A few years ago, I reflected on the most impactful lessons I've learned in my career.
From this, I found a clearer understanding of career growth and five profound mistakes everyone (intern to staff engineer) should avoid. Let's dive in:
Mistake #1: Not networking enough
Too often, engineers think showing up and doing great work is enough.
They assume exceptional results alone will propel their career forward. They believe talent alone speaks louder than connections. Only to end up overlooked and frustrated.
Instead, engineers should focus on cultivating meaningful relationships alongside their excellent work.
Building genuine connections leads to better opportunities, career growth, and a network that actively supports your ambitions.
Mistake #2: Taking feedback personally
A good engineer can accept feedback.
A bad engineer rejects it outright.
But a legendary engineer actively seeks it out and grows from it.
It's easy to get defensive about your work, especially early on. I remember feeling like every suggestion was a criticism of me, not the code or the decision.
Getting past that personal sting is key to actually growing.
Mistake #3: Not asking questions
I was terrified of asking questions early on. I had this feeling that asking would expose that I didn't know what I was doing.
I realized later, particularly when I started hiring engineers myself, that asking questions isn't a sign of ignorance; it's a sign you're engaged, paying attention, and committed to getting things right.
Mistake #4: Forgetting the business context and other constraints
I used to get so focused on the technical challenge that I forgot the 'why' and the 'for whom.'
I'd think, "Yeah, I can definitely build that complex system!" without asking if it was the right one to build in the first place.
Building smart means always grounding your technical approach in the business context. Are you solving the actual problem efficiently? Is this the most practical solution for the situation?
Mistake #5: Not taking time to develop other skillsets
It's easy to fall into the trap of doing the same tasks year after year, especially when constantly sprinting toward deadlines.
However, engineers who consistently make time to learn and practice new skills set themselves on a much stronger career trajectory.
Prioritizing personal development—even in small increments—ensures long-term growth and broader career opportunities.
When looking back, these missteps stand out most clearly to me. What early career mistake have you learned from – or are you working hardest to avoid right now?