How to be successful when changing your career from Multi to smaller size company

As the CEO of a small-sized Contract Research Organization (CRO), I have had the opportunity to hire and observe the integration of colleagues transitioning from multinational corporations into our company. I wish to share some insights gained from this experience, which offer a perspective on achieving success in a smaller company following a career in a multinational environment – observations that are not typically found in human resources articles.

It is important to acknowledge that smaller companies often operate without the extensive, well-established procedures common in larger entities. Consequently, a proactive approach to contributing your skills and participating in the creation of essential frameworks, rather than avoiding such responsibilities, will be vital for professional growth within a smaller company.

Furthermore, smaller teams often foster a more closely-knit atmosphere where successes and challenges are shared collectively. Your proactive involvement and support during difficult periods, alongside celebrating achievements, will be particularly appreciated.

Long-term dedication holds significant importance in smaller companies. Given the substantial time, resources, and effort these organizations invest in their employees, frequent career changes can have a considerably more adverse effect compared to larger corporations. Therefore, I would suggest considering a position in a smaller company only if you foresee a sustained commitment.

Finally, you should anticipate more direct and informal communication channels with your superiors, which may include less formal discussions. This may differ from the more structured interactions you might have experienced at a managerial level within a multinational setting.