Whether you’re in the field or in the office, working for a small civil or structural engineering firm can have its perks. Small firms can offer you benefits that larger corporations can’t such as a curated company culture and more autonomy in the workplace. If you’ve found yourself weighing the pros and cons of an engineering firms’ size while job hunting, consider these eight reasons on why you should work for a smaller firm:
1. Company Culture
Small businesses have more opportunities to curate a culture rather than mass hiring to keep things running. At a small civil or structural engineering firm, you can trust that your co-workers have been hand selected from a competitive pool because they fit the goals and culture of the company. Smaller firms also have greater opportunities for team outings that build relationships.
2. More Opportunity for Advancement
If climbing the corporate ladder for 30 to 40 years doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, consider the opportunities for advancement at a smaller engineering firm. Unlike large companies, smaller ones give you the chance to grow with them, often promoting from within. You can jump-start your career by choosing a workplace with room to grow over a large name in the industry.
3. More Autonomy, Less Bureacracy
Large corporations have levels upon levels of management, making it difficult to get things approved. At a smaller engineering firm, there are ultimately less bosses that you must answer to. As a result, easy communication within the workplace allows you to work more efficiently while your opinions are heard and valued by the decision makers of the company.
4. Workplace Flexibility
Smaller departments and closer relationships with your peers come with another perk, flexibility. Flex schedules that allow you to pick your schedule are more common at smaller businesses. Larger, bureaucratic companies are often more rigid when it comes to the 9-5 work week model. You also have a less rigid day-to-day schedule due to field work and the ever-changing needs of your firm based on the contracts you’re involved in.
5. Close-Knit Teams
One of the biggest benefits to a smaller company is the opportunity to build strong relationships with your co-workers. In addition to having a smaller team in your department, you will also have the opportunity to cross-collaborate and forge relationships with individuals in other departments. For example, our team at eO collaborates from four different locations: Colorado, Montana, Louisiana, and Florida!
6. You Can Wear Multiple Hats
Smaller teams mean you can try new things and expand your horizons within your career. Larger companies tend to pigeon-hole their employees into specific departments, and it can be difficult to get an opportunity to change courses. Small businesses allow you to take on a variety of responsibilities, resulting in professional development and a stronger resume. You also don’t need an engineering degree to be successful in the field; many team leaders in the industry have credentials such as being a CBI (Certified Bridge Inspector) or an ADCI supervisor (Association of Diving Contractors International).
7. Bigger Focus on People Than Profit
Large engineering firms are worried about one thing: their bottom line. At a smaller firm, your close relationships with team members and leaders create more than a team-oriented environment, they also lead to a culture of caring. In a smaller work environment, your relationships with your colleagues and superiors are closer, allowing you to feel like you’re a part of a community.
8. Job Stability & Security
Although large companies may boast a high level of job security, we’ve all heard horror stories about huge corporations laying off hundreds of people at a time. As a part of a smaller team, your role is valued and typically difficult to replace. The highest level of job security comes when you are an integral part of the company that you are working for. At Engineering Operations, it’s always all hands-on deck. You can bet on a work environment that prioritizes your professional development and longevity in the industry.
If any of these benefits resonated with you, then a small engineering firm might be the right fit! From engineering, marketing, accounting, and everything in-between, our firm is ready to expand and bring on new members to our team. Learn more about job opportunities in Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, and Montana through the Engineering Operations (eO) careers page. To apply for a position at eO, email your resume to [email protected] with the job title you’re applying for in the subject line.