Unit 2 the structure of a company

‘Be not afraid of growing slowly; be only afraid of standing still’

Chinese proverb

Exercise 1 Discussion

1. Are you ambitious? Do you have a career plan? Where do you want to be in 10 years’ time?

2. Would you prefer to work for a big or a small company? Why?

Read the following statements, and decide whether they are about the advantages of working in a big or a small company.

1. The atmosphere is friendlier and you know everyone.

2. You are often responsible for a variety of different tasks.

3. You can actually see the result of your contribution to the company.

4. You can be proud of working for a company with a national or international reputation.

5. You have more independence, and you don’t always have to wait for permission from a superior.

6. You may be able to go and work in a foreign subsidiary.

7. You’ll probably get a higher salary.

8. Your company will be in a better position in an economic recession.

Exercise 2 In your opinion, which three qualities below are the most important for a successful career in business?

Being on time, having ambition, working hard, getting on with people (being friendly), being adaptable (open to new ideas), knowing about computers, having a sense of humour, looking smart.

Exercise 3 Study these sentences.

I’m a financial controller. (a/an + job)

I work for ATT. (for + employer)

I’m in marketing (the chemical business). (in + type of work)

Complete this conversation. Use a, an, for, and in. Role play your own dialogues using the information from the table below.

A: What do you do for a living?

B: I’m … computer programmer.

A: Really? Who do you work …?

B: Olivetti.

A: What’s your position in the company?

B: I’m … product manager. What about you?

A: I work … Balfour Beatty.

B: So you’re … the construction business?

A: Yes. I’m … engineer.

Jobs	Industries	Divisions/Departments
I’m a/an	I work in	Finance
assistant manager	railway engineering	Advertising
сomputer programmer	telecommunications	Public Relations
Managing Director	electronics	Logistics
logistics agent	construction	R&D
train conductor	advertising	Production
station dispatcher	traffic management	Human Resources

Exercise 4 The phrases below all include the word career. Match them to their correct meanings. Use a dictionary to help you.

1 career ladder	a) something you do in order to progress in your job
2 career move	b) period of time away from your job, e.g. look after your children
3 career break	c) series of levels that lead to better and better jobs
4 career plan	d) chances to start/improve your career
5 career opportunities	e) ideas you have for your future career

Exercise 5 Complete these sentences with the verbs from the box.

make ▪ climb ▪ take ▪ have ▪ decide ▪ offer

1. Employees in large multinationals have excellent career opportunities if they are willing to travel. 2. Some people … a career break to do something adventurous like sailing round the world or going trekking in India. 3. One way to … a career move is to join a small but rapidly growing company. 4. In some countries it can take years to … the career ladder and reach senior management level. 5. Certain companies ….career opportunities to the long-term unemployed or to people with formal qualifications. 6. Ambitious people often … on a career plan while they are still at school or university.