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Making it Big in Software: Get the Job. Work the Org. Become Great.
The Software Insider’s Guide to Getting Hired and Getting to the Top!
Here’s all the information you need to jumpstart your software career: the best ways to get hired, move up, and blaze your way to the top! The software business has radically changed, and this book reveals today’s realities–everything your professors and corporate managers never told you. In his 20 years at IBM as a software architect, senior manager, and lead programmer, Sam Lightstone has briefed dozens of leading companies and universities on careers, new technology, and emerging areas of research. He currently works on one of the world’s largest software development teams and spends a good part of his time recruiting and mentoring software engineers. This book shares all the lessons for success Sam has learned…plus powerful insights from 17 of the industry’s biggest stars. Want to make it big in software? Start right here!
Discover how to
• Get your next job in software development
• Master the nontechnical skills crucial to your success
• “Work the org” to move up rapidly
• Successfully manage your time, projects, and life
• Avoid “killer” mistakes that could destroy your career
• Move up to “medium-shot,” “big-shot,” and finally, “visionary”
• Launch your own winning software company
Exclusive interviews with
•Steve Wozniak, Inventor, Apple computer
• John Schwarz, CEO, Business Objects
• James Gosling, Inventor, Java programming language
• Marissa Mayer, Google VP, Search Products and User Experience
• Jon Bentley, Author, Programming Pearls
• Marc Benioff, CEO and founder, Salesforce.com
• Grady Booch, IBM Fellow and co-founder Rational Software
• Bjarne Stroustrup, Inventor, C++ programming language
• David Vaskevitch, Microsoft CTO
• Linus Torvalds, Creator, Linux operating system kernal
• Richard Stallman, Founder, Free software movement
• Peter Norvig, Google’s Director of Research
• Mark Russinovich, Microsoft Fellow and Windows Architect
• Tom Malloy, Adobe Chief Software Architect
• Diane Greene, Co-founder and past CEO of VMware
•Robert Kahn, Co-inventor, the Internet
• Ray Tomlinson, Inventor, email
456 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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122 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 3, 2011
This book, written by Sam Lightstone shines light on the differences between the skills acquired in university versus those needed to succeed in the business world. It also shares what recruiters look for in a candidate and what preferred skills will help you get your dream job. How can you differentiate yourself from the others who are similarly educated or similarly skilled, climb the ladder, become a technical leader and innovator, or even start your own successful software company? This book tells you how to accelerate your career and includes interviews with 17 of the industry’s biggest stars including inventors, researchers, entrepreneurs and leading executives, to find out what they did to stand out in this industry. Even if you are modest about your goals of making it in the software industry, this book will give you an edge that will last your entire career.
I would say that the thing most surprising about Sam's book is the number of audiences that it appeals to.
1) Obviously this book would appeal to anyone in university about to embark on a full time job. As Sam mentions in his book, school is much different than a job as a software developer in a big company... and to be successful, you need to learn the differences and adjust your behaviour for maximum impact. I really wish that this book was available when I graduated! I was really new to a corporate environment since I came from a family that was into farming and construction. I have noticed throughout my career that colleagues who had professional parents were able to work the system much better than I could. This book will help bridge that kind of gap.
2) Similar to those in university are those in the first couple of years on the job. Once you've figured out what you like and dislike about your job / career, you can use the advice in this book to make a real difference as to whether you are put on the fast track or not. The two things that stand out to me at this moment are: 1) become a domain expert; and 2) follow through on your inspirational ideas! These sound so easy to me...yet apparently they are rarely done!
3) People in their mid career can benefit from this book as they can figure out why they may have stalled, if they have, or how to rise a few steps higher, if they so choose. The advice in this book is suitable for any stage of your career.
4) Recruiters. Sam tells stories about when he was recruiting new employees and the types of people he favoured. Over time he realized that he wasn't looking for the right qualities. This goes hand in hand with the fact that school success and career success are quite different. You might be surprised by Sam's findings.
5) Good managers help their employees reach their full potential. Managers who read this book will become better mentors and coaches for their employees. A successful team reflects very well on the leader of the team!
I had the absolute pleasure to attend an hour long session by Sam Lightstone recently. Sam has taken a few topics in his book and created a 10 point agenda that provides a few highlights from his best selling book.
