Start-up or corporation - how to tell which is right for you.

When you’re considering new career opportunities it’s important to take into account the kind of workplace culture you enjoy, and which you thrive in. Naturally, you want to make sure you’re happy with the responsibilities, the location, the remuneration, and the opportunities on offer, but the type of organization matters too. 

This article will help you get to grips with what start-ups and global corporations can offer ambitious procurement and supply chain professionals. We will examine the pros and cons of each, so you can make a more informed decision about the right choice for you.

Start-ups - the kind of workplace culture you can expect

Start-ups tend to be pretty dynamic places to work. By definition, the teams and the business as a whole are setting up and trying things on for size. This way of working builds a culture of creativity, and collaboration, where everyone is expected to get involved and play their part. Work is fast-paced and roles and responsibilities can be quite fluid - you might be expected to fill in for others at short notice or make a contribution to a team that is outside your comfort zone. In a nutshell, it’s all hands on deck to make sure the company is as strong as possible, so it stands a good chance at succeeding. 

Objectives and goals are likely to change on a regular basis and, despite the close-knit set-up of these fledgling businesses, communication of these changes might not always be that reliable as colleagues are constantly adapting to developments themselves and may simply forget to pass on information. 

Start-ups are generally less formal than corporates. It’s unlikely you’ll be asked to wear conservative or smart clothing, and there is less emphasis on hierarchies. Start-ups are more of a level playing field and they can be a lot of fun. 

The qualities needed for working at a start-up

Naturally, it depends on the business, but for people who are happy with taking a bit of a risk, start-ups provide a fantastic opportunity to make your mark on a business from its very early stages. Here are some qualities you’ll need to succeed in a start-up:

1. A flexible approach. You might be asked to drop your tasks and support a colleague from an entirely different team. Or, your goals and objectives might shift at a moment’s notice. You need to adapt easily to new situations and do so with a positive and helpful attitude. 
2. A willingness to collaborate. Start-up culture means getting stuck in and adding value to the team and business. You won’t get away with sitting quietly in your corner and plowing through reports. 
3. A strong sense of responsibility and a good work ethic. Leaving early when your team is struggling won’t cut it. You need to have skin in the game. This means that you need to have…
4. A thick skin. Employees are expected to invest a lot more of themselves when working in a start-up. When the going is good, the whole team can celebrate. When the going gets tough, you’ll be dealing with collective stresses and disappointments - and tempers may be lost. 
5. A willingness to learn. If you’re a person that is hungry to learn, start-ups can offer huge rewards. Formal training might not be a priority in this environment, but you’ll be exposed to a variety of disciplines, technology, and expertise, and this can really add to your own skillset and employability. 

Corporations - the kind of workplace culture you can expect

Corporate workplace culture is likely to be more formal, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun and welcoming. There tends to be more structure, hierarchy, rules, and policies in place, but there’s also a lot more security and probably more resources available to support your development. 

If you’re looking for stability, corporates could be the right choice for you. They provide steady remuneration and benefits, and ongoing support on your career path. Not something to be sniffed at in these uncertain times. The hours you work will depend on the company but corporations tend to operate more regular 9-5 hours - and you’ll be guaranteed your holidays and sick pay. Role and responsibilities are more fixed in these kinds of businesses, though the career opportunities can be excellent. If this is a deal-breaker for you, always make sure you ask about this during the selection process. 

The qualities needed for working at a corporation

Corporations aren’t necessarily stuffy workplaces full of stressed-out wannabe Gordon Geckos. They are likely to be more conventional than start-ups and operate static working policies. Here are some of the qualities needed for working at a corporation. 

1. The ability to appreciate your role in a wider structure. Due to their size and hierarchical structure, corporations generally offer fewer opportunities to make a significant impact on the business. This doesn’t mean your efforts won’t be appreciated, just that your successes are likely to be incremental or shared by others. 
2. You are comfortable with stability and familiarity. Corporations are less dynamic than start-ups. Things may not move as quickly, but they do tend to move more assuredly and predictably. 
3. You are a good team player. As a small piece in a larger machine, you need to be a great team player who is willing to prioritize the company’s goals over personal glory.  
4. You can act with diplomacy and respect for hierarchy. Even corporations with flatter hierarchies will have a clearly defined management structure in place and this is to be acknowledged and respected. Finding a company where you genuinely value and look up to the leaders should make this a pleasure to do. 

We hope this article has been useful for you in deciding whether a corporation or start-up is right for you. There’s a lot to consider when reviewing your career path and this is perhaps one of the most fundamental things to get right. It’s important to remember that not all businesses follow these structures; some corporations can be really egalitarian, and some start-ups can be quite rigid in their hierarchies. 

When you’re researching a potential employer take a look at their website, social media, and marketing collateral to see what kind of values they have, and if they share yours. You could also try Glassdoor or other review sites, though best to take any judgments with a pinch of salt! If you’re unsure about what the best choice is for you, or you would like to explore your options, talk to us. We’re procurement and supply chain specialists and we’re connected to some of the most exciting businesses in the US and worldwide. We would love to help you find your dream role so get in touch today for an informal chat.