Your career does not fit into any particular mold, and neither do employers. Small, medium and large companies offer specific benefits and drawbacks, and how you fit into each size firm depends on what you want out of your positions as you navigate your career choices. Learn some of the key differences among small businesses, mid-sized enterprises and large corporations so you know where to seek your next opportunity.
Small Businesses
Smaller businesses give you a chance to take on several roles at once. This means you gain valuable experience within your industry as you see a project through from start to finish. Because you have to work hard to complete projects on time, you have more responsibilities within a small business structure as opposed to relatively narrow job duties at a large corporation. Instead of overseeing a dedicated team that completes one targeted phase of a project, you might be in charge of working on an entire project with everyone in the office, regardless of your rank within the organization. Once you complete a project, you get to take pride in a job well done, and the accomplishment goes into your portfolio for a future employer to examine.
Small companies let you foster relationships with everyone on staff, including the business owner. Your chances of receiving feedback from the actual owner of the company increase if you work for a small firm. A small business may also have a family-type atmosphere, since every employee knows everyone else.
Imagine you decide to take a position at a small firm with 12 employees. You get to talk to the owner of the company every day, and everyone at the office knows your name. Once a month, your wife and kids hang out with other families at the firm, including the owner's wife and children, and you feel as if you can trust everyone there. If you crave this type of closeness in your professional relationships, this might be the ideal job environment for you.
On the other hand, small businesses often pay less than larger firms, and you could see fewer added perks. That's because small companies make less money than large corporations as a general rule. You might have to work harder as you have your hands in many phases of multiple projects that need to get done by certain deadlines. Smaller companies also may not have the financial resources to pay for extra training, and advancement opportunities within the firm could be sparse.
Mid-Sized Enterprises
Medium-sized businesses give you a chance to work with dedicated teams to accomplish certain goals. You may lead a team of five to 10 individuals who drive sales for the entire company, which could include helping run marketing pushes, online ads and writing press releases, in addition to performing traditional sales tasks. Your purpose within the firm is usually quite clear, yet you do not narrowly specialize in one particular facet of the company's goals. You also have more resources at your disposal, such as great computer software, to help you with daily tasks and project management.
Medium-sized companies combine the feel of a small business with some added perks and benefits found at larger corporations. Some medium-sized firms make enough money to have a workout facility, yoga classes and great health insurance. You might also get to attend some networking events every once in a while if a firm has a travel budget. Mid-size enterprises may offer a family feel with annual picnics, a Christmas party and plenty of team-building exercises outside of the normal work day.
Your salary increases with this company size, and so do your opportunities for advancement. If you decide you want to switch roles, you can make a lateral move to another department before moving up the food chain. Because you know your boss and the supervisor's boss, getting things done is easier than at a larger corporation, and you have more independence to accomplish your tasks. You still have a lot of responsibilities, but your position has more specialization than at a smaller business.
Much like a small firm, a mid-sized company may not offer the prestige of working at a well-known corporation. If a future employer does not recognize the company's name, you might not earn as much respect as someone coming from a large corporation. However, you might have more flexibility when it comes to scheduling and time off because other employees can cover your duties.
Large Corporations
Larger corporations offer great advancement opportunities, higher salaries and exceptional benefits. You network with plenty of people in your profession, and you also earn the respect of others in your industry by working your way up through a well-known firm that has been around for decades. The company might pay for your extra schooling as you work your way towards an advanced degree or a certification that earns you a higher salary once you complete the program.
On the downside, you run the risk of becoming lost in the corporate hierarchy as your supervisor probably oversees multiple managers at once. Getting things done in a hurry might be more troublesome if your boss has to receive approval from several people before moving forward with your idea. When you decide to move up the ladder, plenty of well-qualified people compete with you.
Moving from one size company to another has its advantages. If you start with a larger corporation, a smaller company might recognize your accomplishments and offer you more money for a higher-level position. On the other hand, you earn valuable industry experience at a small company as you hone your skills before moving on to a larger business.
No matter what size company you work for, the key to advancing is getting noticed by your boss. That means you need to show dedication, value and a great work ethic to capture the attention of people with authority. No single company fits the exact same mold, so do your research to find your perfect fit.
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