Is it better to start your career at a small or large employer?

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[00:01:03] Welcome to From Dorms to Desks, job hunting tips for those early in their careers.

[00:01:08] A podcast brought to you by College Recruiter Job Search Site, which believes that every student and recent grad deserves a great career and hosted by Work Defined.

[00:01:16] Join our AI co-hosts as they dive into tips, tricks, and insights that will help you land your next part-time, seasonal, internship, or entry-level job.

[00:01:25] Let's get your career started.

[00:01:29] Welcome back, everybody, for another deep dive.

[00:01:32] This time we're going to take a look at where most people work and what that tells us about the job market.

[00:01:36] I think we'll uncover a few surprises along the way.

[00:01:39] I think you're right about that.

[00:01:40] Yeah. I mean, we always hear about the importance of small businesses, right?

[00:01:43] Right.

[00:01:43] But do you ever wonder where most people actually end up working?

[00:01:46] Yeah. You know, it's funny. We have these ideas in our head that don't always match up with reality, like that one.

[00:01:53] Okay, so let's start there then. What about the idea that small businesses are the biggest employers? Is that one of those myths?

[00:02:00] Well, it's a nice thought. Kind of a heartwarming image, you know? Mom and pop shops driving the economy and all that.

[00:02:07] Right. The backbone of America.

[00:02:08] Exactly. But it's not quite the whole picture when you look at the data.

[00:02:13] So what does the data actually say about who employs the most people?

[00:02:17] Well, the truth is, small businesses do hire a lot of people. In fact, they hire even more than larger businesses if you just look at the raw numbers.

[00:02:27] But there's a catch.

[00:02:29] Okay. I'm intrigued. What's the catch?

[00:02:31] They also let go of people a lot more frequently.

[00:02:33] So it's like a revolving door kind of thing. High hiring, but also high turnover.

[00:02:38] Exactly. Turnover is really a key factor here. A small business might hire 10 people in a year, but then let go of eight.

[00:02:46] So their net gain is only two employees.

[00:02:48] Right. And in that same year, a big company might hire five and only let go of one.

[00:02:55] It doesn't seem like much, but over time, it makes a huge difference.

[00:02:58] That's a really interesting point. So even though small businesses create a lot of jobs, it's actually the larger companies that hold on to more employees over the long term.

[00:03:09] Precisely. And when you look at the total number of people employed, the numbers show that large companies employ the most people overall and by quite a bit.

[00:03:18] Okay. This is definitely making me think about things a bit differently.

[00:03:20] So what does this all mean for someone listening who's just starting out their career?

[00:03:24] Yeah, that's a good question. You know, if you're fresh out of college or just starting out, you might think that smaller companies would be the way to go.

[00:03:32] Like they'd have more opportunities for you. But actually, if you look at the statistics, larger companies hire a much bigger percentage of new grads and people who are new to the workforce.

[00:03:42] Really? That's kind of counterintuitive.

[00:03:43] I would have thought that small companies would be more eager to bring in new talent.

[00:03:48] It really comes down to resources and structure. You see, large companies tend to have dedicated HR departments.

[00:03:54] Okay.

[00:03:55] And these departments have pretty sophisticated recruitment strategies, especially when it comes to attracting talent straight from universities.

[00:04:02] So they have whole systems set up.

[00:04:04] Yeah. They have the resources to invest in things like internship programs and graduate recruitment schemes.

[00:04:10] And some even have special visa programs to attract talent from other countries.

[00:04:14] So they really have the systems and the resources to go after that pool of talent in a way that smaller companies just can't.

[00:04:21] Exactly. Plus, you can't forget about the power of a big name. Think about it. Companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft.

[00:04:28] Those are the big ones.

[00:04:29] They are. And they've practically become synonymous with innovation and exciting career growth.

[00:04:36] There's a certain prestige that comes with those names, especially in the tech world.

[00:04:40] And that attracts a lot of young professionals.

[00:04:43] Yeah. They definitely have a certain draw.

[00:04:45] And when you look at those lists of the top employers for new grads, those big tech companies are always at the top every time.

[00:04:52] They are. And for good reason. Take Google, for example.

[00:04:55] Okay.

[00:04:56] They're consistently ranked as the top employer for grads coming out of all those prestigious schools, like all eight Ivy League schools.

[00:05:04] Wow.

