Tag Archives: soft skills

8 Things I Learned During 8 Years at Google

Posted on April 23, 2024 by Sheldon "Don" Sandbekkhaug

This year marks my 8th year working at Google. Throughout that time, I’ve been on three different teams and met a ton of smart people. I simultaneously feel like I’ve learned a ton, yet, I have so much more to … Continue reading →

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5 Ways ICs Can Be Allies

Posted on December 5, 2023 by Sheldon "Don" Sandbekkhaug

You might have heard about DEI or allyship, and then not know what to do next. You want to help your teammates from underrepresented groups, but you’re not how. Or if you should. Let me challenge that. ICs can be … Continue reading →

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You won’t believe why I received this peer bonus

Posted on November 2, 2023 by Sheldon "Don" Sandbekkhaug

At Google, employees can give each other “peer bonuses” to recognize each other for doing outstanding work. All you have to do is open an internal website, type why the other person deserves recognition, and their manager will approve it. … Continue reading →

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5 Self-Sabotaging Phrases Software Engineers Need to Stop Saying (And What to Say Instead)

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Sheldon "Don" Sandbekkhaug

I’m tired of hearing software engineers complain. Yes, there are unfair managers, incompetent colleagues, systematic barriers, frustrating bureaucracy, and much, much more. Identifying problems is useful. Getting stuck in a cycle of negative emotions is not. The sad thing is … Continue reading →

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100 Things I’ve Learned as a Software Engineer at Google

Posted on December 6, 2022 by Sheldon "Don" Sandbekkhaug

It’s amazing to look back over the past seven years. When I first stared this blog, I was a CS student at UT. 99 blog posts later, I’m a software engineer and tech lead at Google. I don’t have everything … Continue reading →

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