Significant Career Lesson From A Software Engineering Manager At Fortune 10 Tech Company
Sara's significant career lesson is that stepping away from a career path, whether by choice or necessity, doesn't necessarily hinder advancement; instead, periods of reflection and independent learning have consistently led to "a higher level and a bigger opportunity" upon returning to the workforce. This contradicts the common belief that career interruptions are detrimental, showing that taking time off doesn't mean permanently losing ground.
Career Development, Executive/Leadership, Overcoming Challenges, Resilience, Motivational Stories
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sara Rahimian
Software Engineering Manager
Fortune 10 Tech Company
University of California, Berkeley
NA
Computer Science, Engineering - Electrical
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness, Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Honors Student, Immigrant, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Stepping away from your career temporarily to pursue other interests or take a break can lead to higher-level opportunities upon your return.
2. Continuous learning and reflection outside of traditional employment can enhance your skills and make you a more competitive candidate.
3. Don't be afraid to take calculated risks in your career; setbacks are not always permanent and can sometimes lead to greater growth.
Transcript
What is one lesson you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
For me, the lesson I've learned, which perhaps many people don't experience in the same way, is that I've actually stepped out and come back in many times. People often think that if you step out, either because you have to or because you want to, it will be the end of your career or you'll lose a lot of ground.
But what I found is that every time I took a step out, because I'm a curious person, I was doing a lot of reflection and learning on my own. Pretty much every time I went back, I returned to a higher level and a bigger opportunity.
So this idea that if you step away, you can never get back on a train that's going to escape you hasn't really proven to be particularly true. That doesn't mean you do nothing in between. You can't let your expertise and knowledge go completely stale.
What I'm saying is it's not a lifetime commitment to being on the track, or you're out forever. Many times, we are made to feel that that's true, but I have not experienced that at all.