In our careers as software engineers, many of us have faced the inevitable question: “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” For most of us, answering this question can be challenging, and often we resort to generic answers we believe others want to hear. However, when I started aiming for growth in my professional career, I realized this question required deeper self-reflection. It wasn’t just about providing a correct answer to others but finding a meaningful response for myself.
By breaking this question down into several smaller ones, I discovered a clearer approach to transitioning from a technical role to a managerial one. In this post, I want to share my method to answer this significant question and successfully make a transition.
Starting with Why
As Simon Sinek aptly states in his book “Start with Why” understanding the “WHY” behind our decisions is crucial for finding the right path. As a teenager, my initial motivation to study systems engineering was the opportunity to solve problems across various industries. Every sector presents areas of opportunity that can be optimized or resolved through IT systems. This perspective helped me realize that beyond just coding, there was an entire world of problems and solutions to explore.
When I began my career as a developer in a trainee position, my excitement centered on creating web portals and improving performance… Yes, web portals, mobile applications were not a thing in those days. However, I soon realized that my role extended beyond writing code. I learned about the infrastructure behind applications, how servers and networks can affect performance, and how applications need to be continually operational. This experience allowed me to see how different specialized areas interact to keep applications productive most of the time. My work in DevOps teams further expanded my perspective, enabling me to collaborate with both sides, developers and infrastructure teams. At that point, I understood my impact could be greater if I wasn’t limited to hands-on activities but could contribute to multiple projects simultaneously. Thus, I decided to pursue management positions. Try miCoach career path feature.
Exploring Options: Architect, Technical Lead, or Manager
As I considered my transition to a managerial role, I first needed to understand the options available. Roles like architect, technical lead, and manager each offer different ways to impact and take responsibility. I chose to follow the path of management but to do so, I conducted an introspection to understand what I needed and what I could offer as a differentiator.
My technical background proved to be a key advantage. While many managers have extensive experience and soft skills, my opportunity lies in leveraging my technical knowledge to add value to teams proposing new solutions using different tools. I knew that my ability to understand and communicate technical aspects effectively would be an asset in my new role.
Preparation and Skill Development
Once I decided that the manager role was the best fit for me, I began working on developing additional skills needed for success in this position. This included improving my soft skills such as communication, empathy, and leadership. To achieve this, I sought mentorship from experienced professionals who not only taught me key concepts but also involved me in opportunities with new clients, projects, and teams.
Additionally, I dedicated a significant amount of my free time to reading, studying, and certifying myself in areas related to project management and leadership. This intensive preparation was crucial for ensuring I was ready to take on greater responsibility within a year.
Applying What I Learned: Practical Experience and Networking
With preparation underway, I actively sought a position in a small project to start applying what I had learned, is always better to start applying your knowledge in a small team and then apply it to a broader audience. Suddenly I was working on multiple small projects simultaneously, I ensured to ask other managers about their approaches and practices and tried to implement those strategies in my own projects. This continuous learning and sharing of information with other managers were crucial. I realized that we are all learners in some way and that sharing experiences is key to professional development.
Participating in multiple projects allowed me to apply and reinforce my skills while gaining a broader perspective on handling various situations and challenges. Networking and collaborating with other management professionals also played a crucial role. Through these exchanges, I gained valuable insights and perspectives that enriched my ability to lead and manage teams.
Reflection and Ongoing Adaptation
The transition from a technical role to a managerial one is not a static process but a continuous evolution. As I advanced in my career, I realized the importance of constant reflection and adaptation to new circumstances. Challenges and opportunities continue to change, and my ability to adapt and learn continuously has been vital for my management success.
In summary, transitioning from a technical role to a managerial one requires deep self-evaluation and preparation. Starting with the “why” gives us a clear direction, while exploring our options and developing the necessary skills allows us to move forward with confidence. Applying what we’ve learned through practical experience and networking strengthens our ability to take on leadership roles, and ongoing reflection ensures that we continue to grow and adapt to new demands.
This journey is not easy, but with the right mindset and approach, a successful transition is achievable, and finding fulfillment in a new role is possible. I hope my experience and the steps I shared will guide you in your own transition from technical to managerial roles.
Do you have similar experiences or additional advice to share? Leave your comments, and let’s share our experiences to continue learning and growing together!
