The opportunity to join a startup company can be quite exciting. You have a strong chance to make an impact on a budding organization. You can play a pivotal role in its development and its success. While startups can be some of the best companies to start a career, there are many considerations to make before you accept the position. Here are some of the things that you need to do before joining:
1.Understand the workplace culture and the structure of the organization.
Startups are not like typical corporations, and each startup has its own structure. According to Forbes, you might be one of several employees who are working together for the leadership team, or you might be the only employee working with the founders. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the culture within the workplace and the structure of the organization. You need these answers to have a better idea of how you fit in the company.
2. Research, research, and research some more.
Look at the number of competitors who offer the same product or service. Evaluate whether or not the business plan will be successful in the short-term and the long-term. Decide if it’s a product or service that you are truly passionate about.
3.Recognize that many startups fail.
According to CIO.com, the failure rate of tech-related startups ranges between 40% to 90%. It is always a risk to take a job at a startup, but you need to decide if the risk is worth it for you and your career.
4.Consider the compensation and the potential career path.
Since startups experience many growing pains, they often do not provide extremely generous compensation packages right off the bat. You may not be making as much at a startup as compared to an established corporation. However, most startup companies will provide you with information about what your future salary will be over time.
5.Know that the hours won’t always be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Startups are not a traditional workplace. Therefore, you aren’t likely to have standard working hours. It takes a certain amount of dedication to work at a startup, and employees are often expected to work long hours for the good of the business. This is one of the reasons why it is critical to believe in the product or service that the startup provides. The hours might be long, but perks are often available—like snacking rooms, on-site fitness centers, and other amenities that can make it more fun to be at work.
