Career Growth Algorithm

Intro

1. Pick a career path
2. Google it!
3. Update or create the resume, you want to use when applying for one of these jobs
4. Own your personal development
5. Getting promoted internally or apply externally?
6. Know your leverage (internally or externally)
7. Measure your progress
8. Got promoted! Then set the next target and Keep looping 🔁.

1. Pick a career path

You have to decide! Keep growing in the technical path, move into people management path, or deviate to software analysis or product management paths. Whatever you choose, even the ones not in the list, It's your decision, and you have to know why you think it's a good choice.

You might want to validate your choice by either your mentor, manager or an experienced colleagues who have been there. Just to compare notes: what you can do, and what would you expect from your future role? What do you expect and what is the day-to-day activity in reality?

2. Google your future job

Now to the next level, search for opportunities that match your next role. Check Job description, required experience, technologies, and skills that match what you would like to continue working with. Perhaps you would like to consider a few target companies or even checking the role internally in your current company if you're thinking about getting promoted where you already are.

It's important to note that information from this step required for the next step.

3. Future me: Here is your new Resume

Same as when you write your goals down and keep them hanged in front of you to inspire and motivate yourself. If you like that technique, this one will work with you as well. Because in this step you'll create a new version of your Resume as if you're applying to these job right away.

Say you're a Frontend Engineer and would like to ramp up to be a Senior Frontend engineer. You see a few Senior role listings that require: Typescript, GraphQL, or working with some specific testing libraries, or maybe hands-on experience with CI/CD. Take a note and checkmark what you want to add to your resume next!

4. Own your personal development

5. Internally or Externally, that is the question!

6. Know your leverage

7. Measure your progress

8. Got promoted? Set next target

With the good news coming to your email box with the new offer or the promotion, you feel happy and successful. Use that to your own benefit. It's time to set coarse to your next step in the career ladder. This time, you know what to do, how the road would be bumpy but challenge accepted! Keep looping 🔁.

Edge Cases

Sometimes trying to get to the next level over and over results into failure.

Conclusion

I've seen that Algorithm working for me many times. I've validated it with a few colleagues as well. Give it a try if you're on the verge of working on your next promotion. If you find these steps useful, have comments, ideas, or even totally disagree; shout out to me over twitter! I enjoy a good discussion 😊.