A software engineer can go a long way without understanding how their company really works. There are certainly advantages in focusing on the code and ignoring the politics and processes that go on around the office. At some point, if you want more control over the work that comes your way, you should learn more about the business in which you operate. An educated engineer can help in guiding key decisions and even introduce ideas that the business has not considered.
Here are some articles and books that I have read over the years that have given me a little more perspective:
- Business advice for software developers
- Learn business and become a Better Software Developer
- Want to increase your worth as a developer? Learn to impact the business
- Peopleware
- The Manager’s Path
Even StackOverflow thinks so!
Talk to your manager, peers and colleagues in other departments and learn the machine that is your company. You will make more impact, and your curiosity will broaden your network.
