Tech Grads: Join Big Company or Startup?

If you’re getting your tech sheepskin this June, should you go with a big firm or startup? Clearly there are pluses and minuses to both.

Big Firms Still a Big Draw

The draw of the 500-pound gorillas is still there: Google, IBM and Microsoft recently topped a list of “the most attractive employers in 2012,” according to a global survey of engineering students conducted by Universum, a Stockholm-based company. Students liked brand name companies, which continue to attract and retain top talent. The "World's Most Attractive Employers Index" is based on the preferences of students from around the world. Google, IBM, Microsoft and Intel were among the top five. The survey also revealed that many students now prefer to work in the global automotive industry, as well as oil, gas and energy.  

After graduating with a computer science master’s degree at MIT, Dave Dopson worked at Microsoft for four years. He indicated that Microsoft provided a good foundation for his career. “There are some advantages to working for a big company first,’’ said Dopson. “There are resume gains. There’s a strategy to it.’’ He’s now an engineer at Wavii.

Startups are Popular with MIT Grads

On the flip side, MIT graduates who once flocked to the big, prestigious tech and consulting giants to launch their careers are turning to start-ups and smaller companies. Microsoft, a huge draw for MIT grads in years past is losing its allure. Stephen Kasmouski manages a 20-person team of software technology recruiters at the staffing firm Winter, Wyman and Company, which frequently recruits from MIT. “Microsoft doesn’t have the cachet it once did,’’ said Kasmouski. He notes that start-ups of five to 30 people now appeal to many MIT grads because they offer the opportunity to work at the heart of a growing operation. “Really smart MIT grads want to be right in the middle of it,’’ said Kasmouski. “They’d rather drink from a fire hose than wait for the next project to come at Microsoft.’’

Dropbox Out Draws Big Salaries

San Francisco-based Dropbox, a digital file management start-up, drew a quarter of its workforce from MIT grads. Even in this down economy, engineering grads are willing to forego $90K to $100K starting salaries offered by sexy tech giants like Google in favor of joining a startup where they can really make a difference. While some say starting their career at a large company can help “build a foundation,” many young engineering grads join a start-up to “escape the bureaucracy” of big companies. Ultimately it comes down to creating a win-win for both company and employee.

If you’re a recent grad looking to build your career as a developer, engineer or programmer, you’ll need to decide whether to join a big firm or take your chances with a startup. You’ll need to evaluate your career goals, your abilities and where you want to be in five years. 

Image courtesy of cescassawin/FreeDigitalPhotos.net