Working for a big company vs. a small company

“Should I work for a big or small company?” That’s one question that a lot of students and graduates ask themselves when job hunting.

Do you want to climb the ladder in a major corporation, or do you fancy getting in early at a start-up? There’s no right or wrong. We’re here to help you decide which size will suit you.

We’ll run through the key things to think about when it comes to:

• Big companies
• Start-ups and SMEs

The benefits of working for a big company include:

Big companies wouldn’t get to be big if they weren’t good at what they do. When you join a large organisation, you know the company knows what it’s doing and has a clear place in the market.

Large companies = large numbers of employees. And because of that, large companies tend to employ a diverse range of minds. You’ll meet great people in different teams with varied skill sets.

In a large organisation, you’re in a good position to learn as much as you want – as fast as you want. Part of this comes from being surrounded by so many amazing colleagues. It’s also possible because of the range of roles in a big business.

As a graduate in a big company, you’ll likely have a clearly defined role that will give you the chance to specialise. This will help you hone your skills in a particular area. At the same time, you’ll gain exposure to experts in other fields. Cross-department collaboration is a great learning opportunity.

More formal training opportunities (such as courses and away days) are typically more common in bigger companies too, but it varies between companies and sectors.

Big companies tend to have clearer structures and development plans than smaller firms. A clear development route makes it easier to map out where you want to get to after two years, five years and so on. Of course, companies change over time (regardless of size), but you’ll still get an idea of where your career will take you.

Having a well-known employer on your CV is a strength. The kudos of a recognisable name will hold weight when it’s time to move on. It won’t just help you jump from one large business to another. It’ll help you stand out if you want to join a small start-up later or venture out on your own as a freelancer. A big name gives your CV a stamp of quality that employers and clients value.

The benefits of joining a start-up or an SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) include:

It’s easier to see your impact when you’re in a small team. People are key to any business’s success – and it’s even more noticeable in start-ups and SMEs. Every person contributes to the success of a smaller business. If you’re a resourceful go-getter, you’ll fit right in and will enjoy seeing the positive difference you’re making.

There’s nowhere to hide in a small business, which means you’re also less likely to get lost in the crowd. Your boss will notice your dedication, innovation and ambition. If you’ve got the right attitude, you’ll go far.

While big firms hire lots of different roles, each job is usually clearly defined so you’ll typically have to stay in your lane. In small businesses, there isn’t always an expert for every activity. So, you’ll have to be willing to muck in and pick up different jobs. If you’re comfortable with (or even excited by) uncertainty, you’ll enjoy the variety that each day brings.

Small businesses are more likely to welcome innovations. Once a company is well-established in what it’s doing, it doesn’t need as many new ideas. When you join an emerging business dreaming of growth, you’ll have more opportunities to share your bright ideas.

Every company has the potential to be a big business one day. After all, even the biggest names started small.

When you join an ambitious start-up or SME, you’ve got the opportunity to be with them from early on in their journey.

Some people love the prestige of being a small part of a big business and the structure of a clearly defined role. Others thrive on the buzz of a start-up’s unpredictability and the thrill of learning on the go. Different things suit different people. There’s no one winner in the big vs. small company battle. It’s about working out which you want – which is sometimes tricky.

You won’t know which size company you like working for until you’ve tried both. That’s why doing work experience is useful. However, if you’re already looking for a permanent role and are still unsure, knowing the benefits of each will help you decide which firms to focus on.

While size does matter, it’s only one factor. You also need to think about the culture, location, flexibility, salary, options for career development and much more. The most important thing is that it's a place you feel you’ll thrive. So much is about personal choice and only you will know if it's right for you.

Whether you go big or small, we hope you find a role that gives you what you’re looking for. Good luck!