I've been managing engineering teams for the last ten years. I think, I know something about the promotion process in big companies. I wrote a manager's take on engineering promotions.

My takeaways:

• You need to be both competent and autonomous to get to the next level.
• Your ability to be promoted only partially depends on your skills.
• You need to be in the right team to showcase your strong sides.
• Your next role might require extra responsibilities that you're not doing now, and you might not realize that it's a big blocker for your career.
• Getting support from your managers is crucial. They play a big role in the promotions process, they present you to their bosses and peers.
• Your manager risking their reputation in the promotion process, not surprising why many managers are reluctant about this topic and give vague promises.
• Make sure you talk it through, and you understand clearly how the process works and who makes the decision.

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