For college students, internships can have a huge impact on the direction their career takes in the future. When you’re just starting out, you want to be sure you’re getting an adequate amount of experience to equip you with the skills you need to succeed. And when it comes to choosing a place to intern, there can be a big difference between interning at a small company versus a big company. 
For instance, small companies can offer a more intimate environment and hands-on experience, while a big company can give you an idea of how business operations work on a larger scale. Here are a few pros and cons college students should be aware of when making the decision of whether to intern at a small company or a big company:
Pros of Small Companies
Small companies can allow you to forge intimate relationships with those you work with, allowing for solid networking opportunities. Small companies often have a fast-paced environment, where decisions are made and quickly seen through to the end — at large companies, there may be more steps to go through before seeing the end result. In my experience, working for small companies has allowed me an opportunity for more hands-on experience and closer relationships with my bosses and coworkers. I’ve heard plenty of stories of interns snagging the internship at a big company, only to spend their days fetching coffee and working the copier. At a small company, you’re much more likely to be an integral part of the team.
Cons of Small Companies
Small companies can have less resources than large ones, and I’m not just talking about money. Bigger companies may have more up-to-date equipment and more connections to industry consultants and professionals. In addition, many college students worry about a lack of name recognition when it comes to putting a small company on their resume. Still, this isn’t wholly important to hiring managers, who are much more interested in the caliber of the work you’ve done rather than where you’ve done it.
Pros of Big Companies
Big companies offer a well-established company culture and can often have more well-established practices for completing tasks. This level of guidance can be beneficial for building your own skill set. In addition, big companies offer more opportunities to network with a variety of professionals (more employees to get coffee with!) and often offer more room for professional advancement or full-time employment (although small companies may offer you a more accessible arena in which to prove yourself to the boss).
Cons of Big Companies
At a big company, it can be difficult for an intern to feel as though they’re truly making an impact on the business as a whole. A small company can offer a better sense of fulfillment than a place with hundreds of employees completing tasks. Big companies also offer less flexibility than a small company, where you may have more opportunities to foster a work-life balance, including flexible hours and opportunities to work from home.
Choosing the right company to intern with can be a tough decision for college students. Carefully weigh these pros and cons against your personal career aspirations to determine what’s best for you. Good luck!
College students, do you prefer interning at big companies or small companies? What makes you prefer one over the other? Share your thoughts below!
