Microsoft offer in hand vs prepare for Google PM internal transfer

Google
aditi_999

Go to company page Google

aditi_999
Dec 19, 2020 18 Comments

I am in Google L5 TPM with strong trajectory.I got an opportunity in Microsoft Sr. Program manager.I am alsi preparing for PM ladder transfer in Google.Not able to decide microsoft 64 Or try for PM transfer internally from Google.Thougts?

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TOP 18 Comments
  • In which role will your personal and career objectives be best met? Which will help you grow the most? Which will set you up for where you want to go in the future? What is the culture of the teams in question?

    As it stands now, your current question is about risk. You have an offer in hand for Microsoft, but not a guarantee to move up within Google. If the decision is between your current role at Google or the offer at Microsoft, which would you choose? I'll assume for argument's sale it's Microsoft. Okay, what would you pick if the internal move was already set? Given that it isn't, how likely is it that it'll happen? If it fell through and you turned down the Microsoft role, how would you feel and what would you do next?

    I'm always floored when people ask questions about which offer to accept or whether to stay/go without providing any context about why they would choose the different options. It's really about what is the best option for YOU.
    Dec 19, 2020 2
    • Google
      aditi_999

      Go to company page Google

      aditi_999
      OP
      Being honest I saw through all the above lenses and answer is not very clear/straight forward, That's the confusion. Yes the question is about Risk as well as long term decision. I don't want to complecent and push myself for better. Yes for current role and MS PM I will prefer MS PM. but If I get in Google PM (L5) ,I will prefer that more.But not sure 1.Should I keep trying internally as less barrier 2.Go back learn and come 3.May be job satisfaction is high in MS itself so happily be there :)
      Dec 21, 2020
    • It's hard when it doesn't feel like there's a clear answer. I can definitely empathize. Based on what you described, I would go with the Microsoft role. You can get that PM experience and decide how to proceed in your career from there.

      With that said, I have no insight on how difficult it is to change job profiles within Google so I'm assuming that is somewhat high risk.
      Dec 21, 2020
  • Google
    DA362z

    Go to company page Google

    DA362z
    internal transfer to PM is difficult. they have made the process easier in recent years but still no cake walk. they also tend to down level candidates but better career prospects if you stay at G or tech
    Dec 20, 2020 7
    • Google
      aditi_999

      Go to company page Google

      aditi_999
      OP
      Ohhh so the confusion in my mind is should I keep trying internally or go out gain experience and try externally (constrained I could think as I am inn India there will not be many external openings and internal we can apply anytime if open role is there or not and find a role within 1 year
      Dec 21, 2020
    • Came to know that google internal transfer can skip phone interview if you are switching from SWE to PM.
      Dec 21, 2020
  • Microsoft / Eng
    USiyT

    Go to company page Microsoft Eng

    USiyT
    Wait why do you want to switch from TPM to PM?
    Dec 20, 2020 2
    • Google
      aditi_999

      Go to company page Google

      aditi_999
      OP
      I like the PM role better, as I decide on what and the ownership on the shape of product always excites me. TPM is more on execution which is good but I have done that enough.Also long term I do think career growth is much higher on PM than TPM.
      Dec 21, 2020
    • Microsoft / Eng
      USiyT

      Go to company page Microsoft Eng

      USiyT
      That makes sense. But why is Google so difficult about that transition?
      Dec 21, 2020
  • Amazon
    ojXS17

    Go to company page Amazon

    ojXS17
    Internal transfer
    Dec 19, 2020 1
  • Google
    pepedapawn

    Go to company page Google

    pepedapawn
    What's your TC?

    Stay at Google if you want PM career, it's a better brand and harder to get.

    When I went through the internal process and passed PM ladder conversion was down-leveled from L5 to L4. I was furious, but played the game. Stay at G for 1-2 years as PM, launch something, then leave and use it as leverage (max L5 or L6 equivalent) FAANG.

    You likely will get no pay bump (if you're within band else they move you to bottom of band, but you're TPM so pretty similar pay I think), no refresher, no bonus etc. You will be recalibrated on the PM ladder and get that refresher in Jan 2022.

    The interview process is tricky. I did like 20-30 mock interviews. Your brain will switch and you'll get into hyper-structured PM mode.

    If you can pass G PM you can get any other job. FB's is just an easier version of that, and pays more. Unicorns are either easier or identical in process.
    Mar 10, 2021 0