Small Companies vs Corporations. Pros and Cons for College Graduates

Entering the job market is both exciting and challenging. There are many options for college graduates offering significant benefits. Many students think that working for a corporation is more advantageous than being employed by an SME. However, both of the options have their pros and cons.

There is no universal definition of a small or large company. It depends on the industry and the focus. But, usually, “small” refers to businesses with up to 250 employees. Before you settle with an option, consider both. After all, this is a huge decision that will impact your life, so it is better to find out as much as possible. 

For example, when you buy an essay at EssayHub, you’d be interested in services and reviews. You need to know that you are making the best choice, so you can even check out EssayHub review at NoCramming or other reputable sources. It is only fair and the same attitude should go to the employment options. 

You need to know exactly what are the advantages and disadvantages of SMEs and corporations to make an educated choice.

You Want to Work in a Corporation

So, are you interested in a large company? It is a valid choice for many graduates as it offers specific pros. Of course, it might be a bit harder to get in. But if you land a job in a large company, here’s what you’ll get.

Pros

Clear Structure

Corporations thrive on structure and policies. Your responsibilities will be very transparent, as well as performance requirements. You’ll get the necessary training for this position. Also, you’ll get many manuals and guides to help you at the beginning. It is all about order and management.

Various Perks

Larger companies have more money. So, they’ll provide more additional benefits to their employees. It means a higher salary but also insurance, medical or supplemental. Some also offer gym membership, recreational zones, daycare options, meals, or restaurant discounts. The options are almost endless, it depends on the company.

Career Opportunities

Another great benefit is that there is often a clearer career path and more opportunities in terms of growth and new positions. There is usually a transparent vertical for professionals and very distinct performance requirements to get a promotion.

Job Security

In the majority of cases, corporations are more stable, and working there, you have fewer risks of rapidly losing a job. They have more resources to stay on top even if the market changes or the economy is shifting. They are more likely to survive any issues that would severely impact a small company.

Cons

But there are also several important disadvantages to remember before landing a position in a large business.

Less Creativity

What makes a company stable makes it less willing to make creative choices. You’ll probably have to work in a traditional scope and do everything as it has been done before. Corporations are risk-averse and do not like to adopt changes. Your activity will be strictly limited in scope.

High Competition

Although the career path is clear, it doesn’t mean that it is easy to achieve. The competition is everywhere and every other employee wants to be on top. It is quite difficult to be the best all the time and work in such a competitive environment for some people.

Less Meaning

It is hard not to feel like just a number in a corporation. It is much harder to see the impact of your work and it can feel meaningless and empty. And being able to see the importance of the job is essential for employee satisfaction.

You Prefer a Small Company

If a huge business is not your cup of tea, it is completely fine. Here is what you are going to get from working for an SME.

Pros

More Creativity

Here, you are probably won’t be limited in your scope of work and responsibilities. You’ll also get to be more creative and propose new ways of operation. Small businesses are much more prone to appreciate outside-the-box thinking.

Many Learning Opportunities

SMEs have to be flexible, which means you’ll get to wear a lot of hats. Employees often have to get their hands dirty in many different fields, which leads to a wide skill set. One will have the opportunity to try several things out and learn a lot of industry specifics.

Community

One of the main benefits of an SME is that you’ll probably know everyone. Employees are not just numbers here; one can find friends and a true community. It helps to feel more appreciated and emotionally connected to your position. It also gives the feeling of being part of something great.

Mission

SMEs are less likely to focus only on profit. They are usually driven by the mission to make a positive change. It helps to feel the impact of one’s work and have a meaning behind it. It is a great motivation to grow and perform better.

Cons

It is Hard to Advance

In SME there is no clear structure. There are fewer positions and places one can get promoted to. Often, one might have to wait for someone to resign to get a promotion.  It means that you can be stuck in the same position for a longer period.

Smaller Salaries and Resources

The salary will be different from a corporate one. There is also a smaller chance to get any perks, like a gym membership or insurance. However, it depends on the company. And there will be fewer opportunities for training and seminars.

Less Job Security

SMEs are more likely to struggle from rapid market fluctuations. They do not have as many funds to support themselves as large companies.

In Summary

Of course, the choice depends on individual preferences. For many, small business employment is a great way to enter the industry as they are more willing to hire graduates. It is also associated with more creativity and a feeling of community. For others, working for a corporation has more benefits. Be realistic about your expectations and choose accordingly.