An Amazon Engineer's Reflections on Career Growth, Lessons Learned, and Adapting to the Company's Culture

Core Concepts

An Amazon engineer shares unexpected experiences, effective work habits, important career lessons, and evolving priorities over the course of their 3-year tenure at the company.

Abstract

The author reflects on their 3-year career journey at Amazon, sharing insights gained through conversations with other Amazonians.
Key highlights:

The author did not expect the significant amount of documentation required as an Amazon engineer, such as writing and reviewing 2-pagers, design documents, SOPs, and wikis. Effective writing and storytelling are crucial skills.
The author maintains a weekly/daily work journal to stay organized and focused on top priorities, as priorities can shift frequently at Amazon.
Important lessons learned include: being proactive and vocal regardless of one's background, prioritizing mental and physical health, treating feedback as a gift, understanding the "why" and "so what" behind tasks, and influencing the team culture.
The author's priorities have evolved over time, shifting from caring about how others judge their work and fear of mistakes to viewing feedback constructively and being less concerned about making mistakes.
The author was inspired by the quote "An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field", which they keep as a reminder on their Amazon phone.

Stats

One third to half of the author's work involves writing and reviewing documents.
The author maintains a weekly/daily work journal to stay organized and focused on top priorities.

Quotes

"An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field."

Key Insights Distilled From

The Prism: My Last Week in Vancouver & 3 Years at Amazon

by Wengie Wang at medium.com 06-05-2024

https://medium.com/@wengiew/the-prism-my-last-week-in-vancouver-3-years-at-amazon-c16ec6673cfc

Deeper Inquiries

How can Amazon further foster an environment that encourages proactive communication and feedback, regardless of an employee's background?

To foster an environment that encourages proactive communication and feedback at Amazon, the company can implement several strategies. Firstly, Amazon can promote a culture of inclusivity where all employees feel empowered to voice their opinions and ask questions, regardless of their gender, age, race, tenure, or cultural background. This can be achieved through training programs, workshops, and leadership initiatives that emphasize the value of diverse perspectives.
Additionally, Amazon can establish regular feedback mechanisms such as surveys, town hall meetings, and one-on-one sessions to provide employees with opportunities to share their thoughts and concerns openly. Encouraging a feedback-rich environment can help in identifying areas for improvement, fostering innovation, and enhancing overall employee engagement.
Moreover, Amazon can create channels for anonymous feedback to ensure that employees feel comfortable expressing their opinions without fear of retribution. By promoting transparency and open communication, Amazon can cultivate a culture where feedback is seen as a valuable tool for personal and professional growth.

What are the potential drawbacks of the extensive documentation culture at Amazon, and how can the company strike a balance between rigor and agility?

The extensive documentation culture at Amazon, while promoting clarity and accountability, can also have potential drawbacks. One drawback is the risk of information overload, where employees may spend excessive time creating and reviewing documents, leading to decreased productivity and efficiency. Moreover, too much emphasis on documentation can stifle creativity and innovation, as employees may feel constrained by rigid processes and templates.
To strike a balance between rigor and agility, Amazon can implement strategies such as streamlining documentation processes, providing training on effective communication and storytelling, and leveraging technology to automate repetitive tasks. By encouraging concise and impactful documentation, Amazon can ensure that information is communicated effectively without overwhelming employees with unnecessary details.
Furthermore, Amazon can promote a culture of continuous improvement, where employees are encouraged to provide feedback on existing documentation practices and suggest ways to streamline processes. By fostering a culture of flexibility and adaptability, Amazon can maintain rigor in documentation while also promoting agility and innovation.

How might the author's evolving priorities and perspectives on mistakes apply to other industries or organizations beyond Amazon?

The author's evolving priorities and perspectives on mistakes, such as viewing feedback as a gift, prioritizing mental and physical health, and embracing a growth mindset, can be applicable to other industries and organizations beyond Amazon. In any professional setting, the ability to seek feedback, prioritize well-being, and learn from mistakes is crucial for personal and professional development.
For instance, in the tech industry, where rapid innovation and continuous learning are essential, embracing a culture of feedback and resilience can help employees adapt to changing technologies and market demands. Similarly, in the healthcare industry, where patient safety and quality of care are paramount, prioritizing mental and physical health can enhance employee well-being and performance.
Overall, the author's principles of proactive communication, self-care, feedback acceptance, purpose-driven work, and learning from mistakes can serve as valuable guiding principles for individuals in various industries and organizations seeking to thrive in their careers and make a positive impact.