Hi
blackhawk121!
Sounds like a cool opportunity! You are right to wonder about the bluechip company factor, but having Shell on your resume will help check that box, even if it's a few years old by the time you apply. The startup role sounds like a great opportunity to try something different, have a bit more management experience, some international exposure, etc. I think you can position it as a positive move forward in your career, especially if you may want to pursue product management down the road. I don't see that move hurting your chances. The side work with your father's business could be a nice addition too. And excellent GMAT too!
Hope that helps,
Kate
blackhawk121 wrote:
Hi,
I've been struggling with a decision that I was hoping I could get your take on-
I've been working at Shell for the past 1.5 years as a deployment engineer. My role has been very project management related(not a lot of IT) and while it makes for good stories and high responsibilities in carrying out deployment in various sites around the world, I'm not too fond of the job. Due to Covid, any promotion/hike at shell is ruled out so there's that too.
I've been offered a full-time position as a iOS Tech Lead in a startup I've been freelancing with for the last 3 years. It's a small company of 30 people and 2 iOS dev will report to me. I'll also be involved in some associate product manager level activities with most of the team and clients based out of Australia.
Now, I've heard a fair bit on the advantages of working for a bluechip company. Shell easily fits the bill of a big brand name and now that I've spent 1.5 years here, will it hurt my application if I switch to a no-name but well funded startup?
My time in shell will hopefully still have weight as a bluechip experience when I do start applying in late 2021 for fall 2022 admit, right?
If not, I'll happily stay put at shell until my applications go out, I wouldn't want to hurt my chances at a good Bschool.
Another advantage of switching to the startup is that I'll be able to work for my fathers business on the side, in the telecom industry, with big telecom companies as client for all kinds of hardware and services that the company provides. This should also make for some good, diverse experience in a new domain. I can't take this up while working in shell for various reasons.
Some more data points which may help put some context around this decision:
Post MBA goals: Not decided yet but it'll be either Product management or Consulting ( I'm also worried if future consulting employers would dislike my switch to a startup in a tech role)
GMAT : 770
Work ex at matriculation : 3 years (2022 admit)
Target schools : NYU Stern, Ross, Duke, ISB, etc
I'd appreciate your input on this, I'm having a really hard time making this decision.
Thanks!