Level Up: A Software Engineer’s Guide to Accelerating Your Career

From Junior to Leader: Mistakes to Avoid, Key Decisions to Make, and Tips to Thrive at Every Stage

The other day, a mutual connection from social media reached out for advice. He was feeling stuck in his role as a Software Engineer and didn’t know how to break through to the next level. He asked me if I offered coaching.

Currently, I don’t have time for recurring one-on-one coaching. Still, I love helping others and meeting people I only knew online, so I offered myself to have a virtual coffee chat with him. What followed was an incredibly insightful conversation.

We discussed his challenges, aspirations, and what might be holding him back. As we spoke, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own journey. I’ve been there, too—feeling stuck, wondering why my hard work wasn’t translating into the career growth I expected.

Reflecting on my journey, I have no regrets about my path, though I acknowledge it wasn’t flawless. I made mistakes and took missteps that set me back at times. Yet, I also made crucial decisions that significantly changed my career and helped me move forward.

That conversation made me think about sharing what not to do, which strategies are effective, and how to change your mindset for better career growth. Here is my step-by-step guide for boosting your career as a software engineer. This guide covers everything from starting your career to taking on leadership roles, helping you avoid mistakes, make smarter choices, and rise up the career ladder faster.

Let’s dive into it.

The Foundation: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Your career’s foundation starts before your first job, and your choices now shape everything ahead. Build a strong foundation.

Big Mistake: Not Knowing I Wanted to Be a Developer

I’m not one of those developers who started programming as a kid. I had no idea what I wanted to do for a long time, and that lack of direction kept me from building the foundational skills I’d need later. Exploring different paths is fine, but finding clarity early on can save you valuable time and set you on the right track for growth.

Key Decision: Studying a Computer Science Degree

Choosing to study computer science was a game-changer. It gave me the fundamentals—algorithms, data structures, networking, systems, and problem-solving—that I still use today. While a computer science degree isn’t always essential, for me, it opened doors to opportunities I might never have accessed otherwise.

What to Focus On

• Master the basics: Get comfortable with programming languages, algorithms, and data structures. These are your foundation.

• Build projects: Apply what you learn by creating small, functional applications. Build a portfolio with them and publish them.

• Understand systems: Dive into databases, networking concepts, and how scalable systems work.

Pro Tip: Don’t chase every new framework. Instead, focus on learning concepts that transfer across technologies.

Starting Out: Accelerating as a Junior Engineer

Your first role as a junior engineer is all about learning, building momentum, and proving yourself. The choices you make here can set the tone for your entire career.

Big Mistake: Not Asking for a Mentor

When I started out, I thought I had to figure everything out on my own. I didn’t ask for a mentor, missing out on valuable guidance that could have accelerated my learning. A good mentor can help you navigate challenges, avoid pitfalls, and see the bigger picture much earlier than you would on your own.

Key Decision: Changing My First Job to Learn More

Early in my career, I realized my first job wasn’t offering the growth opportunities I needed. I had no room for creativity or autonomy. So, I switched to a role where I could work on more challenging projects and learn from more experienced colleagues. That move dramatically accelerated my progress.

What to Focus On

• Deliver consistently: Build trust by reliably completing your tasks on time and with quality.

• Ask for help: Seek out a mentor or experienced teammates who can guide you and share their knowledge.

• Learn from feedback: Treat code reviews as opportunities to grow, not just as critiques.

Pro Tip: Keep a learning journal to document lessons from each bug, review, or project. It’s a great way to track your growth and revisit key insights over time.

Climbing Up: Excelling as a Mid-Level Engineer

At this stage, it’s no longer just about completing tasks—it’s about understanding the bigger picture and contributing in ways that go beyond your job description.

Big Mistake: Staying Too Long in a Job Where I Stopped Growing

The second time I stagnated in a job, I didn’t react quickly enough. I stayed at one job for almost five years but wasn’t learning much during the last two. I became too comfortable, and my growth stalled. Staying in a role where you’re no longer challenged can significantly slow down your career. Growth happens at the edges of your comfort zone.

Key Decision: Joining an Early-Stage Startup and Moving to the UK

To reignite my career, I took a bold leap, and after some challenging interviews, I managed to join an early-stage startup. It was a game-changer. I learned new programming languages, moved to London, discovered new cultures, worked alongside talented people, and gained exposure to top-tier companies.

What to Focus On

• Go beyond tasks: Understand the “why” behind your building features and think critically about scalability, performance, and user impact.

• Own your growth: If you’re not learning or being challenged, take charge of your career and seek out new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to learn totally different technologies.

• Join a global company: If you’re stuck in a local company, consider moving abroad or joining an international organization. It will expose you to new cultures and talented teams, accelerating your personal and professional growth.

Pro Tip: If English isn’t your first language, master it. Strong communication skills are essential to ace interviews and to work in global and diverse teams.

