Ask HN: Career advice, please
Here's what I see as my options right now:
1. Spend the remainder of the summer preparing for the APM position and apply in the fall. I've got a solid background in design and programming, but I've already laid out an aggressive learning plan for myself this summer that I hope would prepare me in time. Despite this, I recognize it's a very competitive position and there's no guarantee of anything ever materializing.
2. An ex-coworker and friend recently transferred out of a team at Google where he was working as a Tech. Associate and offered to send my resume directly to the team. This doesn't seem all that glamorous of a position, but it'd get my foot in the door, get me some more hands on experience with Google products, and allow me to network within the company. Now, I'm fairly sure I'm qualified for the gig, but I don't know how Google is with people transferring internally and if I'd ever have a shot at landing a position in product development (and/or as a program manager).
3. Ignore Google, shoot for applying for an established (have already had two rounds of significant funding) start-up doing exactly what I had tried to do with a start up of my own, a field I'm definitely passionate about. They're offering a few interesting positions, but they're only internships which makes me incredibly nervous.
4. Disregard switching, acquire currency. Stick with the consulting gig, toughen it out for a bit, and wait until my prospects are better and I have a bit more cash tucked away. I'm not crazy about this option at all, though I recognize it being the safest. It could be a direct path to a MBA from a top-tier school which could let me move into any field I'd like.
5. ???
I really appreciate any advice anyone has. I know I'm only 22, but I don't think age or lack of experience should be keeping me on a path I'm not interested in.
TL/DR: 22, first year tech consulting looking to change. Options: 1. Spend summer readying myself (and eventually apply) to Google's APM position. Unsure if qualified.
2. Apply for Tech. Associate position at Google. Foot in the door, qualified, unsure if I would be able to transfer out into product development.
3. Apply to interesting start up.
4. Disregarding switching, acquire currency until I'm better prepared in a few years.
E: Added TL/DR ;)
14 comments
[ 3.5 ms ] story [ 42.3 ms ] threadMy current experience says just go with whatever feels right for you at the time, people put too much pressure on the long term plan, basically there is no point in been miserable for a few years hoping that it might open a door later on...
If you do what feels right, in the future it's a lot easier to admit your mistakes (everyone will make them) and people/employers will understand more.
Also a few side projects while your working always help ;)
I do have side projects on (and other, non-tech related interests) that keep me going regardless. Life is good, and it's not the end of the world regardless of what I do - thanks for keeping me grounded.
He was 22 at the time and only had 2 years of 'real world' experience within the area, it's all about your written/verbal/personal presentation and of course CV.
In the end he didn't make the cut, however that was more because they noticed he was interested more in the salary than the challenge of working at Google :)
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Just remember "keep calm and carry on"
"Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes." --Oscar Wilde
(1) A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. To have the job now even though it's not exactly what you want is important for the aforementioned reasons. Not to mention the possibility of transfer. I would lean this way.
(2) HOWEVER, I am the type of person who won't shine unless I'm doing what I love and am passionate about. If you are the same and think that might have a hinderance on your performance then hold off. If you have the discipline to buckle down even though you don't like your job then refer back to #1. By judging your opportunities, I would surmise you have the discipline that I lack.
Good luck.
When I was 22 all I wanted to do was find a high paying job. America kind of brainwashes you to think that's the logical next step after college. Spend some time thinking about what makes you happy and what you REALLY want to do with your life. Then just go after it. No need to wait and prepare yourself. Life is short man.
I chased the money after graduating, and it hasn't worked out the way I wanted it too - honestly, at this point, as long as I can afford rent, student loans, PBR and the occasional concert ticket, I'm a happy camper. I just want a position that allows me to work with great people, learn, be creative, and grow as a person.