Is it better to work at a smaller Managed Healthcare company or at a larger Managed Healthcare company like United Health Group for chances to be promoted to CTO after awhile?
#healthcare #technology
3 answers
Bruce’s Answer
I've worked in software at companies with:
- 1-5 employees (several times)
- 10 employees
- 3,000 employees (twice)
- 40,000 employees (twice)
Each is a different experience.
Small organizations:
- Often require employees to "wear multiple hats" meaning have >1 job responsibility
- May not offer internal job transfers as easily
- You will know everyone and have to / get to work with everyone every day
- Usually only have one location (you decide whether that's good or bad)
- Might allow you to move upward more quickly
Larger organizations:
- Usually everyone is a specialist (at any one time)
- Offer frequent job transfers opportunities
- You will only know the ones you work with (would you feel lost or ok?)
- May have >1 location (you decide whether that's good or bad); could allow for location transfer
In terms of how each looks on your resume; I'm not sure. Wherever you interview at after either of those, sell yourself and make that previous experience the best that you could have for the new job you're pursuing.
Good luck!
Igal’s Answer
People who are hired as a Chief Technology Officer, or promoted to the position, typically have many years of experience in a technology field. They may or may not have a specialized degree or even several degrees and certifications. Certifications are kind of like a degree but are offered by professional organizations.
I've worked with CTOs who:
- were a founder in the company and started out as the first CTO
- were promoted into the position after years of productive work at the company
- were hired into the position after many years of work at other companies
One thing they all had in common: A lot of technical knowledge in their field, and a strong work ethic.
As for large vs. small companies, it probably is easier to reach the rank of executive in a smaller company, and it may happen faster than at a large company. This is simply because small companies have fewer people, allowing your work to be noticed.
So I'd say that if reaching CTO is your aim, you may be better off starting out at a smaller company. But more importantly, you should consider whether you like the company and the kind of work you'd be doing there.
Igal recommends the following next steps:
Haroon’s Answer
Great question Bryan! Each has its' benefit. If you want to be CTO, you have to have the experience, knowledge and vision to lead the organization. Starting at a smaller company may provide you more opportunities to get hands on experience and learn from the bottom up in what it takes to run an organization.