Working at a startup: What fresh graduates should know

Joining a startup offers fresh graduates a unique chance to dive into fast-paced environments, work closely with founders, and gain hands-on experience. Startups also offer valuable experience in adaptability, innovation, and problem-solving which can be appealing for fresh graduates. However, it is important to consider whether the startup environment aligns with your career goals to avoid any potential mismatch.

Startup employees are often involved in the core business and its decision-making process, which is more difficult to achieve in a corporate setting. Tasnuva, a senior marketing specialist at a leading digital martech startup, says, "I joined a startup because there is more autonomy and more things to learn. People who work in corporations learn to be great managers but to become a specialist in your respective field or area of interest, startups can be a great alternative."

One defining characteristic of startups is their emphasis on working in closely-knit teams. This makes the existing members accountable for their roles and helps build a sense of belonging among them. This approach helps the employees get out of their comfort zones and make important decisions at work.

Startups are often recognised for having a clear mission. Besides, they are not just profit-oriented; startups often engage in work that can impact the world in a meaningful way. Iffat Jahan joined the mental health platform Relaxy as a content team lead because she found that the startup's primary objectives aligned with her own values.

"I was excited to make an impact from the beginning and explore different areas beyond my core role," says Iffat. "It allowed me to build my resume in ways I wouldn't have been able to in a rigid corporate structure." 

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Seeing the impact your work can have makes the job significantly more fulfilling and motivating. In startups, this impact is tangible. You are not just another cog in a giant machine; every effort you make impacts the progress of the company.

Reflecting on her journey with Relaxy, Iffat says, "Watching my ideas take shape and knowing I was helping to build the future of the company was empowering. My team's core task is to shape Relaxy's image to users and partners. Since I joined, the platform has witnessed outstanding growth in terms of users as well as revenue growth. I can also see the direct impact of our content through user engagement and feedback. It's gratifying knowing that my work isn't just about marketing, it's also about helping people feel better and access the support they need."

Startups are also known for their unique and flexible work culture. Usually, they operate on a flat organisational structure. As employees can openly share their ideas, fresh graduates often feel comfortable in such a setup over the rigid corporate culture. Besides, startups often provide a more flexible and informal work atmosphere – something that's very appealing to new or upcoming university graduates.

Nionta Ahasan, a senior instructor at 10 Minute School and an undergraduate student, says, "I take classes at 10 Minute School in the evening, and have my own classes at university in the morning. Hence, it's easy for me to manage my time accordingly."

The networking aspect in start-ups is another perk for fresh graduates as they often get the opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals.

Jahnnobi Rahman, CEO at Relaxy, emphasises the importance of interns collaborating with industry professionals. She says, "Having interns participate in managerial body or investor meetings can help them foster a sense of responsibility. It can also be a great networking opportunity. This can bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry standards." 

Nionta adds to this saying, "For my job, I had to talk to different types of people with different interests and expertise. I had to work with them on small projects. This helped me build a professional network."

Having said all that, the behind-the-scenes situation at startups is not always as glamorous as it appears as the work can be incredibly demanding.

"The workload can be intense. There are so many days when it feels like I am juggling multiple projects at once, but at the same time, I find it fulfilling," says Iffat.

While taking on responsibilities beyond your job title does offer valuable experience, long hours can quickly become the norm if the practice persists. Besides, some startups often struggle with clear job descriptions due to their fast-paced nature, leading employees to take on tasks beyond their initial roles. According to Iffat, "Working at a startup means you're constantly evolving, and new responsibilities can come up. There were moments when I had to figure things out on my own or take on tasks outside of my initial role, especially as the company expanded." 

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Regarding evolving job roles, Jahnnobi says, "When hiring, job descriptions are usually well-defined for both the employees and the hiring team. Since fresh graduates often have limited experience, the hiring team doesn't expect too much from them initially. Instead, we focus more on their capacity to learn. Over time, fresh graduates may discover that they're a better fit for a different role than the one they originally signed up for."

Working at a startup might not always bring you the financial rewards or other fringe benefits that you can draw from working at a corporate or well-established company. Those who do draw high salaries are either very skilled at their respective roles or are working at a high-profile startup. Besides, if you are considering a role at a startup, it's important to acknowledge that most of them fail. In fact, according to a report by Startup Genome, up to 90 percent of startups end up failing. Hence, for fresh graduates, working long-term at a startup might not be feasible or a good idea.

Of course, at the end of the day, choosing between a startup or a corporation depends on your career goals. While corporate jobs offer a structured environment with better salaries, benefits, and long-term sustainability, startups offer dynamism and a chance to advance your career. Hence, consider your strengths, aspirations, and adaptability before deciding whether or not you want to join a startup as a fresh graduate.