In a recent comparison between Meta and Google, a former Meta product manager, Daniel McKinnon, shed light on some differences between the two tech giants based on his six-year experience with both companies.
McKinnon, who worked as a product manager at Meta from 2018 to 2022, then moved to Google for two years before returning to Meta in February, offered insights into various aspects, including work-life balance, compensation, project opportunities, company transparency, workplace culture, career ladder, and the role of product managers (PMs) versus software engineers.
While both companies are regarded highly in the tech industry, McKinnon suggested that candidates should consider certain nuances before choosing between them. For instance, he noted that Meta might be preferable for those seeking growth opportunities despite potential stress, while Google could be a better fit for those prioritizing work-life balance, stability, and job security.
In terms of compensation, McKinnon highlighted differences in the pay structures, particularly regarding Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) grants. He pointed out that Meta evenly distributes RSUs over four years, while Google front-loads its grants, leading to variations in annual income. Additionally, he discussed differences in stock refreshers and bonus policies between the two companies.
Regarding project opportunities, McKinnon described both Meta and Google as “bottom-up” organizations where ideas often originate from small teams. However, he noted variations in how new ideas are evaluated and supported, with Meta’s leadership being more enthusiastic but also quicker to abandon projects that don’t meet expectations.
Company transparency was another aspect discussed, with McKinnon suggesting that Meta maintains some of the transparency it was known for, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s weekly Q&A sessions. However, he noted that employees at Google mainly communicate through email or chat, making it harder to know what everyone is working on.
Workplace culture and expression were also compared, with McKinnon suggesting that Meta encourages dissent and truth-seeking, while Google tends to be more reserved in allowing free expression. He also discussed differences in career progression and the roles of PMs versus software engineers at the two companies.
Overall, McKinnon provided valuable insights into the differences between Meta and Google, helping prospective candidates make informed decisions about their career paths.
