[y-c-o-m-b]

I'm an IC that's been applying for dev manager positions at other companies over the last couple of weeks. I've had two interviews and both of them have gone well so far, but I haven't heard back yet as they're still interviewing other candidates. I think the biggest barrier at other companies is competition; I'm competing with folks that are already established in the role, so I've had to get really creative with the "scenarios" I come up with when they're asking me their questions.

If you have the option to try it internally, I echo the dozens of other posts here that say it'll be the easier route. Much much easier. Getting to the interview stage at another company will be hard and like I said you'll be competing against stronger candidates. On top of that you'll be going into a role you have nearly zero knowledge about and any inexperience you have will be magnified because of it. If you're like me and there's no management positions available at your company, search elsewhere as a last resort.

EDIT: Oh another thing: the only reason I'm even being considered is due to past experience as a lead developer. If you haven't had any lead positions on your resume, it'll be even harder if not impossible at most places.