Choosing between corporate strategy offers
Hi WSO,
Looking for some advice to choose between two corporate strategy offers at F500 companies on the West Coast. Both are at the Senior Manager level. I'm looking to be challenged - which of these is the better choice for someone who is still learning to play the corporate game?
1. Industry: networking hardware and services. Role is in a structured Strategy department led by a CSO reporting to the CEO. This particular industry niche is stagnant - the company is basically the only player in its space. Classic legacy "old-tech". At-market compensation.
2. Industry: retail stock brokerage. These guys have a decentralized strategy function, with strategy staff assigned to each of its ~10 BUs. In my BU it would only be me and my manager reporting to the BU GM. Growing company in a growing industry (aging population and a bull market have made these guys fat and happy). Above market compensation, 20% higher than offer #1.
#1 offers higher-level visibility, structure and teamwork (and the learning opportunities that go with teamwork). #2 offers more money in an industry that is continuing to grow and innovate, with potentially more exciting strategy issues.
Which should I take?
Depends on the BU at 2 and whether you'd like to be in financial services going forward.
That is a tough call. Opportunity 2 looks to be high risk high rewards while the other seems a little less risky. Depends on your risk tolerance I guess. For me, the risk seems to be worth it for 2, but that's just me.
With #1, ask yourself what the strategy work would be if they are the only player - are they looking to expand into other markets, are they facing potential new entrants, etc. Sounds like you would get more experience with #2, but what industry are you more interested in?
Thanks for the input guys. I think I'm gonna take the tech job. Would rather be in a manufacturing environment than financial services (and retail financial services at that).
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