Let me share a few of the tips that Sam shared today... but if you get the opportunity to hear Sam yourself, take it! Sam is a very fun speaker to listen to. Also, you won't be disappointed with the book!
1) Dress for Success
What does a successful software developer wear? The same as a CEO? NO! CEOs are typically polished wearing fancy suits. Software developers? Running shoes, jeans, t-shirts... don't believe me? Find a photo of the Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin and you'll see that they dress like ROCK STARS!
2) Pay
Senior Software Architects make much more money than junior employees. Check it out on payscale.com. But... what you don't see on sites like this is the other money superstars make. They often get large bonuses and stock options beyond their base salary.
3) Freedom
A superstar developer has much freedom in their job in terms of where they want to work and customers they want to visit.
4) Getting Ahead
There was lots of advice about getting a promotion and rising in your field, but the one thing that stood out for me is that you should become the expert in YOUR DOMAIN. Whatever that domain is... become an expert. It doesn't take long, but unfortunately it is rarely done. So, it would be fairly easy to stand above your peers if you just invested a bit of time each month to learn something new about your domain.
5) Pros and Cons of Climbing the Ladder
There are cons to anything you do in life... but the pros of climbing can be worth the cons, if that's what you want to do.
6) Inspiration
What is more important than inspiration? Would believe that it is following through on your plans? It is! And apparently following through is rare. Surprising!
7) Time Management
Did you know that goofing off can actually be important to your career? Really! Your brain needs a break from time to time, so give in. But make sure you don't abuse this advice!
8) Promotion
There are lots of considerations regarding getting promoted.. and the most important is to do something that makes you stand out from your peers. Publish, file patents, join groups, present about your topics, etc. Do what you like to do and what makes you feel appreciated.
9) Social Dynamics
One of the key messages here is DON'T GOSSIP! 9/10 times you gossip, it may not get around... but even 1 out of 10 times could be a career killer! I've worked with Sam for a number of years and let me tell you! He practices what he preaches.
Speaking of career killers, I'd be surprised if you've managed to avoid all the problems that are mentioned.... I know I have witnessed most of them in my career. The advice in this chapter is dead on... and in times when many jobs are disappearing, it might be a good idea to read this chapter to make sure that you are on the right side of a layoff.
10) Balance
I think software developers are notorious for NOT HAVING A LIFE! I must admit that working in the software business (and for IBM for that matter) can be all consuming and never ending... and maybe a bit addictive. Can a balance be achieved? I think it can and I'll let you read what Sam says about the subject.
This is the last paragraph that Sam wrote in this chapter:
"Careers do require hard work and enthusiasm, and those are attributes that encourage people to spend more time at the office. Finding your own balance is hard, but if you discover the Philosopher's Stone that helps you get it right, you'll have done the best possible service to your career and your life. No other tactic or vice will serve you better. With only one life to lead, it's definitely worth the effort".
I would say that the thing most surprising about Sam's book is the number of audiences that it appeals to.
1) Obviously this book would appeal to anyone in university about to embark on a full time job. As Sam mentions in his book, school is much different than a job as a software developer in a big company... and to be successful, you need to learn the differences and adjust your behaviour for maximum impact. I really wish that this book was available when I graduated! I was really new to a corporate environment since I came from a family that was into farming and construction. I have noticed throughout my career that colleagues who had professional parents were able to work the system much better than I could. This book will help bridge that kind of gap.
2) Similar to those in university are those in the first couple of years on the job. Once you've figured out what you like and dislike about your job / career, you can use the advice in this book to make a real difference as to whether you are put on the fast track or not. The two things that stand out to me at this moment are: 1) become a domain expert; and 2) follow through on your inspirational ideas! These sound so easy to me...yet apparently they are rarely done!
3) People in their mid career can benefit from this book as they can figure out why they may have stalled, if they have, or how to rise a few steps higher, if they so choose. The advice in this book is suitable for any stage of your career.
4) Recruiters. Sam tells stories about when he was recruiting new employees and the types of people he favoured. Over time he realized that he wasn't looking for the right qualities. This goes hand in hand with the fact that school success and career success are quite different. You might be surprised by Sam's findings.
