Moving from Startups to MNC

The journey from startups to multinational corporations (MNCs) can be quite a culture shock, especially for someone like me who comes from a middle-class family in India. Starting my career in a startup was a thrilling experience - the energy, the freedom, and the chance to make a real impact were incredibly appealing. But as my career progressed, I found myself considering a move to an MNC, and that’s when I encountered the unexpected challenge of culture shock.

Culture shock refers to the feeling of confusion and discomfort when you’re suddenly exposed to a new and different culture. And believe me, the transition from startups to MNCs can make this shock even more intense than you anticipate. So how can we navigate this transition successfully? Here are a few tips that have helped me along the way, along with some personal anecdotes:

Embrace the Hierarchy: In startups, the hierarchy is often more relaxed, with a focus on collaboration and openness. But in MNCs, there’s a more formal structure with clear reporting lines. As someone from a middle-class background, it took some adjusting to respect this hierarchical setup. One instance where this became evident was when I had to seek approval for a project that I would have previously initiated independently in a startup environment. It’s important to understand the decision-making process and seek guidance from colleagues and superiors to navigate the hierarchy effectively.
Adapt to Bureaucracy: MNCs often have more bureaucratic procedures, paperwork, and protocols than startups. Coming from a middle-class family, where things are often more straightforward, it can feel overwhelming at first. But instead of getting frustrated, it’s important to remain patient and try to understand the reasons behind these processes. Drawing on my resourcefulness from my middle-class upbringing, I’ve found ways to streamline and improve these procedures, making them more efficient for myself and the organization.
Develop a Global Mindset: MNCs operate across different countries and cultures, which means embracing diversity is crucial. As someone from a middle-class family in India, I’ve had to expand my horizons and develop a global mindset. Learning about different cultures, understanding their values, and adapting my communication and working style accordingly has been essential. Embracing diversity has not only helped me fit into the MNC culture but has also enriched my personal growth.
Build Relationships: In startups, the close-knit teams often feel like a family. But in MNCs, building relationships may require more effort. As someone from a middle-class background, I’ve had to step out of my comfort zone and take the initiative to connect with colleagues. Attending team-building activities and social events has been crucial in establishing relationships and finding support in this new environment.
Learn and Leverage Processes: MNCs invest heavily in standardized processes for efficiency and consistency. Coming from a middle-class family, where resourcefulness is key, I’ve learned to embrace these processes. Understanding and utilizing the available tools, systems, and resources has helped me streamline my work and enhance productivity. Adapting to these processes has enabled me to meet the organization’s expectations while still leveraging the skills and experience I gained from the startup world.

Moving from startups to MNCs can be both challenging and rewarding, especially for someone from a middle-class background in India. While the culture shock may feel overwhelming at times, embracing the change, adapting to new ways of working, and building relationships will help us navigate this transition. Our middle-class upbringing has instilled in us resilience and resourcefulness, which are highly valued in the corporate world. It’s all about finding the right balance and leveraging our strengths to thrive in this new environment.

Additionally, it’s important to acknowledge that while this transition brings new opportunities, it may also pose challenges. By being open-minded, proactive, and willing to learn, we can overcome these challenges and emerge stronger and more successful in our careers.

Cheers,

Sim