[JMTQp8lwXL]

Whatever specialized skills you excel at -- (1) hone them in at an A-list company. Then, (2) jump ship for a B-list company. It's important in (1) that you surround yourself with people with greater skill than you; these people will provide mentorship. In (2), You'll be the smartest person in the room. With less competition, it'll be easier for you to rise.

[antonpuz]

That sounds like an interesting idea, I assume the move from (1) to (2) involve decrease in salary/prestige and that's also something to consider.

[JMTQp8lwXL]

Prestige, perhaps. Salary, you'd be surprised. There's many companies that are near-FANGs (but aren't literally FANGs) and will compete on total compensation. It should be noted that (2) can be done without sacrificing compensation.