Learn about the three different career trajectories in tech with this trident model and why the traditional "IC" track is poorly named.

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Tech companies often use growth frameworks or career ladders to define shared expectations for growth and promotion. However, career ladders have limitations and can be treated as checklists. The Trident Career Model offers three tracks for career development: the Management Track, the Technical Leadership Track, and the True Individual Contributor Track.

The Trident Model of Career Development

The True Individual Contributor (IC) Track