Top Companies for Canadians
Upon graduation, many of us may continue with more schooling but the remainder will most likely enter the workforce. As Millennials is it well known that our generation prefers companies with a great culture that in addition allows us to feel like a large contributor. LinkedIn recently created a Top Companies list for Canadians. This list was compiled based on "four main pillars: interest in the company, engagement with the company’s employees, job demand, and employee retention." Majority of the list included companies from the financial or technology industry. What do you think it takes to be hired as a recent graduate at one of these in-demand companies? Are there any companies that are not on the list that should be? Please refer to course readings.
Link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-top-companies-2018-where-canada-wants-work-now-daniel-roth/
Hi Kristina, great post! I completely agree with your statement, that individuals similar to us in the way that we are graduating university and likely entering the workforce, want to be a part of a company with, as you stated, "a great culture that in addition allows us to feel like a large contributor." After taking a look at the LinkedIn list you provided, I think one thing that was missing is start ups. A lot of the companies within that list were already established companies, which of course is appealing due to the sense of job security they promote. However, I think that start ups are also extremely appealing for individuals entering the work force, reason being that we like to feel like a big fish in a small pond and get as much experience as possible.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post Kristina, and I am inclined to agree with your assertion that many undergraduate students are leaving school and looking for work in areas that have strong culture fits and allow us to feel valuable. In line with these traits, I agree with Sarah's point on start ups being left off of this list. Start ups offer incredible opportunities for undergraduate students to become key members of companies that allow for large contribution right off the bat. Start ups have become the foundation of economic growth in recent years, especially in the scope of technological development, which is why I was so surprised that start ups were left off of this list in the first place. Regardless, I really enjoyed this post and found it incredibly relevant to the course and the modern workforce and tech industry.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! With my experience in the co-op program and working at a start-up where many of our clients were included on that list, this makes me believe that many of these companies are accepting of new talent. New grads are eager to enter the workforce and are excited about new opportunities. Culture fit is a massive factor because it helps to create a community and a brand for the company. I disagree with Sarah and Adam's point about including start-ups on this list. Start-ups need time to establish themselves as a company and they often use culture as a form of overcompensation for less than ideal business circumstances. Working at a star-up is beneficial because it allows you to play an integral role in the company's success. However, it is incredibly risky and frustrating during times of extreme uncertainty.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I actually signed with one of these companies (Salesforce) back in December and can speak touch on what it takes make it in the door.
ReplyDeleteWhy I made my decision:
I've previously worked at a startup and enjoyed quite a bit. What lead to sign with a large company is their ability to invest in your training out of school. Salesforce is known as one of the best organizations to sell for because they invest heavily in their employees. The training that a large firm can provide you along with name of the company increases your worth on the job market in the long run. Next they offer job security that many startup can't offer until they hit the growth stage and raise their series B. In the long run i'd love to work for a startup again however i believe that transitioning to a startup later in career can be beneficial. The reason being is that at large company you can learn how a successful company operates and bring that information back down eliminating some of the guess work. it's for this reason that startups bring on management from large successful firms in their industry often with equity deals that can be quite lucrative.
what it takes:
Simply having a relevant degree will rarely get you in the door for one of these firms. They want to see someone who's gone above and beyond to immerse themselves in the industry they wish to enter. This demonstrates that you are willing self motivated and they won't waste money if they invest in you as an employee. Next they look at culture, during my interviews i was asked to speak about how i fit within each of their pillars and why i was interested in working there over one of their competitors.