SE Career Development Framework

CAREER PATHS

SE Career Track Options

SE CAREER PATHS

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR TRACK:
SE I → SE II → Senior SE → Principal SE → Distinguished SE

SE I (0-2 years):
☐ Executes standard demos
☐ Supports POCs with guidance
☐ Learning product depth
☐ Building sales skills

SE II (2-4 years):
☐ Independent demo/POC execution
☐ Handles competitive situations
☐ Mentors SE I
☐ Specialization beginning

Senior SE (4-6 years):
☐ Complex enterprise deals
☐ Strategic account ownership
☐ Product expertise
☐ Informal leadership

Principal SE (6-10 years):
☐ Largest strategic deals
☐ Industry thought leadership
☐ Internal influence
☐ Product direction input

MANAGEMENT TRACK:
Senior SE → SE Manager → SE Director → VP SE

SOLUTIONS ARCHITECT TRACK:
Senior SE → Solutions Architect → Principal SA → Chief Architect

PRODUCT TRANSITION:
Senior SE → Product Manager → Senior PM → Director PM

Career Path Matrix

Level	Deal Size	Complexity	Leadership	Comp Range
SE I	<$50K	Standard	None	Base level
SE II	$50-150K	Moderate	Peer	+20-30%
Senior	$150K+	High	Informal	+40-60%
Principal	Strategic	Enterprise	Formal	+80-100%

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SKILL MATRIX

SE Competency Framework

SE SKILL DEVELOPMENT

TECHNICAL SKILLS:
☐ Product mastery (1-5): _____
☐ Integration knowledge: _____
☐ Industry expertise: _____
☐ Demo proficiency: _____
☐ POC execution: _____

SALES SKILLS:
☐ Discovery: _____
☐ Presentation: _____
☐ Objection handling: _____
☐ Competitive selling: _____
☐ Deal strategy: _____

COMMUNICATION:
☐ Technical writing: _____
☐ Presentation: _____
☐ Executive presence: _____
☐ Storytelling: _____

LEADERSHIP:
☐ Mentoring: _____
☐ Strategic thinking: _____
☐ Cross-functional: _____
☐ Influence: _____

DEVELOPMENT PLAN:
Strength to leverage: _______________
Skill to develop: _______________
Action plan: _______________
Timeline: _______________

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PROMOTION CRITERIA

Level Advancement Requirements

PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS

SE I → SE II:
☐ 18+ months in role
☐ Consistent quota attainment
☐ Independent demo capability
☐ Manager recommendation
☐ Certification requirements met

SE II → SENIOR SE:
☐ 24+ months in role
☐ 100%+ quota 4+ quarters
☐ Complex deal experience
☐ Mentorship contribution
☐ Specialization demonstrated
☐ Leadership panel interview

SENIOR → PRINCIPAL:
☐ 36+ months at senior
☐ Track record on strategic deals
☐ Industry recognition
☐ Significant wins documented
☐ Executive presence validated
☐ VP/leadership approval

PROMOTION PROCESS:
1. Self-assessment completed
2. Manager nomination
3. Documentation package
4. Panel review
5. Decision communication

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