[Timeless Career Advice] IC vs Manager

This video discusses how much the software industry pays in the US in terms of total compensation. 

In addition, we discuss the decision to be an individual contributor vs engineering manager.

Connect with Louie:

- SmallBets community: [**https://smallbets.com/?utm_source=taro**](https://smallbets.com/?utm_source=taro)
- Twitter: [**https://twitter.com/LBacaj**](https://twitter.com/LBacaj)
- LinkedIn: [**https://www.linkedin.com/in/louiebacaj/**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/louiebacaj/)
- Newsletter: [**https://newsletter.memesmotivations.com/**](https://newsletter.memesmotivations.com/)

Nail Your Promotion As A Software Engineer [Part 25] - Timing: When To Amp Things Up?

Humans have terrible memory, and software engineers (+ engineering managers) are no exception. The annoying thing is that this greatly affects how you're judged in performance review. This lesson teaches you:

- The role recency bias plays in your promotion case
- How to spend your energy over time across the performance review cycle

Master The DSA Interview [Part 19] - Perfection Obsession

Getting the optimal solution to a data structures and algorithms problem is great, but it isn't always possible. This lesson teaches you:

- Why pursuing the optimal solution upfront when you're very stuck can easily lead to your rejection in a data structures and algorithms interview
- What to do instead when you're unable to get the optimal solution upfront
- How being completely stuck can lead to a vicious cycle that forces you to fail interviews
- A simple way to think about data structures and algorithms problem solving in general

Ace Your Tech Interview As A Software Engineer [Part 19] - Take Home Assignments

Take home assignments are one of the most brutal screening mechanisms tech companies use to filter out software engineer job candidates. This lesson teaches you:

- Why take homes are horrible
- How to skip take homes as much as you can
- A framework you can use to figure out whether or not you should do a take home

If you have no other option but to do a take-home, follow these resources:

- ["How do I make software less overwhelming?"](https://www.jointaro.com/question/YseMPDw538jhyS1MWlTs/how-do-i-make-software-less-overwhelming/)
- ["How Long to Complete Take-Home Assignment II"](https://www.jointaro.com/question/7PfT1CWSY0Dd1jiLYTou/how-long-to-complete-take-home-assignment-ii/)
- [\[Course\] Level Up Your Code Quality As A Software Engineer](https://www.jointaro.com/course/level-up-your-code-quality-as-a-software-engineer/)

Master The DSA Interview [Part 20] - Missing What Matters

When you're doing a data structures and algorithms interview, you don't have a ton of time. That's why it's important to focus on what matters. This lesson teaches you:

- What order to code your solution in when it comes to happy flow and edge cases
- Why the core data structures and algorithms themselves often aren't that important during the interview
- How to get functionality for free, explained with a real-life Meta interview example
- A tactic you can use to prioritize components of your data structures and algorithms solution properly

Grow From Mid-Level To Senior Engineer [Part 18] - Build A Strong Internal Network

If you have a meaningful bench of people who are willing to fight for your success, you will succeed as a software engineer. One of the simplest ways to understand seniority is that this bench grows larger and larger over time. This lesson teaches you:

- How an engineer's internal network at a company evolves as they grow from mid-level to senior, both in terms of breadth and depth
- How to expand your internal network
- The difference in peer feedback that mid-level engineers get compared to senior engineers, especially with XFN (cross-functional) partners

To dive deeper into earning trust quickly and building relationships: [\[Masterclass\] How To Build Deep Relationships Quickly In Tech](https://www.jointaro.com/lesson/tyaPFMXPoz2pmzB7OVzt/masterclass-how-to-build-deep-relationships-quickly-in-tech/)

Ace Your Tech Interview As A Software Engineer [Part 31] - Scout Online

It's the classic question: What can I expect for the interview for X company? Well, chances are that you aren't doing enough to find information online. This lesson teaches you:

- Why your Big Tech interview should never be a complete surprise
- The various big online sources of interview information, organized by quality
- How you should organize online interview information to extract the best insights and optimize your interview preparation

To build up your network to get insider interview advice, follow our masterclass: [\[Masterclass\] How To Build Deep Relationships Quickly In Tech](https://www.jointaro.com/playlist/nvsMxZ9ZGIjlyaZbWqYS/)

[Case Study] How To Become A Data Guru As An Engineer (w/ Senior Director of DS Mo Shahangian)

Mo has had a successful career at the intersection of data science and engineering at companies like Pinterest, Meta, and Epic Games.

