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Individual Contributor (IC) vs Engineering Manager (EM), Navigating Different Career Paths and Mindsets
Here, I unravel the difference between the two common career paths
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Introduction
In software engineering, professionals often find themselves at a crossroads in two main career paths: the individual contributor (IC) and the engineering manager (EM) roles. Both paths offer unique opportunities for growth and impact, but they require distinct mindsets and skill sets. In this blog, we will dissect the two paths and the mindsets required for success in each role.
The Individual Contributor Mindset
As an individual contributor, your primary focus is on technical excellence and delivering high-quality work. ICs are skilled engineers who excel at problem-solving, coding, and implementing solutions. They are the…