Top 3 Reasons to Work for a Big Company in Canada
There are many reasons to work for a big company in Canada. For example, according to a survey by KPMG Canada, nearly seven in 10 Black Canadians feel employers have made progress on being more inclusive and equitable for Black employees and have also made genuine efforts to hire more Black Canadians. These companies are not only making genuine efforts to hire more diverse employees but are also fostering environments where inclusivity is a priority. This trend towards greater inclusivity and equity highlights the commitment of large corporations to create workplaces that value diversity and provide opportunities for all employees to thrive.
On top of this, kicking off a professional career with a large company is filled with perks that can have positive long-term impacts for all professionals including traditionally marginalized groups like Black, brown, newcomer and other diverse professionals. Certainly, no big company is perfect and there will be a downside to kicking off a career in big corporate. But I am convinced working for a large company will bring more positive outcomes than negative outcomes. Personally, I started my career working for a large corporation. After spending over a decade with the company, I’m convinced I learned more in the time I spent in the fast-paced corporate world than some people do in an entire career. Following my corporate experience, anything else I took on seemed easy.
the benefits of working for a large corporation
Working in a corporate environment offers numerous intangible benefits that extend beyond a paycheck, especially for first-generation white-collar workers. One of the most valuable aspects is the opportunity for continuous learning and professional development. Corporate jobs often provide access to training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities that can enhance your skills and knowledge. This constant growth helps you stay competitive and adaptable in an ever-changing job market. Additionally, being exposed to various departments and functions within a large organization broadens your understanding of different business operations, giving you a holistic view of the industry.
Networking and building connections are other significant advantages of a corporate job. Being part of a large organization means you have the chance to interact with a diverse group of professionals, from colleagues and managers to industry leaders and clients. These connections can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and career advancements. Moreover, the corporate environment often brings you into contact with innovative ideas and cutting-edge technologies, keeping you at the forefront of industry trends. For first-generation white-collar workers, these experiences are invaluable, as they not only help in building a robust professional network but also expose you to new perspectives and ways of thinking, enriching both your personal and professional life.
Here are 3 reasons to work for a big company as a Professional in Canada
Reason 1: you’ll get access to mentors
When I started my first job at a big company, I was surrounded by a bunch of really smart people that taught me lots, far beyond the technical components of practicing Human Resources.
I was fortunate that a lot of these more senior, smart people were women. There are, of course, some extra lessons for women looking to move up the corporate ladder.
I was surrounded by women leaders who were interested in my progression and open to teaching. By being around these more experienced folks, I learned about accepted standards of behavior, the importance of managing perceptions and even how to dress.
Some of the most valuable lessons I learned in the early days of my career were pretty basic. “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it”, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have”. Timeless and important advice that a lot of us already know.
On top of these basics, mentors helped me understand everything from how to navigate office politics to how to best communicate with the most senior levels of the company. They also helped me understand the importance of networking inside and outside of the organization – and how to do it.
I think its important to note, I never actually had a mentor who was a member of a visible minority group. In my corporate experience, I never worked with a Black, Brown or underrepresented female. This was a definite downside of my corporate experience. A downside which I didn’t recognize until many years later.
Reason 2: You’ll get access to training dollars
Often large corporations have training budgets and include learning and development as part of performance management. This means free training for you. This is so valuable as you start or build your career.
Access to training dollars from the company can mean hundreds to thousands of dollars in savings and perks for you.
Imagine you want to pursue a professional designation, or a Master’s Degree to further your education. In a large company, you might be able to access budget dollars to pursue something like this.
To top it off, you’ll likely have access to folks who have already completed similar training to provide support and guidance.
Personal development and training might be part of your overall job offer or part of the company benefits package. During an interview it is worthwhile to ask something like ‘how does the organization support ongoing training and development’.
If you’re already working inside the organization, look for any relevant policies that could answer any questions you might have. If you’re not able to fin anything, check with your manager or Human Resources.
