The Age Old Question: Does Size Matter?

Don't get me wrong. I am talking about firms' sizes.

The intuitive answer would be: The bigger the firm, the more prestige the opportunities/ clients. So how much of a difference does the size make on your experience at the firm, or how much you can learn?

If you are someone trying to break into an industry, who does not have the stellar background that opens door left and right, is it worth it to hold out and keep trying for the big firms? Network, network, network, know your basic technical stuff and it will pay off, right? But when does persistence become pure stubbornness?

My personal motivation behind the question:
I am not in finance but I really enjoy reading posts on this site. Lately I am looking at changing field - from corporate business analyst to econ consulting - after ~2 years out of college in my current role. Though I have a relevant background from undergrad, it's a little bit of a stretch and I've already gotten a few rejections in my testing round of applications to the bigger firms. In all honesty I can polish my applications better, network harder and apply to more firms across the spectrum. But I am hesitant whether the experience at a small firm will be as satisfying (pun not intended...).

My personal situation aside, I am just curious in what you monkeys have to say for firms' sizes in general.

So Ladies, and gentlemen, how much does size matter?

4 Comments
 
monkeyleverage

Penis size matters, Firm size doesn't.

However Prestige matters (and firm size =/= prestige)

you learned that the hard way, didn't you
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