bizMe

Dear Anne:
I just graduated with a general business degree and should be happy that I’ve been offered two jobs but, instead, I am in a panic. How should I be weighing my options? My first offer came from a smaller, local company that I interned with last summer. I loved working with them and they gave me some great projects. My other offer is from a big name consulting firm. Help! I really want to be sure that I am moving in the right direction.
M.F.C., Minneapolis

Dear M.F.C.:
You are to be congratulated for your achievements. What an exciting time for you!

Now, let’s take a moment to examine your goals. The best answer to your question will be revealed when you compare your own aspirations and values to each organizational suitor’s values and disposition to nurture significant progress towards those aspirations.

So, the first questions that you need to honestly answer about yourself are:

• Where do I want to be in another 5 years?
• How do I envision life in 10-15 years down the road?
• What are my true needs in terms of relationships, financial success, intellectual stimulation, physical health and activity, work environment, spiritual growth, flexibility, risk vs. stability, recognition, prestige, etc.?

Your vision might include further education and home ownership, or it might point you to a life of world travel and entrepreneurship––or maybe you want it all, and that’s absolutely OK too!

However, no matter what your choices, make your best attempt to rank your needs. Such a ranking will help you define your priorities.

After you have examined your aspirations and values, your next step should be to put each potential employer through the following filters. These filters will reveal each employer’s unique needs and characteristics so that you can determine whether they are in line with the personal priorities you’ve defined.

The first filter that I would apply relates to the general well-being of each organization that you are considering. As a fresh general business grad, you will have analyzed numerous organizations for class assignments. Now it’s time to apply those skills for your own benefit! At this point, you certainly do not want to board a sinking ship:

• Which broad economic factors impact the organization’s industry the most?
• Does the company have a solid financial track record?
• How has the company been performing strategically vs. its rivals in the industry?
• Are they poised for growth?
• What are their objectives? Do my talents clearly align with these?

The next filter relates to the general personality of the organization:

• Do you believe in the company’s mission and purpose?
• Is their culture and image appealing to you?
• Is there an emphasis on innovation and agility — or consistency and stability?
• Does the organization focus on individual contributions, or teamwork and collaboration?
• What criteria are used to evaluate employees?
• Is there ample opportunity for advancement? Or are many senior positions filled from outside the organization?

The last filters are designed to help you get a feel for what your day-to-day experience will be like. So, if you have not already had the opportunity through the interview process, be sure to ask for permission to ask some follow up questions.

Ask your potential co-workers some intentionally open-ended questions about:

• Recent projects — successes and failures
• The bosses’ leadership/direction style
• Structure/schedule vs. autonomy
• Do they feel valued? What motivates them to come to work every day?

You will also want to ask your potential bosses some questions:

• What was your greatest achievement as a leader within this organization?

(Look for ‘we’ words vs. ‘me’ words.)

• Who is your mentor here? How has this person helped you learn the ropes?
• How have you worked to develop/advance the individuals under your charge?

(Does this person make an effort beyond the standard corporate approach?)

• How does your department interact with the rest of the company?

(Is this person open and well-connected with the rest of the organization?)

I have provided some tips for interpreting his/her responses in the parentheses above. As I began my own career, I had a great first boss and he left a lasting impression . . . A boss that is a strong advocate for you as you learn the ropes is priceless.

So, to in order to answer your question, you will need to do just a little post-graduation homework––but I know that this extra effort will help you find the best employer with whom to launch a most successful (and fulfilling) career.

Best of luck!
Anne