Technical Ladder Aparna Ballakur
Plan for the session 1/15/20152Yahoo! Presentation, Confidential Creating a vision for your future Introduction to the Technical Ladder Panel Discussion on Technical Ladder
Creating a Vision for your Future 1/15/20153Yahoo! Presentation, Confidential Do you know what you want your future to look like? Visualizing your future Verbalizing your vision Follow-up
Yahoo! Confidential The Technical Ladder Rashmi Mohan Yahoo! R & D
Defining the role A software technical engineering role involves designing, building, debugging and supporting a software system, platform or application It is a role that is focused on the individual working independently, while collaborating with a group for the larger picture
Comparing the ladders EVP VP Sr. Director Director Sr. Manager Manager Fellow Distinguished Engineer/ Distinguished Architect Sr. Principal Engineer/ Sr Architect Principal Engineer II/ Architect Principal Engineer I Tech Lead
Characteristics of the role Individual Contributor or Subject Matter Expert or Architect › Has deep vertical domain expertise › Passion for coding › Responsible for component design and implementation › Takes a holistic approach to software development › Introduce technology trends to the community
Success criteria Passion for technology and coding Ability to spot, grasp new trends and evangelize technology Build a system which contributes to measurable business success or solves a business problem Negotiate between various groups to get “buy-in” Ability to articulate risks and dependencies Provide mentorship to team members
Not just a bed of roses Need to be greatly self-motivated Need to constantly evaluate the intrinsic value of the technology choice Educate people about non-managerial role
Why should I consider it? Flexibility/Work independently Greater marketability Lends naturally to breaks in career Environment is conducive to ICs Pay scales comparable to management track Genuine interest and love for problem solving and technology Plenty of growth opportunities
Panel Discussion 1/15/201511Yahoo! Presentation, Confidential
Panelists Lavanya Lakshman Jyoti Ahuja Mani Abrol Hari Vasudev