Pros
- Snap is far from perfect, but is probably the only place where you can influence the entire software industry and actually make *new* things every day. (Vertical video, the stories format, and ephemeral messaging were born here). If you make your career decisions based on stock price expectations and press coverage, I feel bad for you (and look elsewhere). happiness comes from purpose, not RSUs, bro... - It feels good that most Snap products actually bring people together with friends and family, versus just trying to earn you more likes, followers, or validation from people you don't even know. Yes, this means we aren't going to make as much money as our "competitors." But what's more fun to work on? And yeah Discover needs some work -- but proud to say we don't hand the megaphone to the most extreme voices like other platforms (another reason we make less money). - Lots of potential down the road with AR, snap map, group chat, Bitmoji, and other mostly unmonetized products. It's not just "social" -- teens use Snapchat to replace several apps on their homescreen... Even weather (?!) AR in particular is a big opportunity, with over 70 million people already using it on Snap every day -- and no other platform publishes that stat. - Good benefits and programs internally, from community service opportunities around LA to diversity resource groups and other events likes hikes around town. - LA isn't as culturally homogenous as SF, or as chaotic as NYC
Cons
- Things change fast and often at Snap, from leadership changes to product changes, and you'll often read about this stuff in the news. This is improving, though, through new internal Q&A's and other efforts. - Relentless negativity from press and investors. You'll need a pretty thick skin, even if you're driven by the company mission. - Inexperienced C-suite, historically, though most of them have recently been replaced. - You'll have access to tons of projects, but there's little structure for "moving up" and there may not always be someone there to teach you or manage you if you need hand-holding. - Not enough adherence to industry best practices, be they related to HR or user growth. This is part of what enables an innovative culture, arguably, but this also means that amateurish stuff happens, like teams duplicating work since lanes aren't clearly defined. - Living and working on west side of LA doesn't offer a ton of flexibility if you want to move or decide to leave.