@pb
I had mentored several tecdps over the years. All were great young men and women. Here’s what I’d tell them now.
1) Always try to have a business impact for your team. Be able to explain how the work you’re doing benefits your team and your business side stake holders.
2) Keep your own list weekly of what you’ve worked on. A few bullet points will do. Don’t rely on stats from git, confluence, or any other tool. This is a handy reference when you have to summarize your work for yearly reviews (or other intervals if they pop up).
3) Keep learning. If you have time during the work day, take advantage of the various internally available training courses and get certified in anything related to your job that you can.
4) If you can, try to reduce your expenses so that you have 6-12 months of savings in case you are let go unexpectedly. You will incur a 10% penalty if you use 401k savings to tide you over. Plus, that money compounds tax free over time and trust me, you’ll really want it later.
5) Once upon a time, you’d get a tap on the shoulder and your boss would say, ”Great job, congratulations on your promotion.” Not any more. If you want a promotion you need to ask for it and state your case. Promotions are never just granted anymore, anywhere. Plan your career. Have a 5 year plan.
6) Unfortunately, I’d say start looking for another job, outside of working hours and on your own computing devices, of course. Know the going rate for your skill set and see what is happening in the job market. It is tough out there for everyone. Any additional training / certifications you have gotten will help set you apart from your competition.
I miss the techdps I worked with. I wish you success in your post Cigna career.