[00:05:04] It's impressive. And it makes sense, really.

[00:05:06] They're known for doing really cutting edge work, offering really competitive salaries and having amazing benefits packages.

[00:05:12] That combination is really hard to resist, especially for top talent.

[00:05:16] It sounds pretty unbeatable, to be honest. So we've got large companies holding on to more employees because of lower turnover.

[00:05:23] And they're also bringing in the most new grads. Do you think there's a connection there?

[00:05:27] Oh, there's definitely a link. See, one of the big reasons large companies are able to keep those turnover rates so low is because they offer better benefits and better job security.

[00:05:35] That makes sense.

[00:05:36] They have the resources to invest in their employees' well-being, provide good health care, and create a more stable working environment overall.

[00:05:44] Yeah. And those things, benefits and job security, are so important for anyone, but especially for people who are just starting their careers and trying to build a foundation.

[00:05:55] Exactly. And that's where the size of the company really comes in. Larger organizations, just by their nature, tend to have more established HR policies, stronger risk management strategies, and let's be honest, more financial stability to be able to offer those PUCs.

[00:06:10] And on the other hand, a smaller company might be more vulnerable to changes in the market or the economy.

[00:06:17] Right.

[00:06:17] And that could affect their ability to offer the same level of benefits and job security.

[00:06:22] It's a valid point. Obviously, there are always exceptions, but in general, larger companies have more of a buffer to weather those storms.

[00:06:29] So it's more stability for their employees.

[00:06:31] Exactly. And, you know, another thing our research showed is that larger companies are also more likely to hire people who are here on student visas

[00:06:39] or temporary work visas.

[00:06:41] That's right. So it's not just about domestic talent.

[00:06:44] Right. It's all part of this increasingly globalized workforce.

[00:06:48] Large companies are tapping into a global pool of talent, and programs like the H-1B visa are a perfect example of that.

[00:06:55] Okay. Can you explain a bit more about that H-1B visa program?

[00:06:59] Sure. The H-1B program allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers for specialized jobs, especially in fields where there might not be enough qualified American workers.

[00:07:09] And we see big companies like Amazon and Cognizant using it quite a bit.

[00:07:14] So they're looking for the best talent no matter where they're from.

[00:07:16] Precisely. And it's driven by a few different things. The competition for top talent is really intense these days.

[00:07:22] Technology has made it much easier to work with people across borders.

[00:07:26] Yeah. The world's getting smaller.

[00:07:27] Right. And a lot of companies have operations in multiple countries. So it's all part of this bigger trend of globalization in the workforce.

[00:07:34] It sounds like the job market is a lot more complex than we realize. It's not just about finding any job. It's about understanding these bigger trends and how they're shaping the whole landscape.

[00:07:44] Absolutely. And there's so much more to uncover. We've really just scratched the surface here.

[00:07:49] Yeah.

[00:07:49] It really is. And just to kind of add another layer to all of this, let's talk a little bit more about those temporary work visas.

[00:07:56] Okay.

[00:07:57] The H-1B program in particular gets a lot of attention.

[00:08:01] Right.

[00:08:01] It basically lets U.S. companies hire foreign workers for these really specialized jobs. And you see companies like Amazon and Cognizant using it a lot.

[00:08:10] That's interesting. I'm curious, what kind of salaries are we talking about for these H-1B visa holders?

[00:08:15] Yeah. Well, it has to be pretty competitive to attract people to move from overseas.

[00:08:20] Right.

[00:08:20] The data shows that the average salaries offered to H-1B visa holders at these companies are often well over $100,000.

[00:08:29] Wow.

[00:08:29] Sometimes even reaching $150,000 or more, depending on the role and the person's experience.

[00:08:35] Okay. Yeah. That's a serious salary. It really shows you how much demand there is for these specialized skills.

[00:08:40] It does.

[00:08:41] And how far these companies are willing to go to get the best people no matter where they're from.

[00:08:45] Absolutely. It really highlights how global the workforce has become. Companies aren't limited by geography anymore when they need to find the right person for the job.

[00:08:55] So if I'm someone listening to this and I'm thinking about my own career, what's the takeaway for me? What should I be paying attention to?

[00:09:04] That's a really great question. I think the biggest takeaway is that understanding these trends can give you a real advantage in the job market.

[00:09:11] Whether you want to go for a stable job at a big company or a more dynamic role at a startup, knowing what's going on in the job market is so important.

