Speedrun Your Tech Promotion

[@tHebUm18]

The content in your videos is gold, thanks for making them!

[@GiangNguyen-xf6bx]

Lmao

[@ehm-wg8pd]

wink

[@two_number_nines]

Over-delivering on your current tasks only digs you deeper into the pit of your position. Make sure you offer a better value proposition with you being promoted vs you being stuck in the same position.

[@mjm1986bk]

Over-delivering resulted in surviving the recent layoffs and getting a 8% pay increase. I like this take because I think I am deep in a hole in this job. Ready to move on from this first coding job, asap, and get those 6 figures ... ASAP! HA.

[@Qyn06]

This is true. Killing it as an IC makes you harder to replace, which is the opposite of what you want when you're looking for a promotion. You want to be average or just above, and then focus on performing at the next level. Some managers especially don't like to promote well performing ICs because it's a pain for trying to find a replacement for them. Titles can be thought of as jobs. A good janitor is likely not going to be good at plumbing, or at least there's no real reason to assume he would be. If a janitor demonstrates that he's also good at plumbing, then he can switch jobs. The same goes for tech promotions, especially after the IC phase. I got promoted quite fast to a Tech Lead position with average technical skills right after I started demonstrating that my value was being wasted as an IC.

[@factorfitness3713]

​@@Qyn06You missed the point. It's not about being irreplaceable - if you can offer more value to the team or company at a higher level, you'll get promoted. The key is not *just* being excellent at your current job, it's about knowing what's needed at the next level and living that.

[@susan-dk]

The content in your video is GOLD!!! Thanks for making them 😉

[@emmanuelamodu1066]

Literally came to see if someone typed this.

[@susan-dk]

@@emmanuelamodu1066 😂😂

[@mexicanmax227]

Your content has far surpassed the norm. I’m glad you teach, explain, demonstrate, and mentor at the level and scale you do! Always a pleasure!

[@InfinitelyFinite]

I'm so glad I found your gold. I just binge-washed all of it! Now I'm content.

[@MrAconfee]

I can't tell you how helpful your wording is in, "I was able to do X because I made the critical insight that Y" or ".. had the critical intuition to Y." It stresses why I was *uniquely* capable of delivering a particular result. I think I've been stuck by trying to demonstrate good work, but accidentally implying that the work may have been carried out by any capable person. I haven't created focus around what I uniquely contributed. This subtle shift is huge! And also helpful in reflecting on my impact. Thanks!

[@mahmoudben2279]

I'm so glad I found your channel! I just binged all your content! (I really did already watch all your content. 1 video at a time)

[@johnt4281]

I've tried for years to get the promotion from SDE2 to SDE3 but I've never fully understood what I need to do. I think it's crucial to be in right team where you can have the opportunities to work on some meaningful project and have a leader role inside the project. I have never had this opportunity in my teams.

[@voidspirit111]

you must also be lucky to have a manager that helps you or at the least lets you get what is needed. I have been in some companies where managers don't care and they actively prevent promotions because it is a hassle for them and complicates or changes their relaxed way of doing things... In some companies, managers need to justify why someone is worthy of the promotion and then fight for budget for the team so they can also give the money for the promotion + all the BS politics that comes with that. So.. unless the team really needs ppl with higher credentials or there is a risk of an important person leaving the team, they don't bother will all of that. Sadly i have met more managers like presented above than good ones...

[@kogok89]

Having a good manager is key, if your manager is not helping you out, you need to either bounce to another team, or talk to your skip level. Also, make sure you have 1 or 2 mentors on the next level (and if possible skip-level too), they can help you cut through the BS and give you real feedback on whether you are ready or not. Never forget that you own your career, so, make sure everyone that can help you KNOWS that you want that promotion. Having good projects definitely help and everyone up to promotion needs to be delivering good work. But having a great manager, being upfront about what you want, and being clearly perceived as one of your team's tech lead is more effective. All in all, listen to Steve. This content is real gold.

[@SJND20]

I am so glad I found your channel... I just binged on all of your content! :D

[@ShahnewazKhan]

The surgeon example was so insightful! Next level here I come!

[@gyshy3025]

The gold in your content is video, thanks for making them!

[@yang5843]

I'm so glad I found your channel! I just binged all of your content! In seriousness, the insights you've shared in this video is invaluable and deserves to be published on youtube as it is helpful.

[@JeromeDemers]

"Survivor bias: nobody that had bad review was around to give it" 🤣 Just started a new job in bay area, I took notes, thank you

[@Crates-Media]

This is such relevant, outstanding content with regard to the specific details necessary to advance in difficult and competitive cultures. Believe me, I know. I've worked for several of the largest enterprises worldwide. Don't doubt the advice he's giving. It's entirely accurate!

[@randxalthor]

Love these concise breakdowns on such an important topic. Few people make it to these high level principal positions to begin with, and even fewer are willing to guide others up the ladder behind them. Thank you for sharing your extremely valuable experience, Steve! I think your content will make for a more effective and open engineering community in the long run.

[@RobotChad]

The content in your videos is gold, thanks for making them!

