Startups
A startup is an entrepreneurial venture designed to address a specific business need through the creation of novel products or services. Startups are focused on innovation, growth, and scale. Funding for a startup can be sourced through ‘angel investors,’ venture capital firms, the founders themselves, or crowdfunding. Startups are prominent in the technology sector but can emerge across all industries.
There are three stages of a startup: early, expansion, and mature
- Early stage: is a newly developed company with little infrastructure, revenue, and staff. The office environment is small, and the opportunities will be very cross functional.
- Expansion stage: a company has found their market fit and is starting to generate revenue. The team might be larger with more defined roles.
- Mature stage: The startup is at its most structured at the maturity stage with growing and defined roles, increased revenue, and established products and/or services.
Professional roles for a start-up will vary based on the start-up stage, size of company, and industry. As startups scale their business, they may be open to creating new roles for candidates with relevant skills-sets and who are a culture fit. Skills to develop for success in this field
- Analytical thinking
- Creativity and innovation
- Flexibility
- Initiative
- Project management
- Resilience
- Some technical skills may be required (Excel, programming languages, SEO, etc.)
- Teamwork
Online resources specific to the industry
Vault is a comprehensive resource for information on what it is like to work within an industry, company or profession.
For specific information about Start-ups, go to:
Vault > Careers > Industries > All Industries > Business Administration > Entrepreneurship
Vault > Careers > Industries > All Industries > Finance > Venture Capital
Job posting and other career informational sites relevant to the field:
- 1871 - Chicago's Technology & Entrepreneurship Center
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- BuiltIn Communities
Key information or knowledge for this field
- Students interested in software engineering, software development, artificial intelligence, UI/UX, product design etc. may want to consider creating a portfolio of prior work and projects. Common portfolio websites include Github, Wix, Squarespace and more!
- The hiring timeline varies as startups typically hire for immediate need versus recruiting in advance.
- Students should do extensive research on the company’s product and competitors, so that they can provide recommendations, discuss strategy, and show that they believe in the company’s mission and values during an interview process.
- Because startups often grow rapidly and undergo frequent internal changes, many startups seek candidates that are willing to take on tasks/roles outside of their initial job description.
Failure is a normal part of the entrepreneurial process. Internship or job experience at a startup that has failed or no longer exists is still worth highlighting in application materials and in an interview setting.
- Working at a start-up may provide less job security and stability than at a well-established company. However, if a startup starts to gain success, the internal opportunities for increased leadership and responsibilities can grow quickly in comparison to an established organization.
Relevant student groups and professional organizations
Â鶹´«Ã½ Departments/Offices:
Â鶹´«Ã½ Student Organizations and Competitions:
- : Â鶹´«Ã½’s largest annual hackathon