http://www.JobSpectrum.org/job_weekly.html Good Things Come in Small Companies: Reconsidering Your Career Path Nan Knight |
Many chemistry majors and graduate students envision themselves working for huge multinational corporations. These are the recruiters who come to campus, and these are the companies with the highest profiles. But "large" chemistry-oriented companies are in a distinct minority in the United States: only 2.3% of all U.S. chemical manufacturing and allied companies have more than 500 employees. More than half of the companies in this industry have fewer than 20 employees.
As recently as a decade ago, more than 70% of new chemistry graduates went to work for large companies and only 28% chose small companies (with fewer than 500 employees). Today, almost half of new chemistry graduates get their first job with small businesses. The trend has been strengthened by diversification in the industry, the growth of "boutique" biotech firms that need the support of staff chemists, and a competition for good workers that has given many chemists the opportunity to carefully evaluate what they want from the workplace.
But for many chemistry students and those who have entered the workforces of larger companies, the "small" company remains a mystery. What exactly constitutes "small"? How do the structures and rhythms of work differ from those in larger corporations? How do you learn enough about a small company to be sure you want to work there? And what goes on in there that seems to be attracting so many able scientists?
No One Size Fits All
The first and most important thing to know about small chemical companies is that no two are exactly alike. Using the definitions set up by the U.S. Small Business Administration, a small company can have anywhere from 1 to 499 employees. It can be family owned, employee owned, controlled by a larger company, traded on the stock market, or run as a research not-for-profit servicing the chemical industry. Although every company is required to follow national and local employment laws, the atmosphere and work ethic can vary widely, from come-as-you-are and work-the-way-you-need-to-work to fresh-lab coat-every-day and punch-the-clock.
Speaking broadly, however, the old adage is true: very good things can come in small packages. In general, smaller companies offer new employees certain advantages that they might not find working for larger corporations. Some of these advantages are quite tangible; others have to do with job satisfaction. Whether you're a new graduate or someone thinking about switching employment, the small-company box may hold some pleasant surprises.
Sidebar: What Makes A Satisfied Employee?
What's in the Box?
What's in the small company box for you? Although every company is different, small business employees and owners report that a range of interesting opportunities awaits new employees.
Outside the Box
All of these benefits may come with a job in a small chemical business, but how do you find these employers? More important, once you've found them, how to you find out what which one offers the work environment and challenges that best suit you?
You can start looking for openings at small chemical companies right here on JobSpectrum.org. Professional journals and classifieds are another source of information on who is hiring where. But for the best jobs in smaller companies, the experts advise that you do some serious networking: tell your colleagues, professors, professional contacts, and others, exactly what sort of job you'd like to have. Ask if they know any smaller companies who are working in your areas of interest. Find out the names of the contacts at the companies, and do your research before calling or sending in a resume. Better yet, take advantage of the career assistance available at scientific meetings. The semi-annual meetings of the American Chemical Society offer career fairs at which prospective employees are matched up for a series of interviews with representatives of companies of all sizes.
You can get a good idea of the size, stability, and financial situation of a smaller company by a quick visit to the library or by checking on-line. Resources like the D&B Business Rankings from Dun & Bradstreet can tell you where the company stands, and a good reference librarian can point you to other resources that will tell you about the company's history, work foci, growth, and organization.
Once you've identified several smaller companies in which you're interested, how do you find out what working there is really like? The answer here is simple: arrange a visit. If you have an appointment for an interview, ask to see the facility. Do employees seem friendly, interested, and engaged in their work? Do they seem genuinely glad to see the manager or manager's representative who's taking you on the tour? Quite simply, does it look like a place you'd like to work? If possible, talk to one or two employees apart from your tour guide. Ask them to name the two best and two worst things about the workplace. Be direct with your interviewer in asking about profit sharing, flexible hours, employee participation in business decisions, and any other factors that are important to you in a job. Don't worry about sounding pushy; the interviewer will see that you've given substantial thought to what kind of company you'd like to work for and that you're looking for long-term, productive employment.
Think Small
When contemplating a career move or a first job in chemistry, keep small companies in mind. Finding the right one takes a little more effort, but the rewards may give you a career that is more satisfying and multidimensional than any you might have imagined.
Nan Knight is a freelance science writer and editor whose credits include
Smithsonian exhibits, Discovery Channel Web sites, and a wide range of publications
on radiation in medicine.
Related Reading
Chemical Employment in Small Companies from the ACS Department of Career Services discusses the process of identifying and applying for jobs in small companies.
Want to start your own business? Read Start Me Up: Is Small Business Entrepreneurship in Your Future? From the JobSpectrum Weekly archives.
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