The hottest Career development Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Recommending Kent Beck: 2011

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1170 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
💼 Business Recommendation Employment Management Career development Software Development
  1. Kent Beck's role in enhancing engineering teams for growth and prosperity by working on product features and tool building.
  2. Kent Beck's impact through research and publication on software design, attracting new recruits and revolutionizing design ideas.
  3. Kent Beck's personal relationships and pair programming sessions significantly improving engineering skills and career prospects of individuals.

Risk Tolerance is Earned

Superfluid • 92 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💼 Business Career development Startups Personal Finance Risk management Work Culture
  1. Risk tolerance grows by taking small risks over time. You don't have to make huge moves right away; start with little steps to build your confidence.
  2. Working in a challenging environment, like a startup, can push you beyond your comfort zone. This can help you find what really matters to you in your career.
  3. Stability is often a goal for many, especially for those with immigrant backgrounds. However, it's important to aim high and take calculated risks to discover new opportunities.

Spotify Technology Career Steps

It Depends / Nimble Autonomy • 19 implied HN points • 25 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Career development Work Culture Human Resources Professional Growth Corporate Structure
  1. At Spotify, career growth is flexible and based on your interests. You can explore different roles and skills without being stuck on a strict path.
  2. Career steps at Spotify focus on teamwork and impact. Employees are encouraged to prioritize team success and think about how their work affects the business.
  3. Promotions at Spotify depend on consistently showing a higher level of impact and behavior. They aren't tied to a specific timeline, so discussions with managers are key.

What I wish I knew earlier

JR’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🚌 Education Personal Growth Decision-making Career development Life lessons Self-reflection
  1. Being passive can hurt you. It's better to take action and ask questions than to sit back and miss opportunities.
  2. Focusing on what you love is key. Don't just follow what everyone else is doing; dive deep into your passions instead.
  3. Success matters, but balance is important. Make sure your career, health, and family don't suffer for the sake of ambition.

The curse of conscientiousness

Optima & Outliers • 219 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
💼 Business Career development Work Culture Self-help Psychology Professional Growth
  1. Being very organized and responsible can sometimes be a hindrance, especially if it makes you stick to a job that isn't right for you. It's important to know when to quit and move on.
  2. Young people should be open to exploring different jobs instead of sticking to one path just because it's familiar. Trying new roles can lead to greater happiness and success.
  3. It's better to think of your career like a scientist experiments: test a job for a while and see if it fits you. If not, don't feel bad about quitting and finding something that works better.
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Quitting & Returning To Work (Guest Post by Tom Grundy)

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 89 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
💼 Business Workplace culture Career development Mental health Entrepreneurship Work-life balance
  1. Sometimes, taking a break from work can help you recharge and find clarity. It allows you to step back and see what you really want in life.
  2. Returning to the same job after a break doesn't mean you're going backwards. It can give you a fresh perspective and a healthier relationship with work.
  3. Your mindset about work is powerful. Changing how you look at your job can lead to more happiness and satisfaction, even without changing your role.

From Runway to Career Capital: A Framework for Evaluating Startup Jobs

Optima & Outliers • 59 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
💼 Business Startups Career development Job Market Investment Strategies Risk management
  1. When considering a startup job, focus on how it will help your career instead of just picking a 'winner'. Think about your long-term goals and how the role aligns with them.
  2. Do your homework before joining a startup. This means asking about the company's funding, goals, and speaking with people who know the founders to understand their track record.
  3. Look for opportunities to learn and build connections in a startup. These experiences can boost your resume and help you grow your professional network.

Are You Considering a Career Pivot into the Security of AI?

Rod’s Blog • 357 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Career development Ethics Innovation
  1. Considering a career pivot into the security of AI can be a valuable choice to make a positive impact on society.
  2. Having an interest in technology's implications, experience in various tech projects, and awareness of technology's consequences are good reasons to pursue AI security.
  3. Opportunities in AI security offer potential for career growth, impact, and contribution to shaping a safer, ethical, and beneficial AI future.

Let down by our jobs we're ready to take control of our lives

Make Work Better • 54 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
💼 Business Work Culture Employee Rights Work-life balance Career development
  1. Workers really want flexibility in their jobs, especially young people and women. It's important for their work-life balance.
  2. There’s a lot of disappointment with jobs, and many workers feel overwhelmed by their workload. A toxic work environment is the main reason people would quit.
  3. While work used to be a place for friendships, most people feel it lacks social connection now. They hope it will improve in the future.

The D.I.E. Triad - Applied to your Career (and Life)

Resilient Cyber • 279 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
💼 Business Career development Professional networking Agile Methodology Digital Transformation
  1. Building a strong network is important for career resilience. It's not just about who you know, but who knows you and what you bring to the table.
  2. Some core values and work ethics should remain unchanged throughout your career. These qualities, like determination and discipline, help you stay successful as roles and technologies change.
  3. You should treat your personal and professional growth like a product that needs constant improvement. Embrace change and ask for feedback to keep evolving.

