- You are required to “wear multiple hats”
It’s pretty natural to leave university and have absolutely no idea what job you want to do. The beauty of working in a startup job early on in your career is that you get exposure to different areas of the business, so you can experiment and try and solve that problem! For example, although your job description may be ‘Sales Executive’, it’s highly likely that you’ll be asked to chip in elsewhere in the company (e.g. in strategy, business development, social media, marketing, etc!). You can find out what you like, what you don’t, what you’re good at and what you’re not. This will prove invaluable when choosing to take the next step in your career.
- You will develop a wide-ranging and diversified skillset
A startup role will tend to be a lot more varied than at a corporate, and consequently you will pick up a wide range of skills, quickly. Working as part of a small and genuinely nimble team typically means that everyone will be involved in coming up with new ideas, problem solving and strategizing. You’ll be given a lot of responsibility very early on and required to be creative, show initiative, think on your feet and really throw yourself into your job.
- Your startup could (potentially) be the next Facebook, Airbnb or WeWork
For me, the thing I find most exciting about working for a startup is that there is so much potential. Microsoft, now one of the biggest and most successful companies in the world, was founded by Bill Gates in his parent’s garage. Airbnb evolved from two guys renting out rooms in their apartment on the internet. Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook with his roommates and friends from Harvard. He is now one of the richest and most powerful men in the world. The point is your start-up could be the next big thing and you can directly contribute to its growth and success. There is something incredibly rewarding about working hard and seeing your hard work reflected in the company’s performance.
- You learn so much about entrepreneurship
It’s not unlikely that you wind up sitting directly opposite the founders of the business. As a graduate, this is an insane opportunity to learn all things entrepreneurial. You can soak up their startup knowledge and expertise – amazing if you’re thinking about starting your own business one day, or just want to learn how a startup actually functions and grows (something you’ll never really understand if you’re a tiny fish in a massive corporate).
- Great startup culture and work environment
Most UK startups offer a flexible and relaxed working environment. Unlike working for a big corporation, there is typically little hierarchy and no dress code at a startup. You can rock up to work in a bright purple bedazzled jacket, sit down at your desk (opposite the CEO) and people will pretty much accept it. You’re not breaking any rules. What’s more, startups are usually pretty tight-knit and regular social events really give you a chance to connect with your colleagues and make friends, with far fewer office politics or similar nonsense to worry about. Startups are young, fun and really, really vibrant, and startup jobs reflect this. Don’t be surprised if there is a ping pong table in your office… or a bar!
Convinced yet? Check out our website for ALL the best startup jobs! Again, (in case you have forgotten), we are the biggest startup job board in the UK!
