Looking For Your First Job? Top 3 Reasons You Should Target Small Companies

Each year, thousands of graduates from public and private universities are churned ready to join the Kenyan job market. In a damning reality, the number of graduates versus the job opportunities leaves a lot to be desired, meaning too many graduates are competing for limited opportunities.

As a graduate, what type of job or rather which company are you looking to work for? Is it Safaricom, Unilever, United Nations, PricewaterhouseCoopers or a top bank? Why? Because these companies are famous for their attractive compensation.

Let’s get to the bigger issue, not all graduates in Kenya will be absorbed by big companies and unless you are targeting a graduate trainee role, most Kenyan employers are looking for work experience. Hardly will you get out of college and start working for a big multinational company with zero work experience.

This is where the issue of small companies comes in. In this tight economy, you should consider looking for opportunities with small and medium-sized companies because they will be a stepping stone to those fancied multinationals.

The following arguments will give you enough reasons to consider targeting small companies for your first job

3 Reasons To Target Smaller Companies For Your First Job

1. More Opportunities Are Available In Smaller Companies

If you are aspiring to work for a top NGO or a multinational company, so is every tom, dick and harry. This means that there is fierce competition in bigger companies as so many qualified job seekers like you are eying such opportunities.

Why would you waste time and effort applying for jobs where you know you have slimmer chances of being selected?

Instead, try your luck in a smaller company and things may turn out differently. More so, smaller companies will hire you with limited experience provided you prove yourself to them.

Related: Understanding The Hidden Job Market 

2. Your Skills Will Be Utilized In A Smaller Company

Most processes and decisions in smaller companies tend to be more visible and transparent making it much easier to implement creative ideas and see them materialize. This is the opposite of bigger companies where it can be harder to implement ideas because top management can be reluctant to change.

In addition to that, you will get the opportunity to multitask and work in many areas giving you the opportunity to acquire new skills and discover your abilities.

3. You Will Be Promoted Faster In A Smaller Company

Ever heard of the saying a big fish in a small pond and vice versa? Because of your hard work, it much easier to be recognized and promoted in a smaller company compared to a bigger one. In some bigger companies, too many complicated processes results in diluting the work environment thus making it hard for employees to perform.

A medium sized company gives you the opportunity to be mentored and coached by the management and once you are empowered, you are able to grow career wise. This is especially very important for people who are just starting out in their careers.

As they say Rome was not built in a day. There is nothing wrong with aspiring to work for a multinational company but how about building your CV and work experience in a small company? Change your attitude and stop dreaming of working in fancy offices, whirl around chairs and receive huge salaries.

Related: 5 Best Paying Companies in Kenya 2017