Despite receiving multiple opportunities with major brands, Elon Musk chose to spend the summer of ‘94 interning with start-ups; Pinnacle Research Institute during the day and Rocket Science Games at night. He knew exactly what he wanted. The rest, as they say, is history.
No matter which part of the world you are in, for the intern, this dilemma persists — do I choose a big company or a small startup for my internship? Both have their perks and pitfalls, and deciding which one is right for you can be frustrating and confusing and intimidating. Doesn’t matter which emotion you feel — the point is that it’s not an easy decision. But having helped many graduates and young professionals launch their careers, we’re here to help you make a choice that works!
The Perks & Quirks of Interning at a Startup
1. Hands on Experience
Sure, startups may not have the massive teams like the big names in the corporate world, but that just means you get a shot at being the shining star! In fact, there is a possibility that you are the only intern in the company. You’ll probably end up having some important responsibilities on your shoulders, but that just means you’ll have more opportunities to show your value to the team.
2. Opportunities to learn
Unlike those big MNCs, startups don’t have mountains of resources at their disposal. That means you’ll have to be a self-starter and learn a lot on the fly. So, be prepared to soak up knowledge like a sponge!
It’s like being thrown into the deep end of a pool, and you’ll be expected to learn to swim right away by taking initiative. You also won’t have someone holding your hand every step of the way, which offers more autonomy and avenues to learn and explore.
3. Opportunities to contribute more
Since teams are smaller in a startup, there a chance that you’ll have more roles and responsibilities. And in most projects, you’ll find that everyone is contributing to make things happen. Right from the founder to an intern — it’s all about teamwork and collaboration, and everyone’s ideas are valuable to the company’s success. And that includes yours too!
An encouraging work environment like that will help contribute more, learn quicker and make you more confident in your own ideas and skills.
4. Greater flexibility
Although flexibility in the workplace is great, it can be a double-edged sword.
On one hand, you get to explore all sorts of different roles and responsibilities. From client management to brainstorming for creative marketing campaigns, the opportunities are endless. Who knows, you might even uncover a hidden talent you never knew you had!
But on the other hand, the lack of clearly defined roles in a startup can also make things a little confusing. You might also end up dazed trying to keep up with the fast pace of a startup environment. Here, it is important to keep your goals in mind and continue working towards them. It might be a little chaotic, but hey, that’s just part of the startup fun!
Fortune 500 Dreams: The Ups and Downs of Working with MNCs
1. Good reputation
Working for an MNC can be a big confidence boost. These companies have been around the block, and their brands are household names in certain sectors. Plus, given the competition to land a job at an MNC, getting picked for an internship is a major achievement. You are the cream of the crop, and that’s something you can be stoked about.
2. Better structure
MNCs usually have a solid, structured internship program that’s designed to help you climb the career ladder compared to startups. So, you’ll be more focused in soaking up skills in your area of interest. And let’s be real, having an established MNC on your resume is a major flex. Plus, roles in MNCs are all about specialisation, so you’ll be getting laser-focused training for your role, which means you’ll be honing those skills at your internship!
3. Access to resources
In an MNC, you’ll have access to the company’s considerable resources — from bigger budgets, the best connections in town, to the latest tech gadgets. You get an opportunity to see how processes and systems work in a well-oiled system. Working alongside seasoned professionals across various functions also helps building your professional network. You can also pick up some invaluable tips and tricks for navigating through your corporate career.
4. Established hierarchy
Here’s the deal: when you intern at an MNC, you’ll be a cog in a much larger corporate machine. That means you have key areas that you can focus on, with defined roles. This allows you to focus on honing specific skills as you execute your responsibilities. But the hierarchy also means you might not get as much freedom to explore other roles or take on more responsibility.
To Startup or to Corporate: How Do You Decide?
Choosing between interning at a startup or an MNC can be a tough decision. But the truth is, there is no right answer! It’s essential to think about what works best for you and what you want out of the experience.
What’s your style?
Do you thrive while working independently or in a team? Are you a multitasker or do you prefer focusing on a few tasks? If you prefer a more hands-on approach and a variety of tasks, a startup might be your jam. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more focused career or a specific role, an MNC could be a better fit.
What suits your personality?
Don’t forget to take your personality into account! Are you the kind of person who loves a challenge or do you prefer sticking to a set timeline? Startups can offer exciting challenges, while MNCs provide more stability.
What else are you expecting?
Lastly, think about what you want to gain from the internship. If you’re exploring your options and figuring out your career path, a startup might give you the chance to discover new interests and skills. But if you’re looking for a better and reliable pay cheque, an MNC may be the way to go.
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| Benefits of interning at a small company | Importance of internships in launching your career |
| Guide for internship in India | Tips to crack a successful internship interview |
