It's been over 8 years since I started working as a software engineer. Throughout my career, one thing that's become clear is how rapidly the Software Engineering field evolves. What was cutting-edge technology back then can become tech debt pretty quickly.
While most of the skills I use day-to-day were learned on the job (I don't code in C++ anymore), the foundational knowledge of computer science I gained at university has been instrumental in getting me where I am today.
I’ve realized I learn best through a structured curriculum—quick TikTok videos and YouTube Shorts just don’t cut it for me.
For technical learning, I've turned to platforms like Udemy and Coursera, which have helped me pick up new skills like gRPC and Kubernetes.
Over time, I’ve grown more interested in the business side of things. Understanding how a company operates helps me find more meaning in my role as an engineer. I've dived into annual reports and learned about accounting and operations through various online resources. This exploration made me realize I want to move into engineering management rather than staying on the Individual Contributor (IC) path.
While technical skills are key, leadership roles demand a different set of abilities—something I'm working on through my MBA in IT Management.
In this blog, I want to share my MBA journey and how it's complementing my professional experience, preparing me for engineering leadership roles.
Decision-Making
As an Engineering Tech Lead, responsibilities are often filled with ambiguities. You must align multiple stakeholders, manage conflicting expectations, and provide mentorship and guidance to junior members while also working full-time on technical deliverables. Navigating these complexities requires a balance between technical skills and business acumen, a balance I've been able to achieve through my MBA studies.
When I started my career, I was very attached to my work. My code was sacred. Not anymore.
One of the key lessons from my MBA is understanding that coding is merely a tool to solve larger business problems, not an end in itself. This shift in perspective has taught me that business priorities always take precedence. For example, while I would prefer to maintain a codebase free of tech debt, it is more important to deliver features that our customers need to avoid losing market share. This shift in perspective influences my daily decision-making, allowing me to prioritize tasks that align with business goals, even if it means compromising on technical perfection.
Such delicate insights are often missed when you're solely focused on your technical craft. Attending formal classroom courses and understanding the theory behind business decisions have made me more pragmatic in my decision-making process. My MBA has provided me with frameworks for risk assessment and stakeholder management, which are crucial when navigating these ambiguities.
Strategic Thinking
Strategic thinking is another area where my MBA program has significantly contributed to my growth. Courses in strategic management have given me tools to align engineering goals with broader business objectives. I’ve used this knowledge at Mercari to drive our long-term roadmap and ensure our engineering work supports our business vision.
For instance, by improving our hiring and onboarding processes, I’ve helped expand our team and increase offer acceptance rates, directly supporting our strategic goals. My decisions are now more aligned with our business strategy, benefiting both my team and the company.
Communication and Collaboration
Communication and collaboration are crucial for any leader, and my MBA program has been instrumental in honing these skills. The emphasis on teamwork and leadership courses has allowed me to become a more effective communicator. At Mercari, I've had the opportunity to mentor team members and engage in initiatives like Build@Mercari, fostering a supportive community and encouraging top talent. Additionally, my role has involved strengthening global team bonds through invaluable team-building activities, enhancing our collaboration efforts across borders.
Practical Applications
The integration of technical expertise with the skills I've gained from my MBA has profoundly impacted my approach to problem-solving and leadership. At Mercari, I've been able to lead with confidence, knowing that my decisions are backed by both practical experience and academic insights. This combination has not only enhanced my current role but has also prepared me for future engineering leadership positions. By continually adapting and growing, I am positioning myself for long-term success in leadership roles that require a balance of technical and strategic skills.
Innovation and Talent Development
My MBA has really highlighted the importance of innovation and talent development. Through courses in Human Resources and Organizational Behavior, I’ve learned how to create a culture of creativity within a team. This approach has helped us build a high-performing group at Mercari. I've been able to lead projects that not only focus on engineering excellence but also set us up for future growth. Plus, mentoring my team and improving our hiring processes have been key in bringing in and keeping top talent, making sure we stay competitive and ready for whatever comes next.
Future Benefits
Looking ahead, my MBA is setting the foundation for my career goals in engineering leadership. The skills and knowledge I'm acquiring are not just applicable to my current role but are vital for long-term success in senior leadership positions. My vision for the future is to continue leveraging these skills to drive innovation, lead successful teams, and contribute to organisation's growth and success. By embracing continuous learning and development, I am confident that I will be well-equipped to take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
