Big Fish, Small Pond: Choosing Between Large and Small Companies

As the CEO of Advize and someone who's worked across the complete spectrum of company sizes – from global corporations to startups, and now running my own company – I want to share some insights about one of the most important factors in your job search: company size.

Understanding Company Size

When we talk about company size, we're typically looking at employee headcount. This can range from three-person startups to Fortune 500 companies with over 10,000 employees worldwide. The size of a company fundamentally shapes your day-to-day experience, career growth, and overall job satisfaction.

The Big Company Experience

Pros of Large Companies

• Structured Benefits: Typically offer comprehensive benefits packages and bonuses

• Brand Recognition: Great resume builders due to name recognition

• Clear Procedures: Established processes for most situations

• Networking Opportunities: Larger employee base means more connections

• Safety Net: Better severance packages (think 4-6 months of pay) if layoffs occur, are more common

Cons of Large Companies

• Limited Creativity: More boundaries from HR, legal, and other departments

• Bureaucratic Processes: Multiple approvals needed for simple tasks

• Policy Changes: Can shift work-from-home and other policies suddenly

• Office Politics: More complex social dynamics to navigate

• Specialized Roles: Often highly specific responsibilities with less variety

Let me share a personal insight: When I moved to a corporate role, I was surprised to find myself getting paid more to do less work. However, as someone with an entrepreneurial spirit, I quickly found the boundaries frustrating.

The Small Company Experience

Pros of Small Companies

• Visible Impact: Your work directly affects company success

• Access to Leadership: I once pitched projects directly to C-level executives in my first year

• Variety of Work: Opportunities to wear multiple hats

• Quick Decision Making: Less red tape for implementing changes

• Career Flexibility: Easier to try different roles within the company

Cons of Small Companies

• Work Intensity: Lean teams often mean heavy workloads

• Less Structure: Procedures might be less established

• Resource Limitations: Might have fewer perks or benefits

• Higher Pressure: Being one of few means more visibility on your performance

• Less Downtime: As I experienced, "slow periods" are rare

My First Job Experience: A Mid-Size Success Story

My first role was at a mid-size, fast-growing company, and looking back, it was an ideal starting point. Here's why:

1. Learning Opportunities: I was making cold calls next to the CEO (a Wharton MBA/McKinsey alum) and company President (former President of Disney Americast)

2. Real Responsibility: They trusted me with a project I pitched at age 21

3. Diverse Experiences: From client visits to the Gates Foundation to university recruitment at my alma mater

4. Internal Mobility: Tried different roles over 5 years, building trust and experience. Helped me meet awesome people who I still am friends with or can call to get advice from professionally.

Choosing What's Right for You

Remember this crucial point: Just like doctors, not all companies are good simply because they're established. Size doesn't guarantee quality – whether big or small.

Consider these factors when evaluating company size:

1. Your Working Style: Do you thrive with structure or flexibility?

2. Career Goals: Need name recognition or hands-on experience?

3. Learning Preferences: Structured training or learn-by-doing?

4. Risk Tolerance: Established stability or startup excitement?

5. Desired Impact: Specialized expertise or broad influence?

The X Factor: People

Here's a preview of a topic we'll explore more deeply: At the end of the day, your experience often comes down to the people you work with, regardless of company size. The quality of your immediate team and leadership can make or break your experience.

Making Your Decision

When evaluating opportunities, consider:

1. Current Career Stage: What experience do you need right now?

2. Personal Work Style: Where will you thrive?

3. Growth Goals: Which environment best supports your development?

4. Life Circumstances: What level of stability do you need?

Final Thoughts

There's no universally "better" choice between large and small companies. The key is understanding yourself and what environment will help you thrive. Use these insights to evaluate opportunities based on your unique needs and goals.

Remember, at Advize, we're here to help you navigate these decisions with real insights from professionals who've experienced both worlds.

Your career journey is unique – choose the path that best fits your story.

Excited for you and your experiences ahead!

Emily McSherry,

CEO Advize