Tech IndustryFeb 19, 2018
A10 NetworksBreeze ☺️

Is it only knowledge and hard work that would give you promotions and hikes?

I'm starting my job tomorrow and wanted to know what your experience says. No doubt that nothing beats hard work and your knowledge, which must always be respected but when it comes to promotions and hikes, you might have heard or faced corporate politics. This question is the origin from my Uber driver's story today who told me that she was one of most hard working lady in a famous firm (I would not name it here) but indeed she got fired coz of bad politics in her office. Do you mind sharing any experiences?

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Twitch CamGirl Feb 19, 2018

Deliver results on a succesful project. Beat expectations. Make your boss's boss happy. You will get promoted.

Netflix fs92 Feb 19, 2018

Get good at selling yourself. You could be the hardest worker but get shit on because nobody knows what you accomplished.

Amazon kLYS80 Feb 19, 2018

I totally agree.... I got all the shit done last year and they have me shit! People who hang out with upper management bagged all the promotion and hike!

HPE uiIIi Feb 19, 2018

How do you sell yourself?

Amazon Chimeme Feb 19, 2018

Yes . I echo. Politics will get you promoted easily than hardworking. Saw in multiple firms in top tier companies. Also having non sdm in direct reporting chain will screw things badly as these mba PMs DONT get anything technical.

Workday subotah Feb 19, 2018

Amazon has TPM managing Engineering orgs. I have been to two companies did that and it is absolutely worst exp for engineers.

Uber Downshift Feb 19, 2018

1 Dont take things personally 2 Be selfish with career 3 Make tons of connections at work. Works beyond just promos 4 Read a shit ton 5 Get work done and make sure you disseminate Have had 4 promos in last 4 years. These are the rules I tend to follow, not in order. Of course this is not a golden list, just personal exp.

HPE uiIIi Feb 19, 2018

Read what? Any specific books?

Uber Downshift Feb 20, 2018

Anything good you can get your hands. That said, I personally like reading autobiographies. They are insightful.

Google gsu Feb 19, 2018

Tell people what you plan to do and how you plan to do it. Once you start doing it, tell them periodically how you are doing it. Once it is done, let them know you did it.

Rakuten eM01aN10 Feb 19, 2018

Reiterating the idea that selling yourself is more important than the work itself. Speaking up at meetings and making your boss look good also go a long way.

Amazon Hajima Feb 19, 2018

Deliver. That is the only viable measurement.

Microsoft roNNyK Feb 19, 2018

Network with other employees within and outside your immediate group. Develop connections.

Juniper shitposter Feb 19, 2018

why don't engineering programs in college offer an office politics course?? since apparently it's so crucial to promotions.

Intel pleb Feb 19, 2018

Because office politics is not engineering. Try a masters in douchebaggery.

Juniper shitposter Feb 20, 2018

it's engineering at the highest levels. 😉

Intel pleb Feb 19, 2018

In some places, hard work can disqualify you from moving up. They will consider you either someone who can only execute or someone who's skills and role are too valuable to change so they'll keep you on the treadmill forever. If you want promotions, politics and befriending your superiors beats hard work any day. The hard work bullshit is like putting the carrot in front of the donkey. Of course, there are a few healthy companies where this doesn't apply.

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UHtz31 Feb 19, 2018

+1, imo this is super true in bay area. If you are too good at your job, mgmt won't risk moving you to a different role