So you want to be an engineering manager?

There are plenty of resources for how to become a more effective manager. Even more resources for how to become a more effective engineer. But what about actually transitioning from engineer to manager?

In this talk, I aim to provide resources for how to proactively prepare for engineering management. In particular, we’ll look at some ways to frame the common types of Engineering Managers (there’s different types?!?), how their work tends to breakdown across a couple of key areas, and some strategies we can enact to build the skill.

Jayson J. Phillips is a technologist and plays one on TV, too! He’s a Sr Engineering Manager at Coursera, leading a team of engineers focusing on building the best possible online course experiences for learners worldwide. Periodically, he also teaches web development and data visualization bootcamps, most recently at UCLA Extension. As for the TV part, Jayson hosts a twice-weekly stream on Twitch entitled “Pull Up and Code!”, where he creates content meant to bring together engineers new and experienced with a bit of light-hearted fun — and a ton of bugs.

Originally from The Bronx, NY, Jayson currently calls Oakland home, and is proud of his “non-traditional” journey over his 19+ years in software engineering.