Switch from Program Manager to Technical Lead

Godsthrone T

Hi, I am currently working as a program manager and I have around 15 years of IT experience. But my passion has always been to be at Developement side rather than people management area. Iam in dilemna to switch my career at this stage, pleasea advise if this right time to switch to Development (.Net Or BigData) from an Management role? Eventually I would like to be an Architect, but can I start working as a Technical Lead and go from there. Many Thanks in advance for your advice !!

4 Replies

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Vidya Vrat Agarwal10y ago
Accepted answer
Hello,

Well, as you have confirmed that you have hard core technical background and as I assumed that as well. In my view this requires proper career mentoring:

But here is what I would recommend as step-by-step process to begin with:
1- In your current role as PM, start involving more into Design/Architecture discussions.
2- Involve more with Developers and Tech Leads participate in code reviews.
3- Brush up your skills to be aligned with new technologies like MVC 5, Web API, C# latest versions etc. (here I am assuming you are working on Microsoft stack, if not then same applies to your area of technology)
4- Participate or own in defining solution architecture for the work you are overlooking or driving for delivery to business.

By now I would believe you will be out of traditional PM shell and will be having good insight into technical side of the solution delivery.

Then start adding those technical side responsibilities into your LinkedIn and observe the response from recruiters for Solution Architect type of role.

TOGAF can help but be aware that very few companies are really implementing TOGAF. I will be writing an article on TOGAF soon. Stay tuned.

If you think this helps then please Accept the Answer, to have this thread closed and have other benefited also.

Best Wishes
Godsthrone T10y ago
Thanks Vidya !! This really helps !
Godsthrone T10y ago
Hi Vidya Vrat,

Thank you very much for the response !!
Out f 15 years, last 5 years have been working as Program Manager, but before that I was hard code technical resource. I want to go back to my roots - TECHNOLOGY :-)
I liked your advice and career path towards Solution Architect. But I was wondering how one can go from Tech PM to Solution Architect.?
You mean while working as Tech PM, you do TOGAF Certification ? Pls advice.

Thanks in advance !!
Vidya Vrat Agarwal10y ago
Hi,

In my view we all should emphasize and utilize our strengths and build upon experience.

As you have mentioned that you have 15 years experience in Program Management and I guess it was hard core PM role and no technology was involved. But I also think you must have had good idea on technology even if your coding skills have become rusty over the period of years; that's totally fine. To polish other sword you have to put other one down.

So here is scenario, you are an experienced PM and want to dive back into technology field.
I would rather advice you to go for Technical PM role, which is better path to get into Solution Architect type profile.

Hope this helps.