Ask HN: Stuck as a developer for 15 years. How to become a manager?

One thing I’ve heard others do is they look at the next job they want to have, work with those people, and then, put what you did with those people on your resume. And then in the back of your head keep thinking what you might do differently. Some of the more hungrier folks just shamelessly claim the next levels wins as their own on their resume and speak to those. Not saying you should do any of this but this is just what I’ve seen. Good luck.

You can not - not enough spots. People telling that management is not a "next step" while not lying are just not telling the truth. Management is a big club and you ain't in it. Basically everyone can be manager despite the fact saying otherwise. However developers are rare. Thus it is counterproductive to promote programmers. You can perhaps leverage your experience by moving to another company to a management position directly.

How do I get into your industry?

> Managers are positioned higher in the hiearchy

What hierarchy? Are you talking about the org chart? I don't see that as a hierarchy in the sense I think it's being used here. It's just a description of who is managing who, not of "rank" in some sort of militaryesque sense. My manager is not my "superior". He's the person responsible for ensuring that everyone in his department is working in an aligned manner, and for ensuring that everyone has the fewest roadblocks possible.

> That particular job can fire you, in most cases.

Well, he can't, really. He can recommend that I be fired, and his recommendation carries a great deal of weight, but it's not his call. But ignoring that...

I don't see how that's very relevant. But perhaps I'm just being misled by the use of the term "rank". That implies a superiority of some sort to me, and that superiority doesn't exist. It's just a different job, is all.

It also implies that "manager" is a rung up on a ladder, and I don't think it is. It's a different job altogether, not an evolution of the job I have.

I've mentored many developers at this stage in their career - it's a challenging leap to make, because your moving from a world where improving your technical skills moves you forward to a world where you need to improve your soft skills to progress.

Some general advice that may prove helpful:

- Read "The managers path" by Camille Fournier. It's an excellent and very readable guide, with great advice at any stage of your career. - Be aware of the difference between "People Management" and "Technical leadership" and know which direction you want to head in. Some companies merge the two roles to a greater or lesser extent. Others clearly define and seperate them. - Look for opportunities to mentor others, particularly grads or juniors. Mentoring is often the first step on a path to leadership or management. - Leadership means being responsible for the success of a team, not just your own work. Look for opportunities to step up, take ownership and be responsible for your whole teams success. - Find a mentor and meet with them at least once a fortnight for at least half an hour. Come to each meeting prepared with a list of things you would like to get their perspective on.

Lastly DO NOT lie on your resume. Lying would be a really great way to land up in a position where you don't have the support you need to succeed. It's fine to be up front and say "I've been static for a long time in my current job without opportunities for promotion. I'm keen to find a role where I can be mentored and grow into a manager and leader"