Building a technical career path at Spotify

It Depends / Nimble Autonomy • 19 implied HN points • 11 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Career development Engineering Company Culture Leadership
  1. Spotify emphasizes that career paths should fit the company's culture. Using a framework from another company often doesn't work well.
  2. Creating a career path framework should happen after seeing a real need for it, rather than forcing it too early in a company's growth.
  3. The Spotify model focuses on team success and personal growth, not just climbing a ladder. It encourages diverse development without penalizing role changes.

Everything is Risk (+Radiant Capital)

DeFi Education • 759 implied HN points • 27 May 23
💼 Business Finance Risk management Investing Career development Personal Growth
  1. Risk-taking is essential for growth and success. If you don’t take risks, you might miss out on big opportunities.
  2. Real-life experiences with risk help you learn and get better at decision-making. It’s important to face challenges to achieve greatness.
  3. In sports and investing, the biggest rewards come from taking calculated risks. Embracing these chances can lead to significant achievements.

Celebrating An Anniversary: Three Years of Writing About Analytics - Issue 154

Data Analysis Journal • 452 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Analytics Data science Newsletter Writing Career development
  1. The author reflects on three years of writing a newsletter about analytics, thanking supporters and subscribers.
  2. The author's newsletter aims to document their journey, bridge the gap between academics and industry, and encourage classic data analysis.
  3. The author shares insights on their writing strategy, the power of being small and independent, and future plans for the newsletter.

Creating a Laboratory for Work 🧪

Game of One • 216 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💼 Business Career development Workplace culture Entrepreneurship Education Innovation
  1. Reframe work as a series of experiments rather than a predetermined job trajectory
  2. There are three common narratives of success: early commitment, late bloomer, and mastery through uncertainty and career changes
  3. Experimentation with work is crucial, but modern work structures often make it difficult to explore new opportunities

Asked And Answered: A New Advice Column

Original Jurisdiction • 259 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🚌 Education Legal Career development Mentorship
  1. Consider clerking after law school if you're planning to go into litigation - it's a valuable learning experience, helps build relationships, and is prestigious.
  2. If you plan to do multiple clerkships, consider clerking for different types of courts to gain varied experiences.
  3. Clerking might be less valuable if you're aiming to be a transactional lawyer, but clerking at the Delaware Court of Chancery could be more relevant to your career.

It’s Not About Me — That’s The Point

moontower: a stoner dad explains options trading to his kids • 235 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Investments Career development Leadership Mentorship
  1. Focus on being altruistic and a positive presence in the world, putting in the work and solving real problems.
  2. Believe in yourself to become the best version of yourself, even when faced with doubts.
  3. In a competitive investment landscape, understanding the job's challenges and rewards can help determine if it's the right fit for you.

Modern Leadership.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 56 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
💼 Business Leadership Management Human Resources Workplace culture Career development
  1. Anyone can be a leader; it's about how you act, not just your job title. Being a boss isn't the only way to show leadership.
  2. Good leaders focus on their influence and connections rather than just controlling everything. They see the big picture and adapt to change.
  3. For leaders to grow, they need to be open to learning and transforming themselves. This process needs support and new ways to encourage growth.

TBM 272: The Biggest Opportunity (Part 2)

The Beautiful Mess • 661 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💼 Business Management Workplace dynamics Career development Company Culture Productivity
  1. Skilled pragmatists in companies can represent a major opportunity for improvement. They are reliable and capable but may not go above and beyond due to skepticism about the value of extra effort.
  2. When trying to improve behaviors in a team, it is crucial to be specific about the desired actions and outcomes. Vague terms like 'drive' or 'passion' can lead to misunderstandings.
  3. Listening to individuals in different categories can provide valuable insights for understanding motivations and barriers to certain behaviors in a team. Embracing diversity in perspectives is key to achieving more together.

Not Technical Enough

QUALITY BOSS • 159 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Workplace Issues Gender bias Career development Impostor syndrome Technical Skills
  1. Feeling like you're not 'technical enough' often comes from biases and stereotypes, especially in gender. It's important to remember that everyone's skills and roles can vary greatly.
  2. Your worth and skills in tech should be measured by how well you understand your job, not just by coding abilities. Everyone has different strengths that contribute to success.
  3. Confidence in your abilities is key. Feedback can sting, but it's crucial to assess it within context and not let others' opinions define your self-worth.

Open Thread: The American Job Search

The Recovering Academic • 336 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
💼 Business Job Market Networking Career development Employment Trends Workplace dynamics
  1. Networking is crucial in the job search process, building relationships can open doors that skill acquisition or a polished resume cannot.
  2. The American job market is tough, especially without relevant industry experience, it's essential to show yourself compassion during this challenging time.
  3. The idea of meritocracy in the workplace faces challenges, where personal connections sometimes matter more than hard work alone.

