I’m 25 years old, graduated in 2017, and am interviewing for a Strategy Manager role with a pre IPO software company that is valued at ~$700M.

In the interview, the hiring manager asked me if I was okay being an individual contributor for a year, having the manager level title + salary, but not having any direct reports. It’s basically a utility player role for GTM, Pricing, Sales strategy, product, Corp Dev, etc.

What should I be thinking about? Does this sound good or bad?

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I’d personally rather be an IC than have to “lead” a team. If the team is full of ICs and you get to be top dog that’s cool but there’s nothing fun about having a team of low performers and you being responsible for them.

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Got it. The org chart looks like this:
- VP of Corp Dev
- Chief revenue officer, Director of Sales (who will be promoted to head of sales)

I would work with these people and when asked, I told them my long term goal was either join the Corp Dev team as the company matures, become the chief of staff of the current one decides to leave, or head strategy.

I think it’s better that I’m not managing people as I’ve never managed a team of consultants. I’ve been in VC since consulting so it’s a bit different, but this is my sector of choice (AI/ML).

Sounds like the view is you would build out a team over time. Sounds promising as you get to pick who you work with.

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It’s also important to note that this company is growing quickly and I very well could have someone wedged in between myself and the head of sales/GTM (again isn’t a bad thing).

What is surprising to me personally might be a mix of imposter syndrome + high base comp (for me) since I normally deal with early stage venture as opposed to growth stage.

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Honestly this is probably a good ramp in for you. You don’t add context on your experience to date, but in three years have you led anyone formally yet? Learning a new culture and learning to lead others at the same time would be a lot for anyone. Getting a year to get the lay of the land is a win win for you

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I just started as an analyst under a manager who was basically in the same situation as this role - as the company grew there was more to do and now he has 3 direct reports.

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The best I’ve had - knows the ins and outs of the what he’s managing

This sounds like best of both worlds. Managing people isn’t always better.

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Having 3 YOE I think it's important to focus on more IC skills prior to being a people manager. Being a people manager too early can hinder growth in some cases.

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Love this ^. We talk a lot about influence without authority.

Sounds awesome to me

Thanks!

Pretty cool. Hope you get the offer and good luck!

Thanks! I’ll let you know soon :)

If you don’t want the role I’ll take it! It sounds great honestly.

If I get it, I’ll refer you as part of my team 😎

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