What And Why

Equity compensation takes center stage in big tech careers—here are the core points from the lesson:

  • RSUs (Restricted Stock Units) are a major component of compensation in public tech companies and grow more significant with seniority
  • They're granted based on stock price at the time and typically vest over several years, often with cliffs and monthly or quarterly schedules
  • Vesting structures and timing vary by company; the value ultimately depends on the stock’s price at the time the shares vest
  • Companies use RSUs to conserve cash, encourage retention through "golden handcuffs," and align employee incentives with shareholder value

Next steps with Andy: