How to pick a project from multiple options?
I'm working as a senior SWE at a series C startup. I'm looking to specifically grow my technical skills on priority.
My manager has shared a few projects that are upcoming in the roadmap for my team. Given that the requirements and constraints for these project options are yet to be fully defined, how do I identify which projects will have sufficient technical depth to allow me to push the boundaries of my technical skills?
![Senior Software Engineer [E5] at Meta company logo](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffirebasestorage.googleapis.com%2Fv0%2Fb%2Ftech-career-growth.appspot.com%2Fo%2Fcompany_logos%252Fmeta_logo.png%3Falt%3Dmedia%26token%3Db5f837b1-c74f-4e2f-848b-1599f05624c5&w=48&q=75){kind=logo}
![Senior Software Engineer [E5] at DoorDash company logo](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffirebasestorage.googleapis.com%2Fv0%2Fb%2Ftech-career-growth.appspot.com%2Fo%2Fcompany_logos%252Fdoordash_logo.png%3Falt%3Dmedia%26token%3D63a71c81-266b-463f-ac58-c18d7ee2939d&w=48&q=75){kind=logo}
![Mid-Level Software Engineer [E4] at Meta company logo](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffirebasestorage.googleapis.com%2Fv0%2Fb%2Ftech-career-growth.appspot.com%2Fo%2Fcompany_logos%252Fmeta.jpeg%3Falt%3Dmedia%26token%3Da7a5bcc0-e178-4b5b-b71e-09bf6c6aefae&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Discussion
(2 comments)- 2 months agoTech Lead/Manager at Meta, Pinterest, Kosei
Similar to the advice we shared in the masterclass about joining a new team or company, I believe one criteria (perhaps the most important criteria) should be: the people you'll work with on the project.
I know you mention technical skills as the priority, but the people you work with will dictate how much you learn the skills.
The people will also be the best predictor of how much technical depth the project has. I recommend you look at the work of the potential people on the project and evaluate if you have something to learn. Look at:
- Their code commits
- What docs they've authored
- What meetings they take part in
2 Likes - 2 months agoEngineering Manager at Blend
A couple thoughts:
- If the goal is to push the boundaries of your technical skills, then don't pick projects/tasks that you already know the answer to (aka know how to solve).
- One thought exercise that could help is rank the projects according to your best guess around "pushing your boundaries", and provide some rationale for each, then ask a coworker/teammate (preferably someone who is more senior than you) to review and provide feedback.
- Even "boring" projects have the opportunity to push the boundaries of your technical sills – since there is probably opportunities to revisit the "basics" and dive deeper to make sure you thoroughly understand them.
2 Likes