[00:09:19] Knowledge is power.

[00:09:21] Exactly. And it's not just about knowing the facts. It's about connecting the dots and understanding the bigger picture.

[00:09:26] For example, if you know that big companies are more likely to hire people on visas, that might encourage you to develop those in-demand skills that would make you a more competitive candidate in that global pool of talent.

[00:09:38] Yeah. That's a smart strategy.

[00:09:40] Yeah.

[00:09:40] So it's about being proactive and understanding that these global trends can create opportunities for you, even if you're not planning to work overseas.

[00:09:48] Precisely. And remember, the job market never stops evolving. What's true today might be totally different five years from now. So you have to stay informed and adapt to change.

[00:10:00] That's good advice. You mentioned startups earlier. How do they fit into this picture? We've been talking a lot about big companies, but what about people who are more interested in working in a more entrepreneurial environment?

[00:10:12] That's a really important point. While those big companies might be the biggest employers, startups and smaller companies offer a totally different set of advantages and challenges.

[00:10:22] Right. A different kind of experience altogether.

[00:10:24] Exactly.

[00:10:24] I'd love to explore that a bit. What are some of the trade-offs someone should consider when they're weighing a job at a big corporation versus a smaller company?

[00:10:31] It really comes down to your priorities and what kind of environment you thrive in. A big company might offer more stability, more resources, and a clearer career path. But it could also mean dealing with more bureaucracy and a slower pace of change.

[00:10:46] Right. It's like you become one small part of a huge machine.

[00:10:50] Exactly. Which can feel secure, but also maybe a little impersonal.

[00:10:54] Right.

[00:10:55] Whereas a smaller company might offer a more dynamic environment. You might get to wear multiple hats, have a more direct impact on the business, and see your ideas come to life more quickly.

[00:11:05] But that often comes with less job security, right?

[00:11:08] Yeah, too.

[00:11:08] And maybe fewer established benefits and just more risk overall.

[00:11:12] Yeah, that's part of the trade-off. You're trading some stability for the potential of faster growth and more autonomy.

[00:11:19] So it's really about understanding yourself and what you're looking for in a workplace.

[00:11:22] Right.

[00:11:22] Do you want stability and structure? Or are you the kind of person who thrives in a faster-paced environment where you can really make a difference?

[00:11:31] Exactly. And it doesn't have to be one or the other. You might start your career at a big company to get experience and then later on move to a smaller company.

[00:11:38] Mm-hmm.

[00:11:39] Or the other way around. There's no one right way to do it.

[00:11:42] Yeah, that's a good point. Careers aren't linear. You can always change direction, try different things, even completely reinvent yourself.

[00:11:50] Absolutely. And I think that's one of the most exciting things about the job market today. There are so many possibilities out there.

[00:11:57] So many different ways to use your skills and make a contribution.

[00:12:00] And even within those big companies, your experience can be totally different depending on the specific department, the team, or even the manager you work with.

[00:12:10] That's a really important point. It's not enough to just look at the company name. You have to do your research, talk to people who work there, and really try to get a sense of the culture and what it's really like to be part of that team.

[00:12:20] And that's where things like informational interviews and networking can be so valuable, right?

[00:12:25] Definitely.

[00:12:25] You can really tap into the experiences of other people and get insights that you wouldn't find on a company website.

[00:12:31] Absolutely. Those personal connections can give you a much better understanding of what it's actually like to work somewhere and whether it's a good fit for you.

[00:12:39] So we've talked about the advantages of working for big companies, especially early in your career.

[00:12:45] And we've also touched on the potential upsides of working for smaller companies like faster growth and a more direct impact.

[00:12:53] Right. It's all about finding that balance.

[00:12:55] And that balance might shift throughout your career as your priorities change.

[00:12:59] Exactly.

[00:12:59] But regardless of the size of the company, there's one thing that often gets overlooked.

[00:13:04] What's that?

[00:13:05] Company culture.

[00:13:06] Oh, absolutely.

[00:13:07] Two companies can look the same on paper, but feel completely different once you're on the inside.

[00:13:14] Yeah. I've even heard of like different teams within the same company having wildly different cultures.

[00:13:18] Oh, for sure. That's why you really got to do your research.

[00:13:21] Don't just go by the company's website or what they say in their marketing materials.

