For software engineers, technical competence is crucial to your career success and growth. But it’s important to remember that technical competence involves a lot more than just your coding skills alone. Let’s discuss some ways to think more broadly about technical competence that will set you apart for promotion.
1. Understand the link between tech and business#
Having tech skills and competence is great, but do you really understand why you need those skills? Do you understand where you fit into the larger picture? If you’re seeking a promotion, you will stand out if you have a strong sense of company organization.
Standing out as a leader amongst developers means moving beyond the joy of engineering to the next-level process of creating a profitable product. An engineer who is thinking one step ahead needs to engage with the “why” question.
One easy way to gain this curiosity and understanding is simply to ask questions. Speak to people in other departments who have a grasp on company infrastructure. Set aside time to develop the skills of a product-minded software engineer.
2. Learn how to articulate your work process#
Technical competence also deals with the larger picture: the how and the why of technical processes. A great way to stand out and be one step ahead for a promotion is actually being able to articulate how you problem solve and code. This is why so many hiring committees ask developers to explain their process during coding interviews.
At the end of the day, your manager cares most about your output, your ability to make their lives easier. Being able to articulate how you can do that shows thoughtfulness, self-awareness, and a dedication to the craft that most developers may not think to express.
3. Be invested in your tech education#
Yes, having in-demand tech skills is vital. You need to be competent in the relevant programming languages, frameworks, and so on. But, managers and reviewers view the willingness to learn as more important than any skill in particular. That’s why competence is also about adaptation to developments in the field. To think one level ahead, you don’t just need the skills of today; you need to be thinking ahead to the technologies of tomorrow.
The tech industry is constantly changing, being updated, and flooded with new tools. Technical competence, therefore, requires adaptation to continued learning. Taking a course demonstrates not only technical competence but also a dedication to industry changes. You can show off your flashy technical skills and prove that you’re a valuable, adaptable asset to your organization.
4. Direct your technical growth based on job requirements#
The focus of your technical competence greatly depends on your current level as a developer.
Let’s discuss some of the tech skills you might not think to develop at different stages of your career.
What skills are needed for a Junior Developer#
This where you are beginning your career. You aren’t necessarily expected to code as a part of a team yet. Your company may also not expect you to know the so-called “best practices”. Setting yourself apart begins with these two things: showing the capacity for tech skills within a team project; improve your individual work ethic. Your overarching goal should be to get ownership over a part of the codebase. If you are the “go-to person” for a project, your value to a company will be more recognizable.
What skills are needed for a Senior Developer#
In this role, your focus should be less about efficiency and more about increasing value, sharing ideas, and leadership. Your manager will be less concerned about your tech skills; they will generally trust that you know what you’re doing. Instead, focus on the design, communication, and mentorship aspects of technical competency. Learning how to prioritize different aspects of technical projects shows potential for leadership.
What skills are needed for a Staff Engineer?#
At this stage, you should demonstrate a capacity for thinking about team processes. It will be your job to make your team more efficient. Your technical skills, therefore, should deal with intersections: the intersections of different skills, roles, etc. Showing a capacity for organization will set you apart for promotion.
What skills are needed for a Principal Engineer / Architect?#
This is a big picture job. To be one step ahead, you need to show your ability to manage large-scale thought, organization, and design. Your technical competence should focus on timeliness, as you will be expected to get things out on time.
This role requires a strong sense of ownership over a project and its profitability.
This job requires a lot of writing. Showing effective writing skills will also set you one step ahead.
To summarize Pillar 1: Develop technical competency that moves beyond the skills you might expect. Thinking one level ahead means understanding how tech skills intersect with the larger picture.
Pillar 2: Professional communication and relationships#