How to Decide Between Working at a Startup or a Corporation

Photo by Israel Andrade on Unsplash

When deciding the next step in your career path, you’ll ask yourself many questions. One of these questions is whether you’d like to pursue working at a startup or at a corporation. With each setting offering a different experience, it’s important to choose the best fit for you and your career development journey.

What’s the difference between a startup and a corporation?

As you decide where you would like to apply for your next job, it is important to understand the differences between a startup and a corporation. Follow along to learn more about how startups and corporations differ from one another.

Startups

A startup is a company with less than 50 employees that are working on the launch of a new product. Startups will utilize funding from investors to try and quickly get their company up and running with quick growth.

Benefits of working at a startup include:

• The ability to make a difference
• Increased flexibility and autonomy
• A wide range of work responsibilities
• Small close-knit teams

With startups typically having a much smaller workforce than a corporation, you can quickly make a difference and see fast growth in your career. Many startups also offer the flexibility to work from home.

Corporations

Opposite of startups, corporations are much larger companies that often employ thousands of people. Because corporations are well-established, they provide their employees with much more stability and structure than startups do.

Benefits of working at a corporation include:

• The ability to focus on a specialization
• Consistent salary and benefits
• Access to professional development and mentorship
• A solid structure and organization

With corporations having much larger teams, your position will likely offer a clear role with more specific responsibilities. The larger size will also provide you with many opportunities for group work and the ability to learn from mentors and role models along the way.

How to determine which is best for you?

Now that you understand the difference between a startup and a corporation, you may find yourself wondering how to assess which option will best help you take your career success to the next level. Follow along to learn about signs that can help you make the right decision.

Signs a startup is best for you

Below you will find signs that working at a startup may be the next step in your career.

• You like to work on small teams
• You love to learn and take on new challenges
• You want to have flexible hours
• You want to have access to equity and stock options
• You don’t mind taking risks

If this sounds like you, a job at a startup may be what you’re looking for.

Signs a corporation is best for you

Below are some signs that a job at a corporation might be the right fit for you and your career goals.

• You thrive in a highly structured environment
• You want a stable salary and benefits
• You want access to mentorship
• You prefer defined roles with set responsibilities
• You enjoy working on larger long-term projects

If you find yourself relating to any of these signs, a job at a corporation might be exactly what you need.

Still having trouble making a decision? Check out this flowchart to help you decide the next move in your career.

Infographic Source