You have to know how tech companies work
11 days ago
- #tech companies
- #software engineering
- #career growth
- There are various ways to be a software engineer, including coding, glue work, influencing product decisions, climbing the career ladder, or focusing on personal hobbies.
- Understanding how tech companies operate is essential, regardless of your career goals or ambitions.
- Alex Wennerberg emphasizes the importance of delivering software that people want and like, highlighting the core value of working in tech.
- Career success in tech requires knowing how to navigate company politics, focusing on impactful projects, and effective communication.
- Unambitious engineers should still be aware of organizational dynamics to maintain a positive reputation without overworking.
- Engineers passionate about specific values (e.g., accessibility) need to build credibility and seize opportunities when the organization aligns with their goals.
- Ignoring company dynamics can lead to frustration, sidelining, or failure to achieve personal or professional goals.
- Opting out of big-company politics means missing out on the leverage to impact millions or billions of people.
- The author enjoys being useful in their job, despite the increased stress in the software engineering field.