12+ years in backend engineering, mostly building large-scale distributed systems, with some AI/ML experience over the past couple of years. I'd consider myself an average senior engineer. At this point in my career, does it make more sense to stay on the IC track and specialize in AI/ML, or move into engineering management? curious what others with similar experience have done and whether they regret their decision.
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In my experience, you’re more valuable to the business if you maintain engineering expertise. This is easier to do as an IC.
Secondly, as an IC you should have greater impact on your financial outcomes. Correct? As a manager, you’re only as good as your team. So consider WHO you’d be managing (if known before hand). Some direct reports can drag you down.
Thirdly, do you like the people aspects of managing? Helping people reach their peak performance? Resolving people conflicts? Hiring? Firing? Putting people on plan? Mentoring? If so, consider management.
Do you like doing the actual technical work, are you good at it, and does it feel easy to you? If so, stay on the IC track.
Do you like dealing with people? Do you want to play politics, control people's career progression, and have the potential to become a CTO/CIO/CAIO? Go the Engineering Manager track in this direction.
The money is somewhat there in technical long-term Staff Engineer, Principal Engineer, etc. positions, but there is a ceiling and you will be a target of the MBAs and offshoring/outsourcing. Manager is less likely to be offshored, but still could be cut by the MBAs.
If the answer is not obvious to you, maybe you could try getting into management, and if you don't like it, go back to being an IC.
I wouldn't make this decision based on career progression alone. AI/ML offers plenty of opportunities for experienced engineers. Management is a different job, with less technical work and more meetings, hiring, and people issues. The real question is whether you enjoy leading people or simply see management as the next logical step.