Software Engineers: Should You Work for a Local or Global Company?
By Softensity
Since the pandemic, more companies are hiring for remote positions than ever — creating opportunities for skilled IT workers all over the world. By opening their rosters to global developers, engineers, and QAs, companies can hire the best of the best and offer their clients expanded hours.
But smaller companies in your area are also looking to build robust IT teams to support their operations. These smaller organizations may not have the capacity to seek out global employees, so they rely heavily on local tech workers to build their teams.
As a talented IT professional, you probably have your pick of jobs from both large multinational companies and smaller local firms. Here are a few things to consider before accepting a job offer.
Benefits of Global Companies
Opportunities to Grow
When you work for a large, multinational company, there are simply more opportunities for promotions, knowledge sharing, and high-profile work.
For one, large companies need more employees, more managers, and just more people to fulfill their day-to-day obligations. With so many roles to fill, these companies will likely look to promote people internally before hiring and training someone new. There are also more chances for you to transition into a different role or technology stack without leaving the company.
Not only can you rise through the ranks, you can also look to coworkers for help and advice. Working alongside so many talented IT workers, you’ll naturally pick up tips and tricks they use to make their code more efficient. This on-the-job training and knowledge sharing with your peers may be even more valuable than your formal schooling.
And, of course, we all like the prestige of working with big-name clients — it’s exciting to see corporate giants from the inside. As Turkey-based software architect Emre Kahraman explains, “I appreciate the opportunity to work for big international clients with great teammates, and to work on big scale projects.” Your experience with such high-profile clients will offer a boost to your resume and impress potential future employers if you ever opt to make a career change.
Flexibility
Since the pandemic, everyone is looking for more flexibility. And with large companies looking to edge out their competitors to hire the best IT talent, you get to define what a “flexible” workplace means.
According to a 2022 report, 84% of people consider remote work options a top priority when looking for a job. And at a global company, remote work is often a must. If you’re not located near the global HQ or a satellite office, the expectation is that you’ll set up shop in your home office. This eliminates frustrating commutes and expensive lunches, and allows you more freedom in making your daily schedule.
You also have the opportunity to set your own hours. Since most of your company will be working from different time zones, you’re not tied to a traditional 9-to-5 schedule. Instead, night owls could burn the midnight oil to finish a project, while early risers can get a jump on work before the sun comes up.
Possibly the biggest benefit of working for a global company is your ability to work from anywhere. If your partner lands a huge job opportunity that requires you to move, there’s no need to put in your two weeks’ notice. Or, if you want to live out your dreams and move to a new continent, a global company can usually accommodate that.
Expanding Your Worldview
Are you looking for diverse peers with interesting, unique cultural backgrounds? At a global organization, you’ll meet and work with people from a multitude of countries and cultures. “Before joining Softensity, I would never have dreamed of making important architectural decisions on screen with three or four guys from completely different continents,” says Emre.
Not only will you have the opportunity to learn about others, you’ll also get to share your own culture with your peers. Whether it’s talking about your holiday traditions or sharing recipes, you’ll find ways to connect with coworkers and exchange customs.
Benefits of Working Locally
Familiarity
It can be hard to click with new coworkers — and it’s a bit harder to connect when there’s a language barrier. If you choose to work for a local company, you and your peers are more likely to share similar backgrounds, experiences, and of course, languages. You’ll likely experience fewer communication challenges at a smaller, local organization.
Office Camaraderie
While working from home is convenient, plenty of people are still hoping to socialize at the office. Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to meet new people at work, or someone who prefers to keep your work and home lives completely separate, having an in-person office job might be right for you. In-person work provides opportunities to make more social connections with peers and avoid those sometimes awkward online-only interactions.
Whether it’s a big-name multinational firm or a local start-up, choose the career that best suits your individual needs. As a skilled tech worker, you’re bound to find success — no matter where you work.
Learn more about working for Softensity.