Would you be better suited to a big or small company?
We spoke to several professionals who have experienced both in the course of their careers, to find out about the contrasts and what each has to offer.

As you’ll see from this video, both big and small companies have plenty to offer in terms of graduate careers, and actually, different sizes and styles of business may suit you at different stages of your life. Ultimately, cultural fit is more crucial to your happiness than the size of company.
Don’t be afraid to change and grab new opportunities, because that’s how you’ll learn about yourself, how you like to work and what suits you.

How can you find out about smaller businesses?

Mark Rice, Career Coach advises ’Do your research. Take in the message a company gives out on social media and their website. Do they share the same values as you? Look at how they engage with their own staff and how they communicate with their customers – you can tell a lot about their culture and whether it would suit you.
 
Whether it’s a big or small company, reach out, ask if you can talk to them about what they do. Use LinkedIn or drop them an email, don’t be afraid.’

About our contributors:

Our thanks to Monica, Jill, Ross and Hannah.
 
Monica started out on Unilever’s graduate scheme and enjoyed many successful years with the company in international market research, which she says gave her a solid grounding for setting up her own consultancy. She is now a business adviser for brands and retail.
 
Ross followed a similar path of big business experience before co-founding an award-winning app and mobile development company. He is now a strategic adviser to several businesses.
 
Jill is a sales and marketing director and self-confessed travel addict, who has worked in travel, tourism and the charity sector. See her tips on choosing a company here.
 
Hannah planned to follow a well-defined career path in fashion buying. But after 5 years, she became disillusioned, joined a small company and decided the start-up scene was right for her. She has since set up Grow Wellness, teaching yoga for individuals and corporates.