Becoming a manager somewhere else

So you want to be a manager, but you’ve never managed people? Welcome to the club! You might be a tech lead or non-senior software engineer, and you’re wondering how to make the switch or if you even should. On top of that, there may be no opportunities to make this transition on your current team or where you currently work. It’s a scary proposition — applying for a new job and a new role at a new company. But it can work!

I’ll walk you through weighing your options, thinking about what experiences you can acquire, and who to talk to to help you on this journey. And assuming you do decide to look for management roles, I’ll discuss the ways to make your experience shine even without having managed other engineers. From mentorship outside your own company to building consensus within your own team and beyond to improving processes and developer experience, there’s much more to management than just managing people. We’ll go through resume writing and interview prep to highlight your leadership skill set and background.

I’ll also discuss what it’s like to be a first-time manager at a completely new company – what the pros and cons are, what to prepare for, and how to set yourself up for success. And I’ll share the advice that was shared with me before my own transition into management. With a bit of careful consideration and a thoughtful approach, you’ll be well on your way to a career in management!