Ryan Peterman, a seasoned engineer at Meta, recently shared valuable insights on the essential steps for getting promoted in the tech industry. According to Peterman, excelling in your current role is just the beginning; making your achievements known is crucial for career advancement. During a talk at UCLA, he emphasized the importance of self-advocacy and visibility, stating, "If you go and build this amazing feature that nobody knows about, it doesn’t matter how good it is, you’re not going to get any recognition for it." Peterman’s career trajectory includes a six-year stint at Instagram, where he climbed to staff software engineer. He then shifted his focus to AI training infrastructure at Meta. His experience and observations have led him to conclude that overperforming in your current role, while commendable, is not sufficient to demonstrate readiness for a higher position. For instance, a junior engineer who completes ten times the number of features as their peers might receive a glowing performance review but won’t be considered for a promotion because they haven’t shown the leadership and initiative required for senior roles. To bridge this gap, Peterman advises engineers to understand the specific behaviors and competencies expected of higher-level positions. He recommends discussing these expectations with your manager early and often. “I was really, really eager to get promoted, and so I was constantly talking to my manager. As soon as I got promoted to one level, I was like, ‘Okay, what’s the next level? What can I do?’” While this approach might seem intense, he notes that it can help managers provide the necessary guidance and support. Visibility, according to Peterman, is the key to being recognized for senior roles. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, such as sharing your successes on social media, presenting your work in team meetings, or even writing blog posts. The goal is to ensure that your contributions are acknowledged and appreciated across the organization. He adds that being proactive about proposing improvements and asking questions can also significantly enhance your visibility. Even if some of these proposals are not accepted, demonstrating the ability to think critically and contribute to team discussions can make a strong impression. Peterman also highlighted the importance of networking and forming strong relationships within the company. Building a reputation as someone who is both competent and collaborative can help secure a promotion. He shared an anecdote about mentoring interns, noting that those who stood out were often the ones who were bold enough to suggest changes and actively engage in problem-solving. Furthermore, Peterman stresses the significance of setting clear goals and aligning them with the company’s objectives. Demonstrating how your work contributes to the broader mission can help managers see your value beyond your immediate tasks. For example, if you are working on a project that improves user experience, articulate how your efforts have led to tangible benefits, such as increased engagement or satisfaction. While technical skills are fundamental, Peterman argues that soft skills, particularly communication and leadership, become increasingly important as you move up the ranks. "You need to be able to communicate effectively and inspire others," he said. This includes not only articulating your achievements but also supporting your team and mentoring junior members. In summary, Peterman’s advice centers on a combination of hard work, self-advocacy, visibility, and understanding the expectations of higher roles. By taking these steps, engineers can significantly boost their chances of being promoted and advancing their careers. Industry insiders agree that Peterman’s advice aligns well with the realities of tech career progression. Many companies prioritize well-rounded professionals who can not only deliver results but also lead and communicate effectively. Meta, for its part, is a leading tech company known for its ambitious projects and innovative culture. Peterman’s insights, drawn from his extensive experience at both Instagram and Meta, provide practical and actionable guidance that can be useful for engineers at various stages of their careers.