Is is really that great working for a Fortune 500 company?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 13:48:12 -0500

In the past, I had received numerous e-mails and phone calls from civilian recruiters and staffing agencies about potential job opportunities. Most of them stress (and I mean stress) that these companies are Fortune 500 companies. Yes, they are very large companies to make that list, but are they good companies to work for? I prefer small companies to work for than large, Fortune 500 companies.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 1:51 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 13:51:25 -0500

With the possibility of a merger at any moment and the prospect of job cutting, it is not what it used to be. It can be harrowing worrying about your future, particularly when you may be close to retirement.

Response by SPC Christopher Morehouse made Dec 13 at 2013 11:33 PM

SPC Christopher Morehouse — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 23:33:39 -0500

I work for GE, and although there are definitely some things about working for a big monster like GE that can be intimidating, or seem undesirable, I feel there are other things that make it very beneficial. For one, there is a lot of flexibility there. GE can afford to invest in it's employees much more so then any small engineering firm (I should mention I'm an engineer) could. Things like training, additional schooling, mentoring, social employee events, family events, etc. Plus a lot of these bigger companies invest heavily in there image and culture. GE strives to be perceived as a family friendly company, hence it is highly encouraged to allow employees flexibility (such as flexible work schedules, working remotely, etc) to accommodate individual family situations.

They also like to be seen as veteran friendly, so they gobble up as many as they can.

I obviously can't vouch for every big beast of a company out there, but I've been pretty happy working for the big blue GE machine thus far.

I just wish people didn't assume I design washing machines when I tell them I work for GE.....

Response by SSgt Christopher R. made Dec 13 at 2013 11:53 PM

SSgt Christopher R. — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 23:53:15 -0500

I've worked on both ends of the spectrum. Interestingly enough, the 1st smaller company I worked for basically collapsed under the economic down turn in in 2008, and the 2nd smaller company I worked that was under the umbrella of larger corporate entity, well that corporation was bought by a larger corporation, and decided to trim the structure and by that I mean downsized.

Currently I work for a very large company, and there is far more security in the position--although I agree with other posts that job security is almost a misnomer today--but career progression is much slower.

Response by Vikki Nicometo made Feb 10 at 2016 10:39 AM

Vikki Nicometo — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 10:39:40 -0500

As a former recruiter in Fortune 100 companies (including GE), I'd say that the answer is: it depends! It's definitely NOT For everyone. You have to know yourself really well and know the type of environment you like. Pros: lots of room for growth, usually great pay and benes, you will learn a TON. Cons: the culture can be very toxic (research forced ranking to see what I mean!), the demands can equal long hours, the endless meetings! (dear god!! the meetings!)