Aspiring Leaders
Aspiring Leaders Program
The Aspiring Management program gives individual contributors in GitLab Support a structured opportunity to experience management responsibilities before committing to a career transition into Leadership.
This program is 3 months long. Participants complete leadership coursework, receive 1:1 mentorship from current managers, and perform real management activities like evaluations and feedback delivery.
This program builds our leadership pipeline, improves retention of our aspiring team members, and helps people make informed decisions about whether management is the right path for you.
Although there is no defined number of team members that can take this leadership track, we do ask that you work with your current Manager to assess whether this is a good time for you to take this program. Your Manager must sign off on the time commitment, and work with you as you move through this program.
To join the program, participants must:
- Have at least 12 months in your current role at GitLab
- Receive manager approval to participate
- Commit to the full 3-month program
- Complete all required coursework and activities
- Attend any scheduled sessions and mentor meetings
- Approach the program with openness (the goal is exploration only)
How the Program Works
This is a self-directed and individually paced program. Each participant moves through the program on their own timeline with their manager as the accountability holder throughout. There is no cohort — you move at your own pace within the 3-month structure.
Time commitment: 1–2 hours per week. This program is designed to run alongside your regular work. You are still expected to maintain your normal queue contribution throughout.
Pre-work
Set up a call with your manager and chosen mentor to discuss first steps. Available mentors per region are Gerardo (AMER), Erika (EMEA) and TBD (APAC). This time can be used to discuss program details and focus areas.
Here is a breakdown of the 3 months
Month 1: Foundations
Focus: Understanding what management is and what it requires
Time commitment: 1–2 hours/week
Activities:
- Complete required Level Up pathway
- Weekly 1:1s with assigned manager mentor
- Have at least two mentoring sessions with your mentor and provide written feedback
- Reflection exercise: “What surprised me about management so far?”
Month 2: Practice
Focus: Hands-on experience with real responsibilities
Time commitment: 1–2 hours/week
Activities:
- Lead a team meeting or working group session (in agreement with your mentor)
- Conduct a peer feedback conversation with mentor observation
- Begin preparing to deliver a real evaluation or formal feedback with mentor guidance
Month 3: Application & Decision
Focus: Ownership and reflection
Time commitment: 1–2 hours/week
Activities:
- Lead a small project or initiative end-to-end
- Complete remaining coursework and sign-offs
Final reflection:
- Personal assessment of management fit
- Program graduation
Manager:
Your manager will ask you for a summary, including your final thoughts, ideas and suggestions.
Final determination: Manager provides a recommendation of Ready, Not Ready, or Redirected.
Are you prepared to be a Leader at GitLab?! If so, reach out if you’re interested in participating!
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