Big companies are impressive, and their actions can impact the lives of every American. But what is it like to actually work for one of these massive corporations? Whether you’re flirting with a job offer or simply curious, working at a large company may not provide the lifestyle you’d expect. Below, we’ve outlined the benefits and disadvantages of working at one of the world’s largest companies.
You’ll become part of a large community. Sure, you’ll be working at the same company as a brilliant CEO, or perhaps a company pioneering a new type of technology. It’s never a bad idea to rub elbows with those types of colleagues, but—more importantly—you’ll be launched into a global network of big company workers. Large companies often participate in global and country-wide networking events, meaning you’ll have a greater professional exposure.
It will probably come with a lot of perks. Large companies often have some extra money to spend on their employees. In addition to earning a competitive salary, you’ll likely have access to great office amenities, such as a gym, a canteen, or new technology. You might be able to finagle partial funding for another degree, or you could be sent on training retreats around the world. Regardless, your perks will be larger than those at a smaller company.
You’ll have more obvious structure. When you’re a part of a large company, you’re entering a machine that’s been in use for a long time. There is an established way of doing things, allowing you to learn the system quickly and effectively. Additionally, you’ll know exactly how you fit into the system, learning the best pathways for promotions and other benefits. Conversely, you won’t have as much room for creativity, but you’ll have a greater sense of stability.
You’ll have more room to grow. While your initial role may be specialized, you’ll have the ability to change positions and explore new areas without leaving the company. While you’ll still need to do some hunting, a lot of large companies prefer to hire and promote from within—that’s one less thing for the recruiter to worry about, and the onboarding process will be far easier.
Changes happen slowly. If you want to shake things up at your job, a big company may not be the best choice. Even if your company is open to new ideas, getting your department to move to a new model or create a system can take a lot of time, effort, and convincing.