<h1>Confused about whether to join a big company or a small one?&nbsp;</h1><h2>You’re not the only one weighing the pros and cons. To help jobseekers figure it out, Hiredly’s VP of People &amp; Culture, <strong>Joselyn Lau</strong>, joined the <strong>CITYPlus podcast</strong> with hosts Crystal and Jessie to unpack what really matters when choosing the right company size for your career.</h2><p>With over 10 years of experience in recruitment and HR, Joselyn shares practical insights on career growth, learning opportunities, and how to decide what’s right for <i>you</i>.</p><p>Let’s break down her take on the big company vs. small company debate—so you can make a choice that fits your goals.</p><hr><h2>1. What’s the Difference Between Big and Small Companies?<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_24_142130910_a66052856d.png"></h2><p>According to Joselyn, the key difference comes down to <strong>structure vs flexibility</strong>.</p><p><strong>Big Companies (MNCs &amp; Corporations):</strong><br>✅ More stability, resources, and structured processes.<br>✅ Great for building your resume and industry credibility.<br>✅ Clear career paths and generous benefits.</p><p><strong>Small Companies (Startups &amp; SMEs):</strong><br>✅ Broader exposure to multiple roles and responsibilities.<br>✅ Opportunities to be involved in decision-making early on.<br>✅ Faster learning curves and more creative freedom.</p><p>📖 Related Read: <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/why-you-should-join-a-startup?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=big_company_vs_small_company:_which_is_better_for_your_career_in_malaysia?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Why You Should Join a Startup</a></p><hr><h2>2. Unsure What You Want? Internships Can Help<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_24_142156967_95c8677874.png"></h2><p>If you’re still figuring things out, Joselyn recommends <strong>testing both environments during your internship</strong>.</p><p>💡 “Some university students have to complete two internships—try doing one at a big company and one at a smaller one,” she suggests. “It helps you discover what kind of environment fits you best before entering the workforce.”</p><p>📖 Related Read: <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/best-ways-land-internship-malaysia?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=big_company_vs_small_company:_which_is_better_for_your_career_in_malaysia?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Best Ways to Land an Internship in Malaysia</a></p><hr><h2>3. What Should Fresh Grads Focus On?<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_24_142825991_ee6f1b4b3d.png"></h2><p>Joselyn encourages fresh grads to first <strong>build broad exposure</strong> before choosing a specialization.</p><p>💬 “If you’re not sure what you want to do, go into an environment where you can learn a little bit of everything. Once you know your strength, then narrow your focus.”</p><p>That said, there’s <strong>no one-size-fits-all path</strong>. Joselyn herself started out by specialising in recruitment for seven years before expanding her skill set to cover all of HR.</p><p>📖 Related Read: <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-get-a-job-with-no-experience?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=big_company_vs_small_company:_which_is_better_for_your_career_in_malaysia?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Get a Job in Malaysia With No Experience</a></p><hr><h2>4. Does Choosing a Big Company First Matter?</h2><p>Many job seekers are drawn to big names—and Joselyn admits she once was too.</p><p>💬 “When I graduated, I didn’t know what I wanted yet. But I saw everyone going into big companies, so I followed. It helped my resume early on.”</p><p>However, she reminds us that <strong>company size isn’t everything</strong>. What matters more is what you learn, how you grow, and the value you bring—regardless of the company’s size.</p><p>📖 Related Read: <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/12-companies-hiring-massively-on-hiredly?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=big_company_vs_small_company:_which_is_better_for_your_career_in_malaysia?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Top 10 Companies Hiring in Malaysia Right Now</a></p><hr><h2>5. What If You Pick the "Wrong" Path?</h2><p>Joselyn assures: <strong>there’s no such thing as a dead-end choice</strong>.</p><p>💡 “Even if you join an industry or company that isn’t the best fit, the experience teaches you what you don’t want—which is equally important.”</p><p>For example, one of her team members originally studied to become a teacher. After an internship, they realized teaching wasn’t for them—and pivoted to a successful career in HR.</p><p>📖 Related Read: <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/these-malaysians-prove-its-never-too-late-to-change-careers?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=big_company_vs_small_company:_which_is_better_for_your_career_in_malaysia?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">These Malaysians Prove It’s Never Too Late to Change Careers</a></p><hr><h3>Explore top <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=big_company_vs_small_company:_which_is_better_for_your_career_in_malaysia?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">job opportunities on <strong>Hiredly</strong></a>, join the <a href="https://hub.hiredly.com/young-leaders-community?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=big_company_vs_small_company:_which_is_better_for_your_career_in_malaysia?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Young Talent Community</strong></a> to network and grow, and take the <a href="https://hiredly.typeform.com/to/K4idZTDK?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=big_company_vs_small_company:_which_is_better_for_your_career_in_malaysia?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities"><strong>Hiredly Work Personality Test</strong></a> to uncover jobs that match your unique strengths.</h3><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3><strong>Listen to the full </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/cityplusmy/videos/1576440013146623" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>CITYPlus FM podcast episode</strong></a>&nbsp;</h3>

Trying to choose between working at a big corporation or a small business in Malaysia? Here’s what to consider for your career growth, skill development, and long-term goals.