5) Good managers help their employees reach their full potential. Managers who read this book will become better mentors and coaches for their employees. A successful team reflects very well on the leader of the team!
I had the absolute pleasure to attend an hour long session by Sam Lightstone recently. Sam has taken a few topics in his book and created a 10 point agenda that provides a few highlights from his best selling book.
Let me share a few of the tips that Sam shared today... but if you get the opportunity to hear Sam yourself, take it! Sam is a very fun speaker to listen to. Also, you won't be disappointed with the book!
1) Dress for Success
What does a successful software developer wear? The same as a CEO? NO! CEOs are typically polished wearing fancy suits. Software developers? Running shoes, jeans, t-shirts... don't believe me? Find a photo of the Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin and you'll see that they dress like ROCK STARS!
2) Pay
Senior Software Architects make much more money than junior employees. Check it out on payscale.com. But... what you don't see on sites like this is the other money superstars make. They often get large bonuses and stock options beyond their base salary.
3) Freedom
A superstar developer has much freedom in their job in terms of where they want to work and customers they want to visit.
4) Getting Ahead
There was lots of advice about getting a promotion and rising in your field, but the one thing that stood out for me is that you should become the expert in YOUR DOMAIN. Whatever that domain is... become an expert. It doesn't take long, but unfortunately it is rarely done. So, it would be fairly easy to stand above your peers if you just invested a bit of time each month to learn something new about your domain.
5) Pros and Cons of Climbing the Ladder
There are cons to anything you do in life... but the pros of climbing can be worth the cons, if that's what you want to do.
6) Inspiration
What is more important than inspiration? Would believe that it is following through on your plans? It is! And apparently following through is rare. Surprising!
7) Time Management
Did you know that goofing off can actually be important to your career? Really! Your brain needs a break from time to time, so give in. But make sure you don't abuse this advice!
8) Promotion
There are lots of considerations regarding getting promoted.. and the most important is to do something that makes you stand out from your peers. Publish, file patents, join groups, present about your topics, etc. Do what you like to do and what makes you feel appreciated.
9) Social Dynamics
One of the key messages here is DON'T GOSSIP! 9/10 times you gossip, it may not get around... but even 1 out of 10 times could be a career killer! I've worked with Sam for a number of years and let me tell you! He practices what he preaches.
Speaking of career killers, I'd be surprised if you've managed to avoid all the problems that are mentioned.... I know I have witnessed most of them in my career. The advice in this chapter is dead on... and in times when many jobs are disappearing, it might be a good idea to read this chapter to make sure that you are on the right side of a layoff.
10) Balance
I think software developers are notorious for NOT HAVING A LIFE! I must admit that working in the software business (and for IBM for that matter) can be all consuming and never ending... and maybe a bit addictive. Can a balance be achieved? I think it can and I'll let you read what Sam says about the subject.
This is the last paragraph that Sam wrote in this chapter:
"Careers do require hard work and enthusiasm, and those are attributes that encourage people to spend more time at the office. Finding your own balance is hard, but if you discover the Philosopher's Stone that helps you get it right, you'll have done the best possible service to your career and your life. No other tactic or vice will serve you better. With only one life to lead, it's definitely worth the effort".
January 17, 2013
I met Sam Lightstone in 2009. He was giving my team a talk about his baby, the DB2 load utility, which he just called "the loader". We were the local developers of that component, precisely. He told us how it started as a collection of scripts that got bigger and bigger and more and more useful and it eventually ended up becoming one of the largest code bases in the DB2 server.
This was not, however, what impressed me the most. It was his passion. This was obviously a man who really believed in his work and enjoyed it. I admired that.
And then long after that one time we met, I saw that he had published a book on career growth on the software industry. I had to read it, you must understand.
The book is packed with great advice on how to achieve success for many different meanings of the word "success" and for many different scenarios. It covers from interview preparation to followership advice, and choosing between big corp or start-ups, that kind of thing. This is interleaved with a series of interviews with people who have made it big in software.
The interviews themselves were the part that I liked the least, some of the interviewees seemed to be answering different questions than the ones asked and some others were too lacking on humbleness (Woz, ahem, I'm looking at you).
