Vikash Viraj
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3 min read
Become a Top 1% Software Engineer

In the world of software engineering, being in the top 1% isn’t just about coding skills; it’s about a mindset and approach that sets you apart. Here’s a breakdown of what it takes:

1. Embrace Ambiguity

  • Problem-Solving Pro: Companies love engineers who can tackle complex problems head-on and deliver results efficiently.
  • Know What Success Looks Like: Before diving into code, understand the problem inside-out, set clear success metrics, and weigh the trade-offs.

2. Spot the Right Problems

  • Focus on Impact: Top engineers excel at identifying the most impactful problems and rallying support around solutions.
  • Listen to Your Team: Spend time with your team, understand their pain points, and prioritize fixes that make a real difference.

3. Become the Go-To Expert

  • Break Down Complexity: Instead of running from tough problems, break them down into manageable chunks and lead the way to solutions.
  • Be the Answer: Don’t just point people in the right direction; go the extra mile to find solutions and become the go-to person in your domain.

4. Think Customer-First

  • Think Beyond Code: Approach your work as if you’re building products, always keeping the end-user in mind.
  • Keep Improving: Launching a product isn’t the end; keep gathering feedback and refining to make it better.

5. Keep it Simple

  • Simplicity Wins: Focus on building what’s necessary and avoid over-complicating things.
  • Watch Your Tech Debt: Every decision introduces some tech debt; be mindful of it and pay it off when you can.

6. Mentor and Learn

  • Learn from the Best: Pair up with experienced engineers and learn from their approach.
  • Share Your Knowledge: Don’t keep your insights to yourself; share them through blogs, talks, or mentoring sessions.

7. Understand the Business

  • Connect the Dots: Know how your work impacts the company’s bottom line.
  • Think Big Picture: Understand the broader business context and align your efforts accordingly.

8. Shape the Culture

  • Be a Change Agent: Take the lead in organizing events, improving processes, and fostering a positive work culture.
  • Attract Top Talent: A great culture is the best bait for attracting top talent to your team.

Becoming a top-tier engineer isn’t a solo journey; it’s about continuously learning, adapting, and collaborating with your team to push the boundaries of what’s possible in software engineering.