<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true">Industry wisdom suggests needing about five years of real-world coding, testing, and project work to become a senior software engineer.View each year in the industry as gaining experience points (XP), leveling up with each feature developed and bug fixed.Early years may involve scripting and framework learning, while later years build a strong foundation in the software life cycle.To avoid appearing as a novice on your resume, prepare to write ample code, face challenges, and gain practical experience.To advance, aim to work in at least two different teams or companies, striking a balance between deep-diving in one codebase and diversifying.Gaining diverse experience across companies is considered essential for professional growth.While focusing on one codebase for a significant duration can offer in-depth insight and mastery of a specific technology.Continuous learning, adapting to different project requirements, and refining skills are key elements in the journey to senior software engineer.Networking, seeking mentorship, and contributing to open-source projects can accelerate career development.Embracing challenges and learning from failures are crucial steps in progressing towards senior roles.Prioritizing building a strong technical skill set, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills can aid in career advancement.Developing a comprehensive understanding of the software development life cycle is vital for transitioning to more senior positions.Experience gained from facing complex production issues and project challenges is invaluable in the process of becoming a senior software engineer.Balancing depth and breadth in your technical expertise is essential for career growth and advancement.Emphasizing consistent growth, adaptability, and resilience is key to succeeding in the software development industry.Becoming a senior software engineer requires a combination of technical expertise, experience, continuous learning, and adaptability.