The hottest Career development Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

How to be an amazing Junior Developer/Intern [StoryTime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 15 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Career development
  1. Standing out in your early career stages can speed up your personal and professional growth significantly.
  2. Making a strong impression at work can lead to better opportunities, save you time, and provide protection against layoffs.
  3. Actions that help junior devs/interns stand out include turning an internship into a return offer and moving quickly up the career ladder.

What Distinguishes Great Software Engineers?[StoryTime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 11 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Career development
  1. Mastery in software development can lead to significant career growth. Understand concepts deeply to excel in tech.
  2. Great software engineers possess specific traits that can be cultivated effectively. Avoid cardinal sins that bad engineers make.
  3. Research by Microsoft delves into what distinguishes great software engineers, providing valuable insights for students, mid-level developers, and seniors in the field.

New advice for aspiring managers

The Engineering Manager • 15 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
💼 Business Career development
  1. Becoming a manager today is different. You have to show that you can get the most out of your existing team since hiring new people is harder.
  2. Efficiency is key now. Managers should focus on making their teams work better with fewer resources instead of just growing their teams.
  3. Using AI is essential for managers. You need to help your team use AI tools effectively to improve productivity and show how these tools make a difference.
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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 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.

🤔 What's next?

Turnaround • 39 implied HN points • 19 Sep 22
💼 Business Career development
  1. The author shares personal updates including changing jobs, buying a car, and family news.
  2. The author stopped several podcasts and writing commitments due to a new demanding job in the crypto industry.
  3. The author promotes a daily crypto newsletter for readers interested in simplified updates on the industry.

Switching jobs for Pay Raises/Promotions[Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 04 Jun 22
💰 Finance Career development
  1. Job hopping can lead to higher pay and more promotions. It's a strategy that has shown success for many.
  2. In today's job environment, loyalty to one company may not be as beneficial as exploring new opportunities.
  3. When considering job hopping, it's important to leave on good terms, negotiate with current employers, and continually improve your skills.

How to Be a Better Micromanager

The Jungle Gym • 78 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. Strategic micromanagement can be beneficial for new employees to stabilize and learn
  2. Delegation should be done surgically, not indiscriminately, to increase autonomy
  3. Assess employee skill levels, set clear baselines, and verify comprehension when delegating tasks

You can't fire your boss

Midnight Manager • 4 HN points • 11 May 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. If you're unhappy with your boss, you can either stay and try to make it work or leave for a new job.
  2. Consider setting specific goals for improvements with a deadline in order to decide if sticking around is worth it.
  3. Don't rely on the hope that your boss will be fired or leave - focus on what you can control to find happiness.

The Fight Begins

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. The person has chosen to take on a challenging project at work instead of accepting a severance package. They see it as a chance to learn and grow.
  2. Feedback from both their boss and a senior engineer highlighted areas for improvement, making them realize they need to change their approach to work and learning.
  3. They are making a conscious effort to balance work and life, treating this project like a marathon where pacing and focus will help them succeed.

What do Screaming Frog and film studies have in common?

The Recovering Academic • 19 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. A humanities PhD found success as an SEO manager after realizing academic career challenges and exploring other options like internships, creating personal projects, and leveraging different skills.
  2. SEO work involves critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, which can offer engaging problem-solving experiences across various disciplines, blending technical and creative aspects.
  3. When transitioning from academia to industry, the multitude of career pathways may feel overwhelming, but ruling out options based on personal interests and finding a role that blends desired skills can lead to a fulfilling career choice.

Navigating my career

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. Mastering software engineering is the current focus, and the job at Amazon offers valuable learning opportunities.
  2. Staying with a supportive team helps with mentorship and collaboration, which are important for future career goals.
  3. Freelancing could be an option for faster learning, but there are concerns about leaving a good team and its benefits.

Six Career Moves that Young Data Scientists Dismiss too Quickly as Boring

Mike Talks AI • 19 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. Don't underestimate the value of solving real problems even if it means using older technology.
  2. Repeating tasks can help you become an expert in a specific area, leading to career advancement and satisfaction.
  3. Understanding and exploring different roles like sales and management can provide valuable lessons and career growth opportunities.

Hitting the ground running

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. Starting a project well means preparing for it and breaking down tasks ahead of time. It helps to think through every step and potential problem before jumping in.
  2. Having a manager who supports you can make a big difference in your work life. When you show that you care and take ownership, they are more likely to invest in your growth.
  3. Being valued for your work is important. Many people find purpose and motivation when they know their contributions matter to the team.

Setting yourself up for success in 2025

The Caring Techie Newsletter • 25 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
💼 Business Career development
  1. Being intentional about your actions is key to success. Instead of just reacting to life, create what you want by setting clear goals.
  2. To gain clarity on your goals, reflect on what excites you and what drains you. Identify your core life pillars to measure your growth.
  3. Protecting your focus is essential. Avoid distractions with tools like vision boards and time management systems to stay aligned with your intentions.

Find Your Mentor: The Secret Ingredient to Career Excellence

Weekend Developer • 19 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. Defining clear career goals is key to finding a mentor who aligns with your aspirations and needs.
  2. Seek out mentors who have the experience and expertise you admire to gain valuable insights and guidance.
  3. Leverage professional networks, such as industry events and online communities, to connect with potential mentors and build meaningful relationships.

Is your “coach” or “consultant” label costing you clients?

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 10 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
💼 Business Career development
  1. Calling yourself a 'coach' or 'consultant' is too vague and might turn potential clients away. It's important to find a specific label that reflects your unique skills.
  2. Identifying what makes you different can help you attract the right clients. Think about your past experiences and what you're passionate about to define your niche.
  3. Your business position can change over time as you grow and learn. It's okay to adjust your label and services to better match what you offer today.

