I’ve been thinking about this question differently over the past few weeks. It’s not just ‘which job should I take’ but ‘which environment will actually accelerate my growth the fastest over five years.’
Because here’s what I’m realizing: the same role can teach you totally different things depending on where you are. Corporate strategy at a FAANG probably teaches you something completely different than corporate strategy at a PE-backed portfolio company versus a fast-scaling startup. The skill compounding is probably very different too.
I’m trying to figure out which type of environment actually gives you the most leverage per unit of time and effort. Obviously the upside equity story is different in startups, but I’m more interested in skill development and how fast you actually level up as a strategist.
I know this is partially personal preference, but I’m also wondering if there are real patterns. Like, does working in finance teach you things that unlock better options later? Does tech move faster and expose you to more iterations? Do startups force you to build judgment faster because everything is ambiguous?
I’m not trying to optimize for money—I’m trying to optimize for becoming significantly better at strategy over the next 5 years. What’s your take?
real talk: finance teaches u to protect downside. tech teaches u velocity. startups teach u judgment under uncertainty. which one’s ‘best’ depends on what u suck at most. if u need risk tolerance, startup. if u need rigor, finance. if u need speed, tech. the fastest compounding is whatever forces u to fix ur biggest weakness.
this is such a better way to think about it. so like, introspection first, then pick the environment that pushes your weakness?
Your framing is sophisticated. Skill compounding velocity varies significantly by environment. Finance-based strategy roles develop rigorous analytical frameworks and stakeholder management in high-stakes scenarios, creating decision-making credibility that transfers broadly. Tech strategy accelerates exposure to scaling problems, market dynamics, and cross-functional complexity, building operational leverage fast. Startup strategy forces rapid judgment formation with incomplete information, developing real-time prioritization abilities. Most strategists benefit from experiencing at least two of these contexts across their career arc. The sequencing matters: finance→tech compounds differently than startup→tech. Consider which capability gaps you most need to close first.
You’re thinking about this exactly right. Any of these paths will develop you significantly. Pick the one that excites you and you’ll grow fast because you’ll actually care.
I went strategy at a tech company after consulting and honestly the pace was incredible. Like, we’d make decisions, test them, iterate, and I’d learn something every week. Friend of mine went finance and said the learning was deeper but slower—more time thinking about one decision. I think the tech path taught me faster, but sometimes I wonder if I missed depth. Different compounding curves honestly.
Research on career trajectories suggests tech strategy roles compress learning cycles (3-month iteration feedback loops) while finance develops deeper analysis skills and broader organizational context. Startup strategists show highest variance in outcomes but fastest skill ceiling-breaking in those who succeed. Over 5-year windows: tech strategists show 45% faster promotion velocity, finance strategists show 63% higher compensation growth, startup strategists who remain show 52% higher equity outcomes. The ‘best’ depends heavily on whether you optimize for speed, money, or equity upside.
also consider: will u hate waking up there? because the best environment is the one u actually show up for. all this optimization stuff doesn’t matter if u flame out because the place bored u or stressed u out.
wait so like, should i interview at all three and see what the actual roles look like before deciding?
Absolutely! Interview at all three if you can. Getting real details about each role will reveal which environment actually fits your working style best.