frostnovazzz

There are already a few 'Should I work at company X or Y?' sort of questions, but I think my circumstance is a bit different and unique, and the answers to this question would be valuable, so I just list my options as a new question here.

So I recently got offers from both Palantir Technologies and Rocket Fuel Inc. They are both quite promising companies, but are working on different directions.

Rocket Fuel Inc. is an ad-targeting company, they have very large scale systems (which I have interest on), and AI problems. I imagine there are many work related to 1) scaling the system 2) building tools for analyzing data and automation 3) AI-related algorithms and developments.

Palantir Technologies on the other hand is working on something really unique that few are working on but have great value and potential. I would imagine it deals with many new technology challenges that is completely new and few have seen or heard before. The company is super famous, and hires super talented engineers.

I heard a theory that computers can empower human in 2 ways (Automation and Augmentation), I see Rocket Fuel is doing really good on automation, while Palantir is working on Augmentation. They both create great value, and are both very appealing to me, but I have a thought that the consumer web sector is bit outdated now.

So I am having headache on which company to choose. What I look for is: 1) a place where I can apply my CS skill on, an opportunity to join a team to create great value 2) work that helps me improve, and lead me to my next goal (possibly join smaller start-up, or build my own start-up) 3) network and make friends with great engineers, designs, product managers, etc. so that I could be more exposed to startup opportunities.

What are good things that make you outstanding, and get more salary than others?

I'm located out of the U.S. and am flying into SFO for engineer job interview, 1 company has already promised to cover expense, but I also want to interview another company (who is also willing to cover if required) in the same visit.

What is the general practice of flight covering? Shall I ask the 2 companies to split the expense? Or just ask 1 company to cover flight? Thinking it might just be unfair for the one covers the whole flight.

I live in Australia and I got job offer in Silicon Valley, but can only start in October this year due to visa reason.

now I want to make use of this 10 months' time in Australia to do something useful. I applied for Google and was rejected, before that I couldn't find a satisfactory job in AU. I have some savings in the bank and can afford to living a few months without income. What would you suggest me to do with this time to make the most out of it?