Career Development Reference

T-Shaped Skills

Deep expertise in one area (vertical bar) + broad knowledge across many (horizontal bar); networking + security depth + Linux/Python/automation breadth

Certification ROI

Prioritize certs that open doors: CCNP validates, CISSP elevates, RHCSA differentiates; avoid cert-collecting without application

Skills Portfolio

Document what you build, not just what you know; GitHub repos, documentation systems, automation scripts speak louder than bullet points

70-20-10 Model

70% learning from experience, 20% from mentors/peers, 10% from formal training; optimize the 70%

Brag Document

Maintain a running log of accomplishments, impact, and metrics; update weekly, not at review time

Never Go First

Let the employer state the range; "I’d like to understand the full compensation package before discussing numbers"

Total Compensation

Salary is one component; evaluate base + bonus + equity + benefits + PTO + remote flexibility + learning budget

Market Research

Use Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, Blind for data; know your market rate by role + location + experience before negotiating

Counter with Data

"Based on market data for this role in this market, the range is X-Y. Given my Z experience, I’m targeting the upper end."

Walk-Away Number

Know your minimum before entering any negotiation; prevents emotional decisions under pressure

Timing Matters

Best leverage: competing offers, post-accomplishment, during hiring (not after accepting); worst: mid-project crisis

Build in Public

Share what you learn: documentation, blog posts, conference talks; teaching accelerates learning and builds reputation

Internal Mobility

Lateral moves within an org can be faster than external jumps for building breadth; request stretch assignments

Mentorship

Find mentors 2-3 levels ahead, not 10; they remember the path and can give tactical advice

Network Before Need

Build relationships when you do not need anything; the time to network is not when you need a job

Exit Strategy

Always maintain interview readiness: updated resume, active LinkedIn, portfolio, 2+ recruiter relationships

Deep Work Blocks

Protect focused work time aggressively; context switching costs 23 minutes per interruption (Gloria Mark research)

Junior (0-3 yr)

Execution, learning tools

Completes tickets, follows runbooks

Mid (3-7 yr)

Ownership, design decisions

Writes runbooks, mentors juniors, owns systems

Senior (7+ yr)

Architecture, strategy, mentorship

Designs systems, influences org direction, multiplies team output

Staff/Principal

Technical vision, cross-org impact

Sets standards, drives adoption, solves org-level problems