The other day, I was chatting with one of my mentees about what truly matters for a Senior Developer. The big question is: Where do you want to go? Do you aim for a Tech Leader role, stay as a Senior Developer to absorb new technologies, or perhaps become an Engineering Manager? Career paths diverge at this stage, but knowing where you want to focus is essential.
Regardless of your direction, here’s my advice that applies to any path you choose:
Embrace Continuous Learning
Tech moves fast. Invest in learning new frameworks, languages, or tools to stay relevant. Whether you remain a developer or move into leadership, keeping your tech skills sharp is vital.
Mentor Juniors
Mentoring not only solidifies your expertise but also helps you develop leadership skills. Plus, juniors often offer fresh perspectives, sparking your learning in return.
Focus on Problem-Solving
As a senior developer, critical thinking is your most valued skill. It’s not just about coding; it’s about prioritising high-impact solutions. Follow the Pragmatic Programmer’s tip: “Provide Options, Don’t Make Lame Excuses.” Offering alternative solutions shows that you’ve thought through challenges and are committed to delivering results.
Develop Your Soft Skills
You have focused on tech skills until now, but soft skills like communication, team-building, and networking are just as necessary at the senior level. Strong communication will help you bridge the gap between technical work and leadership.
Regardless of your direction, these foundational skills will help you toward becoming the best version of yourself as a professional developer.