HireDiverse’s job board posts often has open roles from some of Canada’s largest employers.
VIEW JOBS FROM HIREDIVERSE
-
VIEW JOBS FROM HIREDIVERSE -
Reason 3: Everything after will seem like a breeze
Working for a mature private company can be pretty tough. This is especially true if you’re looking to progress and climb the corporate latter.
As a Black, Brown or underrepresented professional, the challenge can be even greater. The desire to progress your career often means extra hours, taking on special projects and making a commitment to continuing education.
You’re essentially competing with everyone else who wants to progress and vying for a pretty limited number of positions. Due to the competitive nature of the corporate environment, performance is really important and work often becomes all about impressing more senior folks with influence over your future placement internally.
Working for a big company is typically complicated with lots of relationships and perceptions to manage. Because most folks are always bringing their A game, you have to do the same, or better. Unfortunately, as a minority you probably already understand that the playing field isn’t level. While an A game is exceptional for most, as a minority you have to bring an A+.
This isn’t right or fair. Unfortunately, it is a reality faced by underrepresented professionals. One which we can work to overcome through the resources offered here at Hire Diverse, through continuing discussions and education.
Working for a large company offers numerous benefits, including extensive resources, networking opportunities, and potential for career advancement. With a strong LinkedIn presence, you can leverage these opportunities to connect with industry leaders, access exclusive job postings, and showcase your achievements to a wider audience. LinkedIn becomes an invaluable tool for navigating the corporate landscape, helping you build a professional brand, expand your network, and climb the career ladder more effectively within a big company. By strategically using LinkedIn, you can maximize the benefits of working for a large organization and accelerate your career growth.
It's important to have clear goals and take an inward focus, reflecting on what you truly want before making a career change. The Career Advancement Journal can help guide your thoughts and reflections, providing a structured approach to understanding your aspirations and mapping out your path. By starting with self-reflection, you can make more informed decisions and align your career moves with your personal and professional goals.
Conclusion: professionals can benefit from working for a large company but should be aware of the possible downsides
As a professional in Canada, there is a definite upside to working for a large organization. While performing at a high level in a competitive environment is rewarding, it can also be quite demanding. When I transitioned from a large corporate setting to a smaller organization, I noticed that my standards seemed very high because my frame of reference was shaped by the rigorous expectations and extensive resources of a large corporation.
Whatever you decide, it's essential to do what’s best for you and your family. Don't rule out big corporate right away; it's not all bad, and there are some significant perks that can help you advance your career in the long term.
Large organizations offer numerous intangible benefits, such as continuous learning opportunities, access to training programs, and professional development resources.
Networking and building connections are also substantial advantages, as you get to interact with a diverse group of professionals, from colleagues and managers to industry leaders and clients. These connections can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and career advancements, enriching both your personal and professional life. Furthermore, exposure to innovative ideas in a corporate environment keeps you at the forefront of industry trends, broadening your understanding and helping you stay competitive.
“You need to sweat yourself. don’t sweat nobody else.
- busta rhymes
Embracing self-reflection allows you to navigate your career with intention and confidence. When you know yourself deeply, you can make decisions that resonate with your true self, leading to greater satisfaction and success. It's about finding a career path that not only utilizes your skills but also brings joy and meaning to your life. By continually assessing and realigning your goals with your inner values, you ensure long-term fulfillment and growth. Remember, the journey to career happiness is ongoing, and it starts with understanding yourself from the inside out.
Advancing your career starts from within. It's not just about climbing the corporate ladder or landing the next big promotion; it's about understanding your passions, values, and strengths. Self-reflection is the cornerstone of finding true career happiness. Taking the time to reflect on your experiences, challenges, and successes helps you gain clarity on what you truly want in your professional journey. By looking inward, you can identify what drives you and align your career goals with your personal values. This inner work sets a strong foundation for a fulfilling and purpose-driven career.
