As Rahul and Alex pointed, with the push for efficiency across most of the big tech companies, I think an engineer from a big tech is just too busy to handle mentorship relationships outside of work or close relative.

Also, some other tips when you're trying to pursuit a good mentorship: instead of asking someone to be your mentor, come directly with the questions you're looking for answers. Be specific. Don't ask for someone to be your mentor directly, instead talk about things you want to know that the mentor has knowledge of.

My last mentor at Brex was an engineering manager, which meant she had a different world view from mine as an IC. I leveraged that by asking really specific stuff about what managers are looking for in ICs when indicating people for promotions. Since she wasn't my direct manager, I believe she could provide a different perspective from my manager.

And I could also provide my honest view on whatever initiative she was looking to bring into her team. And because of that, our mentorship was incredibly productive, since I was always ready with specific subjects, and could also add some value to her as well.

For me, that was the perfect mentorship. Someone that can help me with my questions by adding their own personal experiences, and I that I could help sometimes as well.

Mid-Level Software Engineer at Brex

Lucas Faria

Finished [Emojinx](https://emojinx.lucasfaria.dev/) couple of weeks ago. It's a emoji-themed memory matching multiplayer game!

My next project is going to be something around mental health. I sometimes struggle with anxiety and binge eating, so I wanna build an app to help me with those issues.

I've been wondering this very same thing, so maybe I can add my thoughts as well. Also worked mostly in the frontend space.

Choosing to specialize in front-end development is absolutely okay. In my experience, I've mainly worked on the front end, especially in startup environments where the backend tends to be simpler. I initially considered myself a full-stack engineer, but later realized the depth in both front-end and back-end areas.

In larger companies like Coinbase and Brex, I discovered the complexity of backend systems when dealing with scaling and serving more customers. However, the front end also presents challenges like creating design systems, enhancing internal tools, ensuring accessibility, and handling complex UIs.

Front-end scalability is crucial too. Making sure the architecture supports quick product changes. That your UI can handle a lot of data, and it's ~~blazingly~~ fast. That your code is well organized, has proper testing and monitoring tools.

As a front-end developer, you're closer to the customer, collaborating with PMs, designers, and participating in client research. This personal touch with users is a highlight of front-end work.

IMO, being a full-stack engineer isn't just about handling both front-end and back-end. It's about combining software engineering skills to deliver real impact to users. This involves understanding user problems, designing solutions, guiding and upskilling others, demonstrating leadership, delivering projects, and aligning them with company goals.

I believe a full-stack engineer with these broader skills is more valuable to a company and opens up growth opportunities. Personally, I'm focusing on delivering impactful projects this year, emphasizing the highest leverage skills, whether in front-end, back-end, system design, product management, analytics, UI design, or leadership, depending on the context.