Unclear promotion path
I have 2 years of experience, with 11 months at Google. I was hired for a university grad role, since the hiring process was delayed due to a freeze. I had a conversation with my manager about promotion in August and they said they can consider me for the March cycle. During January they brought up a list of areas that I should be demonstrating for the next level, stating that there are several gaps. I'm okay with the feedback but it's quite weird that they didn't point out these things during the initial conversations and just before the promotion cycle. Maybe they didn't want to push for this cycle? Currently it doesn't seem that I am receiving tasks/projects to fulfill the requirements. Is it a sign that I should persuade an external opportunity?
L3->L4 at G is about showing independence in your work. Can you be given a set of requirements and implement a feature/project successfully with the given requirements with little to no assistance? Do yo write complete design docs and get feedback? Is your code well tested? You also need to take the initiative to put yourself out there for promotion early on so you can remind your manager about the progress you’re making along the way. Be proactive in getting feedback throughout the year and ask what they would like to see you do specifically to get ready for promo. It’s also their job to give you the tasks to help you grow and get promoted. The promo packet is also key. Make sure you’re able to articulate how you saved the company x SWE hours by doing this and that. Find someone to help you with your promo packet and get started on it early.
During our quarterly evaluation, I received independence as a trait. > requirements and implement a feature/project They are not providing me with such tasks for quite a few months.
This happens all around the world in any company , if you want promotion, start asking for it, a year early. Your manager is not your friend. He does what’s best for business, unless you are gaining some recognition for him. Market is little tight right now, people only with 3+ YOE getting SDE-2 calls. And it’s hard for you to explain changing company just after 11 months of joining. Wait for 5-6 months and move accordingly. In the meantime , push your manager for promotion.
Exactly the same story here, except I have all 2 years at Google after the graduation. Unfortunately I can't leave due to visa constraints, but you should at least start preparing. You don't wanna be under prepared when the market gets is getting hot.
Preparing for interviews or promotion?
Visa stuff won't allow me to switch job. But definitely gonna start the prep.if starts align, and I get the visa and then try to switch, but till then will try to get promo as well because no matter how well prepared I am, I have exactly zero influence over the market.
I had a manager who would give me any good projects to advance my career. So I found an IC who has no headcount but a ton of great projects. During my next review, the IC pushed for my promo. I switched teams at the same company about 2 years after the promo because I continued to get good projects from the IC.
Hows work with Broadcom? You in which org?
It’s been 11 months now. You beed to show independence and progress. Also, don’t expecting to promote into L4 this quickly. Be patient. I never like promote someone out of school from L3 to L4 in a year because they lack the maturity and skills to actually lead medium projects alone and influence decisions along the way. I find 1.5-2.5 years sweet spot
You are right. Your manager wasn’t considering you for the March cycle to begin with. However, as a manager they can’t (outright) dismiss your aspirations. I think they just tried to play along to get the most out of you (promo carrot). Happens all the time. You may consider outside opportunities if you’re absolutely sure there are no opportunities within your current team that could get you your promotion. As you grow, you tend to pick up projects on your own, either by learning your teams’ or manager’s top priorities or by asking your manager to assign you a project that would allow you to fulfill the requirements. If nothing works, you jump ship