Big companies and small companies each have their own pros and cons. In the end, it comes down to personal choice. Read through the following pros and cons and see where you fit.
Small Company
Pros:
- Better experience at multiple projects and more diversity in your experience.
- Small companies tend towards true empowerment because they don’t normally have the resources to keep employees glued to their job descriptions.
- Your actions can make a more visible difference to the company.
- You tend to get a true feeling of entrepreneurship, which is a great foundation for any career.
- There is a chance you could get to share in profits or ownership.
Cons:
- Small companies might not have the best equipment or latest technology.
- Job security is poor because they are less able to weather the ups and downs.
- Salaries and benefits might be lower than the larger companies.
Large Company
Pros:
- You can become more of a ‘subject expert,’ because you will be highly specialized.
- Job security is good because you can be re-deployed or otherwise supported during a downturn.
- Salaries and benefits might be higher than smaller companies.
Cons:
- Your actions don’t make a visible difference to the company.
- You don’t get a feeling of entrepreneurship, and it is difficult to step out and try something new.
- You don’t usually get to share in profits or ownership (although this appears to be changing – most large engineering firms are now introducing discounted share purchase plans).
Plenty of large companies are now trying to introduce the small company ethic of opportunity and recognition to the workplace. Thus, if you work for one of those, you might already have the best of both worlds.
Share the details of your experience in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you.
