How to be a Great Senior Software Engineer & More | Patrick Akil | Beyond Coding Q&A #5

Career Shift

Patrick Akil shares his journey from operations to software engineering, highlighting a pivotal moment when a program manager suggested he explore a department working with cutting-edge technologies. This advice led him to a conversation with a director, which eventually opened a new career path. Patrick emphasizes the importance of aligning with a manager who inspires and supports growth, stating, "Choosing a position was like one of the most important aspects was me liking who my manager was going to be" 1. His transition was driven by a desire to create rather than maintain, finding fulfillment in problem-solving through programming 2.

   

Expectations

Managing personal expectations is a challenge Patrick acknowledges, especially when comparing oneself to peers on social media. He stresses the importance of following one's unique path, saying, "If I'm going to get there, it's going to be my way" 3. Reflecting on his career, Patrick wishes he had started certain projects earlier but recognizes the value of quality over quantity. He notes, "I feel like I should start things sooner, maybe faster," but also values doing things to the best of his abilities 4.

   

Learning

Patrick discusses the realities of learning on the job, emphasizing the importance of context and team support. He advises asking clear questions about expectations and time allocation, as transparency is key to success. "Open cards on the table, be direct with each other," he suggests, highlighting the need for clear communication 5. His own learning journey in software development began with a consultancy team, marking a significant step in his career progression 6.