Charles discusses the differences between working in small and large companies, the difficulties of selling new media during its origins, his rollercoaster ride of wealth through the dot com bubble, and his emphasis on happiness and enjoying the ride.

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After 35 years in the computer and technology industry, Chuck entered into semi-retirement from his position as Chief Operating Officer of America Online/Regate Communications. During this time, Chuck’s unique combination of operating management and hands-on counseling in strategic marketing and positioning has aided more than 200 companies in rapid growth in revenues, market expansion and profits. In addition to leading the growth and operations of new media and marketing companies such as Redgate, Gray Strayton International and Hill and Knowlton, Chuck also acted as a strategic consultant to many fortune 100 corporations, start-ups, fast growing companies creating new market areas and several leading international corporations. Chuck has also worked in senior management positions and was the corporate spokesperson to the financial community and news media at rapid growth corporations such as Digital Equipment Corporation. Chuck serves on the Board of Directors for The Astronauts Memorial Foundation , serving as its Chairman from 2001 – 2003.He also is currently serving on the Board of Trustees of the Florida Institute of Technology. An Air Force veteran of the Korean War, Chuck received a bachelor’s degree from Boston University’s School of Public Communications and has completed several leadership programs throughout the years.
 

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Matt Faso shares opportunities and challenges related to working for small and mid-sized sized companies.

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A key difference between large and small companies is that in smaller companies, employees are allowed to be more involved in strategic planning and really help shape the direction of the company. At a larger company, employees tend to have one smaller task, but in smaller companies, employees can be involved in all steps of the development process. A downfall of working in a small company is that there are less people to interact with, which can be a problem if a new employee doesn’t click with the other workers. In a large company, there are many more people and opportunities. In addition, larger companies have a more formal training process whereas smaller ones use more on-the-job training and expect a new employee to make an impact that first day. A smaller company does offer more job security because more personal relationships are formed and the company can take advantages of changes in the economy faster than a large company could. Also, the more personal level of small companies allows for easier access to the CEO and more direct feedback and connections. Faso believes that compensation is pretty much the same in large and small companies, but larger companies tend to have a greater variety in benefits and smaller companies are more flexible in creating the package. When interviewing for a smaller company, remember the interviewer is likely a top executive and they are looking for a very versatile person.

Jim Byrnes talks about the realities of a financial career in today’s economy. His advice is great for young professionals just starting their careers now, and explains what people can do to get ahead in the future.

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It is a tough time in financial services. Wall Street is still hiring, but competition is increasing, and salaries are decreasing. Jim suggests that students need to think about jobs in finance elsewhere or even in other industries. In this economy, more customers are moving to local banking because of their discomfort with the larger firms. In investment banking, there is a tremendous variety of smaller companies that can offer students interesting career opportunities with hands-on experience. Students will have to work a little harder to find and sell themselves to these smaller companies by focusing their pitch and working one-on-one with the company representatives. Jim thinks the salaries at these smaller companies are reasonable given the cost of living in the location of the smaller companies and will have more opportunities to move up in the company. However, students should think about their long-term career path, because, realistically, large firms are going to be looking for new MBA graduates, not people coming from these smaller companies.