I received an offer to move to a smaller company that I think has a lot of potential. However, it is not easy to make a decision. There are many differences between working in a large company and in a small one. There are benefits to both and problems with both. When would you agree to move from dxc to a smaller, much smaller company?
6 replies (most recent on top)
I've done it. I've taken what I've learned in large outfits (DXC, Capgemini, Atos, Accenture) into a senior role with a smaller consultancy. I have far fewer constraints, processes, bullc**p each day, and can get more done.
It's great!
I would probably move into a swamp, if the choice was DXC. But that's only because I swam trhough DXC once. But the mentality and culture of a smaller company will feel different and you will have to adapt. You won't be able to help make comparisons with your IT life in enterprise and you make feel like an alien, like a graduate starting in business for the first time. You need to drop that baggage, which can be harder if you've worked in enterprise a long time. Only you will know if you can adapt to change.
- You won't have a wall of staff who have the knowledge you do, so you're on your own - which is a good thing - as you consider the risks and implications of decisions more carefully. You will learn what 'taking responsibility' means for real this time.
- You will often take on work that is not your job. Not a big deal. Not like an enterprise where inter-department stone-throwing can often occur,
- You will have more of a say in fixing or improving things. And that feels great!
- Don't expect everything to change overnight in a small firm, though. But you'll be used to that anyway.
- You will receive more respect, because your value is recognised in the firm. Often because you are likely to be the only one with your skill set and therefore will be expected to be a lead, not a follower. As there is no one to follow.
- More chance of recognition. Success is properly celebrated with staff. Christmas parties (all expenses paid) - bonuses (yes, that word) and perhaps profit shares. Certainly more social and community events that engage staff, if that's your thing.
- Adapting to culture might take a while. Some enterprise people can struggle and smaller companies might see an enterprise person joining a risk (not all, but some do) . But most will value some fresh eyes and experience to lead them.
- Staff are often in the same place and as a result there can be more of a team spirit, socialising and support (not withstanding the work from home rules)
I did make that move last fall and I don't regret it.
You need to show what you are capable of and if you show up and do good work, you will rapidly build a solid reputation and standing amongst your colleagues and the management team. But most importantly, you can actually have a say and work fixing it when things don't work quite right within the organization.
You will have to pull your own weight. If things go wrong during your job, you are the one responsible to fix it; there's no line manager or other people to do it for you.
What's more, small companies carry a "part of the solution, part of the problem" mentality - you carry the mission statement or philosophy to the client. Any form of criticism of skepticism about a project you're working on, or the company you are working for, will make you "part of the problem" among your colleagues.
This type of working environment works for those who are passionate in what they do, not for those who just need a paycheck.
but small companies cannot carry "passengers". Be prepared to do your fair share of the work. If you want to stand out and make a difference go for the small company - if you want to coast along until retirement doing nothing/bare minimum then stay with all the other passengers at DXC
You will get more respect, salary and job security than DXC based upon my personal experience.