Choosing Your First Job Post Graduation: Uber, Nutanix, or Bloomberg

For a new graduate software engineer entering the job market in 2016, making a decision between companies like Uber, Nutanix, and Bloomberg can be a daunting task. Each option offers unique benefits and challenges, and the choice often comes down to personal preferences and career aspirations.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Factors

Quantitatively, the differences between these companies are negligible. This is because a myriad of independent variables can impact your success, such as company and department growth, political and social issues, cultural fit, and visa status.

Company growth/stagnation: Both Uber and Nutanix are rapidly growing startups, whereas Bloomberg is an established player with a long history. Department growth/stagnation: Growth rates can fluctuate, and it's difficult to predict exact trajectories. Political issues with progression: Companies can face political challenges that affect career advancement. Social issues with your colleagues: Workplace dynamics can influence overall satisfaction and job retention. Cultural issues: Cultural fit is crucial, especially if you are an international candidate. Visa issues: Long-term visa stability is a concern for many expatriate workers.

No one, including company recruiters or career advisors, can provide a definitive answer to which company is the best without considering your personal and professional goals.

Company-Specific Considerations

Based on these factors, Bloomberg might appear to be the safest bet, as a well-established company is less likely to be affected by economic bubbles, such as the Dot-Com 2.0 bubble. However, this comes with the downside of potentially lower compensations compared to the other two options.

Uber is a rapidly growing company with significant investment and a market cap that has grown exponentially in recent years. Despite its reputation for being ethically complex, Uber presents a fascinating consumer-facing app with rich backend processes. If you are excited about working with cutting-edge technology and navigating a challenging but rewarding startup environment, Uber could be a strong choice.

Nutanix is another up-and-coming tech leader, known for its innovative products and solutions in the cloud computing industry. Working at Nutanix can offer deep technical challenges and opportunities for growth. The company has a solid reputation for fostering a supportive and collaborative environment among its employees.

Personal Preferences and Job Roles

Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal preferences and career aspirations. Consider the type of work you want to do:

Uber: If you are interested in consumer-facing applications and are open to the ethical implications of the gig economy, Uber could be the right fit. Nutanix: If you have a deep technical interest and are motivated by the challenges of innovating in cloud computing, Nutanix could be the ideal choice. Bloomberg: If you prefer a more traditional environment and are drawn to working with media and data, Bloomberg might be the best fit.

It's essential to reflect on your values, career goals, and the type of work that really excites you. Your gut feeling is a critical factor in making this decision.

Personal Opinion

Personnally, given the dynamics and opportunities present in each company, I would lean towards Nutanix. Their innovative products and solid growth prospects make them an exciting choice for a new graduate software engineer. Additionally, the technical challenges and collaborative culture at Nutanix can be highly rewarding and fulfilling.

Final Thoughts

Selecting your first job is a significant milestone, and it's crucial to find a company that aligns with your professional goals and personal values. Whether you choose Uber, Nutanix, or Bloomberg, remember that the real success lies in how well you navigate and contribute to the company you join.