Worried About My Career Path: Does Working at a Small Firm Affect My Future Prospects?

Dear Seniors,

I got a job in the HR field 2 years ago when I was in my first year of B.Com (through Correspondence). My first organization was GODREJ Global Solutions, a BPO company. After that, I received an offer from Manpower Services, a US MNC (on Contract). I then worked with Csmo pharmexx, a German MNC. Working with top companies like these, I am now employed in a small consulting firm with only 10 employees. I feel guilty working in a small company. Now, I am in my final year. Will I have a great future once I complete my graduation? Seniors, please suggest on this.

Hi Abi,

Whether a small company or a big company, it depends on the work or the responsibilities you hold in the company. But before moving to a new company, haven't you searched for the company profile?

Hi Veena,

Nice meeting you.

No, because it was my situation to join this company. I had been trying for the job for the past 1 1/2 months, but as I'm not a graduate, I did not get any offers. So, it was my final situation to join this company. I had been handling HR Generalist profiles in my past companies. However, I'm now handling recruitment here as a Recruitment Consultant. I want to know if this change in experience will affect my career. Please give me your suggestions.

Thank you.

Hi, Abirami. Your first job was in a BPO; however, that experience alone does not carry much weight. Your second stint was with a recruitment firm, which had a good reputation, so this experience may lead to more opportunities in recruitment consulting rather than corporate roles. I am not clear about your last job at the German MNC.

Any work experience before graduation, regardless of the company's size, does not significantly enhance your CV, except for indicating that you are more proactive than those who only focused on studies. Based on the information provided, I suggest treating your new job as the beginning of your career. Whether the company is big or small, do not dwell on it too much. If you have decided to pursue a career in recruitment, consider specializing in this field with one or more verticals. Otherwise, transitioning to a corporate role later might be challenging. Decide the duration of your stay at this current company based on your interests – whether it's in recruitment or another area.

I hope this advice is helpful.

Regards,
Karuna

Hi Karuna,

Nice advice. Please, can you suggest something for me as well? I am enclosing my CV. I have 17 months of experience in HR Generalist profile at MetLife. Currently, I am working with a consultancy for the past 5 months. However, every time I apply for an HR role, they require hardcore recruitment experience. Even though I now have recruitment experience, I possess a good understanding of all HR functions. Unfortunately, the consultancy I am with is not ideal; they have not provided me with an offer letter since I joined, and they are inconsistent with salary payments. I am now seeking a new opportunity with a reputable organization. Can anyone guide me on how I can secure a job in a good company?

Thanks,
Kavita

Dear Kavi/Abi,

Big or small, low or high salary; experience counts. Keep trying and be on the lookout, you will succeed. You shouldn't think it should do magic. It may take a week or month or year to land a good job. Now the market is dull and so too for HR openings also. So sincerely do all attempts at your end and leave the rest to god and luck.

Somehow try to manage, enrich your domain knowledge, and get trained from your senior without any frustration. If you really find it terrible to continue and feel that your mind is getting sick day by day, fine, say goodbye to the job and take a break. Before doing anything, have adequate financial reserve for the break period. Be prepared mentally.

Regards,
Chandru

Dear Seniors,

Great suggestions. I would appreciate it if you could help me too. I have 3.5 years of experience in recruitment, working with a small recruitment consultancy (15 employees) that does really good work in middle and senior levels of recruitments. I have completed a one-year diploma in HR from Welingkars and joined this firm before the results. During my tenure, I was also pursuing an MBA in HR through distance learning, which I have now completed. I wish to explore opportunities in an HR role, preferably in a generalist role (I do not wish to move away from recruitments). However, considering the current scenario, I am worried about whether it is a good time to change my job.

Please help.

Regards,
Mukta

Dear Mukta / Kavita,

I think it's better to ask for an email address if you want to send your CV to someone instead of uploading the CV on CiteHR where everyone can access your CV with your personal details (like address, contact number, etc.).

Regards,
Manoj

Dear Chandru and Karuna,

Thank you for your advice. I will follow your advice as I feel comfortable with it. I also have another question. Can I ask you?

Thank you.