Starting in a new position

Starting in a new position

2022, Dec 14    

As a software engineer starting in a new position, it is important to ask questions about the system you will be working with in order to understand its complexity and how it fits into the overall architecture of the organization. Some questions you may want to ask include:

  • What is the overall architecture of the system, and how does it fit into the broader landscape of the organization’s technology?
  • What are the key components of the system, and how do they interact with each other?
  • How is the system currently being used, and what are its key features and capabilities?
  • What challenges or technical debt does the system currently face, and how are they being addressed?
  • Are there any documentation or other resources that can help me better understand the system and its design?

It is also important to ask questions about your role and responsibilities as a software engineer on the team. Some questions you may want to ask include:

  • What is my role on the team, and what are my specific responsibilities?
  • Who are the key stakeholders I will be working with, and what are their roles and responsibilities?
  • What is the team’s development process and workflow, and how can I best contribute to it?
  • Are there any specific tools or technologies that the team uses, and how can I learn more about them?
  • Are there any immediate priorities or projects that I should be aware of, and how can I contribute to their success?
  • Overall, the key is to ask as many questions as possible in order to gain a deep understanding of the system and your role in working with it. This will help you hit the ground running and make meaningful contributions to the team from the very beginning.