Lightstone talks also about money, and brings up as a point that the interviewees did not mention it as a measure of success, but come on, that's probably because they were assuming that everyone would already know that, I don't buy the "money is not important" thing. He says that surrounding yourself with good people and working on stuff you are passionate about is more important, but I'll add that this is perhaps true, provided you are also making good money, so you don't even have to think about money.
I thought the ending was brilliant, so much that it has made me decide that I want to get a hard copy of the book for reference. I had been thinking this throughout the book, but I was rather hesitant until the last chapter.
The groundbreaking revelation on this book has been a section that seemed to be directed at how my brain understands things, it lists reasons why some smart people who want to make it big don't get to do it, despite their misguided efforts. That was it, I might print that section out and hang it on the wall.
If you want to know, read the book, but don't just skip to the end, the whole book is a very nice build up for that final chapter.
This was not, however, what impressed me the most. It was his passion. This was obviously a man who really believed in his work and enjoyed it. I admired that.
And then long after that one time we met, I saw that he had published a book on career growth on the software industry. I had to read it, you must understand.
The book is packed with great advice on how to achieve success for many different meanings of the word "success" and for many different scenarios. It covers from interview preparation to followership advice, and choosing between big corp or start-ups, that kind of thing. This is interleaved with a series of interviews with people who have made it big in software.
The interviews themselves were the part that I liked the least, some of the interviewees seemed to be answering different questions than the ones asked and some others were too lacking on humbleness (Woz, ahem, I'm looking at you).
Lightstone talks also about money, and brings up as a point that the interviewees did not mention it as a measure of success, but come on, that's probably because they were assuming that everyone would already know that, I don't buy the "money is not important" thing. He says that surrounding yourself with good people and working on stuff you are passionate about is more important, but I'll add that this is perhaps true, provided you are also making good money, so you don't even have to think about money.
I thought the ending was brilliant, so much that it has made me decide that I want to get a hard copy of the book for reference. I had been thinking this throughout the book, but I was rather hesitant until the last chapter.
The groundbreaking revelation on this book has been a section that seemed to be directed at how my brain understands things, it lists reasons why some smart people who want to make it big don't get to do it, despite their misguided efforts. That was it, I might print that section out and hang it on the wall.
If you want to know, read the book, but don't just skip to the end, the whole book is a very nice build up for that final chapter.
February 11, 2011
I probably would have given this book 4 stars if I had read it before having worked for a few years. A lot of the stuff in here is basic, common knowledge to anyone that has been involved with software for a while. That being said, there were some good tips regarding building emotional cache with colleagues and also regarding making improvements that are not directly aligned with your current job / task.
My biggest issue with the book though is that it makes the assumption that work is the most important thing. The whole book revolves around how to be the best at software and ignores to a large extent the work-life balance. Though it does mention that balance is important, it doesn't do a great job of illustrating how not to be a workaholic. In fact, it almost suggests that to be successful you need to be a workaholic and I just don't agree with this. The best interview in the book was with Salesforce.com's founder, Marc Benioff. He suggests that balance is possible and, in fact, necessary in order to have a well-rounded life. His interview should have been the first one in the book IMO.
My biggest issue with the book though is that it makes the assumption that work is the most important thing. The whole book revolves around how to be the best at software and ignores to a large extent the work-life balance. Though it does mention that balance is important, it doesn't do a great job of illustrating how not to be a workaholic. In fact, it almost suggests that to be successful you need to be a workaholic and I just don't agree with this. The best interview in the book was with Salesforce.com's founder, Marc Benioff. He suggests that balance is possible and, in fact, necessary in order to have a well-rounded life. His interview should have been the first one in the book IMO.
January 31, 2013
I've just finished the first part of the book. Maybe due to that I have just graduated from university. I just can't go on reading on this book. Maybe next time I will try to finish the whole book.
March 29, 2013
Great for newbies.
A little bit of everything in the software industry.
A little bit of everything in the software industry.
Read
September 27, 2013Its an ok read. if you have the time to blow. some of the folks covered dont merit an inclusion. Typical large company syndrome, may not find favor with the current Generation.
August 11, 2014
Excellent book. Must read book for software engineers.
Good stories from famous software managers.
Good stories from famous software managers.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews