full time @ startup vs internship

Apr 19, 2019 5 Comments

In a bit of a dilemma right now, and need career advice.

Currently have 2 offers at 2 different startups, one as a full time employee, another as an "intern" first with high chance of full-time conversion after <= 3 months, depending on performance.

Going to shorten these companies as FT and IN:

FT
- pro: tech stack is more aligned with what I would like to do.
- pro: full time benefits including health care, stock option, etc
- con: TC a bit low, no 401k
- con: didn't really feel a "click", work will feel like work

IN
- pro: great people, culture is ideal, the environment was what I was looking for
- pro: great mentors, seems like I can learn a lot from the engineers there to become a better programmer in general
- pro: catered lunch+dinner (doesnt matter too much, but just wanted to throw it out here lol)
- con: tech stack not as enticing
- con: internship has no benefits, will have to wait until full-time conversion for health care, 401k, stock options, etc
- con: internship is basically half the pay as FT, but they said they will match "competitively" after conversion

I know IN seems kind of shady, but I felt they were really genuine and offered internship as an option because I didnt pass the interviews with flying colors, but liked me enough to want to keep me.

My concern here is, if I take IN, will it be a good 3 month buffer just for the experience, if I intended to continue interviewing as well for other companies? The main downside with FT is that I'm not sure if would see myself working there for long, and their TC was lower than expected.

I made the mistake of cascading my interviews, so I still have a mixture of discovery calls, phone interviews, and an on-site over the next 2-3 weeks. FT and IN are really pressuring me to make the decisions ASAP, and I'm not too confident how much better my other offers will be, or if I will get them.

A bit more about myself:
3 YoE, but as a generalist. Currently trying to get into full stack.
Been studying for a month, interviewing for a month, ~90 leetcodes.

Thanks in advance!

5

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
  1. TOP
  2. RECENT
  3. OLD
 TOP 5 Comments
  • From what you have written it looks like you like IN more. If you can afford the 3-months trial then go for it. Culture is super important, tech stack itself won't make you feel motivated and happy, especially when it comes along with a low TC.
    If you take IN you can continue interviewing and take a better offer soon if you get it.
    Apr 19, 2019 0
  • New / Mgmt
    FourHrWkWk

    New Mgmt

    BIO
    Interests in investing, energy, crypto, cannabis, tech
     FourHrWkWk
    Go for the better culture and higher long term potential. . You’ll be happier, and higher TC after a few months. . Sounds like the “internship” is a three month trial program which is a good thing- people who aren’t a good fit leave early. the company is smart to try people out before committing. The ones who stay are more engaged. Mentor ship is hugely valuable too
    Apr 19, 2019 0
  • MemSQL / Design
    tekkz

    Go to company page MemSQL Design

     tekkz
    Don’t do internships once you graduate PERIOD. There are 1000 ways to improve as a full time employee. Also, you can jump ship if you receive a better offer in the next few weeks. There’s nothing wrong joining a company that values you more.
    Apr 19, 2019 0
  • OP
    Thanks for all the responses, and I apologize for the lack of updates. I have since received a full-time position offer from a third company (medium-sized), and after letting IN know of this, they are giving me a shot on-site for the full-time position. I still have 3 phones and 1 potential on-site at the moment, so I'm hoping to finish those rounds before my final decision.
    Apr 26, 2019 0
  • Bird / Eng
    babyeng

    Go to company page Bird Eng

     babyeng
    Go for IN. Work hard and crush it during the internship to get the full time offer.
    Apr 19, 2019 0