Question 14 (Career Readiness)
Question: When students are preparing to graduate from university, they need to make decisions about what kind of company they want to work for. They might consider large, older companies with an established reputation, or possibly new start up companies, which tend to be small but very focused on the future. Consider the advantages of each. Would it generally be better for a new university graduate to begin working for a large, established company, or for a small start up company? Why?
Score: 5 of 5
Original Essay:
There should be pros and cons on this matter, but I'm sure that there are more advantages on the decision to work for a small but more focused company for the future. If you apply and decide to work for such a small but practical company, you're going to experience a series of work procedures from producing to selling products or services. These common but important work experiences can be later useful when you have a plan to open and run your own company in the future. Otherwise, you'll have to work for just one big company where you started working for. Of course, there're also many benefits, but there might be some unexpected difficult situations you might undergo no matter what and no matter how. For example, if the company you've been working for goes bankrupt or has a plan to reduce the number of its employees, it could be a big hassle hard to endure, leading you to get another job or open your own business regardless of your willingness to do so. However, if you are involved in a small company, it would be a low possibility to get fired. So, I think in my point of view working for a small company gives you more chances to learn and experience than working for a big company. (220)
Revised Essay:
There are both pros and cons to consider in this matter, yet I am confident that the advantages of choosing to work for a smaller, more future focused company outweigh the disadvantages. Opting to join and contribute to such a compact and pragmatic organization can expose you to a comprehensive range of work processes, spanning from product or service development to sales. These fundamental yet vital work experiences can prove invaluable when you eventually aspire to establish and operate your own venture. In contrast, if you were to confine your career to a large corporation where you initially began working, although there undoubtedly are numerous benefits, you might encounter unforeseen challenges regardless of your circumstances. For instance, the company you are employed with could face bankruptcy or deliberate staff reductions, presenting significant difficulties that may be strenuous to endure. This could compel you to seek new employment or embark on your own entrepreneurial journey, irrespective of your original intentions. Conversely, when actively involved with a smaller company, the likelihood of being let go diminishes significantly. Consequently, I am of the opinion that opting to work for a smaller company presents a multitude of opportunities for learning and firsthand experience, surpassing what a larger corporation might offer. (205)