Learn a lot and help build something: permanent employment in a start-up
Google and Facebook, two of the most valuable corporations in the world today, began as startups. Several employees of the first hour continued to succeed with them. This and the chance to shape something together with a manageable team makes start-ups attractive for many, especially those looking for their first permanent position.
Plus, especially in Germany, but also in Switzerland, a particularly large number of employees work for start-up companies in the digital sector. They program and implement software. Or they develop stand-alone digital services that appeal to businesses, professionals, or the general public (Amazon and Google are two examples here). So start-ups are often looking for IT experts and software engineers in permanent employment. Freelance and permanent SAP experts are also deployed in interesting projects.
A start-up is in the first stage of a company’s lifecycle. Fixed structures and departments are usually not yet formed. Task descriptions are very general. Everyone get stuck in wherever they are needed at the moment. As hierarchies are still absent or flat, a lot can be learned in no time. Own ideas can be implemented quickly. If approached the right way, you can develop into an all-round talent. But there are also risks, as start-ups can fail and employees often work more than in larger companies.
But those who appreciate comprehensive insights and a varied work environment, a permanent position in a start-up is the perfect choice.
Right in the heart of the “engine of the German economy”: permanent employment in SMEs
According to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, over 99% of all German companies are medium-sized companies. SMEs also provide almost 60% of all jobs. The likelihood of finding permanent employment with a medium-sized company is therefore particularly high. According to the “StepStone Mittelstandsreport 2019”, 59% of all respondents* would like to work for a small or medium-sized enterprise. The study also shows that 76% of those who already work in small and medium-sized enterprises also want to continue to work for an SME in the future.
German SMEs are considered the backbone of the German economy. They can respond quickly if the domestic or world market demands it. Close proximity to customers and their needs as well as short decision-making processes help many companies to reinvent themselves over and over again. Of the 2,700 “Hidden Champions” worldwide, almost half are German SMEs. Their innovative products and services make them world market leaders in their field. Globalization, digitization, and artificial intelligence, but also the need for IT security, for example, to prevent industrial espionage, make SMEs interesting employers for IT specialists and engineers of any type.
According to the StepStone study (see above), medium-sized employers score, above all, with their informal atmosphere, flat hierarchies, and high degree of individual freedom. A job in an SME is perfect for anyone who attaches particular importance to these aspects.
The classic option: permanent employment in a large company
For a long time, many university or college students have been attracted to Germany’s most well-known and largest companies, such as Porsche, BMW, or Microsoft. It is often difficult to get a foot in the door, but once this first hurdle has been taken, employees can look forward to above-average job security, social benefits, support programs, and regular further training. Salaries, especially in IT professions, are usually above average as well. Those keen to see the world even have the opportunity to apply for a role in another country.
But of course, the future and growth opportunities in the respective industry and the situation and strategy of the individual company also play a role. What’s especially important is each employee’s personal life plan: those wanting to start a family soon are usually less willing to take risks.
Westhouse Consulting has been successfully placing IT and SAP experts directly in leading and innovative companies for many years now. In other cases, we permanently hire candidates, who then work for our clients on site in temporary roles. Temporary contracts give the specialist departments and HR managers as well as the employees the opportunity to get to know each other better. If they perform well and are a good fit, it’s possible that they are taken on permanently. Temporary employment is thus a potential stepping stone that helps you avoid difficult recruitment processes yet still work for your dream employer.
If you are an IT, engineering, or SAP expert who is looking for a permanent position with interesting companies or directly with us, then feel free to contact us or visit our job portal. We will find the right job for you!
Good news for experienced IT specialists, engineers, and technicians: they’re sought-after almost everywhere! After all, almost every company needs them to boost their position in global competition in the medium and long term.
*For the “StepStone Mittelstandsreport 2019”, the online job platform interviewed more than 22,000 specialists and executives in Germany.