[@ChrisDoll44]

But in all seriousness, this channel really is good. I just accepted an offer at a tech company and I can see the framework you laid out working very well for me. Thanks.

[@egor.okhterov]

Just enjoy the work and do what you love. Have passion. You don't need to document anything, this will suck life out of you. Don't play this game, you will regret it. If you feel you became undervalued, start interviewing for other jobs and see whether the hypothesis is true.

[@HeinekenLasse]

Some companies dont even have staff/principal. It ends at senior.

[@dfung4351]

This is exactly the type of material I've been looking for the longest time

[@seemax07]

I gave my positive feedback to five my former co workers. The smartest guy gave me back. The others just took it for granted.

[@markiel55]

I'm so glad I found your channel! I just binged all of your content!

[@henryfraser4574]

Had to "like" the video after the "...my wife likes to call me steeeeve!"

[@rutabega306]

Cringe

[@mattward1581]

But same tho

[@darrinmc]

This is great advice. It really shifted my mindset toward moving to the next level.

[@FaneYe-v4q]

the writing feedback you want to receive before you undertake the task is a great new insight for me. Reminds me of test-driven developement

[@sebastiangarciaacosta5468]

I'm so glad I found your channel! I just binged all of your content! ;)

[@cloudnsec]

This video is literally life-changing! God my copy of Cal Newport's book too - let's goo!!

[@neeleshsalian1912]

Thanks for sharing this. I've always found promotions to be black box(y) especially in smaller companies who have no process. In large companies, it's tricky too like you said. Hoping to learn from your webinar.

[@interactivellama]

Project visibility, business impact, and org scope are all key aspects.

[@Ved3sten]

You’re so methodical! Do you have any advice on how to outline your process and what kinds of goals to set for yourself amidst the chaos at work? Are your goals more long term or short term (optimizing along the way)?

[@SteveParks]

All of these tips are very useful even if you’re not interested in a career in tech. This video is well worth watching and self reflection regardless your career ambitions.

[@vishnudeo1981]

The content is awsome !!! Thanks for making such content !!!

[@aznstride4325]

I’d like to request you to please make a video on how to be a well articulated person as yourself. It would be a plus if you can also explain why this is extremely important (or not depending on your views) for career growth and life in general - also relating to How important is it to be a good writer, or have the ability to think on your feet vs just being able to think well only when you’re alone

[@varunvarshney8069]

Don't make the mistake to chase promotions if the rewards is not substantial. It is better to venture out if you are being rejected for promotion in the first place.

[@benfowler1134]

I tried climbing the ladder, burnt out, and then changed to a mid-level role to avoid the stress, politics and BS. At this point, I ask: “Why go for promotion in the first place?”

[@stfuna4b]

puC

[@yurameshi5189]

I dont really want to get promoted at my current company tbh, but instead make a upper diagonal change. Still useful.

[@jhorne4]

Your voice is very calming.

[@iTiM50]

I was promoted very quickly when I worked on a global impacting project that was completely out of my scope. Possibly 2 levels out of scope lol.

[@kaythe2nd]

Great video. I also subscribed to your newsletters, I'm a TPgM but I still learn a lot from your experience and advice. It gives one a lot to think about and a great list of to-dos in order to perform better and get promoted

[@Neonb88]

Awesome, love the intentionality and focus

[@MostafaAliMansour]

Starting from the feedback of the youtube comments to plan for your video is such a Work backwards move 😂 nice video as always Steve 😀

[@JordanEdmundsEECS]

I def just binged a bunch of these

[@AnTran-hh8us]

Thank you. As always, your videos are very helpful and practical.

[@maksimbolyavin8]

Thank you for sharing this video. I deeply appreciate amount of paid promotions on your channel. Thank you for your work!

[@gammalgris2497]

What is your advice when one is in a hierarchical company where the advancement for tech roles is rather flat (junior/ senior/ team lead/ department lead/ IT chief)? The roles beyond team lead will have you do more administrative and management tasks and involve you more in company politics than IT?

[@SoftwareEngineerDoes]

Looking forward to your program! Thanks for the content!

[@gordonlewis633]

The content in this video are gold thank you for making them

[@barrycheng1820]

The content in your videos is 🥇, thanks for making them!

[@salkjshaweoiuenvohvr]

Thanks Steve! Lots of fantastic advice from this video. Any advice for the more quiet devs in the group who are bright but not able to socially display their talents?

[@Tom910ru]

I don't understand the last part about feedback. Do I need to write them feedback which I want to get?

[@LK-cl6jj]

1:16 LMFAOOOOO I was not expecting that from you

[@jhors7777]

I love and appreciate your channel and videos Steve, thank-you and keep up the great work!

[@Steve-tp7dj]

Awesome video!, very insightful. Thank you so very much!

[@Neonb88]

Summary: 1. Learn my company's promotion criteria, either from an official document or from a team member who has been promoted at our company x 2. Plan to receive the exact type of feedback I want and proactively step up my game and focus on being that way BEFORE I'm up for promotion 3. Actual, detailed evidence in the feedback your fellow engineers give about your performance are crucial to your promotion

[@stasthesauce4641]

Love your vids man, ive learnt a lot from you. thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge

[@nightingale7178]

Hi Steve, great content and your examples are very insightful. How many weeks into your new job should you start eyeing for the promotion?

