h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I am wondering what people's thoughts are on working for a large company or small company? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

My specific situation is that I am looking to get a job as a software developer/engineer, and so have applied to a number of graduate schemes at very big well known companies, and for some junior developer positions at smaller places (which seem lower paid). I haven't been offered anything yet, but in the event that I end up with a choice, I'd like to have given it all some thought.

Don't work in the same field as you, but here's my general take...


Big companies...

Pros - Your position and responsibilities are well defined. There are procedures for everything and everyone knows their place.

Unions may have negotiated advantages for employees, these could be anything from cheaper air travel to car hire to luncheon vouchers.

Cons - You're a small fish in a big pond - no one cares.
It takes ages to get anything done - from getting hold of office stationary to getting a new computer. Bureaucracy rules.
You operate within strictly defined limits, don't even think about stepping outside them.


Small companies

Fewer advantages in kind, but greater flexibility... You're expected to be a jack-of-all-trades and can get much more job satisfaction... Less bureacracy but personalities matter more... If you don't get along with your colleagues it can have an adverse effect on the whole company... And if your boss doesn't like you you've had it.
However, that works both ways... your boss will know you and, assuming they like you, will be much more likely to be flexible to any of your little 'foibles' than a boss in a large company would be.

Me? I think that as long as you can get along with people and people like you then a small company is much better...

I'm also applying for graduate schemes just now. An advantage of going for them would be that they offer a structured start to your career, which other employers will notice. I've worked for BA and Direct Line and they always get noticed. It seems to reassure folk at interviews. After 18-24 months, you can go for other jobs if you want.

As for actually working there, what he said ^.

Well, as said the problem with small places can be you stand out more, there is nowhere to hide. Going sick in a small place or taking time off can be difficult as so few people there in first place. If you don't like those you work with you are stuck with them all day.
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In a big company hiding is easier, which can be a relief if really busy. There may be offices/factories all over Britain which can be great for transfering and moving around if selling house, These days, job security not being great, a larger company is likely to offer flexability in choice of job without leaving company. That might not sound important but if you get bored with your job or hate those you work with, being able to make an internal transfer is often painless and avoids stress and a fight for another job in a difficult job market nowdays.

You can get the best of both worlds, and my most rewarding and satisfying jobs have been in situations like this: many large companies have a number of small subsidiaries. You can get the "small-company feel" with only a few employees (up to around 50, say) yet you have the security and defined roles/responsibilities and other benefits of a big company.

RF

Initially, go for the big company for these reasons:

1) should get an initial higher salary than a smaller company which will set your payrises if you were to leave (In general I would say I am sure there are exceptions)
2) screw the big company for as much training as you can. A big company will be able to give you much better training than a small company can in general.
3) you get a big company name on your CV, graduate training on your CV which will show you have had a well rounded initial training period rather than the more ad hoc training that a smaller company wou (probably) give.

This assumes you will probably move on at some point unless you become a higher-flying fast tracker!!!

Thanks everyone, I am still slogging through application forms and still undecided about everything, but you've given me some stuff to think about.