Should I work at Tesla/SpaceX or Microsoft/Google?
On one hand, Tesla/SpaceX are growing rapidly and changing the world. Meanwhile, Microsoft/Google have talented engineers and great culture with excellent pay, perks, and benefits as well as a strong learning environment and a manageable workload. Additionally, Microsoft/Google translate well into other job opportunities down the road, as their brands are very strong and their engineers are known to be very capable.
I feel that Tesla/SpaceX aren't as software focused (Google basically wrote the book on modern day distributed computing), so I'm worried that, while I'll have more responsibility and impactful work here, I may not be as strong technically in the future.
However, I feel that I'm underestimating the benefits of the growth that Tesla/SpaceX are experiencing. I'm afraid of missing out on great opportunities that these companies can offer.
What does HN think about this choice? What would you do?
Some things to help you decide:
- Look at the team you will be working with. "Tesla" sounds exciting. "Writing device drivers for USB components for cars" does not. The team matters. Which team is most exciting?
- Look at your immediate manager. Does he/she seem like a person you would enjoy working with?
- Look at the other members of the team. People you can learn from? People you can get along with?
Good luck!
I haven't been matched with a team at Google yet, but Google offers a lot of flexibility in location and project, so there are plenty of possibilities. I am an undergraduate though, so research heavy projects are unlikely.
In both cases you will be in excel spreadsheet under column 'resource'.
Open you eyes!