Opportunity at a Small Company 7

[pittguy12]

I just got a job offer from a small company...a very small company (<12). I always saw the 'next step' at a bigger company for the opportunities it might give me to develop as an engineer. Having looked at this position though, I think an even better opportunity for development might be going smaller because I will have the chance to 1) practice closer to the field I want to be in, 2) become a major player in a small operation, 3) take on more diverse roles without having to jump positions or wait for the corporate train to get moving.

My biggest concern though is what the future sustainability is of small firms. They seem incredibly busy now and have done quite well over the last 10-15 years (including record years during the recession). Yet, I still have concerns over the vulnerability of a place this small.

I appreciate everyones thoughts.

 

[Niwot]

I've read all the replies and, unless I'm missing something, I haven't heard what industry sector this small company is involved in. IMO, this should play a role in your decision. Is the company focused on a particular market segment that is subject to cyclical business trends or are they diverse in nature? Wouldn't hurt to look 3-5 years down the road. For example, years ago coal fired power plant business in the US was booming - not only in plant construction and re-vamp, but also in ancillary businesses such as NOX reduction and fluidized bed technologies. The DOE was shelling out grant money to "clean coal" related projects hand over fist. Many Engineering firms (large and small) that once focused on coal fired power plants have consolidated with other divisions or have disappeared completely. Now, the DOE grants are focused on alternative energy sources. In addition, EPA mandates (not overseen by congress) have fueled regulations that can stop on a dime with the change of an administration. The aerospace industry is another example, shifting heavily from Defense and other government related contracts to commercial contracts over the years. Some companies have handled the transition, some have not.

The one thing that is certain in today's economic climate is uncertainty. This applies to all companies large and small. Personally, I think that a well managed small company affords much greater opportunities than larger ones that pigeon-hole their workers. However, I would make certain that the company you're considering is involved with a market sector that still has growth potential or has the ability to diversify into other sectors if it is not.

Good luck!