Ask HN: Career advice, please

Hey everyone, at a point where I'm really not sure what to do with myself so I'd like some advice. I'm 22, a year out of college, been working for a (very) large tech consulting firm since graduation doing systems implementation (design to development, the whole shebang). It's definitely been a great experience so far, but I've come to realize I am not really interested in doing consulting long term so I've begun to evaluate different options. Long term, I'd like to move over to some form of product development. As such, I've really set my sights on Google's APM position for now.

Here's what I see as my options right now:

1. Spend the remainder of the summer preparing for the APM position and apply in the fall. I've got a solid background in design and programming, but I've already laid out an aggressive learning plan for myself this summer that I hope would prepare me in time. Despite this, I recognize it's a very competitive position and there's no guarantee of anything ever materializing.

2. An ex-coworker and friend recently transferred out of a team at Google where he was working as a Tech. Associate and offered to send my resume directly to the team. This doesn't seem all that glamorous of a position, but it'd get my foot in the door, get me some more hands on experience with Google products, and allow me to network within the company. Now, I'm fairly sure I'm qualified for the gig, but I don't know how Google is with people transferring internally and if I'd ever have a shot at landing a position in product development (and/or as a program manager).

3. Ignore Google, shoot for applying for an established (have already had two rounds of significant funding) start-up doing exactly what I had tried to do with a start up of my own, a field I'm definitely passionate about. They're offering a few interesting positions, but they're only internships which makes me incredibly nervous.

4. Disregard switching, acquire currency. Stick with the consulting gig, toughen it out for a bit, and wait until my prospects are better and I have a bit more cash tucked away. I'm not crazy about this option at all, though I recognize it being the safest. It could be a direct path to a MBA from a top-tier school which could let me move into any field I'd like.

5. ???

I really appreciate any advice anyone has. I know I'm only 22, but I don't think age or lack of experience should be keeping me on a path I'm not interested in.

TL/DR: 22, first year tech consulting looking to change. Options: 1. Spend summer readying myself (and eventually apply) to Google's APM position. Unsure if qualified.

2. Apply for Tech. Associate position at Google. Foot in the door, qualified, unsure if I would be able to transfer out into product development.

3. Apply to interesting start up.

4. Disregarding switching, acquire currency until I'm better prepared in a few years.

E: Added TL/DR ;)

Thanks. It's seriously comforting to know others are in the same boat as me.

I do have side projects on (and other, non-tech related interests) that keep me going regardless. Life is good, and it's not the end of the world regardless of what I do - thanks for keeping me grounded.

Obviously my goal - however, should I wait and prepare for the APM or go for the Tech. Associate role and try to transfer after some time?

Thanks for the advice. Again - worth waiting for the position I want (potentially a long shot) or getting my foot in the door (and potentially transferring)?

Obviously I don't know all the details but you've got two disparate but important things to take into consideration here:

(1) A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. To have the job now even though it's not exactly what you want is important for the aforementioned reasons. Not to mention the possibility of transfer. I would lean this way.

(2) HOWEVER, I am the type of person who won't shine unless I'm doing what I love and am passionate about. If you are the same and think that might have a hinderance on your performance then hold off. If you have the discipline to buckle down even though you don't like your job then refer back to #1. By judging your opportunities, I would surmise you have the discipline that I lack.

Good luck.