Career Q & A
By Alan Kearns
September 6, 2005
I just graduated with an Executive MBA, and have a number of options
on my plate. One of the options is from the United Way, and the other is a
more senior role in a well-funded new organization. Is there a better
long-term strategic value to joining a well-known brand versus the startup?
The answer to your question is, it depends. Obviously, joining an
existing large player with a well-known "brand" will open a lot of doors
for you. The United Way is typically recognized within the market as an
established player that sets a high bar when it comes to hiring. The
methodology they use is quite rigorous, and they generally look for the
well-rounded individual.
Working with them for five years would add a lot of professional value to
your education and experience, especially if you have not worked with a
well-known brand yet. The United Way may also offer you opportunities to have
multiple career paths. Often, you can experience different types of roles
and projects that organizations with big budgets offer. I often see clients
who decide to leave their current position because they have grown as much as they can
within that particular organization. They leave for new challenges, whereas within
larger organizations you can have different options without necessarily
leaving. You may also have more external visibility at conferences etc.
However, sometimes the opposite is true, you may get involved in more of the
politics and become blocked in positions.
The startup experience can be a lot of hard work and reward. While not for
everyone, a startup offers a chance for a blank sheet. You often get a group
of professionals who are really enthusiastic about building something from the
ground up. You most likely will get less input on how things need to be
done, as there are less people involved. And there can be less politics,
although not always due to the amount of passion that everyone has invested
into this new project.
The more senior role in the startup will most likely offer you a broader
sense of involvement in a whole spectrum of issues in the organization.
Obviously, there is more risk, and there could be a different type of
professional reward, as you will be a big fish in a small pond.
Above and beyond the organizations themselves, you should consider the supervisor and team
you would be working with, as well as the type of project. Since there are
so many other factors that will influence this next career experience, it is
dangerous to narrow the discussion to startup versus established organization.
In 10 years, where do you imagine yourself to be? Many executives from large
tech companies leverage the experience and financial rewards into interesting
entrepreneurial roles, while others move on to other big players.
Regardless of which path you choose, get the job done well. Strive for
excellence and you will always be in demand.
Alan Kearns is the Head Coach and the Brand Champion! of CareerJoy.
He is one of Canada's foremost experts on all things career. With more than
14 years of experience coaching people through successful career changes,
he brings an intimate knowledge of the entire transition process to all of
his clients. To contact Alan about paid professional services, e-mail alan@careerjoy.com
or visit his web site www.careerjoy.com.
To submit a question for a future column, please e-mail it to careercoach@charityvillage.com.
No identifying information will appear in this column.
Disclaimer: Advice and recommendations are based on limited information provided and should be used as a guideline only. Neither the author nor CharityVillage.com make any warranty, express or implied, or assume any legal liability for accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided in whole or in part within this article.
