Start the business or work for one?

Entrepreneur reports.

Should Entrepreneurial College Students Go Big or Go Small After Graduation?

I spoke to a group of University of Virginia students last week who were interested in entrepreneurship. One of them asked me, “Isn’t it a good idea to go to a big-name brand firm straight out of college? You can always go to a small company or start your own business later.”

It’s a very good question. There are indeed many benefits to working at a big company and getting that experience under your belt. You learn how large firms work and organize processes. You typically go through a very well-put-together training program. You gain skills and detail-orientation. You make some friends and contacts. You get socialized as a professional — it takes a bit of time to get used to dressing well, being punctual waking up early every morning, etc. The money’s typically better than what you’d get at small firms too. Last, if you’re not sure what to do later, it’ll be a compelling couple lines on your resume.

What a list. When a college student asked me how to spend his summers, I advised him to try and get an internship at a large firm for some of the reasons above.

Okay, so slam dunk right? Big company it is!