Taking the Lead: Thriving as a Senior Engineer

As a senior engineer, your role evolves beyond writing code. You’re expected to solve complex problems, mentor others, and contribute to the bigger picture. You establish yourself as a leader in this stage, even without a formal title.

Big Mistake: Focusing Too Much on Tech and Neglecting My Soft Skills

Early on, I believed that technical excellence was all that mattered. I didn’t spend enough time honing my communication, leadership, or collaboration skills. As I took on more complex projects, I realized that technical solutions are only part of the equation. The ability to communicate effectively, influence others, and navigate team dynamics is what truly sets senior engineers apart.

Key Decision: Joining a VC-Backed Startup (That Became a Unicorn)

I joined a venture capital-backed startup to push myself out of my comfort zone. The experience was transformative—it exposed me to high-growth challenges, taught me how to scale systems and teams, and connected me with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Being part of a startup that became a unicorn also gave me a front-row seat to what success at scale looks like.

What to Focus On

• Take initiative: Volunteer for high-impact projects that stretch your skills and make a visible difference. Demonstrate a high level of agency.

• Mentor others: Guide junior engineers and peers. It not only helps them grow but solidifies your reputation as a leader.

• Collaborate across teams: Build bridges, share knowledge, and foster relationships with stakeholders outside of engineering.

• Own problems end-to-end: Senior engineers are trusted to take ownership, whether a system overhaul or a critical bug fix.

Pro Tip: Relationships matter. Make time to connect with peers and leaders, both inside and outside your organization. Building your network is just as important as building your skills.

The Pivot: Becoming a Team Lead or Staff Engineer

Transitioning from an individual contributor to a leadership role requires a major mindset shift. Whether you’re a Team Lead, Staff Engineer, or aspiring Engineering Manager, this stage is about influencing others, aligning with business goals, and learning to navigate complexity.

Big Mistake: Avoiding Conflict and Saying ’Yes’ Too Much

When I became a team leader, I wanted to keep everyone happy. I avoided conflicts, said “yes” to everything, and overcommitted myself and my team. This made prioritization nearly impossible and created unnecessary stress. It took me a while to realize that addressing conflicts and setting boundaries are essential to leadership.

Key Decision: Pursuing Management Training at Every Company

Management training became a turning point in my career. By investing in leadership skills across different roles, I gained the tools to handle conflict, effectively give feedback, and lead teams. They also gave me the confidence to set clear expectations and make tough decisions when needed, helping me develop solid management foundations.

What to Focus On

• Think strategically: Align your technical and team decisions with the company’s broader goals.

• Understand the business: Develop a deep business sense, learn the stakeholders’ language outside engineering, and how your work can impact the company’s success.

• Communicate clearly: Develop the ability to articulate vision, goals, and expectations in a way that inspires and motivates your team.

• Say “no” strategically: Learn to ruthlessly prioritize and say “no” to protect your team’s focus and deliverables.

Pro Tip: Find a mentor who has walked the path you’re on. Shadow your manager or another strong leader to learn how they make decisions and handle challenges.

Top Tips for Long-Term Growth and Impact

Last but not least, let me share with you three strategies that are currently significantly shaping my career and can help you stay ahead:

1. Get Coaching

Coaching can fast-track your growth. Look for coaches who excel in specific skills you want to improve, like public speaking or leadership. I understand it can be costly, but you don’t need to hire a famous coach—focus on someone who aligns with your needs and provides actionable insights.

Why it Works: A coach helps you identify blind spots and develop faster than you might on your own.

2. Build Your Brand

Your personal brand matters. Start a blog, write a newsletter, or contribute to open-source projects to gain credibility. Build connections with like-minded individuals and actively support fellow contributors. Sharing your expertise positions you as a thought leader and opens up new opportunities.

Why it Works: A strong brand makes you stand out and connects you with valuable opportunities.

3. Leverage AI

Harness the power of AI to elevate your productivity and accelerate your growth. Generative AI tools streamline coding, debugging, and idea generation, enhancing efficiency. AI agents automate repetitive tasks, allowing more focus on high-value work. Large Language Models (LLMs) act as thought partners for brainstorming and problem-solving to support informed decision-making.

Why it Works: AI helps you work smarter, freeing time for high-value tasks and innovation.

Final Thoughts

Your career is the most important product you’ll ever build, and it deserves deliberate care and investment. Whether you’re just starting or stepping into leadership, your choices today will shape the opportunities you’ll have tomorrow.

Remember, growth isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about relationships, mindset, and adaptability. Take ownership of your journey, embrace challenges, and don’t fear taking risks.

Above all, keep learning. The tech industry evolves fast, and staying curious ensures you’ll always be ready for what’s next. So, what’s your next step? Whatever it is, start now—and accelerate toward the career you’ve always envisioned.

I’d also love to hear from you: What strategies or tips have worked for your career growth? Or what’s the one piece of advice you wish you’d known earlier?

---

Enjoyed the article? Hit the ❤️ button and share it with others who might find it helpful. Subscribe to support my work and stay updated on future editions!