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In a commitment predicament
I’ve been contemplating this question for the last month and would love some input. Is it better to have the wrong position at a good company, or to have the right position at the wrong place?
Example: If I am pursuing experience in digital media and marketing, should I commit to a customer success role at a great Saas company in hopes of moving laterally into marketing? Or take a content media position at a place that might not be the best fit now but could help me later down the road?
Louise
Software Engineer, UCLA Alum
28
06/28/20 at 6:05PM UTC
No matter what, if you want to end up in digital media and marketing, you will have to gain experience (personal or professional) in that area. Sounds like you know you will gain that in the content media position, but you don't really know if that will be possible at the Saas company. I'd suggest gaining a better idea of the plausibility of moving laterally into marketing there. You can ask about mentorship opportunities at the company in your interviews, how often they hire internally for lateral job changes, and if it seems like a good idea, even let them know from the beginning that you are ultimately interested in moving to marketing. The sooner they/your boss knows that you are interested in that, the sooner they may be open to you exploring that area. Or, if you decide you care more about company fit right now, once you're there, reach out to someone in marketing to ask them to mentor you. I think it'd be easier to get another job in marketing if you originally took the content media position, so if you go with the Saas company, you just have to make sure you find other ways to move in that direction.
Julie S.I'm an engineer doing environmental compliance.
124
06/26/20 at 2:04AM UTC
Definitely agree that if it's a company you admire and would love to work for in another role, that other role will open up while you're there, and you can shift to it.
Rachel MinnickInnovative Nonprofit Professional/California
946
06/24/20 at 2:16AM UTC
I think the good company/not awesome job is better. Jobs can shift and opportunities can come up more frequently than a company culture will change.
Elianet OlivaMake things happen!
278
06/24/20 at 4:57PM UTC
I agree with Rachel, good company, not right job title. Once you are in, you can get to know if the title you are looking for is the right fit for you and start networking with that team, you can move into it faster. Let us know what you ended up doing! Good Luck!
KelliHelps senior-level women make career changes
1.46k
06/23/20 at 6:38PM UTC
I would ask...are these the two opportunities you have right now (as in your only options)? What if you could find the right role at the right company...it's likely out there.
Terry MorrisFP&A and Budget Analyst, in Raleigh, NC
125
06/23/20 at 1:23PM UTC
Sometimes you need to take a job you do not necessarily want to take to get your foot in the door of a good company. This is not a bad thing but be prepared to stay in that position for a while. Many companies, good, bad, or indifferent want people to stay in a position for a year or longer because of the training involved.
Good luck. Sounds like you have two opportunities to choose from.
Anonymous
06/23/20 at 3:45PM UTC
I agree with Terry statement but also look at your pros and cons in order to make the rational decision of what you think is best for you.
IrinaHelping you become a coach or a consultant
224
06/23/20 at 1:18PM UTC
Only you can answer that. It depends on your personality. There are people more mission driven and people more personal calling driven (plus different variations in between of course). Where are you on this scale? Not where you think, would like to be or have been so far. The answer is within. :)
User deleted comment on 06/23/20 at 11:55AM UTC
Julie S.I'm an engineer doing environmental compliance.
124
06/26/20 at 2:03AM UTC
Great advice here!
KelliHelps senior-level women make career changes
1.46k
06/23/20 at 6:36PM UTC
Great point. There's nothing better than a great company. The rest will fall into place the way it's supposed to. And if that company can't get you where you want to be, they'll likely help you find your way to a place that can.
LEANNE TOBIASInvestment real estate/sustainability
4.14k
06/23/20 at 12:40PM UTC
Excellent advice!
Anne BarnwellResumes that get results
791
06/23/20 at 11:54AM UTC
Here's the good news--there is no one perfect path.
I would ask myself these questions. Does the great company do a good job promoting from within and developing their talent? Is there a way to start gaining the experience you need by doing "side of the desk work" while in the customer success role? And probably the most important question, what is the quality of your manager? Will your manager support your growth and help you pursue the role(s) you want?
Good luck!
Goalsetter352065Inspiring Leaders to Make Time to Make Change.
116
06/23/20 at 2:16PM UTC
I agree with this advice. There is not one clear path. Companies that promote from within and provide learning opportunities want employees to be able to move around in the company. It is a great growth and retention strategy for the company. Bringing in people from the outside is great but longer ramp up time for culture and processes, etc.
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