Career Path — opportunities for career growth
Explore 3 career directions from opportunities for career growth
Career Direction Paths
Choose a direction and see the concrete steps to get there.
Technical Leadership
Senior Developer
2-3 years +20-30%
Software architecture
Mentoring junior developers
Lead Engineer
2-3 years +20-30%
Project management
Design patterns
Team coordination
Engineering Manager
2-3 years +25-35%
People management
Budgeting
Performance reviews
Director of Engineering
3-4 years +30-40%
Strategic planning
Stakeholder communication
Scaling engineering orgs
Product Management
Associate Product Manager
2-3 years +15-25%
Market research
Data analysis
Product Manager
2-3 years +20-30%
Roadmapping
Stakeholder management
Feature prioritization
Senior Product Manager
2-3 years +20-30%
Data-driven decision making
Cross-functional leadership
Metrics optimization
Director of Product
3-4 years +30-40%
Product vision
Team scaling
Strategic alignment
Consulting
Associate Consultant
2-3 years +15-25%
Problem solving
Client communication
Consultant
2-3 years +20-30%
Client management
Industry knowledge
Project scoping
Senior Consultant
2-3 years +20-30%
Project delivery
Thought leadership
Mentoring
Managing Director
3-4 years +30-40%
Business development
Leadership
Strategic vision
Lateral Move Options
Roles at a similar level that can open new doors, expand your skillset, or pivot you into a different domain.
Business Analyst
Provides deeper insight into data and processes, strengthening analytical skills that are valuable in many upward paths.
Technical Project Manager
Combines technical knowledge with project delivery, positioning you for future engineering management roles.
Operations Manager
Broadens understanding of organizational efficiency and resource allocation, useful for leadership or specialist roles.
Map Your Career Path
Enter any role to see where it can take you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to move to a senior role?
Most people spend 2-3 years in a mid-level position before being considered for a senior role, though this can vary based on company size, performance, and market demand.
What skills should I focus on now to prepare for advancement?
Develop a mix of technical depth, business acumen, and soft skills such as communication, leadership, and problem solving. Seek mentorship and take on cross-functional projects.
Is it better to move laterally or vertically?
Lateral moves can broaden your skill set and make you a more versatile candidate for vertical roles later, but a clear vertical progression demonstrates ambition and readiness for higher responsibility.
How does salary progress with lateral moves?
Lateral moves often come with a modest salary bump (+5-15%) or sometimes the same salary, but they can provide experience that leads to higher compensation in future vertical moves.
What if I want to switch industries?
Leverage transferable skills, highlight relevant achievements, and consider roles that bridge the industries (e.g., a tech role in a healthcare company) to ease the transition.