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Large Vs. Small Organizations
Small organizations can be an important, yet often overlooked, consideration in your internship or job search.
Is a Small Organization Right For You?
Life in a small organization can be very different from life in a large organization. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each and make an informed decision about which environment is most appropriate for you.
Advantages of a small organization
- You may be given more responsibility and may not be as limited by a “job description.”
- You may be allowed to use your own initiative, rather than be closely supervised.
- Your ideas and suggestions may be given more attention.
- Career advancement may be rapid in a growing company.
- You are likely to be involved in the whole organization, not limited to one area.
- The environment may be more informal and friendly and there may be fewer rules and policies.
- You may have the chance to be involved in the growth of something great.
Disadvantages of a small organization
- Many small businesses fail; you may have less job security.
- There may be lower starting salaries and fewer benefits.
- You may put in longer hours.
- A dominant leader can control the entire organization.
- You must be able to work with everyone within the organization.
- Both your successes and failures may be more visible.
- You may have fewer resources and support.
Are You Right For a Small Organization?
Because of the different nature of a small business, different qualities in employees may be needed. You will do well if you are:
- Self motivated
- A generalist with many different skills
- A good communicator
- Enthusiastic
- A quick learner
- Able to get things done on your own
Differences in Hiring Practices
Getting an internship or job in a small organization may require more work on your part. When approaching a small organization, you may find the following differences in hiring practices:
Large ORGANIZATION | Small ORGANIZATION |
---|---|
Centralized personnel department | No personnel department |
Employers may conduct interviews | Founder/owner may conduct interviews |
Employers may seek out potential employees | No full-time hiring managers |
May keep resumes on file for a year | May not keep resumes |
Standardized hiring procedure | No standard hiring procedure |
Predetermined job categories | Jobs emerge as needs do |
Have long-term personnel forecasts | Hire as needs arise |
Company literature easily available | No printed literature |
Website with extensive information and functionality | Limited web presence |
Online application | No online application |
Hire months in advance | Hires to start immediately |
Extensive training program | On-the-job training |