The Skip

Career advice for tech professionals

The hottest Substack posts of The Skip

And their main takeaways

5 Rules That Will Drive a Long, Healthy Career

4 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23

💼 Business Career development Product Management Networking

Product manage your career like it's a product, with long-term goals in mind.
Each career transition should add value, rather than just aiming for promotions.
Building strong relationships and connections is as important as building skills.

How to find a mentor and build a rewarding relationship

1 implied HN point • 19 Nov 23

💼 Business Mentorship Networking Coaching Professional development

Finding a mentor goes beyond just relying on your manager and company for guidance in your career.
Networking to find mentors involves connecting with former managers, dotted-line managers, peers, and professional friends.
Consider investing in paid resources like executive coaching or therapy to guide your career, especially for senior leaders.

6 Superpowers to Seek Out as a Product Manager

3 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23

💼 Business Management Skills Career development Leadership Organizational development

To advance in product management, focus on mastering one or two key skills.
The six superpowers for product managers include product crafting, growth expertise, domain expertise, market expertise, organizational expertise, and team expertise.
Building expertise in each of the six areas is important for career growth and being able to tackle complex problems.

How Big Tech, management and IC roles have changed

2 implied HN points • 14 May 23

💼 Business Tech Management Career development Industry Trends Workplace dynamics

Big Tech companies are now focusing on strengthening their core rather than greenfield innovation
Working at Big Tech offers valuable experience at a large scale and a safer, predictable compensation
In the current job market, there is a shift towards fewer managers and more emphasis on individual contributors

Open Doors in Your Career by Unlocking the Dark Side of Your Superpower

1 HN point • 20 Aug 23

💼 Business Career development Leadership Professional Growth Workplace dynamics Skill development

Every superpower has a weakness that needs to be overcome.
Feedback on your strengths can be inconsistent and subtle, making it challenging to identify and address your weaknesses.
To advance in your career, you need desire, self-awareness, and humility to tackle and eliminate your shadows.

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How equity in tech companies works

2 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23

💼 Business Employee Benefits Investment Strategies

Equity in tech companies is important as it can result in significant financial gains for employees
Understanding terms like vesting, cliff, exercise, and strike price is crucial in valuing equity packages
Different types of equity instruments like restricted stock, stock options, and RSUs have unique tax implications and considerations

Understanding the recent evolution of head of product roles

1 implied HN point • 28 May 23

💼 Business Product Management Career Advice Startups Job Market

Startups and Big Tech are more appealing than growth-stage companies in 2023.
The role of Chief Product Officer (CPO) has evolved due to market shifts and the need for scaling.
Consider opportunities in different stages of companies, from ex-growth to early-stage startups, based on risk, impact, and growth potential.

Should I join (or leave) an ex-hypergrowth company?

1 implied HN point • 30 Apr 23

💼 Business Career Market conditions Company Culture Compensation

Recent market conditions have made ex-hypergrowth companies less desirable.
Ex-growth companies are facing challenges with management teams, culture, and compensation.
Consider leaving an ex-growth company for better opportunities in a more stable market.

Experts from four top tech companies discuss career transitions

1 implied HN point • 05 Feb 23

Experts from top tech companies shared advice on navigating career transitions and avoiding common career errors.
When seeking a new role, build your network and keep relationships active for potential future opportunities.
Consider personal circumstances like pregnancy when evaluating job transitions, and ensure alignment with company values and support for personal growth.