Never let your company inflate your title to retain you.

A lot of companies hand out senior titles to improve retention. Don’t take it as a sign of true advancement. Let your title be something that is aligned with the quality and impact of your work.

Your inflated title may get you a fancy interview call, but when the interviewer asks for the impact, the quantifications, the challenges, and the complexities, you might not have an answer. Nothing beats the practical experience.

Building a strong foundation of technical skills and a track record of solving problems, improving business, and increasing revenue. Leave a lasting impact at work to ensure your value remains constant, regardless of title trends.

Don’t misunderstand – titles have their place. They offer a framework for understanding roles and experience. Be true to yourself, evaluate your contributions, and ask for the title you deserve.

But for those who seek a fulfilling and impactful career in software engineering, the true measure lies in the outcome and impact you bring by the work you do. Build a career that’s not just decorated with titles, but rich with accomplishments.