Big Corps or Startups - Which to Choose as a Vietnamese Returnee?

This question is a topic of concern that everyone has to grapple with ever since their student days. Especially for overseas Vietnamese (OV), this may be a question even before their graduation. 

Many job-seekers choose to apply to established and well-known companies upon graduation, be it local or global companies. However, is this really the right choice for you?

Employment Trends

In reality, those who are most conflicted and perplexed by the question of joining big corporations or startups often fall into these two categories: 

1. Most recent graduates struggle to find internships or full-time opportunities with large corporations.

2. Those who have received offers from both large corporations and startup corporations or small to medium-sized corporations, where the latter may offer higher salaries and emphasize significant room for growth in the position.

Truth be told, the experiences of peers and the prevailing stereotypes in one's environment tend to push individuals to prioritize employment with prestigious organizations. 

This is entirely understandable because when HR screens candidates, they often spend just a few seconds reviewing each resume. Having the brand of a prestigious company on your resume undoubtedly captures their attention.

Seeking Personal Development

However, regardless of specialization or personal planning, relentlessly pursuing large corporations and well-known corporations without considering the suitability of the position is not always the right path. 

For overseas returnees standing at the beginning of your career, a major factor you have to consider is whether the company offers you the space needed for both professional and personal development. 

Joining big corporations offers advantages in terms of their well-established management structures, comprehensive rule systems, and the opportunity to network with a greater number of high-value contacts. And they can facilitate the pursuit of your career goals. However, there are other criteria you might take into consideration.

Here’s a case study to illustrate: 

If you are an overseas Vietnamese with a major in data analytics and marketing for example, and a renowned company is only able to offer you a position as a content creator, but you are keen on pursuing roles related to strategy, marketing, and data. Thus, this role may not be suitable for you. 

However, on the other hand, a small to medium-sized company with marketing teams may be willing to offer you a position as a Marketing Analyst. Assuming that the salary and benefits are similar in this case, which option should you choose? 

Therefore, for diaspora looking to land their first job, while having a prestigious company name on your resume is indeed important, you should also consider whether it aligns with your area of expertise and whether the job allows you to shine and continually grow within the role.

Benefits of Working for Big corporations

If both positions are equally suitable for you, it is entirely reasonable to prioritize well-known corporations or big corporations. This is because, from personal experience, the name of a prestigious company in your field or profession carries a significant impact during your job search. 

However, keep in mind that this isn't necessarily about the company's size but rather about whether the platform is authoritative within your industry or field. If it is, this also means that the organization may be difficult to enter, and only highly talented individuals can secure internships or full-time positions within that industry. 

Having this experience will not only enable you to learn more in the short term but, more importantly, it will enhance your resume, which will benefit you in your next job search.

Benefits of Working for Startups

So, does working for a startup or a small company necessarily result in less favorable career development compared to a large corporation? Not necessarily.

Especially in Vietnam, the country ranks 5th in Southeast Asia when it comes to the startup landscape. As of 2023, it has been home to four tech unicorns. With the growing and vibrant startup landscape in Vietnam, joining a startup could potentially mean an opportunity to make a long-lasting impact with the work you do.

Startups and small companies offer personal growth and opportunities for breakthroughs that you might never experience in a mature and established firm. 

In startups, you ideally need to be a jack of all trades, and boundaries between job roles are negligible. Many of our Overseas Vietnamese colleagues recalled that during their internships at smaller firms, they learned many fundamental skills and had the chance to take on significant tasks. On the other hand, those who interned at big companies said they did not have the opportunity to work on hands-on projects.

Consideration between Joining Big corporations or Startups 

For overseas returnees, large corporations serve as a platform that elevates your value, while small corporations require you (and your team) to increase the company's value. However, if you are confident, self-driven, and ambitious, it truly doesn’t matter whether you choose a big corporation or a small firm.

Small corporations or startups might not necessarily provide fewer development opportunities when compared to large corporations, but it ultimately boils down to your personal goals and efforts. 

In a small firm, with a growing and promising startup landscape, you will have the opportunity to voice your opinions and have more room for self-development. However, you have to keep in mind that your professional and personal development boils down to your efforts and not the company size.

In Summary

Therefore, big corporations, well-known enterprises, established organizations, or startup corporations, and small to medium-sized corporations have their respective characteristics and values they can give Overseas Vietnamese. 

If you are unsure of which is the best fit for you, join Aniday with Overseas Vietnamese and Vietcetera at Overseas Vietnamese Summit: Homecoming, happening from the 23 to 25 January 2024. There will be discussions, workshops and company tours to help you grasp better insights into the employment landscape in Vietnam, career opportunities and have a quick glimpse into the various company operations so that you can make an informed decision. 

We hope that this blog is helpful to you, and we wish you the best in obtaining the offers you desire!