Why work for a startup?
The word "startup" can mean different things to different people. At StartupJobs, we view startups as companies in their infancy that focus on innovations to improve the development of global society. Words like "meaningful, fast, and friendly" are often used to describe the startup experience. To get a better sense of the differences between corporate and startup cultures, let's take a look at some key aspects which define them.
Your ideas won't be tossed in a drawer
Corporate
When starting a new job, it's only natural to be full of ideas, suggestions, and inspiration to help improve business. At corporations, it can take months for your valuable insights to reach the right person for review. By this point, ideas which were generated a few months ago have likely lost their relevancy.
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Startup
At startups, innovative thinking is the name of the game. In a matter of minutes, the right idea can go from a seemingly small suggestion to changing the very course of the entire company. Quality insights can come from anyone, not just the boss. Everyone's unique points of view are more than welcomed when working for a startup.
You will be a part of something truly meaningful
Corporate
At corporations, they're often busy with so many side projects that they start to deviate from the original mission the company was founded on. This unrewarding busywork is often assigned to particular employees to complete, regardless of whether or not it actually brings any benefit to the company at large.
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Startup
With less staff and a more streamlined organizational structure than corporations, startups avoid additional work that doesn't improve the company's overall mission. When considering that the average startup employs between 15-30 people, it only makes sense that all departments know what each other is working on. Seeing the results of your work (and how it helps drive the company as a whole), is not only inspiring but incredibly rewarding.
No unnecessary rules and restrictions
Corporate
Corporations have a lot of employees (which inevitably leads to stifling regulations and complex company protocols over time). Sometimes these rules are vital considering the size of the company; however, much of the time, they are not. Imagine a mandatory 9 a.m. daily meeting that lasts 60 minutes (which you must attend regardless if you've dealt with the lousy weather and traffic jams for the previous hour). It just doesn't make sense.
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Startup
Personal freedom in the workplace not only produces better products but happier people. This is the model startups have embraced for decades. Pointless restrictions, like rigid work hours and counterproductive red tape, is unempowering and frustrating. At startups, it's up to you to decide how best to complete your particular task or goal.
Quickly gain experience and continue growing over time
Corporate
In the beginning, corporations will much of the time provide the necessary tools and training required for the job. However, from this point, your professional growth will likely be limited. