Product mgr Vs engineering manager?
I feel stuck as an engineer. Feel the need to be a part of bigger picture instead of good old development. Any advice on how to get ahead and get promoted in a team where there doesn’t seem to be any vacancy available at a higher level? Also, Which path would you pick if given an option- product or engg manager? What governs your choice?
If I were you I'd stay an engineering manager, I've seen plenty of EMs who are involved in the processes you are speaking of.
Yes I see what you mean there!
Make your intentions known to your manager. Find out what kinds of things they do, and where they think you might need to improve. Things can change, and when they do, if you want it, it could be yours.
Wouldn’t that threaten the manager? Especially in a team with minimal hierarchy? Or are you implying an unsaid mutual consent to wait for manager’s promotion to get mine?
Thanks for the response everyone. Advice on how to get promoted to EM role without spending half of your life with one team/company? Will I be given a fair chance in interviews if I apply for EM role without prior experience?
Join company with 50% yearly growth and if you do well and are EM material you will get promoted/converted to EM in 1-3 years. Hiring for EM role without prior experience almost never happens - risks of fail is just too high.
Yup. Best way to become an EM and climb the management ladder is to join a fast growing company. It is SO hard to hire EMs that people will be begging you to get into management if you’ve got the skill set for it.
I’m an engineering manager. I get to be involved with the product discussion and “big picture”, but don’t need to write specs or wrangle stakeholders. I just get to focus on building shit and growing my engineers’ careers. Really love it.
Do you want to talk vision roadmaps customer requirements or get people to build thing?
I guess EM sounds more viable