Which companies should I target to maximize my growth and opportunities?

I’m at a point in my career where I want to be more intentional about the kind of companies I work for.

Don’t get me wrong—I love building things. I’m passionate about software engineering and I want to work at a place that truly contributes to my long-term growth.

I have 10 years of experience and have worked across different industries, startups, and mid-sized companies. I’ve learned a lot, but lately, I feel like I’ve hit a plateau. Some of my side projects push me more than my actual jobs.

Update: I have not worked for a big tech company.

That got me thinking—maybe I’m missing out by staying in the same kind of environments. I’m starting to question: What if I aimed higher? What if I prepared for companies with stronger engineering cultures, like Pinterest?

I admire Pinterest for its engineering standards and design aesthetics. It seems like the kind of place where I could grow a lot. But here’s my real question:

If I prepare for Pinterest, will I also be improving my chances with other similar, high-quality companies?

I know most of these companies have similar interview flows—screening, DSA, system design, behavioral, etc.—but I’m wondering:

• Do these companies share common patterns beyond the interview structure?

• Are there core topics, practices, or even mindset shifts I could focus on to become a better fit across the board?

• Can preparing for one help me build a reusable foundation that applies to others?

In short, I’m trying to plan the next phase of my career journey more strategically—and I’d love insights from others who’ve gone through this or are thinking the same.