I have to make a choice between a VP Finance role with an old stable company in a volatile technology sector vs a Controller/
Career advice please. What makes for a better career path?
Answers
There are many factors to consider in making your decision. In my opinion, where you are in your career should be the first decision - are you early on, mid, or later. If you are early on to mid I would recommend taking a chance on the startup. It can be a lot of fun, a lot of work and highly rewarding. Generally the environment is smaller so you will be exposed to much more operationally both within and outside your current area of expertise than you would be in an 'older stable' company. In my experience I have found that you can gain more experience in a shorter period of time than in a larger company. It will give you a chance to build, implement, and streamline new processes and technologies. You will feel like you have really had an impact on the organization. The down side, is that it can be stressful and somewhat risky; but there is no real stability in today's markets.
I think Nathalie says it well. It sounds like both have the potential for growth and
Thanks Nathalie and Christie. The dilemma is getting better technical experience vs going with the fun startup which could potentially be a winner or a big failure. Given the last few years of being on the receiving side of downsizing (with large and small startups) I feel neither is really secure since all company seems to be acquiring, planning an exit or potentially failing and in each case, the G&A positions all always are the ones that gets eliminated first.
The first provides better experience and will equip me to take on more challenges but it is in an older