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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