Working for a big company has plenty of upsides. A large team means there’s tons of room to explore other areas and learn new things. There’s also a lot more opportunity to climb the ranks and—as an added bonus—the office has amazing facilities.
But like anything else, there are also some drawbacks to consider.
It’s tough to get to know people outside of your immediate team, you can barely figure out who does what, and you may find it challenging to develop any sort of reputation or name recognition for yourself.
It’s easy to feel like just another number in your massive organization. But the good news is there are some steps you can take to find your footing and make your mark at work.
1. Get Comfortable With Self-Promotion
We’re not always good at drawing attention to our own accomplishments because it can feel a little egocentric. However, owning your contributions and being vocal about them is a necessity when your work can easily slip by unnoticed at a large employer.
This doesn’t need to be as over-the-top as you’re likely imagining. It can be as simple as chiming in with a “thank you" when your boss points to something that was done well (that they weren’t aware that you were responsible for).
You can also incorporate some of your achievements into your introduction to new people in the company—particularly if your work is relevant to them in some way. For example, if you’re meeting someone from the sales team for the first time, you can shake their hand and say, “Great to finally meet you! I’m the one who worked on the new application for your customers.”
That statement not only highlights your work, but also pulls out a common thread between the two of you that you can use to get the conversation rolling.
2. Don't Skip the Pleasantries
Speaking of conversations, I know how tempting it is to avoid small talk. It feels, well, small and completely inconsequential.
But here’s the thing: small talk can actually be quite memorable, particularly if you know how to do it well. So don’t be afraid to strike up pleasant conversations with people you don’t already know.
Maybe you’re waiting in line for coffee with a director from a different department. Introduce yourself and then get a conversation started—even if it means you just recommend the breakfast sandwiches.
These small interactions are a great way to expand your web of connections within your company and lay the groundwork for a continued relationship. Who knows, the next time you see that person, you might just move past small talk.
3. Raise Your Hand for Opportunities Outside of Your Team
When you’re part of an especially large organization, the bubble of your own department or team feels comforting. It’s daunting to venture out and surround yourself with strangers.
You already know what I’m going to say: If you’re eager to make your mark, you’re going to need to get over that and get used to saying “yes” to all sorts of different opportunities.
Is the product team putting together a golf outing that needs some more volunteers? Step in and help. Is there a happy hour or training program that you’d normally skip or a project that could benefit from a few extra hands? That has your name all over it.
Jump on those opportunities and you’ll meet more people, strengthen your impact, and feel more connected to your company as a whole.
4. Speak Up in Meetings
Do most of your meetings have a lot of different people packed into a crowded conference room? Do you still speak up and actively contribute—or are you too intimidated, so you choose to sit in silence and fly under the radar?
Of course, there’s no reason to chime in unnecessarily for the sake of being noticed. But if you do have something valuable to contribute, gather your courage and make it known.
It’s better to voice your thoughts and your opinions in the moment, rather than following up afterwards with an email. That way you're giving people an opportunity to associate your face with your name.
5. Be Transparent About Your Career Goals
This tip is important whether you work at a company of two or 20,000. But, especially when you work for a big organization, you need to be upfront and vocal about your professional goals.
Your manager can’t read your mind, and you can’t expect them to advocate for you and your ambitions if you don’t make those known.
Whether you hope to eventually move into a management position yourself, want to learn more about a different department, or would like to pursue some additional training or education, have those honest conversations with your boss.
Not only does this investment in your own career and development help you stand out to your immediate supervisor, but being transparent about your goals also opens the door to other opportunities to make an impact at your company.
6. Solicit Advice From Others
Do you really want to know how to make your mark? Why not ask somebody who’s already successfully done it?
Within your organization, there’s bound to be someone who’s been there for years and successfully climbed the ladder. Reach out to see if you can take them out for coffee and find out more about their journey, as well as pick their brain for advice on how you can follow a similar path.
Even if you don’t walk away with a super-detailed action plan, you still have the benefit of forming connections and relationships with people outside your department.
When you’re one of hundreds or even thousands of employees at your company, it’s easy to feel like a small fish in a ginormous pond. Does anybody even notice all of the hard work you’re doing? Wait…does anybody even know your name?
You can’t snap your fingers and change the size of your employer, but you can change your own actions. That’s right—making your mark all starts with you.
Put the above six tips to work, and you’ll slowly but surely develop some beneficial relationships, along with some well-deserved name recognition.