Some people’s ambitions are bottomless and they can push through any situation to find success, but for most of us, the environment we are in has a big impact on the kind of work we produce and the way we feel about ourselves. But where do you fit in? What company culture fits you best? by Greg Wells
Go big or go home? With a big company you will get a more defined structure and hierarchy. Many large companies have programs that are designed to develop young talent. For recent graduates there are many opportunities to get real world training and put yourself in a position to grow. Some of the world’s biggest companies have an awesome corporate culture. You may find lifelong friends with similar interests. You probably will find that companies tend to be successful if their employees are generally happy. If you are the kind of person that is easily frustrated by a lack of process control then the big company might not be a fit. That doesn’t mean you won’t be heard, but you will also not have much control over your day to day tasks or the general process by which things are done.
Big fish small pond Start-ups offer some advantages. If you like the idea of there being only one office, and often knowing all your
colleagues by first name, maybe the smaller work environment is right for you. With smaller companies, most people wear more than one hat. Your day to day is probably a little less predictable, and often decisions are made on more of a flat hierarchical basis. In the small company you may have a bigger immediate impact, and get to feel more ownership for the successes of the team. If you thrive on structure and if you want to have a predictable schedule, small companies might not make sense for you. Smaller companies are often able to adapt faster and react faster to market trends or changes, but that also means that the direction may shift fast. Be selective when you apply, and understand what your goals are. Remember what it was like when you picked a college? Many of the same questions apply for a career: What size and culture is right for me? What do I want to learn? Where will I have the biggest impact? Where are they located? Where do you fit? 23