From Corporate Career Aspirations to Startup Founder: A Career Shift
Sam Perry, 40, recently recounted a pivotal career decision: foregoing a traditional MBA in favor of launching a startup after experiencing a layoff in 2022. This decision, fueled by a mid-five-figure severance package, ultimately proved more valuable than he anticipated. Perry, based in the UK, shared his story, which has been verified by Business Insider, highlighting a unique perspective on career advancement and the merits of entrepreneurial experience. This as-told-to essay offers insights into his journey, edited for clarity and length.
Perry’s ambition initially centered on a conventional corporate trajectory. Following graduation with a degree in Sports and Business Management in 2005, he envisioned a career culminating in a leadership role within a major corporation, complete with a prestigious office in London or New York. This aspiration led him to spend nearly a decade at FedEx, where he gained foundational business knowledge, followed by a three-year stint at Anheuser-Busch.
The Allure of an MBA and a Sudden Career Change
In 2021, Perry joined G-P, a private equity-backed HR technology firm. While employed there, he began developing a side project – an HR tech marketplace – primarily as a learning exercise. However, his career path took an unexpected turn in October 2022 when his team received a significant industry award, followed swiftly by a layoff just a month later. The prospect of pursuing an MBA to bolster his resume and enhance his job prospects initially seemed appealing.
He initially considered top-tier programs like Harvard and Wharton, but the cost – exceeding $100,000 annually for a two-year program – significantly exceeded his severance. Even exploring more affordable UK and online options felt like a considerable financial risk without the prestige of an Ivy League credential. After 15 years in the corporate world, Perry questioned the value an MBA could truly offer.
Choosing Entrepreneurship Over Traditional Education
A suggestion from a family friend proved decisive: utilize the severance to launch a company. This alternative presented a significantly lower cost and the opportunity to learn the intricacies of building a business from the ground up, potentially generating income along the way. Perry already possessed a viable business concept – the HR tech marketplace he had been developing as a side project at G-P. He invested roughly one-fifth of his severance into launching the venture. Leveraging readily available, off-the-shelf technology and free online courses from institutions like MIT, he kept initial expenses manageable.
The resulting company, Ensemble, was launched in late 2022. Initially, the marketplace model saw limited success, prompting a strategic pivot to directly procuring HR software for clients. Perry emphasized the invaluable lessons learned as a founder, encompassing everything from marketing and product development to hiring and, crucially, resilience. He noted that while he considered himself a skilled salesperson in his corporate roles, nothing compared to the direct engagement of persuading potential clients to invest in his creation.
The Rewards of Startup Experience and Future Career Trajectory
In the summer of 2024, Ensemble was acquired by a competitor. Perry now holds the position of group vice president at Sphera, a supply-chain risk SaaS company. He believes his startup experience was instrumental in achieving this level of success at age 40. When reviewing resumes, Perry now actively seeks candidates with entrepreneurial backgrounds, recognizing the unique skills and perspective they bring. He asserts that a successful acquisition stands out as a significant differentiator in a competitive job market, far surpassing the prevalence of MBA degrees. Ultimately, Perry suggests that while an MBA remains a viable option, launching a startup offers a more cost-effective path to valuable experience and potential financial gain.
