'Branded' Employer vs 'Non-Branded' Employer (Non-Finance for Finance)

Assume you have worked 5 years in 'branded tech firms and built up a decent profile otherwise (strong education, technical skillset, quality project experience etc).

If you had the following decision to make what option would you choose?

Option 1: Work for another 'branded firm, in a role that won't really stretch you but you will learn some stuff useful for other roles in the future, for a similar pay (+10%). Little probability you get promoted because of the size of the firm therefore have to move on in 2-3 years anyway.

Option 2: Work for a 'non-branded firm', in a role where you will learn things relevant for 'branded and 'non branded' roles down the line, much better pay (+40%), there is a path to being promoted but no promises.

After 5 years experience, does the name really matter of the company, or your skillset / leadership experience / career growth?

I've seen people work for non-branded firms then move up within them, then join as managers etc at 'branded FAANG's for example. Just curious what happens if you "take a break" with branded firms. I am also curious how finance firms perceive you for this should you want to move over.

2 Comments
 

Name of the company matters if you want to play the F500 leadership/political games. You'd probably be happier at smaller place otherwise.

It's very hard for interviewers to tell what skillset / leader experience you have, but since most branded ones are similar they can get a better feeling for what you'd be like.

 

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