[@sid6576]

Great video! Love these insights as a new grad SWE

[@onijohn7272]

This is Golden! Thank you

[@mangos1346]

This is such solid content. One questions though - what happens if your current work does not provide you with the opportunities to operate at a broader scope, being that, e.g. managers do not engage you in design discussion, or other teams handle it, and you are unable to take more responsibility? Any approach other than just finding another job?

[@danwilson5630]

What mic do you use?

[@mars2459]

i'm a newbie at this, but why is staff higher than a senior engineer? Wouldn't it be the other way around

[@bioman2007]

No need for the cue, this video is actually gold (like all your content)

[@allenh0728]

Hey Steve, I really appreciate your awesome content and insights as usual! Quick question though - do you have any tips for dealing with more ambigious goals where it's not so clear-cut, but you would still like to work backwards? Thanks!

[@lady0shady]

What if company is biased bcuz of... whatever? I feel like they dont trust me, they promote guys only and I am not taken into account, although I really fight for that and talk to people...? I want bigger responsibility, but no one is creating me this opportunity- bcuz they find someone, who needs this task for his promotion, and they push me away from my current tasks; I am a great performer, client is super happy and i am always mentioned in bigger events. In my case I think it's time to change the company. I am in a huge machine and my time is not appreciated. Why to work my ass off, when someone else gets a feast? Many talented ppl do not get recognition from the company as well. What a waste 😢

[@ALifeEngineered]

🚀 Transform your tech career with my free weekly newsletter - newsletter.alifeengineered.com/general 💥 Continue the conversation on my Discord server with like-minded viewers. The advice section is **chef's kiss** - discord.gg/HFVMbQgRJJ 💥 My KZbin content will always be free of charge but if you'd like to support the channel, I'd be honored if you supported me on Patreon - www.patreon.com/ALifeEngineered

[@deadandbored]

amazing content. this applies even to me as a non tech program manager

[@rashmitambe]

Do you ever use women in your examples of engineers? You know they exist, right?

[@kimitawanjohi7993]

Hello steve I am having a hard time in getting interview I have a low paying 9-5 swe junior role but I feel I am not growing what should I do.

[@cool-dev]

Love your video!!

[@copperquartz4145]

Can you talk about how you go about learning for the job? Tech moves so fast and in order to make high level impact, you need to have a good understanding of all the options available to you in terms of tools and patterns. Do you learn on the job or do you have dedicated time for learning? And what type of content do you consume? Programming books, blogs, videos, etc? If you could talk about it from the perspective of a mid level SWE trying to move up, that would be awesome. Thanks so much!

[@copperquartz4145]

Also! How do you keep track of your learnings? Are you one of those people with a second brain system 😂 ?

[@БеловБорис-у4щ]

Great video but I feel that there is something wrong with your voice recording. Sound level changes during video and voice seems quavering.

[@mnchester]

Amazing video!

[@leeyoung]

Thanks Steve

[@maximribakov2034]

pure gold ;)

[@dipereira0123]

IT just prooves that you only need top notch skills to pass the tech interview, later on its just corpo BS related to Soft skills

[@waqasleo315]

please may i ask you whats your age??

[@clarmso]

Folks should not ignore the importance on how to write well. (Remember those lessons from high school English classes that the teachers insist on the content to be specific?) Many folks in software-related programs overlook the soft-skills in the program: They think that writing code is paramount. Vague or badly written passages don't deserved to be promoted.

[@duncancooper3060]

Do you get any flak from HR about these? Everyone knows we stack rank and that we are a few steps removed from a meritocracy on both promotion process and OLR/TR. But... Amazon does a pretty good job of keeping the whole system secret from the public and at the L5 level and below level internally. It's nice to see some honesty from an insider, but aren't you at least a little concerned about consequences?

[@a55tech]

winging it to Amzn L6 is pretty impressive lol

[@Iron_spider99]

😩Steeeveee😩

[@sergioliberati9192]

hahaha wife be like steeEeve

[@gurkiratjandu3253]

You're an anomaly in todays corporate world and hence why you didnt mention the best promotion advice. Switch jobs!! A lot of people will understand the promotion process and work hard but still wont get promoted because corportations suck. I went from SDE1 to SDE2 with a 40% raise by getting a new job altogether.

[@ArchibaldSnoozer]

Too much b-roll. I'd rather just watch you talk.

[@Roadrunner65553]

Is “a life engineered” worth it if you don’t have the guts to finally strike out on your own as a software entrepreneur controlling your own destiny? 🤔 I’d rather fail twenty times as someone with a controlling interest in my own brainchild startup than live as some digital caste drone. These tips, although solid, are really just tips on survival, (coding to design to supervisory) not how to actually live. Just my two cents.

[@riptide6594]

I am so glad I found your channel... I just binged on all of your content! :D

[@lostroad9475]

The content in your videos is gold, thanks for making them!

[@XavierCho-e3v]

The content in your videos is gold, thanks for making them! 😉