The hottest Career Advice Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Sub Club Weekly Digest # 6

The Sub Club Newsletter • 118 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🚌 Education Writing Publishing Workshops Career Advice
  1. There is a new column called 'Jobs for Writers' for finding jobs in the writing industry. It's a great way to get your foot in the door and gain experience.
  2. The newsletter features some cool competitions where people can win money or subscriptions for sharing their writing stories or job listings. It's a fun way to get involved!
  3. They are offering workshops and events for writers to come together and submit their work while getting support and guidance. It's a good chance to learn and improve your writing skills.

7 Lessons I Learned the Hard Way From 9+ Years as a Data Engineer

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 730 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Data Engineering Software Development Career Advice Project management Skills Training
  1. It's important to avoid building complex systems just for the sake of it. Focus on creating infrastructure that actually helps your team and the business.
  2. If you don’t plan your data model, you’ll end up with a messy one. Always take the time to design it properly to make future work easier.
  3. Good communication is really powerful. Being able to share your ideas clearly can help you get support and make a bigger impact in your projects.

Sometimes it is okay to just coast

Wednesday Wisdom • 217 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Growth Career Advice Self-care Work-life balance
  1. It's okay to just take a break and coast when you're feeling stuck. Sometimes, trying too hard can make things worse.
  2. The passing of time can bring clarity. Things will get better as you give yourself a chance to relax and think.
  3. Not every job needs to be exciting. Taking a simple job to pay the bills can help you recover and find your direction again.

Wanna career? Move to the center!

Wednesday Wisdom • 132 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
💼 Business Career Advice Corporate strategy Work Culture Employee Development Remote work
  1. To boost your career, it's often best to move to the 'center' of power in a company. The best projects and biggest opportunities usually happen there.
  2. Being on the 'periphery' can lead to a satisfying career, but you may miss out on important projects and promotions. It might feel tough to get noticed from the outside.
  3. While working at the center can bring many advantages, it's important to choose what matters most to you. Sometimes a good quality of life is worth more than climbing the corporate ladder.

Beware of Econ Grad School

In My Tribe • 956 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🚌 Education Higher education Economics Career Advice Teaching Methods
  1. Econ grad school might not be the best choice if you're just curious about ideas. It's better to explore other careers that can satisfy that curiosity, like business.
  2. Many econ programs focus on teaching specific skills rather than encouraging discussions and new ideas. This can stifle your interest and creativity.
  3. You can learn a lot about economics on your own. Understanding basic concepts and real-world business behavior can be more valuable than fancy math techniques from grad school.
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Career advice: Learn how to write

Wednesday Wisdom • 151 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🚌 Education Writing Skills Career Advice Communication Personal Development Critical Thinking
  1. Writing is a valuable skill, even with AI around. Good writing helps you communicate better in teams and makes your work more effective.
  2. Practice makes perfect when it comes to writing. The more you write, the better you'll become at organizing your thoughts and expressing them clearly.
  3. Strong writing skills help you think clearly. Writing forces you to clarify your ideas, making it an essential tool for problem-solving.

Against loose feedback loops for young professionals

Optima & Outliers • 179 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
💼 Business Startups Corporate culture Professional development Value Creation Career Advice
  1. Working at big companies can teach you specialized skills, but they often don't show you how your work contributes to the bigger picture. You might learn things that are valuable in a small circle but not necessarily important for real-world impact.
  2. Starting your career at a startup can be more beneficial for developing broader skills. You'll see the direct results of your work, and it pushes you to understand what really delivers value to customers.
  3. If you want a career where you can make a real impact and create valuable products, it's worth considering spending some time outside of large corporations to gain that experience.

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Self-Assessments

The Caring Techie Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Career Advice Performance reviews Self-assessment Professional development
  1. Don't assume your manager knows everything you've done. Always remind them of your achievements to help them evaluate your performance.
  2. Be specific when describing your work. Instead of using vague statements, share exact numbers and outcomes to show your real impact.
  3. Keep track of your accomplishments throughout the year. This makes it easier to write your self-assessment and ensures you don't forget important contributions.

Career advice: Learn how to debug

Wednesday Wisdom • 85 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Career Advice Problem Solving Technical Skills
  1. Learning to debug helps you solve your own problems, giving you control over your work and allowing you to be more effective.
  2. Debugging teaches you valuable lessons and knowledge that you can apply in future situations, making you more confident as you grow in your career.
  3. When you debug before asking for help, you can ask clearer questions and provide better information, which makes it easier for others to assist you.

How To Fast Track Your Career As An Engineer

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 930 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
💼 Business Career growth Software Engineering Tech industry Data Analysis Career Advice
  1. Focusing on impact in your work can accelerate your career growth and lead to more satisfying outcomes.
  2. To have more impact in tech, run towards unsolved problems, be scrappy in finding solutions, and prioritize ruthlessly.
  3. Impact can be achieved by reducing costs or increasing revenue, and understanding how your work contributes to these areas is essential for career advancement in engineering.

