accept that good managers/management is hard to find. Anyway, it's kinda good to know that it's not just my company/team that seems to have this issue.
- scollet 6y ago
  Sounds like you need some meat (analogy aside of dietary preference) to sink your teeth into. It's not a push because a push comes from behind. It's you grabbing onto something elevating and interesting because it's juicy. A reasonable senior will recognize your talent, but a stagnant organization will simply extract your current value without pulling you up with that bite. I know the analogy is bit inhumane, but the human part comes from those very human people who just want to solve problems. Whether they be lower in pay/'rank' or higher, find the people who appreciate your strengths immediately. Don't ever be afraid to express your ideals in your capabilities and learning process. In any organization from 10 to 10,000 you will find those folks who can take a genuine appreciation for your skillset and apply it. The failure state should always be: "I'm departing to company Y, I wish you the best." The success is an expression of your ideals. The 'meat' of my argument is - at your level - don't look for the push, find the pull. You've got this. Edit: an -> and (Para. 5)
- oxfordmale 6y ago
  In my experience, management will generally not care about your career development and will prefer to hire a senior engineer from outside to avoid internal conflicts. The best way to progress your career is to train yourself up externally. For example, is there an open source project you would like to contribute to ? It is also worth to attend tech group meetings in your area of expertise. As everything is done remotely now, this has become even easier.

I have been struggling with this right now. I am not good enough nor experienced enough to figure out things on my own (to get to senior engineer). I feel I just need some guidance or push to get to the next level. But it's so discouraging to get no support from my management. And other folks around me also keep saying that depending on management to support me in my career growth is not a good idea. I feel it's ridiculous and distorts my image of the role of management. I just have to accept that good managers/management is hard to find. Anyway, it's kinda good to know that it's not just my company/team that seems to have this issue.

scollet 6y ago
Sounds like you need some meat (analogy aside of dietary preference) to sink your teeth into. It's not a push because a push comes from behind. It's you grabbing onto something elevating and interesting because it's juicy. A reasonable senior will recognize your talent, but a stagnant organization will simply extract your current value without pulling you up with that bite. I know the analogy is bit inhumane, but the human part comes from those very human people who just want to solve problems. Whether they be lower in pay/'rank' or higher, find the people who appreciate your strengths immediately. Don't ever be afraid to express your ideals in your capabilities and learning process. In any organization from 10 to 10,000 you will find those folks who can take a genuine appreciation for your skillset and apply it. The failure state should always be: "I'm departing to company Y, I wish you the best." The success is an expression of your ideals. The 'meat' of my argument is - at your level - don't look for the push, find the pull. You've got this. Edit: an -> and (Para. 5)
oxfordmale 6y ago
In my experience, management will generally not care about your career development and will prefer to hire a senior engineer from outside to avoid internal conflicts. The best way to progress your career is to train yourself up externally. For example, is there an open source project you would like to contribute to ? It is also worth to attend tech group meetings in your area of expertise. As everything is done remotely now, this has become even easier.