Bain vs DARPA Hypersonics (PhD)
Hi everyone I was just giving a job offer at DARPA working on a Hypersonics program in Virginia as a technical consultant. I previously have an offer from Bain and I'm having difficulties deciding between the two. My long-term goals are to be immersed in technology but found a successful tech company related to materials engineering. Bain will provide very generalist business skills and a much better salary (TC $240k) however DARPA is like the special forces of science where you get to work on amazing programs (they invented the internet and other major inventions) with only 220 employees. It would be awesome to be immersed in the epicenter of technology however having a substantial pay cut (TC $140k at DARPA vs current TC $180k). I spoke to the recruiter for DARPA and I could revisit the opportunity in a year after working for Bain, but I don't think the inverse is true. My background is a PhD in materials engineering. I think I would grow a lot at Bain however the idea of becoming a generalist and working primarily on spreadsheets and PowerPoints isn't hugely exciting. That said I really do value working with extremely smart people and enjoy business which Bain could provide. It seems as though most exits from MBB with PhD end up becoming a director of innovation/operations at some big pharma or similar company which isn't really my forte. A big challenge with Bain is based on the workload I would likely not be able to a ton spend time on my existing startups. 1.) Would going to Bain make me more well-rounded for a start up or dilute myself into a generalist? 2.) Is MBB really worth it from an opportunity and growth perspective? 3.) Any PhDs out there, did you enjoy it or feel fulfilled? Any thoughts? Bain TC: $240k DARPA TC: $140k Current TC: $180k
1. Bain would equalise you with others. With your background and context you have provided , I think you should spend a few years somewhere else apart from Bain . DARPA sounds great. 2. MBB is worth it for non technical business people. 3. Not a phd but very few phd peers of mine were at MBB beyond one year. My recommendation would be to take DARPA regardless of $ difference. Spend 2 years there and then assess your options. You are just getting started in your career , resume building is what you should focus on and DARPA would look much better than Bain .
Are there remote opportunities at DARPA?
Unfortunately not for that position. Would require me to move across the country from west coast
Well anyway you would be happy with the work at DARPA. Congratz.
I would gain some killer expertise at DARPA first, then move if and when I feel ready.
I really hope you go to darpa. The country needs more people doing actual building and not wasting time on stupid consulting PowerPoint stuff
I have a similar background as yours(mine was in specialized nuclear power). I spent a couple of years at McK and hated it…was a total loss of time. Go for DARPA and you won’t regret it!
Where did you pivot after McK? Was it easy getting back into tech? What about McK?
Did it provide you with any value/skills/upward mobility?