Why Today Is The Perfect Time to Learn Data | Seattle Data Guy

Data Analysis Journal • 373 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Data science Analytics Data Engineering Learning Resources Career Advice
  1. Learning data is more accessible and better now than in the past years.
  2. For transitioning into data engineering, focus on SQL, programming, data warehouse, and data pipelines.
  3. Analysts should focus on understanding the business problem, building maintainable systems, and following a data analytics process.

Asking for mentoring

Sunday Letters • 79 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🚌 Education Mentoring Career Advice Personal Development Professional Growth
  1. Many people are shy about asking for mentorship, but it's important to overcome that fear. Asking for help is a good move, and usually the worst that can happen is a 'no.'
  2. When reaching out for mentorship, have specific and thoughtful questions ready. It shows you're serious and helps the mentor know what to expect.
  3. Mentoring should be beneficial for both parties. Prepare to make the conversation valuable, not just for yourself, but for the mentor too.

How to build a side-project to get a job in Machine Learning [Storytime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 159 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Machine Learning Career Advice Software Development Artificial Intelligence Side Projects
  1. Developing an amazing side project is crucial for getting your first job in Machine Learning. Ditch the basic datasets and focus on building exceptional projects to stand out.
  2. When building your career in Machine Learning, individual factors like goals, interests, skills, location, experience, and networks play a significant role. Tailor your approach based on your unique situation.
  3. For undergrad students seeking a role in Machine Learning, focusing on creating strong side projects is a key step. These projects can help you differentiate yourself and showcase your skills effectively.

How do you get started?

Sunday Letters • 39 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
💼 Business Career Advice Networking Job search Personal Development Leadership
  1. Everyone struggles with starting something new, whether they're a recent graduate or looking to advance in their careers. It's important to figure out what you want to do next.
  2. Instead of waiting for permission or a specific opportunity, take the initiative and start working on what interests you. Engaging in projects you care about can lead to new roles and responsibilities.
  3. Being proactive in your career can impress others and create more opportunities. People often appreciate when someone volunteers to help or take on new challenges.

Fastest Way to Learn Coding and Actually Get a Job

Brain Bytes • 59 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🚌 Education Coding Learning Job Market Skills Career Advice
  1. Choose a flexible programming language like Python or JavaScript to boost your chances of landing a beginner job.
  2. Take your time learning coding through books, tutorials, or courses - don't rush the process. Type along with tutorials and practice consistently.
  3. Build simple projects using frameworks, add them to your portfolio, and deploy them online to enhance your chances when applying for jobs. Showcase your projects and personality in your resume.

Breaking into UX Research: what can you do to land your first role?

UX Psychology • 119 implied HN points • 31 Oct 22
🕹 Technology UX Research Career Advice Networking Skill development Job search
  1. Breaking into UX research can be challenging due to limited junior roles and increasing competition, but there are various pathways to entry.
  2. To prepare for a career in UX research, assess your existing skills, leverage past experience, network actively, and work on side projects.
  3. Consider applying for roles related to user research or product development, even if not directly in UX, to gain relevant industry exposure.

7 valuable life lessons from successful people.

Jon’s Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 27 Nov 22
🚌 Education Personal Development Career Advice Life lessons Public Speaking Success Stories
  1. Failure is part of life and can teach us valuable lessons. Embracing failure helps us grow stronger and more determined.
  2. Having a vision or plan for your life is important. It helps guide your decisions and keeps you in control of your journey.
  3. It's okay to take risks and follow your passions, even if it means leaving a secure job. Sometimes taking chances leads to great rewards.

Breaking Into Tech

Jake [Building in NYC] • 19 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Career Advice Technical Skills Soft skills Job Market
  1. To get a job in software engineering, you need to learn key technical skills like React, Typescript, and some backend basics. Focus on building small projects to practice what you've learned.
  2. Having good communication, flexibility, and grit is just as important as technical skills. Being open to learning and asking questions can really help you succeed in your first job.
  3. Networking and finding a mentor can make a big difference in breaking into tech. Building relationships and getting support from experienced people is key to finding job opportunities.

More on Follow-Ons

Venture Upward • 19 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investments Career Advice
  1. Follow-ons in venture capital are for earning money from carry, not for just building a track record.
  2. Increasing investment in subsequent rounds can escalate downside risk without similar upside benefits.
  3. Being strategic about follow-on investments in portfolio companies is crucial to avoid excessive risk and maximize returns.

