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Ask HN: Senior Software Engineer to Engineering Manager

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51–54 of 54 posts

Re: Ask HN: Senior Software Engineer to Engineering Manager

#51

Agree with all the advice that doing it internally will likely be easier (per the "When you're doing something new, don't do something new" maxim). That said, changing companies can enable rapid evolution. It'll (potentially) make it easier to be the manager you want to be, as opposed to the manager they think you'll be. In many cases it's likely better to do it where you are, but wanted to advocate for the benefits…

What changed when you switched?

Generically:

- shedding of responsibilities (no longer an expert)

- shedding of preconceptions (new people, new me)

- being new means that people are looking for you to bring your new perspective, which isn't always the case at an existing role

- working with all new people polishes management skills as you can't rely on built up relationships

And then there's the choices you make when interviewing about what kind of company culture/new manager/new team you're going to. Like, if I care a lot about DEI/4-day work week/etc, and my current company doesn't, do I want to work to make that happen (if even possible), or go to a place that also cares about that which allows me to learn and iterate on something that I care about.

Re: Ask HN: Senior Software Engineer to Engineering Manager

#52
If you haven’t been a manager yet I would highly recommend doing it in the company you’re currently in.

Try to make sure you understand the difference between a senior technical role and a manager, I received promotions and took them without thinking much about the consequences- it’s an opportunity to think about what role and career path you would prefer, and those big decisions don’t appear all the time.

Think about how the manager role operates in your company as companies differ e.g. company A the manager may be completely off the tools and company B they may still do technical work here and there.

To go the management route you’ve got to really want to help others, and be their buffer from the rest of the leadership and wider org that want to bombard them with too much work and bad requests.

Re: Ask HN: Senior Software Engineer to Engineering Manager

#53

I agree with the majority of the other posters; internal is typically best. In my experience, usually how this plays out is: 1. Establish yourself has a high performing SSE. You need to build this reputation both on your direct team and department, but ideally across the org broadly. 2. Make it known you wish to become a manager at some point in the future. Have conversations with your direct manager, but also consid…

This is pretty much what I did.

Re: Ask HN: Senior Software Engineer to Engineering Manager

#54

Devil's Advocate: If the consensus holds that staying internal is that much better than switching jobs, to the point that it makes no sense to take the risk, then you, being known to your employer to be interested in making a move, are now vulnerable to exploitation by your employer. Figuratively, The Move has become a dangling carrot that they know you will follow thru happily just for a bite. Not saying this will 1…

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