Seeking Advice: Learning during job search
Seeking Advice: Learning During Job Search
Hello, fellow tech enthusiasts!
As many in the industry know, the journey of a tech professional can come with unexpected twists and turns. Recently, I found myself navigating one such twist after being part of a layoff. After spending three transformative years as an Engineering Manager at a Series C SaaS company, I’m now on the lookout for new opportunities. While actively applying for roles and leveraging my network, I also find myself with an abundance of free time — a precious resource I want to invest in learning and growth.
Current Learning Considerations
To make the most of this time, I’m contemplating a few certifications that align with my experience and aspirations:
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Azure Developer Associate: With some hands-on Azure experience in my last role, pursuing this certification would deepen my cloud expertise and make me more marketable.
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Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD): This certification has been highly recommended by several peers, and I’ve had exposure to Kubernetes in my previous roles — making this a relevant choice.
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AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate: My AWS certification expired in 2021, and renewing it could reinforce my cloud credentials, showcasing my commitment to staying current in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
My Background
To provide some context, here’s a bit about my professional journey:
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Development Experience: I have 20 years of experience primarily in .NET/C# development, with earlier stints in classic ASP and Windows Forms, and more recent work with ASP.Net Core.
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Other Skills: I possess intermediate Python skills, having maintained FastAPI services and developed automation scripts. My modern frontend experience is somewhat limited, primarily involving the maintenance of existing React applications.
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Leadership: With 8 years of leadership experience, most recently as an Engineering Manager, I aspire to grow into Director-level roles and beyond. I consider myself technically hands-on and comfortable with systems design, but I’m no longer interested in grinding through LeetCode-style problems.
My Learning Questions
As I embark on this learning journey, I have a few questions for the community:
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Certifications and Learning: Are there certifications or areas of learning that you would recommend beyond the three I’ve proposed (Azure, Kubernetes, and AWS)?
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Maximizing Time: Are there other angles I should consider to make the most of this time and enhance my skill set?
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Positioning for Leadership: What advice do you have for positioning myself for senior leadership roles while maintaining technical credibility?
Realistically, I anticipate having at least one to three months before securing a new full-time role, and I want to ensure I’m making the most of this period.
Conclusion
I appreciate any suggestions and insights from this vibrant community. We all know that continuous learning is crucial in tech, and I’m eager to utilize this time effectively. Whether it’s through certifications, practical projects, or expanding my leadership skills, I’m committed to growth in this transitional phase.
Thank you in advance for your support and guidance!
Top Comments
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