Quick Answers

Human Capitalist • 79 implied HN points • 14 May 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Employment Trends Sales Strategy Career development
  1. More repeat founders are starting new businesses than before. They learn from their past experiences and want to keep creating.
  2. The role of Sales Development Representatives (SDRs) is changing or declining as companies use AI and become more efficient with fewer employees.
  3. Many banking analysts might not be following the traditional path to becoming associates. They might be switching to other sectors before completing the usual years of experience.

EXIT

Becoming Noble • 299 implied HN points • 26 May 23
💼 Business Corporate culture Career development Entrepreneurship
  1. The EXIT project aims to end reliance on corporate employment by providing various support systems and resources.
  2. Consider spending time at elite progressive institutions to learn and transition to a place of independent strength.
  3. Listen to the podcast for insights on how dissidents can use big tech companies as a launching point for their ambitions.

Grow Your Software Engineer Career

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Career development Tech industry Education Communication Skills
  1. Many young software engineers make common mistakes that can hold back their careers. It’s important to recognize these traps early on.
  2. Good communication skills are essential for solving problems and sharing ideas effectively. Learning to articulate your thoughts can make a big difference.
  3. Experience in different domains, like academia and tech companies, can provide valuable insights. Be open to learning from various industries to grow your career.

Being an Early Career Scientist

The Polymerist • 116 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🔬 Science Career development Research Methods Experiments Education Personal Growth
  1. Try new things in your career and treat them like experiments. If something doesn't work out, you can always adjust and try again.
  2. It's okay to feel uncertain at the beginning of your career. Each experience helps you learn more about yourself and what you want.
  3. Life will always bring challenges, but keep moving forward and experimenting. Enjoy the process of learning and discovering new possibilities.

What Does It Take To Create Longevity And Stay Relevant In The New Work World?

High ROI Data Science • 178 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
💼 Business Career development Market Trends Skill development Productivity
  1. Success in the new work world requires being forward-looking and prescriptive, not just reacting to trends.
  2. Manufacturing luck involves positioning early in emerging trends to have more opportunities and be better prepared.
  3. To stay relevant, focus on upskilling in areas that align with future trends and combine vision, follow-through, and productivity.

Questions graduating med students can ask on residency interviews, and some they shouldn't

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 41 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical education Career development
  1. It's important to ask about successful graduates from the program to see what you can aspire to. Their stories can reveal what the program really values and how it helps its students.
  2. Asking about any past failures or who wasn't a good fit can give insights into the challenges of the program. This helps you understand what it takes to succeed there.
  3. Questions about unique strengths of the program and faculty engagement can show you how well the program supports its residents. Specific answers are more revealing than vague statements.

All About Career History Interviews

Tech and Tea • 295 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
💼 Business Career development Interviewing Communication Skills Workplace dynamics Recruitment
  1. Career history interviews provide valuable insights into a candidate's learning capacity, adaptability, and mindset over time, beyond just current abilities.
  2. In a career history interview, ask structured questions for each job/project to understand achievements, challenges faced, relationships, and reasons for leaving.
  3. Look for communication style and red flags like poor communication, lack of awareness, and negativity during career history interviews to assess candidate suitability.

Navigating the Software Engineering career ladders

system bashing • 275 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Career development
  1. Software engineering career paths differ based on company size and age, so titles like "Senior Software Engineer" can vary widely.
  2. In early-stage startups, titles like "Senior" may simply imply a higher level of autonomy, not necessarily a specific rank.
  3. As companies grow, the tech team pyramid evolves, introducing new levels and roles like SDE1, SDE2, SDE3, VPs, and EMs.

Reader Mailbag: Struggling to do it all

Tech and Tea • 246 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Career development Work-life balance Personal Growth Technical Skills
  1. Struggling with work-life balance, technical up-skilling, and finding identity outside of work is common among many engineers and professionals. It's important to prioritize what aligns with personal values and well-being.
  2. Careers in the tech industry can take diverse paths, and it's okay to explore different roles or take breaks to pursue other interests. Embracing change and personal growth is a natural part of a long career.
  3. Building expertise, whether technical or in other areas, is valuable and transferable across different domains. Prioritizing personal growth and balancing work with other life aspects is essential in navigating career challenges.

New Layer of Abstraction, Not the End of Software Engineering

Adam’s Notes • 255 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Software Engineering AI Productivity Programming Languages Career development
  1. AI tools will enhance software developers' productivity and create new possibilities.
  2. Historically, productivity increases in software engineering have occurred with advancements like high-level programming languages, open-source culture, and cloud computing.
  3. Lower barriers to coding will attract more people to software engineering, leading to new opportunities, growth, and products.