IC (What you Did There): Managing a Career While Staying out of Management

Are you an IT professional who values technical expertise over management roles? Learn how to advance your career, earn more, and stay true to your technical roots without moving into management. We’ll cover strategies, mindset shifts, and how to navigate employer expectations while staying hands-on

For many of us in IT, the thought of moving into management feels like abandoning our true passion—our technical skills. Who wants to trade coding for meetings, or problem-solving for paperwork? But how can we advance our careers and command higher salaries without stepping into management? This session will equip you with the mindset, strategies, and negotiation skills to thrive as a technical expert. Learn how to carve out a rewarding career path that honors your talents, keeps you hands-on, and helps you avoid the management track. Let’s ensure you never have to leave Vim behind!

Originally commissioned by Cyphercon for their 2025 keynote.