Mo talked about the biggest data mistakes and how the job changes as you navigate seniority levels. He also shared his contrarian approach to promotion that has worked so well in his career. 

## Data knowledge for engineers:
- Data science is an overloaded term. The high-level goal for anyone working with data is to surface insights that will inform decisions. 
- Being insightful isn’t enough -- you need to surface **actionable** and **causal** relationships.

Everyone needs a reminder correlation != causation. Have some tools to remind yourself.
- Which way does the causal arrow go?
- Remember [Goodhart’s Law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodhart%27s_law)

## Career growth
- At the most senior levels, leaders are business owners/product leaders, not functional leaders.
- At more junior levels, it’s the opposite, there needs to be order and a separation of responsibility. The best people learn how to work, not only within their lane, but across.

Career success comes from being deliberate:
- A career is a series of decisions
- These decisions come with tradeoffs
- Those best at navigating tradeoffs emerge as leaders
- "Deliberate" means that you are both intentional and calculated

Mo started out building data systems at UCLA, joined Pinterest during hypergrowth, and eventually became a Senior Director of Data Science at Meta, and recently joined Epic Games at the leadership level. Connect with Mo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-shahangian-b040188/

[Connect with Mo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-shahangian-b040188/)

More resources: 
- Another Taro Premium Session about [junior --> senior eng promos at Meta](https://www.jointaro.com/lesson/EX9563YnxcJb62cCmetg/session-5-mentoring-junior-swes-e3-to-senior-e5-in-just-25-years-at-meta/)
- [Why chasing promo could hurt you](https://www.jointaro.com/lesson/qj2kX94TfFPgBLlQZBtb/why-chasing-promotion-could-hurt-you/)

How To Be An Effective Tech Lead [Part 6] - Be The Code Guardian

As a tech lead, you are ultimately responsible for all the code that is delivered. The tricky part is that you need to do this without simply writing all of it. This lesson teaches you:

- The role tech leads play when it comes to cleaning up the code and paying down tech debt
- A high-level, multiplicative lever tech leads should pull to enforce code quality
- The in-the-weeds tactic tech leads need to constantly use to keep code quality high

To get better at code reviews, particularly those outside of your immediate domain, read through this: ["How to give better code reviews without full business context?"](https://www.jointaro.com/question/vio35mw1SYWM8AYojB2w/how-to-give-better-code-reviews-without-full-business-context/)

DSA Crash Course [Part 71] - Sum Possible Approach

In this lesson, Alvin explores the strategy to solving the following interview problem:

> Write a function *sum_possible* that takes in an amount and a list of positive numbers. The function should return a boolean indicating whether or not it is possible to create the amount by summing numbers of the list. You may reuse numbers of the list as many times as necessary.
>
> You may assume that the target amount is non-negative.

```
sum_possible(8, [5, 12, 4]) # -> True, 4 + 4
```

```
sum_possible(15, [6, 2, 10, 19]) # -> False
```

```
sum_possible(13, [6, 2, 1]) # -> True
```

```
sum_possible(103, [6, 20, 1]) # -> True
```

If you need additional support taking these DSA skills and actually applying them, take [**Alvin's**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvin-zablan-b73a92117/) *complete* data structures and algorithms course on [**Structy**](https://structy.net/?utm_source=taro). You can try out the concepts yourself in their interactive code editor and learn advanced DSA patterns like stack exhaustive recursion.

Use [**this link to get 20% off**](https://structy.net/purchase?promo_code=taro20) the entire Structy DSA learning experience.

Follow Alvin on LinkedIn: [**https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvin-zablan-b73a92117/**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvin-zablan-b73a92117/)

Grow From Mid-Level To Senior Engineer [Part 20] - Mentorship

Mentorship is one of the most skills to master as a software engineer, especially at senior levels. It is both a way for you to do some good and scale yourself. This lesson teaches you: 

- The difference between passive and active mentorship
- Ways to provide passive mentorship to teammates
- Why you should consider taking on an intern as a mid-level engineer growing to senior
- The jump in quality when it comes to mentorship advice given by a mid-level engineer vs. a senior engineer
- The key thing to remember when being an effective mentor