A Company of One.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 88 HN points • 30 Jul 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. The workforce is reconfiguring towards a company of one due to factors like aging, new mindsets, remote work, gig economy, and advancing technology.
  2. Individuals must learn to operate as a company of one to thrive in today's workplace, emphasizing personal responsibility, relevance, and continual learning.
  3. Building superpowers, enhancing digital presence, investing in relationships, prioritizing learning, and maximizing optionality are crucial strategies for success in the evolving professional landscape.

How To Build A Career In Tech

Day One • 159 implied HN points • 27 Jul 20
🕹 Technology Career development
  1. Human brilliance is key - you can shape your own world with the right resources and guidance.
  2. Anyone, regardless of location, can pursue a tech career with internet access.
  3. Starting a tech career requires action and willingness, and the internet offers ample learning and job opportunities.

Nail Your 1:1 TPM Interviews

Building Rome(s) • 1 implied HN point • 26 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Career development
  1. Interviews are short—use your 30–45 minutes ruthlessly and keep your introduction to 30–60 seconds so you have time for focused answers.
  2. Center every answer on your role, decisions, and measurable impact; keep background brief and use 'I' so the interviewer can assess what you personally did.
  3. Practice concise, well-paced answers to avoid rambling, and choose high-impact examples (including incidents, outages, or complex bugs) not just large formal programs.

Scaling engineering teams: Building career ladders

Brick by Brick • 18 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Career development
  1. Creating a clear career ladder is crucial for growing engineering teams. It helps everyone understand how to advance and what is expected from them.
  2. Collaboration is key when building this ladder. Getting input from the team can help define roles and ensure everyone feels involved and valued.
  3. Regularly reviewing and updating the career ladder keeps it fair and relevant. It’s important to adjust it as the team and company grow to continue supporting everyone’s development.

Run, Don’t Walk

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🕹 Technology Career development
  1. It's important to stay curious and willing to take risks while chasing your dreams. Being open to learning and trying new things can lead to great opportunities.
  2. Embracing AI is crucial for anyone looking to succeed in today's job market. If you avoid using AI, you might fall behind those who use it well.
  3. Failures are a natural part of the journey, so it's important to keep pushing forward. Running towards your goals, rather than walking, can help you seize valuable opportunities.

Hanging up the jetpack. Planting a flag.

The Jungle Gym • 83 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. The decision to fully commit to Exec was driven by an energizing problem, a receptive market, and a stellar team.
  2. Exec aims to help companies design customized talent development programs, work with a network of vetted coaches, and provide flexible payment options.
  3. Having the right team and shared values is crucial for the success of startups like Exec.

What I wish I knew earlier

JR’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🚌 Education Career development
  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.

How to Coach People Effectively

Kartick’s Blog • 17 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
💼 Business Career development
  1. Set clear expectations for coaching by charging a fee and giving homework. This helps find serious candidates and saves time.
  2. Listen actively to the person being coached and tailor your advice to their understanding. Use questions that guide them to their own conclusions.
  3. Keep conversations focused on one topic at a time and use visual aids to clarify points. This makes discussions more effective and organized.

Mastering the Inner Game of Leadership

The Leadership Lab • 19 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
💼 Business Career development
  1. Effective leadership involves playing both the outer game (interacting with the team) and the inner game (becoming the leader you aspire to be). Focus on the inner game to unlock your true leadership potential.
  2. Mastering the Inner Game of Leadership offers a three-week intensive group coaching program to help individuals unlock their leadership potential by overcoming limiting beliefs and leveraging strengths.
  3. Attend the annual Leadership Review sessions to reflect on your leadership journey, gain clarity on growth goals for the upcoming year, and optimize your leadership effectiveness.

What Martha Stewart can teach us about reinvention and career pivots.

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 23 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. Martha Stewart shows that it's possible to reinvent yourself after a big setback. Her journey teaches us that you can bounce back and create something new, no matter the challenges.
  2. It's important to be true to yourself and let your passions guide you. Martha followed her curiosity and constantly sought new opportunities, which helped her build a successful brand.
  3. Being bold and ignoring criticism is key to achieving your goals. Martha had a strong vision for her life and career, and she didn't let negative opinions stop her from pursuing her dreams.

Becoming a sales-engineer

Leading Developers • 49 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. Acquiring new skills through new challenges can be exciting and lead to unexpected career paths.
  2. Transitioning from a technical role to sales doesn't mean losing technical skills - understanding the product deeply remains crucial.
  3. Sales engineering roles offer variety, immediate value, and potential for lucrative rewards, but require strong communication and collaboration skills.

Using Single Responsibility to write amazing code [Technique Tuesday]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 04 May 22
🕹 Technology Career development
  1. The Single Responsibility Principle in software engineering emphasizes that classes and modules should have only one distinct responsibility. This helps in making code easier to maintain and understand.
  2. Implementing the Single Responsibility Principle can lead to benefits such as easier code changes, simplified debugging, and smoother testing processes.
  3. In coding interviews, applying Single Responsibility by breaking down complex problems into smaller, focused components can help in solving questions methodically and efficiently, boosting problem-solving abilities.

Career Bending Times.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 82 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. The future of careers is changing with various intertwined forces like technology, globalization, and shifts in work culture.
  2. Individuals will need to adapt to longer careers, continuous learning, and a gig-based work environment to stay relevant.
  3. Leaders must focus on developing talent, embracing change, and seeing the future as a place for growth and transformation.