Moss explains that most of the breakthrough innovations in emerging technologies are being made by firms employing anywhere from 50 to 500 workers. And while most small company employees are paid less than their big business counterparts, many start-ups compensate for the lack of cash by offering stock option plans that can quickly turn into personal gold mines if the company hits the big time. Pa. He cautions, however, that there's also a down side to joining an entrepreneurial enterprise. Although small companies offer plenty of potential for riches and career advancement, the start-up environment isn't suitable for all grads. He notes that many tech experts appreciate the stability provided by a large corporation.
Some people view a large corporation's hierarchy and bureaucracy as stifling.
Others see it as a security blanket. It's very much a personal decision. While a new grad working at a large company can indeed find himself buried in a dead-end job, it's just as likely that a talented individual will be recognized and rewarded with raises and promotions. Boyd warns that it's dangerous to stereotype all small companies as innovative and daring and all large organizations as stagnant and unimaginative. On the other hand, there are many big companies that are continually reinventing themselves to compete in a changing marketplace.