New course available
So You
Want to be
a Manager?
> A comprehensive guide to help you decide if management is the right path for you. Explore the realities, challenges, and rewards of becoming a people manager.
// About this course
Making the transition from individual contributor to manager is one of the biggest career decisions you'll face. This course will save you weeks — even months — of research by providing the information in a compiled, structured way.
It doesn't sugarcoat the reality of management. You'll explore your motivations, understand what changes when you become a manager, and learn about the dual career ladder — so you can decide whether management is right for you, or if you should keep excelling as an IC.
What you'll discover:
- +An honest, comprehensive view of what being a people manager really means
- +Your own motivations — the good ones and the bad ones
- +What actually changes when you step into the role
- +The dual career ladder in most tech companies
- +A clear answer: is management the right path for you?

Taught by Dima Maleev — Associate Director of Engineering at Agoda with over a decade of experience building and leading tech teams. Meet your instructor →
// Who is this for
Senior ICs
Senior individual contributors being offered management opportunities or considering the transition.
Tech Leads
Technical leads who want to understand the difference between technical leadership and people management.
Career Explorers
Anyone curious about management but unsure if it's the right career move for them.
// Curriculum — 3 modules
So You Want to be a Manager
- —Welcome
- —Personal journey
- —The impossible job
- —Dual ladder of career
- —Not all ICs are good people managers
- —Good motivation
What Will Change?
- —Alone
- —What will change?
- —Expectations from the role
- —Your first year
Why Not to be a Manager
- —Bad motivations
- —Should you try it in the end?
// Pricing
Get the clarity you need
Single Product
Complete access to all course modules for 1 year — learn at your own pace.
- +Access to all course modules and tools
- +1 year access to all content
- +Self-assessment exercises
// Frequently asked questions
Is this course right for me if I'm already a manager?+
It's primarily designed for people considering the transition. However, new managers (within their first year) may find value in validating their decision and understanding what they've gotten into.
How long does it take to complete the course?+
The course contains about 3 hours of video content and can be completed at your own pace. Most people finish it within a week.
What if I decide management isn't for me after taking the course?+
That's actually a successful outcome! The course helps you make an informed decision. If you conclude management isn't right for you, you've saved yourself and your potential team from a difficult situation.
Do I get access to the main engineering management course?+
This is a standalone course. However, if you decide to pursue management afterwards, you'll have a solid foundation for our comprehensive engineering management program.
Ready to make
your decision?
Don't leave your career path to chance — get the clarity you need
Enroll now — $39 →