Ravin Rau

Posted on Dec 26

🚀 Accelerate Your Career Path and Professional Development

#career #webdev #discuss #productivity

This article is a bit different from the technical topics I usually write about. Since it is the holiday season—a time to reflect, recharge, and plan for the future—I thought it would be a great chance to share something more personal.

This year, I hit an important milestone: seven years in the software industry. I started as an intern in March 2018, worked my way up, and became an engineering manager in August 2022. Over the past two years in leadership, I have learned a lot about what helped me grow my career path faster.

From the start, I was known as a high-performing team member. My managers valued how I always delivered on time, and my colleagues often said I was dependable and easy to work with. Looking back, I’ve identified the key things I did that made a difference. In this article, I will share those lessons to help you grow your career path too, whether you are just starting out or looking to take the next step. I hope it motivates and guides you on your journey!

1. Being Proactive

Winners don't wait, They create

I believe in taking initiative rather than waiting passively for instructions from my manager. When tackling a feature or project, I proactively communicate my thoughts and propose potential solutions. Instead of waiting for direction, I develop a plan and share my ideas with my manager, presenting a clear problem statement along with three possible solutions for consideration. This simple 1:3:1 approach—one problem, three solutions, and one recommendation—ensures thorough preparation and provides ample room for evaluation and execution. It has been invaluable in helping me clarify my thoughts, conduct comprehensive research, and present well-informed plans.

During my free time, I often check in with my team members to understand what they are working on. This allows me to learn from their approaches while fostering collaboration. Whether through discussions or exchanging ideas, this practice strengthens team chemistry and creates a foundation for future opportunities. Building these connections not only enhances teamwork but also opens doors for innovation and collective growth.

2. Master Prioritization

Focus on what truly matters and eliminate distractions. Delegate or schedule incomplete tasks.

When I became a senior engineer, I was given the opportunity to train and mentor junior engineers and interns. This came with increased responsibilities, including attending more meetings, tackling new projects, and devising solutions. Initially, I handled it well, but as my workload grew, it became overwhelming. I found myself losing focus under the weight of numerous tasks, struggling to ensure everything was delivered on time.

Recognizing this, I reached out to my manager for advice. His response was simple yet transformative: delegate effectively. He emphasized that as a senior engineer, my primary focus should be on high-impact tasks that align with the organization’s goals. For smaller, less critical tasks, I should delegate and plan them appropriately with the team.

He introduced me to a framework that has since become an essential part of my approach: prioritize and delegate based on urgency and importance. For tasks that are urgent and critical—especially those requiring a higher level of expertise—I take ownership. For everything else, I delegate while monitoring progress.

Delegation not only allows me to focus on what truly matters but also empowers my team to take on more responsibility and grow in their roles. This approach has helped me build trust, develop leadership skills, and create a more productive team. Ultimately, mastering prioritization and delegation played a significant role in my transition to an engineering manager role, enabling me to lead effectively and deliver impactful results.

3. Set Ruthless Goals

My goals inspire and drive me. I review them every three months.

I have always been passionate about setting and achieving goals. From a young age, I’ve been obsessed with tracking metrics, setting clear targets, and working methodically to reach them. I take the time to learn and understand what is needed to achieve my objectives, which keeps me focused and motivated. For me, life feels like an exciting game where each goal is a new level to conquer.

Every three months, I review my goals, evaluate my progress, and identify what adjustments I need to make to stay on track. This regular check-in helps me maintain focus and adapt as needed to ensure success.

When I started working, I found that this personal habit aligned perfectly with professional practices like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) and bi-weekly sprints. These structured frameworks allowed me to thrive, as they matched the way I’ve been operating for most of my life. Setting clear goals with a defined timeframe enables me to enter a state of flow, where I am deeply immersed in my work and highly productive.

This habit has also made me an effective planner. I have become skilled at creating actionable strategies to ensure that my team and I can deliver on our commitments. Reviewing and refining goals consistently not only fuels my motivation but also drives meaningful progress in both my personal and professional life.

4. Being Optimistic

Develop a gratitude practice and surround yourself with people who energize you.

One of the habits I developed early in life that accelerated my career growth is practicing gratitude. People are naturally drawn to those who appreciate others and work collaboratively rather than those who take all the credit or act like they’re always the best. My ambition has never been just about winning; it is about learning, exploring, and achieving broader goals. To do that, I need a team that motivates and energizes me.

When you work with people who inspire you, it creates a positive feedback loop. You push each other to perform better, learn more, and reach new heights. For example, every time my team completes a project or meets a tough deadline, we make it a point to celebrate and acknowledge each other’s contributions. It could be as simple as thanking a colleague during a meeting or writing a LinkedIn post highlighting the team’s success.

This approach not only strengthens team morale but also catches the attention of higher-ups. Gratitude and positivity can open doors to new opportunities and help you stand out as someone people want to collaborate with. In the end, it’s not just about what you achieve individually—it’s about what you achieve together.

5. Never Stop Learning

Learning isn't optional; it's a lifeline.

In the tech industry, things change fast. Languages evolve, frameworks come and go, and new tools pop up every year. The only way to stay relevant is to keep learning. Think of learning as your career's heartbeat—without it, progress stops.

