From Engineer to Manager: Is Leadership the Right Career Path for You?

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If you work in a technical field, you've probably faced the question at some point: should you move into management or stay on the technical path? It’s not always an easy decision.

I had a conversation with a mentee of mine a few months ago and I was stunned with their question, 'How long do I have to tolerate the technical path before I take the step towards management'

Either path shouldn't be something you tolerate. The way you feel now, will likely give you a first indication, but here's some of my top tips to help you take the decision with more certainty.

Both routes offer opportunities for growth, but the right choice depends on your strengths, interests, and long-term career goals.

Let’s break it down.

Understanding the Two Career Paths

The Management Track

Transitioning into management means taking on responsibilities beyond technical execution. Your role shifts towards leadership, strategy, and team development.

What It Involves:

• Leading teams and projects

• Handling budgets and resource planning

• Coaching and mentoring junior engineers or designers

• Influencing company-wide strategy and decision-making

  
  

Signs Management Might Be Right for You: 

✅ You enjoy mentoring and guiding others

✅ You’re interested in shaping company direction and team culture

✅ You prefer big-picture thinking over deep technical work

✅ You want to develop skills in negotiation, leadership, and business strategy

Challenges to Consider: 

❗ Less hands-on technical work

❗ Increased responsibility for people management and performance reviews

❗ Greater focus on budgets, timelines, and stakeholder management

The Technical Expert Track

If you love solving complex problems and deepening your expertise, staying in a technical role might be the right choice. Many companies now offer career growth within technical specializations (often called "individual contributor" or "technical fellow" tracks).

What It Involves:

• Becoming a subject matter expert in your field

• Innovating and developing new technologies or processes

• Publishing research, patents, or technical documentation

• Consulting on high-stakes projects within your company or industry

  
  

Signs the Technical Track Might Be Right for You: 

✅ You love problem-solving and diving deep into complex topics

✅ You prefer working on projects rather than managing people

✅ You enjoy learning and staying ahead of industry trends

✅ You want to be recognized for technical expertise rather than leadership skills

Challenges to Consider: 

❗ Fewer opportunities for direct leadership influence

❗ Potential salary limitations compared to management roles

❗ The need for continuous learning and specialization to stay relevant

How to Decide Which Path is Right for You

Making a career transition is a big decision, but here are some ways to gain clarity:

1. Reflect on What Energizes You

• Think about past projects: Were you more excited about solving a technical challenge or mentoring a junior colleague?

• Consider your ideal workday: Does it involve deep focus on a problem or leading discussions and decision-making?

• Also, it could be that this role or company might not energise you, read this blog if you are struggling in general - "Do I just suck at my job?"

  
  

2. Talk to People in Both Roles

• Find peers and leaders in engineering or design who have taken both paths. Ask about their experiences, challenges, and what they wish they knew earlier.

• If possible, shadow a manager or senior technical expert for a day.

3. Test the Waters

• Volunteer for short-term leadership opportunities, such as mentoring or leading a small project.

• On the other hand, if you're in management but miss technical work, carve out time for a technical project or certification.

• Want to know more about what this could look like? Here's what I did to test the waters in an intentional and structured way when I was stuck in a rut.

4. Consider Your Long-Term Career Goals

• If you see yourself influencing company strategy and leading teams, management is likely a better fit.

• If you’re passionate about technology and innovation, staying technical can be deeply fulfilling (and lucrative!).

5. Really get to know yourself

The important part of taking the step is ultimately about self awareness and self knowledge. If you don't take the time to regularly reflect and understand what really makes you tick, then it can be very easy to go off on the wrong path.

The good news is, you can start small and simple and really get to know and honour your values. If you don't know where to start, then start here - Download my brand new ebook - Know Your Values - and take the first (intentional) step.

Final Thoughts - What's the right career path for you?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some women thrive in management, while others find deep satisfaction in technical mastery. The good news? Career paths aren’t set in stone. Many engineers and designers transition between technical and leadership roles throughout their careers.

Wherever you land, ensure it aligns with your strengths, values and what makes you feel fulfilled at work.

I'd love to know what's coming up for you and what else has worked for you when facing this cross road.

How did you know that subject mastery or leadership was the right path for you? Drop a comment below.