10 things you'll learn when you start working with startups

Starting to work with startups can be a thrilling experience and one of the best learning opportunities for your career, but it can also be quite different from working with a more established company. If you're considering working with an early stage startup company, it's important to understand what to expect and be prepared for the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this type of work. In this post, we'll explore 10 things you'll learn when you start working with a startup company, including the importance of flexibility, the value of a strong team, and the need to be a self-starter.

Flexibility is key

One of the key differences between startup companies and large companies is the ability to adapt quickly to changes in the market. Startups are often agile and willing to pivot their business model or strategy based on customer feedback or changing market conditions. This means that as an employee at an early stage startup, you'll need to be flexible and open to new ideas and approaches. You may be asked to take on different roles or responsibilities by the startup founders, or to work on tasks outside of your job description or which require you to learn new technical skills. This flexible approach to your work and role is what sets apart successful startup employees from those who struggle.

Company culture is important

In an early stage company, the team is everything and company culture is considered sacred, much more so than in an established company. Most startups consist of a small team with limited resources, it's important for everyone to work closely together and support each other, particularly in the early stages. As an early employee you'll quickly learn the value of strong teamwork and collaboration, and the importance of being a team player.

You'll wear many hats

Startup jobs usually extend way beyond the scope of the job title and it's likely you'll be asked to take on a variety of roles and responsibilities as the company grows. This is particularly common with early employees who's job titles will often change multiple times, even in the earliest days as a company grows. You may find yourself working on tasks outside of your day to day job, or seconded into other teams, which will often require you to quickly learn new skills. This type of versatility is valuable in any career, as it allows you to gain a diverse set of skills and experiences which will help when moving to your next job in the future.

It's a fast-paced environment

Startups move quickly, and you'll need to be able to keep up. You'll probably first witness this during your interview process and will see it continue into the day to day of your startup job. Many startups are backed by venture capital and, as most startups fail, the team has to work at lightening speed to find product market fit and scale to achieve any long term success. Be prepared for long hours and a fast-paced work environment. You'll learn the importance of being organized and efficient, and the value of time management skills.

You'll have to be a self-starter

In a startup, there may not be a clear hierarchy or established processes in place. Tech companies are known for attracting talented people, even in the earliest stages, who are excited by the idea of having more freedom in their job, make a big difference in just a few months, gain valuable experience for their future careers and get life changing earning potential through stock options. You'll need to be a self-starter and take the initiative to get things done, much more than if you were working in a larger organization. You'll learn to be proactive and to identify areas where you can make a positive impact on the business.

It's all about the customers

Start ups are focused on meeting the needs of their customers. You'll learn to prioritise customer feedback and use it to inform product and business decisions. Customer satisfaction is crucial for the success of a start up, so you'll learn the importance of providing excellent customer service and meeting the needs of your customers.

You'll learn to be resourceful

New companies often have limited resources, so you'll learn to be creative and resourceful in finding solutions to problems, particularly in the early stages when you might not have the right tools for the job at your disposal. You'll learn the value of being resourceful and helping your team find creative ways to get things done.

Failure is an option

Many startups fail and , in many startups, failure isn't seen as something to shy away from. Startups are willing to take risks and try new things, which means that failure is always a possibility. You'll learn to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and move on from setbacks.

You'll learn to pivot

Startups may pivot their business model or strategy based on market demand or customer feedback. You'll learn to be adaptable and open to change, and to embrace the opportunity to pivot as a way to improve and grow the business. Pivoting can be challenging, as it requires reevaluating assumptions and making significant changes to the way you do things. However, it can also be a valuable learning opportunity and can lead to new opportunities and growth for the startup.

You'll learn the value of hustle

Startups require a lot of hard work and dedication. You'll learn the value of hustle and the importance of putting in the extra effort to make the startup succeed, often working as if it was your own company. You'll also learn the importance of passion and commitment, and how these qualities can drive success in a startup.

Conclusion

Working with startups can be challenging, but it can also be extremely rewarding, particualrly if you're able to join a start up in it's early days where you can work closely with a co-founder or leadership team. You'll learn valuable skills and gain experience that can benefit you in any career path. You'll learn to be flexible, adaptable, and resilient, and you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact on the success of the startup. If you're considering working with a startup, be prepared for a fast-paced and exciting journey, and embrace the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this type of work.

Don't forget, if you're starting to your startup job search, register your CV with us so we can keep you in the loop with relevant opportunities.

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