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Ask HN: Career advice, please

by coreygoodie on 6/8/12, 6:10 PM with 14 comments

Hey everyone, at a point where I'm really not sure what to do with myself so I'd like some advice. I'm 22, a year out of college, been working for a (very) large tech consulting firm since graduation doing systems implementation (design to development, the whole shebang). It's definitely been a great experience so far, but I've come to realize I am not really interested in doing consulting long term so I've begun to evaluate different options. Long term, I'd like to move over to some form of product development. As such, I've really set my sights on Google's APM position for now.

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 ;)

  • by iSloth on 6/8/12, 6:26 PM

    Seems like we are in the same boat; also 22 working as a senior network admin for my local telco, will be keeping an eye out for other peoples replies, would also enjoy the prospect of working somewhere like Google :)

    My 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 ;)

  • by sherm8n on 6/8/12, 7:37 PM

    How do you know you'll love the product management position? It may be fun for a few months, but if it's not something you're passionate about you'll get bored. You'll fall in this groove of making really easy money and just be comfortable. There's nothing wrong with that if that's what you want!

    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.

  • by wallawe on 6/8/12, 6:51 PM

    Go to Google, build your resume and get more experience under your belt. Save up. Then chase your dreams via your own startup or another that you're passionate about and have a little cushion. If things go awry, rinse and repeat.

  • by known on 6/8/12, 6:43 PM

    Join Google.

    "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes." --Oscar Wilde

  • by Nikkki on 6/10/12, 7:30 PM

    I'll go for the Google role. Social proof of the name "Google" counts.

  • by yashchandra on 6/9/12, 12:58 PM

    One advice I would like to give as a 31 year old to 20 year old kids is: Save up. This may not seem like having any connection with career or startups etc at first. But only if I had saved up last 10 years, I would have a lot better safety net to quit my job and start something of my own. Not that I would not do it now but it would have been nicer to have a better padding. It is simple. If you have entrepreneurial itch as a 20 year old, you cannot have the lifestyle of a regular 20 year old who spends most of what they make (not generalizing necessarily but you get my point). I bought a BMW convertible 4 years ago since I could afford it. I did not think about saving that extra money instead and keep my old car which was btw a 2006 Honda. So you see the point. Today, I only drive my wife's car since I can commute to work using public transportation. Just my 2 cents.