It’s easy to get hung up on titles, worrying about how a move might look to the outside world or how it could impact your path to ‘the top.’ But in today’s world, success isn’t defined by titles or perceived seniority. What really matters is the compounding effect of your career choices on your learning, growth, and network. Each step should amplify your impact and open new doors. Ultimately, we’re all here to build careers with purpose - impact over status.
Should you take a more junior title at a better company? ???? Sequoia Capital's VP of talent Zoe Jervier Hewitt shares her thoughts on this dilemma. On the surface, it might feel like you’re taking a step back, but the answer depends on your long-term goals, the company’s reputation and how you define ‘progress’ in your career. Hewitt's personal view is that the benefits outweigh the downsides when joining a breakout company. Here’s why: ?? ???????????? ???????? ???????????? —?Focusing on impact will drive your career further than any title ever could ?? ?????????? ?????? ???????? ???? ???????? — startups often promote people quickly and grant significant responsibility early on. The reverse of the ‘Peter Principle’ can apply here: instead of being hindered by a lack of skills employees are often challenged to adapt fast, resulting in success. ?? ???????????????? ?????????????? ?????? ???????????????????????—?There’s a reason why “ex-[company]” is a badge of honour: a prestigious alumni network signals rigorous vetting and training, which reflects positively on your own abilities and background. Read on for more pointers in this week's Ask Zoe article: https://lnkd.in/etf2ihpt ?? Interested for unlimited access to our articles? Startups sign up to our free subscription here: https://lnkd.in/ezmDHBss #opportunity #startuplife #startupeurope
Well said! It's refreshing to see a focus on growth and purpose over titles. How do you think we can encourage others to prioritize meaningful career choices?
Super important and valuable perspective ?? Job titles can be seen as a signal to the world about here and now career progression. The reality is that this matters more to some people than others and orgs need to find a way to work with that. Side steps or horizontal moves can add more ‘strings to your bow’ that eventually land you your dream role. Different environments with different job title structures bring different learnings. Failing all of this and you’re still not convinced, start your own company and give yourself whatever title you please!! ??
The best people don't care about titles (unless it prevents them from doing their job) - because they also know that they will always create enough value to make themselves indispensable either way
I feel it's a case by case answer, and agreed that overall optimization should be for the long term career trajectory (versus next 2 years outlook)
Critical insight in your twenties! Releasing from this ‘false accuracy’ of job title as an outpit was the most valuable thing I’ve done for my professional anxiety and ultimately, enabled me to feel free to do what I really wanted and start a business.
What are titles really - a few letters on a document or a page? It’s about your net impact
Great perspective!??????♀?????
Absolutely! In a world where titles often overshadow purpose, it's the choices we make and the value we create that truly shape our journey. Focus on growth, learning, and meaningful connections—everything else follows.