[00:13:25] Talk to people who actually work there. Read employee reviews online.

[00:13:29] So get the inside scoop.

[00:13:30] Yeah. Try to get a real feel for what it's actually like to work there day to day.

[00:13:33] What are some things people should watch out for when they're trying to figure out the company culture?

[00:13:39] Hmm. That's a good question.

[00:13:41] One good sign is transparency.

[00:13:44] Like does the company openly share information about its values and its goals?

[00:13:48] Are they clear about how decisions are made?

[00:13:51] Do they encourage open communication and feedback?

[00:13:54] If the answer is yes to those things, that's usually a good indicator.

[00:13:58] That makes sense. And what about red flags?

[00:14:01] What are some signs that the company culture might not be so great?

[00:14:05] One thing to watch out for is high turnover, especially if it doesn't seem to be related to things happening in the industry.

[00:14:12] Right.

[00:14:12] Like if a lot of people are leaving, it could be a sign that something's not right.

[00:14:15] Maybe morale is low or the management isn't great or there aren't enough opportunities for growth.

[00:14:21] And what about diversity?

[00:14:23] Like if you don't see a lot of diversity in the leadership, is that a red flag?

[00:14:27] Oh, absolutely. If you don't see people from different backgrounds represented at all levels of the company,

[00:14:33] it could be a sign that they're not really committed to inclusivity and equity.

[00:14:37] This has been a really eye-opening conversation. We've covered a lot of ground.

[00:14:42] We started by talking about how small businesses aren't actually the biggest employers.

[00:14:46] And then we got into all the different factors that influence hiring, benefits,

[00:14:50] and even how companies are attracting talent from all over the world.

[00:14:54] Yeah. It's been fascinating.

[00:14:56] It really has. And I think one of the key takeaways here is that the job market is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing.

[00:15:03] It's constantly changing. And if you understand the trends, you can really get ahead.

[00:15:07] Absolutely.

[00:15:08] So whether you're drawn to the stability of a big company or the fast-paced world of a startup,

[00:15:13] the most important thing is to be informed, be adaptable, and don't be afraid to take initiative.

[00:15:19] Do your research, network with people, and keep learning new things.

[00:15:23] Couldn't agree more. And remember, your career path doesn't have to be a straight line.

[00:15:27] It's a journey.

[00:15:28] It is. It's okay to change course, try different things, and figure out what works best for you.

[00:15:34] Before we wrap up, I want to leave our listeners with one last thought.

[00:15:38] We talked a lot about the appeal of those big-name companies and the advantages they offer,

[00:15:43] but what about the smaller companies?

[00:15:45] What are some of the benefits of working for a company that's not a giant corporation?

[00:15:50] That's a great point to end on. Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you least expect.

[00:15:56] Smaller companies can offer a lot of things that big companies can't.

[00:16:00] Like what?

[00:16:01] Like more autonomy, more flexibility, and a chance to really have a direct impact on the business.

[00:16:06] You're not just a cog in a machine.

[00:16:07] Exactly.

[00:16:08] So while the numbers might point to big companies as being the biggest employers,

[00:16:12] the best career path for you is the one that really aligns with your own goals and what you want to achieve.

[00:16:17] And those goals might involve things like rapid growth, the chance to wear a lot of different hats,

[00:16:22] or the opportunity to really shape the direction of a company.

[00:16:26] And those things are often more common in smaller, more nimble companies.

[00:16:29] That's a great point.

[00:16:30] So don't count out those smaller companies when you're considering your options.

[00:16:34] They might be the perfect place for you to reach your full potential.

[00:16:37] I completely agree.

[00:16:40] Well, thanks for joining us on this deep dive into the job market.

[00:16:43] We hope you learned something new and that you feel more confident about navigating your own career journey.

[00:16:48] Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep pushing yourself to see what's possible.

[00:16:56] This has been From Dorms to Desks, job hunting tips for those early in their careers.

[00:17:01] A podcast brought to you by College Recruiter Job Search Site,

[00:17:04] which believes that every student and recent grad deserves a great career.

[00:17:08] Each episode, we dive into tips, tricks, and insights that will help you land your next part-time,

[00:17:14] seasonal, internship, or entry-level job.

[00:17:16] Subscribe to this podcast for free now so you don't miss an episode and visit www.collegerecruiter.com

[00:17:24] to find your next great job.

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