Hi, would like to ask for some thought on how to become a senior. Before this i have worked in a mixed role before i actually started to focus back on what i have studied for which is in software. Throughout time, i start to realize that, what i have done previously, didnt get me anywhere near, is it possoble this might be due to one not pushing hard on oneself to learn and grow to become a senior one day? Any thoughts on this is much appreciated.

To be a senior especially in technical requires u overtime work and thinking. U will need to be good enough to guide juniors.

Oftentimes u need to take on more projects so that u can be exposed to more scenarios thus increasing your senioirity.

find a role model, and benchmark current self versus him/ her. How far off you to reach that level

even better if he/ she can be your mentor

For where im working, finding a mentor seems to be non existent as my company quite a number of seniors have left, so right now are only those who are new.. T.T

Does number of year determines one ability/ How much understanding on a particular product in which will allow one reach a senior level.

My experience are as below, being an Industrial engineer for three years, being a mobile apps developer for a year, being a equipment engineer for one year, and lastly, being a software control engineer for three years to date. This might seems like job hopping but for me im grateful to experience all that throughout my years, its just that with all that, it doesnt feels like it is enough somehow.

This post has been edited by zackdy: Aug 15 2022, 09:10 PM

This is actually good advice TS

If there’s no one in your company, you can try to look for and network with those outside your company. Attend industry events, webinars, pm on linkedin are some of the many ways to network. I met my mentor at a hiking group for instance

You can also reflect on your capabilities today. To be a senior, you would need to transition from being an effective implementor to someone who can lead, train and manage junior members of your team. There are greater emphasis on soft skills, negotiations, EQ and more that goes with this in tandem with your technical competency. Look for opportunities to lead projects to test the water and showcase your skills to your supervisor or managers

This post has been edited by maidenless: Aug 16 2022, 04:40 AM

Yes to have a mentor or someone who can enlighten you, speeds up your learning. What a mentor can do is to guide you, but the rest of the thinking you have to do it yourself. As such, critical thinking skills is something so relevant yet lacking in people these days.

To stand out, you not only need to know your project inside-out, but also your company & its strengths to capitalize on (to find solution). Think of it this way - with every problem you encounter, what are the possible solution(s) and each of its pros and cons? Any repercussion from making certain decisions? Anything else you've missed? Train yourself to think from all angles even if you're not the one making the decision ultimately. Then you observe the result from that decision and reflect on the learning as reference.

Remember, learning is not a square box. It's not only on-the-job learning but also outside workplace - when you talk to people, when you network with others, when you observe what competitors or friends do.

company A. Sr Level salary = 5k
company B. Non Sr Level salary 7k.

which one u more prefer?

Hmm.. seems like i still have a long way to go.. thx for the advice

I should expose my self more on that category. Come to think of it. Thx for the advice.

Sounds weird coming from me but i choose A if could, since teaching and guiding people to grow its more to what i wanted, despite the additional job and workload.

You do know that teaching and guiding people doesn't need to be viewed that only a senior can do it. I have asked my management associate in the past to teach people at the firm in 10 years or so on topics they don't know. Don't box yourself in an area where only a senior or manager can teach and guide people. Start doing that regardless.

Seniority is also based on focus on 1 job. Cant be senior chef if 1 year do foodpanda rider, another year become cashier then suddenly become chef apprentice at 3rd year.

Go to Linkedin,

(1) Search those who have similar degrees, working patterns, qualifications, job like you.
(2) Look at their career paths - decide which ones meet your expectation for the "senior".
(3) Think why and how they choose their paths.

To be a senior, you need to analyze and draw the conclusion by yourself. This is something you have to learn and pick up the skills indepedently.

However, if you really need a mentor, there are some commercial services. You just need to google the keywords and sign up the programs.

First do you have junior? This can make the process easier given that you are good.

Throughout my career, and i have been working in 5 companies, i can see that seniority is often given based on either/all of these 3 criteria;

1. Years of experience. Which some company will also take competency into account.

2. Leadership quality.

3. Working attitude. Doing more than your jobscope.

I am sure you can judge yourself on criteria no 1. But for no 2 and no 3, you need to go all out to demonstrate that you can guide your junior, and then you can contribute more than just your workscope.

This post has been edited by viole: Aug 16 2022, 06:20 PM

You can also search on Futurelab (need to Google for it and add a .my in the address).

Their tagline is "Land Your Dream Job Through Mentorship"

They have quite a comprehensive list of mentors from the various industries as well.

This post has been edited by Mavik: Aug 16 2022, 07:39 PM

I will check it out. Thx.

I guess 2 and 3 are the critical ones.

I go search it out. Thx

a senior for me, are capable to work on the task without supervising. When you can start performing it this way, "senior experience" are very close to you.

Promoted to senior in one year at my first job.

Jumped to a junior role at the next company, got promoted to senior again in 1.5 year.

My tips? Exposure, recognition, leadership, interpersonal relationship, and most importantly, technical knowledge and willing to do attitude.

Senior is just a title. Don't sweat/too obsess over it.
"Real" senior is the role model for his work quality, leadership and his ability to be counted on when issues arise.
Just do your best or beyond your normal job scope and when people started to acknowledge you for your contribution, that indicates that you've progressed to be a 'senior'.

Exactly, i wouldn't mind if my title without junior. As long as what i deliver are > than that.

I can tell from my experience, my title was "manager" in previous company, current company title is senior associate (supposedly a downgrade in terms of title), but current pay is 28% more, and I absolutely love more my current working situation than previous one.

Personally I dont mind the title, as long as my salary continues to go up. Cause at some point, you will start questioning everything cause your job scope is too much but your pay is just so so (compared to your title). Even worse when you are managing vendors who are paid so much more than you but their title is way below yours.

But at the end of the day, you do you. If you want to become senior at your current company, talk to your boss/superior on what you can do in order for him/her to give you that title (or recommend to HR).

can try to talk to your superior what're the factors causing you to stuck?

Cant really advise as there seems to be very little context given.
but promotion depends on a lot of things, depends on yourself, depends on the leaders in the company, depends on the company, depends on opportunity.

Yourself
One of the earlier advice I got from my previous management is that "you need to behave like one before you become one". I strongly believe you don't need a title to lead/mentor others. Many think that they will do it after they are promoted. But if you are not doing it now, or showing some sign of it, how should one know you are capable or suitable? If you always voice out constructively in a meeting, guide people without being asked to, always try to improve process, etc, I guarantee that your supervisor and your team mates will take notice. Its not about being in a job for period of time, or being good at what was handed to you.

Company
If the company's structure is flat, and there is very little managerial position, or there is not classification of seniority of a position, obviously its harder to get a promotion

Opportunity
Opportunity doesn't come often, but when it does, you need to be ready. Referring back to point one, you need to show that you are ready, that if a senior position is open, they should consider internally and more importantly, consider you.

Although I must say, many opt to leave a company and join another to gain promotion. Talking to your manager helps too, 1st you signal that you have drive. 2nd, you understand what she/he wants from a senior, 3rd, you would hopefully be given the opportunity to take on more responsibility.

by the way, what is your age?

Seems like a lot of things one need to discover..

I’m reaching 30 soon