I remember when React.js was first becoming popular. I had a solid foundation in JavaScript and thought I was good to go. But when my team switched to React for a new project, I felt like a beginner again. Instead of resisting, I took it as an opportunity to learn. I stayed up late, went through documentation, and even built small projects on the side to grasp the concepts. That decision not only helped me deliver in that project but also set me up for more opportunities in frontend development.

Successes, failures, and feedback are also your greatest teachers. I once led a feature rollout that failed miserably due to miscommunication. Initially, it stung. But when I sat down to reflect, I realized where we went wrong and implemented changes in our workflow. That failure taught me lessons I couldn’t have learned from any book.

6. Think Beyond Today.

Plan for tomorrow like your life depends on it.

If you want to grow, you need to think ahead—always be 10 steps in front of where you are now. Early in my career, I had a habit of just completing tasks assigned to me. It kept me busy, but it didn’t help me grow. Then one day, one of my mentor told me, “Good engineers solve problems, but great engineers foresee them.”

That stuck with me. Now, I don’t just plan my day; I strategize for the week, the month, and even the year. When I was leading a project migration to a new technology stack, I spent weeks identifying potential pitfalls and mapping out solutions before they even became problems. This forward-thinking approach saved the team countless hours and built trust in my leadership skills.

Life and technology are like a game of chess—always think a few moves ahead.

7. Be Accountable

Win or lose, own it.

Accountability is the hallmark of true professionalism. If something goes wrong, the last thing people want is finger-pointing. Instead, they respect someone who takes ownership and works to make things right.

I remember leading a project where an important deadline was missed because I underestimated the complexity of the task. Instead of making excuses, I told my manager, “This was on me. Here’s what went wrong, and here’s how I will ensure it doesn’t happen again.” I worked overtime, coordinated with the team, and we eventually delivered a solid product. My manager came up to me after that and congratulated me on a great comeback.

This incident taught me that accountability builds trust. People want to work with someone who takes responsibility for their actions and outcomes, whether good or bad. It also made me focus on improving my planning and risk management skills.

This is something I am currently focusing on, and sometimes I wish I had started earlier, as it has a powerful compounding effect over time.

8. Network Everywhere You Go

Opportunities are made in conversation, not cubicles

During university, I actively participated in events and community service programs. These experiences broadened my perspective and kept me informed about the world around me. However, when I entered the workforce, I shifted my focus entirely to developing my skill set and creating a meaningful career impact.

For five years, I dedicated myself to deliberate growth and eventually reached the pinnacle of my current role, becoming the most experienced member of my department. That is when I realized I needed to step outside my comfort zone again. I began networking, connecting with new people, and broadening my exposure to diverse perspectives.

Networking is not limited to just your team or department. Engaging with people from other teams, disciplines, or industries opens the door to fresh ideas and helps you understand the challenges others face. This expanded exposure allows you to contribute beyond your immediate role, making a broader impact.

More importantly, networking creates opportunities—not just for personal growth but also for career advancement. The relationships you build today could lead to exciting opportunities tomorrow. By actively connecting with others, I have not only revitalized my professional journey but also laid the groundwork for exploring new roles and challenges in the future.

The Dark Side of Accelerating Your Growth

Accelerating your career growth can be exciting, but it is important to acknowledge the challenges that come with it. Here are a few realities I’ve encountered on this journey, along with lessons I have learned along the way.

1. Risk of Burnout

When you are focused on growing quickly, it is easy to push yourself too hard. Early in my career, I had the advantage of fewer personal commitments, which allowed me to take on challenging projects and work long hours. However, without proper boundaries, I found myself physically and mentally drained at times.

Burnout is a real risk when you are constantly striving to outperform yourself. I have learned that it is important to prioritize self-care and set limits. Taking breaks, learning to say no, and focusing on tasks that truly matter have helped me stay productive without burning out.

2. Embracing Loneliness

As you grow, you will often find yourself moving to new teams or taking on roles that set you apart from your peers. This constant change can sometimes feel isolating. I remember switching teams frequently as I took on new challenges, and while it was exciting, it also meant that I wasn’t always able to form lasting bonds with colleagues.

Over time, I learned to embrace this loneliness as part of my personal development. It pushed me to build stronger communication skills and adapt to different work environments. It is not always easy, but finding ways to connect with others—even in small moments—can help you feel grounded.

3. Sacrificing "Young Enjoyment"

Focusing on career growth early in life often means sacrificing some of the carefree moments others enjoy. I skipped out on late-night hangouts and weekend trips with friends because I was prioritizing work and self-improvement. Looking back, I sometimes feel like I missed out on those memories.

That said, I don’t regret the choices I made. The work I put in has paid off, but it has also taught me to find a better work life balance. Now, I try to set aside time for personal relationships and experiences, realizing that career growth success doesn’t have to come at the expense of a fulfilling personal life.

Check out my linkiden where I often update about my career journey. Thank you for taking the time to read this! I hope the article gave you useful tips and ideas to help you succeed in your career. Feel free to share your own career growth advice in the comments!