How to become a Senior Software Engineer: It's more than just technical mastery

Blog How to become a Senior Software Engineer: It’s more than just technical mastery

How to become a Senior Software Engineer: It's more than just technical mastery

Written by Lucian Olosutean, Senior Software Engineer, Enterprise Solutions

While in the world of software engineering, mastering technical skills is highly valued, I believe that truly excelling as a Senior Software Engineer requires a combination of technical mastery and strong foundation of soft skills: effective planning, proactivity, strong communication skills and continuous professional development. In this article, we will explore essential soft skills that are necessary for any Software Engineer to gain experience and take on greater responsibilities.

The power of planning

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” – Abraham Lincoln

A very important way to be effective in your work is to spend time planning. However, this is not specifically related to Sprint planning. While Sprint planning is important in our field, I think that personal work planning is equally useful. Plan ahead by writing down your TO-DO list and organizing it efficiently. It will be the most important 10 minutes you spend each day. It doesn’t have to take longer, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Spending as little as 10 minutes can help you organize your day and gain clarity on your priorities.

Most importantly, remain committed to the plan and reduce distractions as much as possible. Delay side tasks, such as helping a colleague, until you complete a significant portion of your work. Other urgent tasks that you must do, such as fixing the live environment…well, you have to adapt here and be prepared that not all days will be perfect.

Brian Tracy in his book “Eat That Frog” advises us to take on the most important tasks early in the day. And I agree with that. Do not settle down to do the small things first just to check the list; they are for later in the day, they can be delayed if anything comes up, or they can be helpful when you are stuck and you need to check something just to boost your confidence. First, in the morning, when you are full of vitality, you should tackle the most important and difficult things you have on your list.

The mindset of being a proactive Senior Software Engineer

“When you point a finger at someone, three fingers are pointing back at you.”

I previously believed that being proactive simply meant generating ideas. Only two years ago, after reading “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey, I learned that proactivity it’s much more than that. It is crucial to generate ideas, propose new technologies, and question existing solutions to improve them. Additionally, proactivity is a mindset that emphasizes focusing on what can be controlled or changed rather than pointing out external factors or assigning faults. Therefore, the idea of being proactive encourages understanding one’s role in the problem and taking the initiative to find a solution.

In other words, most projects are conducted in teams, so there is more than one person involved in any problem. Practice self-reflection and accountability, take responsibility for your own actions, and look for ways to constructively address the situation. Always ask yourself “What can I do better in this situation?”

Solutions over problems

“Don’t find fault, find a remedy.” – Henry Ford

Beyond being proactive, the one who always comes with solutions is highly appreciated. It does not have to be perfect or even the final solution. However, it has to be a starting point that generates discussions around the situation, and this brainstorming could lead to a matching solution. Viewing all ‘problems’ as ‘situations’ fosters an optimistic and constructive mindset. Therefore, it is important to address challenges by seeking solutions rather than staying on the issues themselves. When you bring a problem to your manager’s attention, make sure you already have a solution in mind.

The art of communication

“To communicate, the value of communication lies not in speaking, but in the result that the communication achieves.”

Software engineers are rarely lonely wolves. Every day, we interact with the team members, managers, clients, and other stakeholders. Not all have a technical background. Strong communication skills help build strong relationships, express ideas clearly, navigate challenges, and resolve conflicts.

Communication is one of the top skills necessary to be successful. Effective communication is not only about speaking well; it also requires active listening and genuine interest in others. Furthermore, make sure you smile, keep a positive note, and avoid criticism or complaints.

Finally, keep in mind that communication is not about speaking, but about the result you want to achieve by communicating with the person next to you. Better communication yields better results.

The growth mindset of a Senior Software Engineer

“Stay foolish, stay hungry.” – Steve Jobs

Maintaining a beginner’s mindset is essential for personal and professional growth of a Senior Software Engineer. In the rapidly evolving world of software engineering, it is necessary to always improve your skills. Learn anything you can in any area that interests you. Do not learn only technical skills, but improve yourself in other areas. The first step is to always be curious, ask questions with the curiosity of a junior team member, and amaze yourself how much you can learn.

A common challenge is the fear of appearing less knowledgeable, which often leads to staying within the comfort zone. Among all the states we might experience, staying in the comfort zone is the most restrictive; it stops learning, slows down growth, and gets in the way of achieving meaningful success. Overcoming this fear and stepping beyond the boundaries of comfort is essential and it is the only way to unlock true potential and achieve lasting success.

Never be satisfied with the existing conditions and have the drive to continue learning and exploring. Learning one or two new skills per year will boost your career, and you will always be prepared for times when you have to adapt to new jobs or new projects.

On top of that, learning and improving builds self-confidence, which is a very important feeling that helps control any given situation at work. Having a positive view of yourself helps you set realistic goals and expectations, communicate assertively, and handle criticism better.

The broader perspective

“If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” – Abraham Maslow

As a junior engineer, the primary responsibility is to implement tasks using a specific programming language. However, as you progress in your career, the expectations expand far beyond mastering one programming language. You will face more complex problems that demand a broader perspective and the ability to think beyond the tools you are most familiar with.

In addition, the ability to adapt is very important. Opportunities may require knowledge of other programming languages or DevOps skills. You do not want to be limited by your lack of this knowledge. Therefore, you should continue to acquire technical knowledge that advances your career goals. The field of software engineering is demanding, and the industry evolves rapidly; as a result, diversifying your skills helps you to remain relevant and competitive.

Soft skills are just as important as technical expertise

“Continuous effort—not strength or intelligence—is the key to unlocking our potential.” – Winston Churchill

Being a Senior Software Engineer is not just about mastering technical skills; it is about continuously evolving, embracing challenges, and always contributing to the team and organization. Planning effectively, being proactive, communicating well, and expanding knowledge must define an experienced professional in the software engineering world. By pushing yourself to sharpen these skills, you will constantly grow and become adaptable, and you will keep up with the changing demands of the tech industry. Along with that, having the right mindset will impact other people’s lives, inspiring them to do the same.

Remember that the journey to becoming a Senior Software Engineer and the best version of yourself starts today, and it is the journey that never ends.

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