After talking to many experienced Engineers from all ranges varies from 2-14 years of experience and based on response that has
been received i have compiled the characteristics that is the
major differentiater between 3 roles.
Questions?
Q1: Do you think having n number of years of experince makes you an SENIOR Software engineer?
Q2: Do you think having enough technical knowledge is what makes you an SENIOR Software engineer?
Q3: Do you think becoming a manager and lead what make you SENIOR Software engineer?
Q4: Do you think getting job done and JUST shiping code to production is what makes you SENIOR Software engineer?
Q5: Do you think getting attending meetings with (Stakeholder/PM) what make you SENIOR Software engineer?
Q6: Do you think just delegating your work to juniors make you SENIOR Software engineer?
then IMHO, you can't say that you are SENIOR.
Personally, i believe and even asking from smart engineer almost 80% SE has said the good characteristics
for senior engineer/lead/manager (irrespective of role) is
- He/She should be good communicator and listener.
- He/She been able to understand business requirements very well and translate those requirements down in the hierarchy to get things done what is required.
- He/She keeps himself up-to date with technical/non-technical knowledge.
- He/She should develop a habit to mentorship, knowledge sharing session with teams. Documenting things should be done and making sure things should be understood by person in his/her team.
- He/She should get knowledge of other domains in case leading teams with people having diverse tech background and level of understanding should be done to such extent that you can able effectively discuss/understand their technical jargons.
- Try to keep meeting short avoid unnecessary meetings because TIME is very important for your team.
- He/She should foster the culture to ask questions in order to bridge the gap between junior/senior (interms of technical debt).
- He/She motivate the team member in their job. Irrespective how small/large work is accomplished. It not only gives respect to his member but also build a relationship to do things better way next time.
- He/She should take ownership with big roles their is big responsibility so utilize it in proper way and showcase your abilities through output.
let me know your thoughts and comments. What do you think what are the characteristics that a make a developer a senior?
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