How to Stay Relevant in Tech (25+ Years of Lessons)

Worried about staying relevant as AI and new tools keep changing tech? The answer isn't chasing every new framework, it's treating your career like an engineering problem you can solve.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why staying relevant isn't about the tools (and what it's really about)
• The 3 essential career management tools: Brag Doc, Competency Framework, and Mentors
• How to get promoted when you're already doing the work
• Navigating salary negotiations and knowing when to leave
• Building a career plan that gives you permission to relax

If you're an engineer who wants to take control of your career instead of letting it happen to you, this episode gives you the frameworks and tactics to do it.

Connect with Özgen Güngör:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ozgengungor

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Intro

00:00:46 - The Biggest Challenge for Tech Careers Today

00:01:33 - How to Stay Relevant in the Age of AI

00:03:46 - The Coming Commoditization of Coding

00:05:29 - How to Move Up the Value Stream as an Engineer

00:07:35 - Your First Tech Job is a Throwaway (And That's OK)

00:09:24 - The Power of Breaking Down Your Career Plan

00:11:44 - You Work 13% of Your Life: Why Intentionality Matters

00:13:56 - I Have Too Many Career Options. What Do I Do?

00:15:34 - The "5 Whys" Exercise for Your Career

00:19:38 - How to Get Your Manager to Be Your Ally

00:22:15 - The Truth About Big Tech's Broken Promotion Process

00:24:43 - The #1 Person Who Cares About Your Career

00:28:48 - Why You MUST Keep a "Brag Doc"

00:34:08 - How to Avoid Falling Behind in Promotions

00:37:33 - What is a Competency Framework?

00:40:34 - How to Map Out Your Own Career Ladder

00:44:35 - The Silent Factor That Kills Engineering Performance

00:48:31 - Your Career Transcends Your Company

00:52:40 - The 5-Year Plan That Changed My Career

00:56:18 - 3 Essential Tools for Total Career Management

#TechCareer #SoftwareEngineering #CareerAdvice