To learn how Alex was such an effective mentor: [\[Case Study\] Mentoring Junior SWEs \[E3\] to Senior \[E5\] In Just 2.5 Years At Meta](https://www.jointaro.com/lesson/EX9563YnxcJb62cCmetg/case-study-mentoring-junior-swes-e3-to-senior-e5-in-just-25-years-at-meta/)

Master The DSA Interview [Part 30] - Go Deeper: Follow Through

Take these courses as well:

- [Ace Your Tech Interview And Get A Job As A Software Engineer](https://www.jointaro.com/course/ace-your-tech-interview-and-get-a-job-as-a-software-engineer/)
- [Level Up Your Code Quality As A Software Engineer](https://www.jointaro.com/course/level-up-your-code-quality-as-a-software-engineer/)

Understanding How To Empower Your Manager To Get The Rating You Want

- Come calibration time (i.e. when managers and very senior engineers come together to calculate your manager), your manager is going to have to defend you to get the rating they're proposing for you.
- This is another reason why it's so important to have a clear expectations plan. By setting the baseline, your manager has a concrete anchoring point to argue your case, in particular when you have gone above and beyond the baseline.

Write A Stellar Resume As A Software Engineer [Part 11] - Self Ratings

There's tremendous pressure to stand out with your resume as a software engineer, especially as you usually need to beat out 100+ or even 1000+ other engineers to get an interview opportunity. This lesson teaches you:

- Why self ratings don't add any value to a resume
- The dangers behind self ratings on a resume, particularly with more junior engineers

Get The Rating You Deserve [Part 15] - Use Synchronous Time Wisely

**In this section, we explored strategies for optimizing our synchronous time and effectively communicating our work and desires.**

To make the most of our time and build strong professional relationships, we should:

- **Prioritize synchronous time:** Focus on activities that require real-time collaboration and cannot be effectively accomplished asynchronously.
- **Minimize unnecessary meetings:** Reduce the number of meetings and their duration to maximize productivity.
- **Communicate proactively:** Share updates and seek feedback regularly, both synchronously and asynchronously.
- **Build strong relationships:** Cultivate positive relationships with colleagues and managers through open and honest communication.
- **Be mindful of our communication style:** Adapt our communication style to different audiences and situations to ensure effective message delivery.

By implementing these strategies, we can improve our efficiency, effectiveness, and overall job satisfaction.

If you want to get personalized support from Yogi, you can reach out to him at [coaching@yogisharma.com](mailto:coaching@yogisharma.com) or schedule an introductory call to dive into your situation at <https://tinyurl.com/meetyogi>.

[Become A Go-To Person 3/18] Jordan's Story (Imposter Syndrome)

Dealing with imposter syndrome and getting to the senior level.

A course by [Jordan Cutler](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordancutler1/), Senior Software Engineer at Pinterest and Author of the [High Growth Engineer Newsletter](https://read.highgrowthengineer.com/)

DSA Crash Course [Part 53] - Has Path Approach

In this lesson, Alvin explores the strategy to solving the following interview problem:

> Write a function, *has_path*, that takes in a dictionary representing the adjacency list of a directed acyclic graph and two nodes (\_src\_, *dst*). The function should return a boolean indicating whether or not there exists a directed path between the *source* and *destination* nodes.

```
graph = {
'f': ['g', 'i'],
'g': ['h'],
'h': [],
'i': ['g', 'k'],
'j': ['i'],
'k': []
}

has_path(graph, 'f', 'k') # True
```

```
graph = {
'f': ['g', 'i'],
'g': ['h'],
'h': [],
'i': ['g', 'k'],
'j': ['i'],
'k': []
}

has_path(graph, 'f', 'j') # False
```

If you need additional support taking these DSA skills and actually applying them, take [**Alvin's**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvin-zablan-b73a92117/) *complete* data structures and algorithms course on [**Structy**](https://structy.net/?utm_source=taro). You can try out the concepts yourself in their interactive code editor and learn advanced DSA patterns like stack exhaustive recursion.

Use [**this link to get 20% off**](https://structy.net/purchase?promo_code=taro20) the entire Structy DSA learning experience.

