--- title: "Discussion on \"From an ex-Amazon team lead: 5 mistakes I made as a junior software engineer\" | Hashnode" description: "Discussion on \"From an ex-Amazon team lead: 5 mistakes I made as a junior software engineer\". A reflection on my mistakes, and how I corrected them" url: "https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd" --- [Feed](https://hashnode.com/feed) / Discussion # [From an ex-Amazon team lead: 5 mistakes I made as a junior software engineer](https://curtiseinsmann.hashnode.dev/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer?utm_source=hashnode&utm_medium=feed) A reflection on my mistakes, and how I corrected them Mar 24, 2022 · 4 min read · curtiseinsmann.hashnode.dev Updated Apr 1, 2022 Read the article - [#software-engineering](https://hashnode.com/tag/software-engineering) - [#programming](https://hashnode.com/tag/programming) - [#career](https://hashnode.com/tag/career) - [#skills](https://hashnode.com/tag/skills) - [#soft-skills](https://hashnode.com/tag/soft-skills) ## Written by [Curtis Einsmann](https://hashnode.com/@einsmanntech) @einsmanntech · VA, 🇺🇸 [View profile](https://hashnode.com/@einsmanntech) Software engineer; solopreneur. Follow me on Twitter for more! Software engineer; solopreneur. Writing to help developers level up. Follow me on Twitter for more. ## Responses 16 Markdown supported · ⌘↵ to post [Francis Faniku](https://hashnode.com/@fanifrancs) [Apr 8, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/625083f892d73e7055c16c26) Thanks for sharing your experience. It's educating. [HariHaran](https://hashnode.com/@hariacidreign) [Apr 4, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/624b32df16cdedfe9f7d1121) definitely an awesome article! I'm at Amazon rn (interning since Jan) and Point #4 hit home (I listen (not understand) my teammates's updates in Standup)..gotta nip this bad habit in the bud :P [Curtis Einsmann](https://hashnode.com/@einsmanntech) [Apr 5, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/624b32df16cdedfe9f7d1121#reply-624c97e6a5af51435566233c) This one is _extremely_ common among early-career developers. Best of luck at Amazon, and improving on your listening skills! [The Overaged Developer](https://hashnode.com/@TheOveragedDeveloper) [Apr 4, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/624acd944b4dde0dc0bea2ae) Great article, Curtis! That "its not my fault" part sounded very familiar. Definitely not a good attitude to have, especially in a team setting. [Curtis Einsmann](https://hashnode.com/@einsmanntech) [Apr 5, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/624acd944b4dde0dc0bea2ae#reply-624c979424471c433062c30c) Thank you! [Vic Kalchev](https://hashnode.com/@vickalchev) [Apr 2, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/624846f34b4dde0dc0be6bba) Great article, Curtis. Coming from a traditional finance career I made the same mistakes - except I didn't work with code but Excel and financial models. The mentality though was the same. [Ankit Kumar Sharma](https://hashnode.com/@ankits) [Apr 1, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/6247198616cdedfe9f7cb9fc) Hi [Curtis Einsmann](https://hashnode.com/@curtiseinsmann). Nice article and very insightful as well as relatable. Also, I am unable to get the crux of the 2 point. Can you please elaborate on the same? It would be extremely helpful for me. Thanks. [Curtis Einsmann](https://hashnode.com/@einsmanntech) [Apr 1, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/6247198616cdedfe9f7cb9fc#reply-624762f716cdedfe9f7cc12f) Hi Ankit, thanks for reading. I was overly focused on looking better than my peers to further my career, instead of focusing on my own abilities and skills that would grow my career. One example would be how I approached code reviews. I was nitpicking on small things like style or naming, without giving substantial feedback. My comments tended to be superficial. I wanted to be _seen_ as a mentor, but neglected providing insight that would _actually_ make me a valuable mentor. Hope that clarifies things a bit! [Annie 🦄⚡](https://hashnode.com/@anniebombanie) [Apr 1, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/62469afa16cdedfe9f7ca8e6) Always a pleasure reading your posts and ideas, Curtis! You're incredible to be so vulnerable about your mistakes here and sharing how you overcame them. Also, what a lovely personal touch with your photo at the end of this post!! <3 [Curtis Einsmann](https://hashnode.com/@einsmanntech) [Apr 1, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/62469afa16cdedfe9f7ca8e6#reply-6247149dc794c505604c34ff) Thanks for reading, Annie! Gotta show people who I am. 😄 [Dave Rogers](https://hashnode.com/@daverogers) [Mar 31, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/6245d987d1ff58fbe694800c) definitely true. being a senior dev at this point, i look back and think about the devs who mentored me (which i didn't think of as mentoring at the time, like you pointed out i was trying to make _my_ mark haha) and i'm like "i GET IT!" i see the same mistakes i made (over-engineering solutions, tightly coupling my use case to a proposed solution, trying to write code for a future case that likely will never appear or at least how i think it will, overdoing refactors, etc.) and i try to impart to young devs that they're like baby scorpions putting the stinger to everything in front of them when most things can be done simpler which will make their lives (and the lives of their teammates) so much easier down the road. i also try to help them with growing their career (i was also uncomfortable with these discussions, and thought i'd PROVE why i should get paid as much as my colleagues but the truth is, once you take a reduced rate it's locked in with 