84 Percent of Tech Pros Favor Midsize or Large Companies to Startups
TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - Working at a fast-paced start-up venture may seem exciting, but many IT professionals would prefer stability, a new survey by Robert Half Technology shows. Only 16 per cent of IT professionals polled said they would seek out work at a startup if given the choice. Instead, a majority (60 per cent) of respondents said they would prefer working for a midsize firm, primarily because they believe these businesses provide structure and stability, but also the opportunity to innovate. Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) would choose to make their living at a large company.
The survey was developed and conducted by Robert Half Technology, a leading provider of IT consultants on a project and full-time basis, and includes responses from more than 2,300 workers in North America.
IT professionals were asked, "If you had your pick of employers, would you prefer to work at a startup, midsize or large firm?" Their responses:
| Midsize firm | 60% |
| Large firm | 24% |
| Startup | 16% |
| Total | 100% |
The 60 per cent of respondents who said they would prefer working for a midsize firm gave the following reasons for this choice:
| Structure and stability, but still opportunity to innovate | 51% |
| More opportunity for career growth | 26% |
| Enjoy midsize corporate culture | 17% |
| Better earnings potential | 5% |
| Other | 1% |
| Total | 100% |
View infographics with additional details: midsize firm, large firm, startup, all firms.
"When it comes to company size, the question isn't 'which is best' it's, 'which is best for you,'" said Deborah Bottineau, Senior Regional Manager of Robert Half Technology. "There are advantages and disadvantages with every company type, depending on a professional's experience, personality and learning style. Without having experienced all environments, or any of them like many new graduates, it can be challenging to choose which is right for you."
Robert Half Technology lists five considerations to keep in mind when evaluating which size company suits you best:
| Consideration | Large Company | Midsize Company | Startup Company |
| 1. Structure | Formal and potentially complex structure and processes |
Some structure, but it may evolve quickly as the company grows |
Loose structure; ability for company to adapt easily to change |
| 2. Autonomy | May be more hierarchical; less direct influence over business decisions |
A more compressed leadership structure but still oversight from management |
Minimal direct oversight; collaborative work environment |
| 3. Professional development | Defined career paths, formal training programs |
May rely on outside sources/conferences for training |
Employees may learn more by doing than formal training |
| 4. Stability | Stable, change incremental |
Regular change but heavily managed |
Change happens quickly and often |
| 5. Pay | Standardized tiered pay scale; established bonus program, extensive benefits |
Structured pay scale; comprehensive benefits |
Limited pay and benefits with long-term view on equity potential |
| Note: These are typical characteristics of most companies of each size, but may vary according to the individual business. |
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Added Bottineau, "The key to finding the right work environment is to look for one that offers the greatest potential for professional growth. Networking and informational interviews are great tools to help new graduates to get a sense of what types of companies are out there and which kind of organization may be right for them."
About Robert Half Technology
With more than 100 locations worldwide, Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services at rht.com. Follow Robert Half Technology at twitter.com/RobertHalfTech or visit our technology blog at blog.rht.com.
SOURCE: Robert Half Technology
Contact: Naz Araghian
416.350.2330 ext. 62132
[email protected]
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