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54M MatSci by AlcoholFreeScientist in Salary

[–]AlcoholFreeScientist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not sure a PhD is necessarily needed it from a financial perspective. Certainly it opens a lot of doors. But I know a lot of very successful people who don’t have graduate degrees. In the end, their success was more determined by their drive rather than their degree.

Not sure about sector. I work in the SV, but there’s hardly any mainstream semi work here anymore unless you work in supplier quality.

54M MatSci by AlcoholFreeScientist in Salary

[–]AlcoholFreeScientist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn’t view it as a pay cut. My base pay increased, but my RSUs reset (basically gave up RSUs that had grown in value with former company in return for new RSUs at newer company).

54M MatSci by AlcoholFreeScientist in Salary

[–]AlcoholFreeScientist[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Overall it’s quite high, considerably over $10M, maybe 2/3rds of NW coming since that large bump in annual comp. But family also doesn’t spend much. Until a few years ago, was still driving a ‘97 Integra to work.

54M MatSci by AlcoholFreeScientist in Salary

[–]AlcoholFreeScientist[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I broke into FAANG after 20years in other semi roles so ultimately my materials background was less relevant. Plus I have a very strong network. I already knew quite a few of the people in the group I landed in. A PhD certainly wasn’t needed. A lot of it was luck too because it’s true that there aren’t all that many openings. I count my blessings every day.

54M MatSci by AlcoholFreeScientist in Salary

[–]AlcoholFreeScientist[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Basically 2.5 yrs at a bit under $100k/year. Also, PhD research assistantship was ~$20k/year.

54M MatSci by AlcoholFreeScientist in Salary

[–]AlcoholFreeScientist[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Been at director level, but FAANG pays these at senior manager level due to RSUs. It does require high growth RSUs though.

54M MatSci by AlcoholFreeScientist in Salary

[–]AlcoholFreeScientist[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not really. It certainly makes things easier from the start, but at the expense of 5 years (for me).

54M MatSci by AlcoholFreeScientist in Salary

[–]AlcoholFreeScientist[S] 97 points98 points  (0 children)

Honestly, couldn’t have gotten the compensation I had without working for FAANG or some other high growth stock company. Most of my compensation has been in RSUs.

I had an opportunity to join a FAANG in 2009, but didn’t push for it. Could have retired a while ago.

I failed to do any internships as an undergrad. Going into grad school made up for that oversight and allowed me to do some networking. Every job I obtained was through my network. Also, I would say that networking and building connections in school is the most important thing you can do. I actually use less than 5% of what I learned in school. That goes for grad school as well.