Talent Stacks for Good Engineers

Talent Stacks for Good Engineers by Anh Vu

Who are Good Engineers?

Those who can solve problems, build products, and deliver value.

Why are Good Engineers important?

• Because they're essential parts of a team to build products that customers need.
• Orgs are just a network of teams to create value at larger scale.
• To achieve big things, solve big problems --> Orgs, teams & Good Engineers are required.

To solve problems at the lowest level, 3 categories of skills are necessary:

• Know the business, customer very well to define problem to solve.
• Have skills to build things, solve problems the right way.
• Optimize the workflow, connect teams to wider business

Vietnam Example

• Big Problem/ Goal to achieved: become an International Financial Center (IFC).
• Solutions: need multi-levels, from Policy, Regulation, Partnership, Infrastructure, Technology & Engineers are must have.
• The Journey is step by step, from small Pilot/ POC to scaling. & Engineers are the Frontline to drive success.

How to become a Good Engineer? Talent Stack concept

• All orgs need talent. All have a specialized department to acquire talents.
• Look at their job description, you will see the "Talent Stack" they need.
• Good Engineers should have very good Tech Foundation. Build a Roadmap to achieve them 1st.

Double down on Tech Foundation

• 1st circle - What skills:

  • More than keywords in CV.
  • Need proven results: projects? demo projects?

• Talent Stack?

  • You’re not the best in 1 skill.
  • You’ve the balance mix to fit the need.

• The 1st circle keeps changing.

  • every 6 months.
  • it’s helpful for you to land a job.

Double down on Yourself

• 2nd circle - How:

  • Your habits shape your skills.
  • Same for Good Engineers.
  • 10.000 hours.

• Talent Stack?

  • Is the result of your daily habits.
  • Invest in your habits Today.

Discover Your WHY

• Central circle - Why:

  • Purpose to drive actions, habits...
  • It influences How & What.
  • Allow your Talent Stack to evolve with a clear direction.

• Avoid shallow skill acquisition (quickly be replaced by AI).

• I’m at the beginning too.

  • Read more: Start with Why - Simon Sinek.

Takeaway

• Talent Stack is evolving quickly especially with AI.
• Double down on you foundation & your core qualities will make differences.
• Start Today with your habit & in the long run find a purpose/ bigger reason to pursue.
  • 1 option is: a 10-days Vipassana meditation course.
  • Another option: learning by doing now — Ship This Weekend.