Where you work matters. Many people flock to the tech industry because of the potential to make a meaningful impact on the world — and the hope that while doing so they will get to benefit from an IPO. While the chance of becoming an overnight millionaire is fairly slim, joining the right company early in your career can unlock a world of opportunities and set you up for long-term financial success.

But finding and pursuing the ideal company can be harder than it seems. Instead of just narrowing your focus on a "unicorn" getting the most headlines, you should consider which company will give you access to the insight and experience you need to propel your career forward. To help you with the selection process, we're thrilled to share Wealthfront's annual Career-Launching Companies List.

Every year, we select the private information technology companies we believe have enough momentum to become very large and successful businesses. We produce this annual list to surface the businesses that have product-market fit and the greatest long-term prospects.

If you join a growing organization at the right time, you can accelerate your career growth. And investing in your professional development will ultimately bring you closer to achieving your financial goals — whether it's buying a house in your dream neighborhood or retiring earlier than you imagined. We understand how important it is to feel confident about your choices in life, and hope this list helps you find the right opportunity for this exciting time in your career.