Work culture, brand name or pay cheque: What should matter more to early career professionals?

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

work culture often push individuals towards accepting or rejecting job offers. But how should early career professionals, especially someone just starting out, choose the best company possible while starting their careers?

Let’s closely weigh the three factors — work culture, pay and brand image — against each other while answering this question.

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Anshuman Das, CEO and Co-Founder of talent solutions provider Careernet, says brand name and high pay are valuable aspects but they serve different purposes. While a brand name brings credibility and signifies that an individual has met certain standards and gained valuable experience, high pay serves as a value indicator of the professional and helps them negotiate higher compensation later.

But there is no guarantee that a reputed brand or high salary can lead to a successful career, says Himanshu Arora, Co-Founder of Social Panga, an integrated social media and digital marketing agency. Focus on increasing your exposure to get a better professional journey. “One thing that early career professionals should not excessively prioritise on is a hefty pay check. In the long run, money will naturally follow if you focus on acquiring the right knowledge and skills. When you look at a 10-15-year horizon, this approach becomes a significant equaliser, ensuring you earn well if you have the necessary expertise,” says Arora.

Accepting low pay = delay in growth