95% of employers) and understanding work/life balance more than i did in my 20s. sure, your current task might be "high priority" but there's one right after that, and right after that; you'll never get through all the high priority tasks and be able to relax, so learn how to prioritize yourself and your own health first because most employers are happy to let you work yourself to death for what is very likely an under-salaried workload. [Jagruti Tiwari](https://hashnode.com/@jagrutiti) [Mar 31, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/6245bca593b269f2e374371c) I made a few of these mistakes. You spoke my heart. Thank you for writing this. [providence Ifeosame](https://hashnode.com/@provydon) [Mar 31, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/6245a999114d74ee1e633e92) Hey Curtis, please could u list out the technical skills that were required for u to get the software development engineer role at AWS. would really appreciate it.. thanks. [Curtis Einsmann](https://hashnode.com/@einsmanntech) [Mar 31, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/6245a999114d74ee1e633e92#reply-6245adfc114d74ee1e633f91) Not an exhaustive list, but: - Data Structures and Algorithms - Problem solving - Writing logical and maintainable code - Handling ambiguity - System Design (for mid-level and/or senior roles) [providence Ifeosame](https://hashnode.com/@provydon) [Mar 31, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/6245a999114d74ee1e633e92#reply-6245d6da62d144fbc1c4518b) [Curtis Einsmann](https://hashnode.com/@curtiseinsmann) Great Thanks... But what about in terms of programming Languages and frameworks. which programming languages and frameworks did u need and where u always using for the role? And could you please recommend resources to Learn everything about Data Structures and Algorithms maybe the ones that you personally used. Would really really appreciate your reply .. thanks. [Curtis Einsmann](https://hashnode.com/@einsmanntech) [Mar 31, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/6245a999114d74ee1e633e92#reply-624601cc16cdedfe9f7c9c9f) [providence Ifeosame](https://hashnode.com/@provydon) You can use any programming language you want in the interviews. Knowledge of AWS helps, but isn't required. The book Cracking the Coding Interview is a great resource. [Adib Hasib](https://hashnode.com/@adibHasib) [Mar 28, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/62416f3b1bfa97c5345e9496) Hey Curtis! Great Post. Being in a junior position right now, your post may help me to improve my work life relationships and become a better human overall. [Curtis Einsmann](https://hashnode.com/@einsmanntech) [Mar 28, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/62416f3b1bfa97c5345e9496#reply-6241aa60db84f8c50fa5a40c) Great to hear, Adib! Best of luck putting the insights into practice. [Avery Snead](https://hashnode.com/@OceanPineapple) [Mar 28, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/624153c5ca2371befe7ea2d1) We have been utilizing this for half a month at this point and it is by all accounts going pleasantly. [Alvin Endratno](https://hashnode.com/@alvinend) [Mar 27, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/62407f4ada7e98a4a2389562) Have a similar experience here! Nice to know that I'm not alone 😄 [Curtis Einsmann](https://hashnode.com/@einsmanntech) [Mar 27, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/62407f4ada7e98a4a2389562#reply-624082b9da7e98a4a23895c4) 😄 [Ali Hasan](https://hashnode.com/@AliHasan11) [Mar 26, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/623f9547da7e98a4a2388465) I am at the beginning of my journey and these points are like a treasure, it is a blessing when you can learn from others and embrace their success. Highly appreciate that man. [Curtis Einsmann](https://hashnode.com/@einsmanntech) [Mar 27, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/623f9547da7e98a4a2388465#reply-624082a6e18c97b12445504e) 💯 Thanks for reading! [Victor Eke](https://hashnode.com/@Eke) [Mar 26, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/623eeb752209c88a3de917dc) I totally relate with the mistake of competition, and you're definitely right, genuinely rooting for others goes a long way to fight that urge and help achieve a better relationship with your peers. Thanks for sharing [Curtis Einsmann](https://hashnode.com/@curtiseinsmann) 🤍 [Curtis Einsmann](https://hashnode.com/@einsmanntech) [Mar 26, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/623eeb752209c88a3de917dc#reply-623f0da4da7e98a4a23877da) Thanks for reading, Victor! [Eleftheria Batsou](https://hashnode.com/@eleftheriabatsou) [Mar 25, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/623d899fb6813c8a18c21c04) This is so relatable! (ok, not the part of being an engineer at AWS... but the mistakes😊). Thank you [Curtis Einsmann](https://hashnode.com/@curtiseinsmann). [Curtis Einsmann](https://hashnode.com/@einsmanntech) [Mar 25, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/623d899fb6813c8a18c21c04#reply-623db57cb6813c8a18c22107) In mentoring junior engineers, I came to realize how common some of these are. Thanks for reading! [Charles](https://hashnode.com/@Sp00k) [Mar 24, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/623c93532209c88a3de8e58b) Hey Curtis! Great article, I’m currently a comp Sci student and this was very insightful for lies ahead. Thank you very much! [Curtis Einsmann](https://hashnode.com/@einsmanntech) [Mar 24, 2022](https://hashnode.com/posts/from-an-ex-amazon-team-lead-5-mistakes-i-made-as-a-junior-software-engineer/623c7a772209c88a3de8e1cd/comment/623c93532209c88a3de8e58b#reply-623c99ff2209c88a3de8e672) Hi Charles, thanks for taking the time to read! Best of luck with your remaining courses.