Picture this: you’re offered two paths. One is an internship at Google—a global giant, a name everyone recognizes. The other is to become the CEO of a small, unknown company. Which would you pick?
At Google, you’d be surrounded by some of the smartest people in the world, learning from a well-oiled machine. But how much impact could you really have? Would you feel like a tiny piece of something huge, or would you feel proud just to be part of it?
As a CEO, the story changes. You’d call the shots, shape the vision, and build something from the ground up. But what if it doesn’t work out? Would the stress and challenges of leading outweigh the satisfaction of being in charge?
The real question is, what do you value most? Is it learning from the best, even if your role is small? Or is it having control and responsibility, even if success isn’t guaranteed?
What about impact? Do you want to be part of something massive, where your contribution might not always stand out? Or would you rather make a direct difference in something smaller, even if fewer people notice?
And how do you feel about risk? A company like Google offers stability and a proven path, but would that feel limiting? Leading a small business comes with uncertainty, but also the potential for great reward—or failure.
Finally, ask yourself: which experience would help you grow more? Which would challenge you in the way you need most right now?
There’s no right answer here. Both paths can teach you something valuable about your career, your goals, and yourself. So, which would you choose? To be part of a big name or to build a name for yourself?