L3 to L4 Promotion at Google
I've read a lot about how difficult it can be to get promoted at Google, and was wondering how this would affect me as a new grad joining the company. How difficult is it to get to L4? And realistically, how long would it take to get to L5? Does it matter if I'm at a remote office (Seattle)? This is holding me back from accepting the offer, and making me wonder if a company like Microsoft with a clearer growth path might be a better choice.
L3 to L4 is easy. L4 to L5 could be challenging but not insane. Up to L5 is totally reasonable overall. Past that is much harder though. But it's the same everywhere, no? Staff+ for only a small fraction?
I agree, people on here seem to blow it of proportion though. I just worried that the down leveling at Google indicated it was harder to get promoted.
One thing you have to understand about google is promotion is based on what you do here. Not what you did anywhere else or the knowledge you bring from anywhere else. Domain knowledge (or open source tool knowledge) will help you do things, but it won't be used to determine if you meet the next level. It's all about what you land. If google downlevels someone you can expect to be at that level for 12-18 months because it takes time to launch things.
Median times are 2 and 3 years respectively
They publicly post the times to promo - if I recall correctly L4 to L5 is 2.5 years, on average. L5 to L6 considerably longer - 5 to 7 years or more. Again, people that don’t promo aren’t cut out for the position or don’t want it. Would be easier for them to take a higher level position elsewhere.
Thanks, I was mostly concerned about getting to L5, since I know any higher is tough anywhere.
I was just promoted from L3-L4 in just under a year. It was a grind though. I think most people are about 1 1/2 to 2 years
Did you join as a new grad or did you have experience at another company?
5 years in the industry, 1.5 in my current role, no degree.
tc or gtfo
I think google has a clear career growth path. Ppl failed to get promo complain here, but the ones got promo wont. It depends on the team, the project and your ability & efforts. 3 > 4 should be within 1.5 year. 4>5 ~ 2 years.
Do some people get stuck at L3, or is it safe to assume I'll definitely be L4 in 3 years?
Most people get promoted within 3 years from 3->4