Imagine that we have this simple project: Drive a car from point A to point B.
The '''junior ''' engineer gets a map and the entire route plotted out. They successfully drive to point B by following the directions.
The '''mid-level ''' engineer gets the map but only 50% of the route. With some clever planning, they fill in the blanks and successfully drive to point B.
The '''senior ''' engineer doesn't get a map, because the company dog ate it. After doing a lot of research and talking to several locals, they are able to map out the route from scratch and get to point B.
The '''staff ''' engineer is confused as to why we're going to point B at all. After discussing this with project stakeholders, they realize that point C has more of the benefits of B but is also 25% closer. They convince the team to go to point C instead and get there well before project deadline.
The '''principal ''' engineer is horrified that we're using a car to get to point B. It gets stuck in traffic and isn't scalable to doing many trips. They build an elaborate train system that reaches point B and many other destinations of interest. Everyone is able to travel more efficiently in the future.
The '''distinguished ''' engineer balks at the idea of slogging yourself across space and time at all. They invent teleportation.
As you can see, there is a huge mindset shift across levels. Raw execution becomes less important while innovation and leadership become crucial.
If you're having trouble getting the level you want, focus on behavior change instead of just trying to deliver more of what you're currently doing.
* [https://www.swyx.io/career-ladders Every Public Engineering Career Ladder] Shawn Wang* [https://www.jointaro.com/question/qV5oikdcgs4GWmGeousX/what-do-career-levels-structure-in-big-tech-company-look-like-what-are-the-responsibilities-for-each-level/ What are the definitions of career levels in big tech companies?] Alex Chiou
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