Career Direction - Lead developer/Technical Architect

android-fan · 16 Oct 2016 at 11:19

Think quite a few members on here are in the "software" industry, so a good place to hopefully get some good advice.

Been a software developer / team leader for current company for 20 years (!). All together been in IT for 24 years, since graduating.

Although I'm a team leader, I still enjoy the technical side of my job more than the management side. Languages wise we use a not very common toolset, but I've managed to introduce angularjs, node etc. into the workplace and used on a couple of small commercial projects.

I'm being given the opportunity to move into a purely technical role, but I feel I'm missing something to allow me to become a lead developer / technical architect etc. Training is on offer.

So the question is, what sort of training, conference attendance, mentoring and coaching should I be looking for? By my peers I'm seen as very technically competent, but having seen what others can achieve I feel I'm missing something.

Thanks.

android-fan · 16 Oct 2016 at 12:16

Thanks.

The language we use is a traditional procedure 4gl, but does now have OO extensions. I would consider myself an expert in this.

Done bits of c# and java but definitely not beyond beginner.

Done a reasonable amount of web development.

I am according to my peers very good with customers, and have presented to customers at director level. Have excellent relationships with senior management at all our customers. I'm also involved in presales work.

I'm told one of my main strengths is generating ideas.

What sort of technical role fits these strengths? R&D?

Thanks

android-fan · 16 Oct 2016 at 13:20

A title of solutions architect has been mentioned by my manager. But what training and coaching should I be looking at to be able to move successfully into that role?

Thanks

android-fan · 18 Oct 2016 at 12:50

Thanks for the input all.

My title is dev team leader and is very similar to the last post, 20% management, 80% code/consultancy etc.

I though to break out of the "just a dev" box, and step up to a more architect type role, some sort of training like Togaf would work well. I may be doing some of those aspects already, but some formal training/certification should help ?