Follow Alvin on LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvin-zablan-b73a92117/>

Conclusion: The Ultimate Guide To Navigating A PIP

Thanks for being part of this course! Here are the main takeaways:

- A PIP **does not** mean your career is over
- Make it easy to receive feedback
- You should (probably) start looking for a new job
- Don’t over-share information
- Discussions:
  - [I have been put in PIP. What should I do?](https://www.jointaro.com/question/i2RqeCiAQJ04eU1rp0eQ/i-have-been-put-in-pip-what-should-i-do/)

  - [Bouncing back after termination](https://www.jointaro.com/question/iDARmEmqYKlCIhzKIMNh/bouncing-back-after-termination-what-can-i-do-to-move-forward/)

  - [Advice on PIP with unsupportive team?](https://www.jointaro.com/question/93GBTJ73ayNLPY0sLuHz/advice-on-pip-with-unsupportive-team/)

The Most Misunderstood Part Of Tech Pay - Stock Options

This segment unpacks **stock options**, a type of equity compensation typically offered by startups rather than large public tech companies. It contrasts stock options with RSUs and explains how options function, including taxation and risk.

- **What Stock Options Are:** A stock option gives the right to purchase company shares at a predetermined price (the “strike price”). These are common in startups but rare in large public companies like Google or Facebook.
- **Grant and Vesting Mechanics:** Similar to RSUs, options usually vest over four years with a one-year cliff. The total grant allows employees to buy a fixed number of shares—often a large number—at a low strike price.
- **Value and Risk:** The value of stock options depends on the company’s success. While paper valuations can be high, employees must actually buy the shares (unlike RSUs, which are granted). If the company never goes public, the options might end up worthless.
- **Types of Stock Options:**
  - **ISOs (Incentive Stock Options):** Taxed only upon sale, usually favorable for employees.

  - **NSOs (Non-qualified Stock Options):** Taxed at the time of exercising and again at sale, even if the shares haven't yet generated real money—making them riskier.
- **Tax Implications:** With NSOs, employees may owe taxes just for exercising the option (based on fair market value), creating potential financial burden even before any profit is realized.

This complexity and risk/reward profile is a key difference from the more predictable RSU structure in big tech compensation packages.

From "Meets Most" to "Greatly Exceeds" in 3 Months at Facebook

Imagine pouring your heart and soul into your work, only to be met with criticism instead of commendation. This scenario is all too familiar for many engineers who, despite their hard work, find themselves at odds with their manager's expectations due to a misalignment with business priorities. My own journey at Facebook serves as a testament to this common predicament. Tasked with two major projects, I found myself at a critical juncture halfway through, being told my efforts were not meeting expectations.

I was not always doing exceptional at Facebook, but this time I knew that I was not below the "meets expectation" mark. I had been there before, but this time was not it.

Learn more about ratings at Facebook (aka Meta): <https://www.jointaro.com/topic/meta/performance-review/>

Despite knowing that, the assessment of the manager was a bitter pill to swallow, leaving me furious and speechless. However, it also marked the beginning of a transformative journey. I ventured into realms that many engineers shy away from, embracing principles that I previously overlooked. This shift in behavior and perception propelled me from being perceived as merely meeting most expectations to greatly exceeding them, achieving a rating leap that not only vindicated my efforts but also significantly enhanced my bonus.

In this seminar, I aim to share the insights and strategies that catalyzed my dramatic turnaround. I will delve into how a recalibration of focus and an embrace of broader impact can elevate your work from good to exceptional. Additionally, I will touch on the crucial balance between maintaining stellar job performance and navigating a job search. This balance is critical for ensuring you are not cornered should your job search extend longer than anticipated. Join me as I unravel the nuances of achieving long-term career satisfaction through sustained excellence and strategic job search efforts.

Check out these resources for additional deep insights into performance review:

- [\[Masterclass\] How To Navigate Your Performance Review In Tech](https://www.jointaro.com/lesson/b0B8uqIAUnBLE10jJHJG/masterclass-how-to-navigate-your-performance-review-in-tech/)
- [\[Masterclass\] How To Work Better With Your Engineering Manager](https://www.jointaro.com/lesson/2PbJb2fuqF3iMHy57eEg/masterclass-how-to-work-better-with-your-engineering-manager/)

Presented by Yogi Sharma: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/yogi1/>

Tech Career Growth Videos

Our instructional videos provide software engineers with insights needed for career growth. Masterclasses go incredibly in-depth on a specific tech topic while case studies are real examples from established engineering leaders.