Working at a startup can be an excellent career move. It allows you to develop new skills faster than at a corporate job. You’ll often earn equity along with a paycheck. Joining a startup means entering the startup world, which can lead to starting your own company, becoming an investor, or joining a scale-up. But finding a job at a startup can be hard if you don’t know where to look.
Networking and Timing Your Job Search
Startups rely on networks to find hires. Building connections in the startup community can increase your chances of getting hired. Attend startup events like pitch nights and networking events to meet people. Be proactive in introducing yourself and making connections.
Your best chance to get hired at a startup is right after they’ve received funding. Check tech blogs daily as part of your search to see which startups got money. In the US, Crunchbase is a resource to try. Hiring is challenging for startups because there’s a lot to do and few people to do it all. Recruiters can help make hiring easier.
Preparing for Startup Culture
The startup environment is usually fast-paced and may require intense work. Be ready to move quickly and anticipate change. The hiring process is often undefined, and you may talk to a busy founder, CTO or CEO. Be ready for a small office environment but think of the potential for growth.
Working at a startup often means taking on multiple roles and making quick decisions. Startups can be competitive, and you’ll need to work hard to stand out. To get a good fit, research the startup’s culture and ensure your skills match their demands.
Some early employees at successful startups become multimillionaires with perks like pre-IPO stock options. Positions at Silicon Valley startups are often more sought after than those at large corporations like General Electric.
If you don’t have the required skill set, getting a job at a startup is more challenging, but not impossible. Show that you have the necessary skills, experience, and enthusiasm to stand out. At a startup, you’ll have the opportunity to experiment and create something innovative.
Pros and Cons
Startup jobs come with pros and cons. Let’s start with the benefits or "Pros" of working at a startup:
- You’ll get lots of responsibility quickly, which is great for entry-level positions.
- There are opportunities to grow due to hands-on experience and "learning by doing".
Now, for the disadvantages or "Cons":
- Lower Pay: Startups often can’t offer competitive salaries. Instead, they may offer equity.
- Financial Instability: You may have to endure periods without pay.
Working at a startup means playing an important role, even beyond what the job description states. The non-hierarchical work culture allows for more responsibility.
What is a Startup?
A startup is an early-stage company with high uncertainty and risk. Working for a startup can provide valuable experience even if the company doesn’t succeed.
You, The Startup, and The Job Market
The increase in startups means any professional or job seeker should weigh the pros and cons of working at one. The employee impact at a new company is often more evident than at an established organization.
A significant difference between a large corporation and a startup is the work environment. Large corporations often have uniform cubicles, while startups can have varied and unique workspaces.
Strategically, some might prefer to invest in a fund that invests in startups while working a stable, well-paying job to get the best of both worlds. Consider the Fundrise Innovation Fund as an investment option if seeking passive exposure to the startup ecosystem.