Often when I meet with students and ask them where they are interested in working, I hear about the big companies in Michigan. Names like Ford, GM, Quicken Loans, Google and Compuware regularly get tossed in to the conversation. Yet when I follow up and ask students why they want to work for these companies they cannot always give me great reasons. I sometimes think that students are listing these companies because they don’t know about any others. Small companies have small staffs and as a result don’t always have as many openings but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t great opportunities there. Here are some guidelines for determining if working in a smaller company might be the best fit for you.

Wearing many hats works for you. In a smaller company there are less staff so you are much more likely to work in different areas on different projects. Some people like doing the same thing every day while others thrive on change. Ask yourself which one you are.

You play well with others. In a large company it is possible to stay somewhat anonymous. In a small company it is a lot more likely that people will get to know you and you them. If that type of interaction and familiarity works for you then a small company might be the way to go.

Love what you do. If you want to succeed in a small company then passion is key! Just getting through the day won’t work when every single employee is vital to the overall success of the business. You will more than likely be asked to go above and beyond the call of duty in the performance of your duties and you will have to do it with a smile!

Upcoming Workshops

Get Noticed! Make the Most of a Career Fair or Networking Event Mrs. Joyce Hovermale Wed, March 30 2:35-3:35 p.m. LRC-A-121

Negotiating Salary- Money Isn’t Everything Mr. Chad Austin Wed, April 20 6:00-7:00 p.m. LRC-A-121

Interview Strategies Seminar-Get the Tips to Get the Job! Mr. Chad Austin Wed, April 27 6:00-7:00 p.m. LRC-A-121