IC vs Manager: How to Choose?

Senior level analysts and data professionals inevitably hit a critical career decision point.

You've either been in this situation before, are facing the decision right now, or will face the decision in the future.

Remain a technical individual contributor (IC) or go into management/people leadership?

How do you choose?

Choosing the technical IC path

If you love the technology, are fascinated by it, and get maximum fulfillment from working on technical problems, you should stay on the IC route (for now).

On the management route, you'll use your technical skills less over time. If this disgusts you, management isn't for you (yet). You will get more fulfillment by focusing on your technical skills.

Here are a few more signs that you should stay on the IC path:

• You have a strong aversion to the thought of leading people.
• You don't feel like you miss out on anything by not being a manager.
• You believe you can become the best analyst or engineer in your company.
• You get strong, positive feedback for your individual contributions and skillset.

There is infinite growth in building your technical skills. There are always new tools, techniques, and methodologies you can master. If this is what lights you up, keep doing it.

But if you're feeling torn and still don't know which route to take, it's time to step on the leadership path.

Choosing the management/leadership path

There are two types of people that need to follow the people leadership path.

1. People that naturally work well with others.
2. People that are interested in management/leadership but are scared.

If you work well with people, are curious about being a manager, have a desire to lead a team, and get satisfaction from helping others succeed, then the management path is the right call. You have the temperament and interests that will help you become an effective leader. You are limiting your growth by avoiding the leadership path.

If you are interested in management but are scared, you must go for that leadership position. You will never know what it's like to be a manager and leader until it's part of your job description. You will gain a different perspective on what it means to succeed on this path.

The fact that you're anxious about the decision means it's outside of your comfort zone. If it's outside of your comfort zone, there's maximum room for growth. If you grow, your career becomes more resilient.

And don't worry. If you don't like being a manager, you can always go back to being a high level IC (and vice versa).

Either path can be rewarding. The key is to make an intentional decision and to remember that the decision is reversible.

Challenge yourself to make a decision that suits your nature.