Wherever the Wind Blows
The winds of change have scattered my team among several companies. The cohesive forces experienced between team members at my previous company have resulted in groups of people finding themselves working in new environments with others of our previous company. Two former teammates have relocated to a semiconductor company, and two others took up positions at an aerospace company. I joined two colleagues from my previous company to be a part of another company. Other groups have similarly formed, and they work together at other companies.
Having been at a small technology company has allowed each team member to develop skills that are highly marketable. With each team member interested in developing their skills, an arrangement evolved where an engineer earned experience in all phases of the development life cycle. The software development team, for example, rotated the responsibilities of designing, implementing, and testing software components. At some point during the projects, the latest additions to our team would be responsible for critical and complex parts of the systems. Each member gained experience delegating work and tracking the progress of their modules. The team as a whole was also responsible for integrating these software components to yield the final deliverable products. This environment, with its opportunities for self-development and enhancement of professional maturity, was fostered by an effective managerial style practiced by experienced management.
I have interviewed at numerous companies, and received several offers. My interview experience and results are shared with many of my former teammates. The former company left us in a stronger position that allowed us to select our next company among those that would give us opportunities. While I was engaged in interviewing, I was interested in the team that I would be joining, the type of projects, and the environment overall.
I am thankful that many of the people with whom I interviewed were very candid. One company explained to me that being at the office for at least 60 hours per week as well as being reachable while away from the office was expected and typical. Another company informed me of their lack of process and documentation, and gave me a warning about a challenging transfer of knowledge and steep learning curve. The management of this company expressed interest in increasing formalism, and I was willing to be accountable for effecting positive change, but the environment seemed too challenging to encourage change without real authority. Ultimately, my selection of an opportunity depended on the team, the company, and my interests. My former teammates have also made their selections based on their preferences.
It is here, then, that I wish my former team members the best of luck in their endeavors. I hope that their careers lead to achievement, personal fulfillment, and betterment of society as a whole. And, I would strongly consider taking the opportunity to work with any of my former team members in the future.