Dear New Designers, It’s Not You, It’s Them

Far From the Valley • 2 HN points • 15 Jul 24
🪑 Design Professional development Digital Content Career Advice Industry challenges
  1. Be cautious of online design influencers who may prioritize personal branding over practical advice.
  2. Focus on the substantial, impactful work happening in design beyond social media hype and viral content.
  3. Take control of your design career by being selective with the advice you follow and finding inspiration in meaningful work.

My reddit post for career advice

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
🚌 Education Career Advice Professional development Job search Personal Growth Life Skills
  1. It's valuable to express your career uncertainties and seek advice from others, whether online or in person. Writing down your thoughts can help clarify what you really want to do.
  2. Having a diverse background can be a strength when looking for new career paths. Embracing all your experiences can lead you to opportunities that fit you better than previous roles.
  3. It's okay to take risks and explore alternative careers or adventures, especially when you're young and have fewer responsibilities. Following your passions might lead you to a fulfilling path.

Work isn't what you think it is

Sunday Letters • 159 implied HN points • 17 Oct 21
💼 Business Career Advice Work Culture Impact Passion Success
  1. Your career path is unique, and it’s shaped by random events and choices, not just a clear plan. Don’t try to follow someone else’s journey; create your own.
  2. Having a lot of impact in what you do is key to long-term success. Focus on what matters to you and makes a difference.
  3. Passion for your work can lead to success and satisfaction. Enjoying what you do doesn’t mean it’s not valuable, so embrace what you love.

How to crush your Daily Standups[Technique Tuesdays]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 12 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Development Software Engineering Communication Networking Career Advice
  1. Give detailed updates in your daily standups, including your decision-making process, collaborators, important information, and technical details.
  2. Involve more stakeholders by discussing how your work impacts others, inviting collaboration for better projects.
  3. Understand and express the 'why' behind your tasks, which provides context for creating thorough solutions and requires knowledge of both Computer Science and project economics.

How to Use Github to Land your first software Job[Storytime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 09 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Career Advice Networking Open Source GitHub
  1. Using Github to land a software job can be beneficial for those who want to highlight their coding skills, but it's important to recognize the tradeoffs involved and be willing to put in the effort required.
  2. Common advice on gaining a job through GitHub, like contributing to open source projects extensively, may not always be the most optimal strategy. It's essential to approach GitHub as a social network and connect with like-minded individuals.
  3. Building a strong presence on GitHub requires dedication and time spent coding and engaging with communities. While it may offer an alternative path to job opportunities, there are no shortcuts in putting in the required work.

Zhang Xuefeng's pep talk to anxious undergraduates who wish to move up

Pekingnology • 64 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
🚌 Education Career Advice Personal Development Life lessons
  1. University admissions in China heavily favor local candidates over non-local candidates.
  2. The application process for university and graduate school in China involves filling in target schools and majors before test scores are known, which can be confusing.
  3. Choosing a university, major, and program that align with personal strengths and future livelihood is crucial for non-elite undergraduates in China.

Sunday Letters - what, who, and why

Sunday Letters • 119 implied HN points • 03 Oct 21
💼 Business Leadership Innovation Career Advice Team Dynamics Organizational Behavior
  1. The Sunday Letters started as updates to a team but evolved into discussions on broader themes like leadership and innovation.
  2. They serve as reflections and pieces of advice that the writer wishes he had known earlier in his career.
  3. Writing these letters regularly helps the author stay attentive to patterns in leadership and fosters good conversations around ideas.

How to think about a new role

Through Curious Eyes • 2 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
💼 Business Career Advice Management Personal Development Workplace culture Professional Growth
  1. Accept the recognition of your new role and recognize your own achievements. It's important to validate your success and understand that you are deserving of this new opportunity.
  2. Communicate your needs and wants clearly with your manager. Sharing what support you need will help set a strong foundation for your new relationship.
  3. Keep an open dialogue and create a shared document with your manager to outline expectations. This will help both of you stay aligned and monitor your progress in the new role.

Negotiating better offers [Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 01 Jul 22
💰 Finance Negotiation Investments Personal Finance Career Advice
  1. Prepare for negotiations before receiving offers by researching compensation bands and matching skills to desired industries.
  2. Organize interviews with companies in similar compensation bands to potentially receive offers around the same time.
  3. Don't hesitate to ask companies to wait for your decision if you are waiting on other offers to compare.

Next.js ??

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 02 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Web Development Career Advice Functional Programming Mastery
  1. Specializing and excelling in a particular field increases your chances of spotting opportunities for improvement and career advancement.
  2. Having a breadth of knowledge by learning new concepts even in just a few hours a week can open your mind, help in problem-solving, and provide new perspectives.
  3. Focusing on building strong foundations in areas like Math, Basic Economics, and Computer Science Theory offers the highest ROI and allows for quick adaptation to new ideas and frameworks.