Career advice needed: IT/Sales - big or small company?

colly

Registered User
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Hey Guys, I need some Career advise please…

I am in the process of looking for a new job. I had an interview and have been offered a position with a company that does IT Security. The company provides complete spam and email protection at an internet level – everything is scanned before the email hits the end users server. It is charged on a monthly fee - per seat basis. The company is backed by one of the major UK/Irish telcos. They are offering a brilliant package and it is a fabulous opportunity, but there is also an element of risk.

What I am trying to find out is if this is a good area to get into, will this service be an easy or hard sell. I'm also talking to a very large player in the software/database industry, This would be a much 'safer move' but the package is not as good. With the smaller company I would be solely in charge of the Republic of Ireland. I would be up to me to develop business. At first through end users but eventually get it selling through resellers and channels (which I have some experience in). The company has plans to go global so I would be in a great position for a management position after a while. However there is still risk that they may not succeed as planed and I might wish I had taken the safer route in the first place.

On my CV I currently work for a large multinational which are the leader in their field. I could now move to another multinational, leader in their field and specialise in software sales. This will definitely look good on my CV – a proven track record with 2 of the biggest IT companies in the world. However if I do not take this safe option, I can go with the small new company with big opportunity (but also some risk). I would be out on the road as opposed to in an office. I would be solely responsible for the development for the business whcih would be a great chalenge and provide me sme some great experience. I would report directly to the sales director and MD. I would have direct influence on how the company runs and progresses, but also be straight in the firing line if ti does not go as well as planned. A double edged sword… but I guess they have confidence in me and I would love the chance of suceeding in this way!

I would appreciate any advise anyone can offer me.
Thanks,
Colly
 
Re: Career Advice Needed: IT/Sales - Big or Small Company? Pelase Help!

All depends on your attitude to risk - What's your life situation? Do you have kids or other depandants? Do you have a 'rainy day fund ' of 3-6 months salary put aside to cover you through any rough periods?
 
Re: Career Advice Needed: IT/Sales - Big or Small Company? Pelase Help!

I'm 25, no real ties, have a property but its rented out. Have a few grand stashed away and if all else fails I could always go live back with the parents The basic salery in this new job is excellent so not really worries about that so much...

What do people think about the 'snobbishness' of working for large companies... My brother in Law has always worked for 'Big 5 Consulting Companies' and he recons I should stick with Tier 1 companies, as if I go work for a small unknown company it can be very difficult to get back into a Tier 1 company. Would anyone agree/disagree?
Thanks
 
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