There are both benefits and risks to working for a small, startup company and careful consideration should be taken when deciding whether or not it’s the right move for you.

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Working at a startup company can be both risky and rewarding. As a Sales & Marketing recruiter with Lucas Group, I work with all
types of companies from Fortune 10 corporations to small, startup operations. When screening candidates for positions, there are a
numberoffactors that comeintoplaywhenhelpingthem determinewhattype of environmentwouldbea goodfit for them.
Nichevs.Broad
For those professionals looking for a veryspecialized role with very specific tasks, larger organizations typicallyoffer the opportunityto
focus on one skill set or project. With big companies, responsibilities are broken into silos so that each employee gets a smaller piece
of the pie to digest. At smaller startupcompanies, roles are generally broader. Usually employees are required to do whatever needs
to be done to keep the companygoing, and roles and responsibilities maybe general and varied. Depending on your personalityand
skill set, you mayfindyourself learningtowardonemodelortheother.
Riskvs. Stability
Working for a startup company definitely has its risks; however, it typically comes with higher reward. You may take less in
compensation in exchange for part ownership of the company or be able to play a larger role in the overall company strategy and
growth plan. It’s important to be clear on what you’re looking for and what you want in an organization and role in order to determine if
a startup companywouldbetheright fit for you.
Startup companies are more prevalent in different regions of the countrysuch as the West Coast, notably San Francisco and Seattle,
as well as in New York City and Houston. In my experience, I’ve recognized that having an MBA or post-college degree is more
desirous by startup companies than larger organizations. Furthermore, startup companies typically seek individuals with
entrepreneurialmindsetsandoffera totally differentprofilethan a Fortune500-1000corporation.
Have you worked for or are you contemplating going to work for a startup company? We would like to hear about your experiences in
the comments below.
Is Working for a Startup All It's Cracked up to Be?
by
Lois Kaye
Senior Partner – Sales and Marketing