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Culture is huge. Every firm is different and even might have different cultures depending on the location. It’s important that you know what defines the culture at this firm because it is going to be a part of your everyday when working there. A few things to consider when assessing a culture fit are:
- Size
Size matters. Some people prefer a big company while others thrive in a smaller environment. What best suits your personal and professional preferences and how can you tailor this to your job search to ensure a strong cultural fit? Some questions to consider include – How big is the firm? How big is your division? How big is your team?
- Values
Every firm has a list of values or principles which serve as high level guides for the overall behavior of the firm culture. Many of them list these out in their company page and often emphasize specific aspects of their values during important meetings or throughout new program announcements. See what the company has to say about their values and ask yourself if this aligns with your personal values.
- Formality
Is this place conservative similar to a government agency or big bank or is this place more relaxed like a startup or tech company? This makes a big difference! Corporate life can go many ways a formality is one of the most identifiable cultural aspects in the workplace.
- Programs
Look into the Corporate Social Responsibility areas of the firm. Do they have diversity and inclusion initiatives? How about women development programs? Do they offer mentorship networks? These can be a part of the day to day when you get into the workplace so be sure to note if a firm actively pursues its values through establishing programs so you can get involved!
