The journey from an intern to a technical team lead is anything but linear. It is a steep, demanding climb filled with sharp learning curves, moments of doubt, and the relentless pulse of professional expectations. My transition, which began with an eagerness to learn, evolved into a role where I became the go-to person for answers, the face of accountability, and the bridge between stakeholders and cross-functional teams. However, this journey would not have been possible without the incredible support of my team and the growth-driven culture of my company.
The Steep Learning Curve
As an intern, my primary focus was absorbing knowledge, understanding codebases, debugging issues, and taking on small tasks to prove my competence. Every line of code was an opportunity to learn, and every mistake was a stepping stone toward growth. But the learning curve only grew steeper as I took on more responsibility. It was no longer just about writing functional code; it was about writing scalable, maintainable, and efficient solutions that aligned with business goals.
The Pulse: Keeping Up with the Pace
The transition to leadership wasn’t simply about mastering technical concepts. It required understanding the pulse of the team, the product, and the company. Deadlines became more than just dates; they were commitments I had to ensure were met. Every decision carried weight, impacting performance, user experience, and business outcomes. The pace was relentless, but adapting quickly became second nature.
The Strength of a Great Team
No leader thrives alone. I have been fortunate to work alongside a talented, dedicated team that makes the challenges of leadership easier to navigate. Their collaboration, expertise, and ability to rise to challenges have been instrumental in our collective success. From brainstorming solutions to supporting each other in high-pressure situations, my teammates have been a pillar of strength in this journey.
And of course, one of the most amusing parts of this journey has been seeing distant colleagues stumble upon my profile on Teams. The moment they realize that Adebowale Bello (Backend Intern) is actually leading a technical team instead of fetching coffee always gives me a bit of joy. It’s the little things!
Becoming the Face of Accountability
One of the most jarring shifts was realizing that as a lead, I wasn’t just responsible for my work; I was accountable for my team’s performance. If a project failed, if an integration broke, or if a stakeholder had concerns, I was the first point of contact. This required cultivating a strong problem-solving mindset and not just identifying issues but proactively addressing them before they escalated. Owning both successes and failures became part of the role.
Always Having (or Finding) the Answers
Technical leadership doesn’t mean knowing everything; it means knowing how to find answers. Whether it’s debugging a complex issue, optimizing system performance, or justifying a technical decision to stakeholders, I had to be prepared. This required staying updated on industry trends, constantly improving my problem-solving approach, and ensuring my team had the right resources to succeed.
Managing Pressure and Expectations
Pressure is inevitable. Juggling deadlines, ensuring the team’s efficiency, and balancing technical and managerial responsibilities required mental resilience. Managing and aligning with leadership’s expectations was just as crucial as managing and ensuring my team had clarity and support. Setting realistic expectations, communicating effectively, and prioritizing tasks helped in keeping the chaos under control.
A Culture That Encourages Growth
Beyond my team, the company’s commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation has been a key driver in my growth. The environment has encouraged experimentation, provided access to learning resources, and offered opportunities to take on challenging projects that pushed me out of my comfort zone. Having an organization that values professional development has made the transition into leadership smoother and more rewarding.
Stakeholder and Cross-Functional Collaboration
As a technical lead, my role extended beyond my immediate team. Engaging with product managers, designers, and business executives became routine. Translating technical complexities into digestible information for non-technical stakeholders was a skill I had to hone. Understanding business needs and aligning technical solutions with them was key to driving impact.
Conclusion
The journey from an intern to a technical lead has been transformative. The growth has been immense, not just in technical proficiency but in leadership, communication, and decision-making. It’s a role that demands continuous learning, resilience, and adaptability. While the challenges are many, the fulfillment of leading a team, driving impact, and shaping solutions that matter makes it all worthwhile.
And the learning continues! I strive every day to bring my A-game, improve my skills, and encourage those around me to do the same. For anyone navigating a similar path, embrace the steepness of the climb, it’s where growth happens. And never underestimate the power of a great team and a company that champions growth.
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