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blue703

Member
Oct 27, 2008
54
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0
I'm currently looking at two career paths. I would greatly value your input based on past experiences.

Option A: Work for a defense contractor.

1. relaxed dress code
2. huge age gap
3. spend most of the time in a cubicle/lab
4. full tuition reimbursement
5. 1 hour commute

Option B: Work for a IT consulting firm.

1. professional dress
2. young workforce
3. exposure to teams/clients
4. minimal tuition assistance
5. 15 minute commute



Edit:

I decided to go with Option A. The place let me adjust my work hours, so the commute isn't as bad. I was stuck in traffic for 2+ hours going home my first week. Now it only takes 1 hour with work schedule 7:00-4:30.

However, the age gap is still there. I find it hard to connect with people because they are all old. I'm going to have to reach out and find a group outside of work.

One thing I noticed is that there is a ceiling. I think it's true for all engineering positions. After let's say 5-10 years you hit a ceiling. It's hard to move up any higher. Anyways, please leave your thoughts. Thanks.
 
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blue703

Member
Oct 27, 2008
54
0
0
I'm an EE straight out of college. Can you guys explain why you prefer Option A? I feel like Option B would open more doors to other opportunities whereas Option A, you would be stuck with one role.
 
M

Modular

Diamond Member
Jul 1, 2005
5,027
67
91
Option A offers long-term growth and the ability to work with people who aren't fighting with you to grow in the company. That and they will be much more likely to want to help you learn.

Option B, well...
 
J

Jumpem

Lifer
Sep 21, 2000
10,757
3
81
Originally posted by: blue703
I'm an EE straight out of college. Can you guys explain why you prefer Option A? I feel like Option B would open more doors to other opportunities whereas Option A, you would be stuck with one role.
Click to expand...

Option A would likely have better job stability and more room for growth. And you would be anything but stuck in one role. You would have opportunities to move into different types of jobs (software, systems, integration, test, installation), move across programs, and even to other sites.
 
xanis

xanis

Lifer
Sep 11, 2005
17,571
8
0
Option A seems like the way to go if for nothing else but the full tuition reimbursement.
 
Capt Caveman

Capt Caveman

Lifer
Jan 30, 2005
34,543
651
126
I would go Option B, however, I would have huge concerns over job stability in today's current economy.
 
daniel1113

daniel1113

Diamond Member
Jun 6, 2003
6,448
0
0
I would go with option B simply because I would never work for a"defense" contractor. However, it really depends on the salary.
 
Z

zixxer

Diamond Member
Jul 6, 2001
7,326
0
0
Strictly from what you've told us, A. The only negative I see is the commute. The age gap means you won't see a management position with A, but being a defense contractor you probably won't get laid off either.

I commute ~80 miles a day for my job. I negotiated a 6-3 off hours shift (Even though the rest of the company is 8-5) which helps tremendously. I bought XM radio and even after a year and a half it's not so bad.
 
mugs

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,920
46
91
Dress code is a non-issue, except that you'll spend a bit more on clothes.
The age gap in option A is a positive - you can learn from experienced people, and the oldest and most experienced are the first to be laid off.
Dealing with clients is overrated. http://www.clientcopia.com/
Tuition reimbursement is great.
The commute is all option B has going for it. It really does suck to commute that far, but if you like books you can pass the time with audiobooks and not feel like the time is wasted.
 
L

LilPima

Golden Member
Sep 26, 2008
1,397
2
0
B by far.

-Dress code isn't really that serious of a downside, you'll be dressed up for 8 hours and your 15 minute commute both ways.
-15 minute commute wins, especially in traffic, bad weather, and general other dumbass driving scenarios.
-Being able to interact with other clients and teams will help you build your personal rolodex of contacts. People who remember you from working on a project are much more likely later on when you're looking to makes changes to hire someone that has already provided them with good work.
-Your work day will be exponentially more enjoyable working with peers who you can joke around with rather than older people who you have to feel out.
-

I left a job working with 10 20-somethings on my team to being one of two people under 30 in the entire office--and miss the other place for sure. Also, I got the job by former contacts and their recommendations.

If this is your first job out of college, chances are you're not going to be working there until you retire. Use it for the experience, the connections, and build some relationships with yor peers too-- they may leave one day and want to bring you wherever they went. It's also better to go to grad school after some work experience too. At many places the extra work experience is worth more than the degree, and you can always go back for it later.
 
I

imported_Imp

Diamond Member
Dec 20, 2005
9,148
0
0
For stability, I'd choose A.

I don't like being stuck at a cubicle all day, and I love having to deal with different teams, new, different people, and having work close to home. Not sure if I care for the professional dress though. The young workforce is also a downer. You may be able to relate better, but the separation between work and play is blurred.
 
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blue703

Member
Oct 27, 2008
54
0
0
Thank you for your responses. I'd say the pay will be similar at both places, and job security won't be a big issue since both companies cater to the government (and sponsor clearances). Regarding tuition reimbursement, I'd imagine that they'd limit me to schools in the metro area.

When I visited Option A, they didn't seem to have happy hours. I doubt that I'd be able to drink with managers who are settled down with kids. What do I do when I want to have a :beer:?
 
B

blue703

Member
Oct 27, 2008
54
0
0
Edit:

I decided to go with Option A. The place let me adjust my work hours, so the commute isn't as bad. I was stuck in traffic for 2+ hours going home my first week. Now it only takes 1 hour with work schedule 7:00-4:30.

However, the age gap is still there. I find it hard to connect with people because they are all old. I'm going to have to reach out and find a group outside of work.

One thing I noticed is that there is a ceiling. I think it's true for all engineering positions. After let's say 5-10 years you hit a ceiling. It's hard to move up any higher. Anyways, please leave your thoughts. Thanks.
 
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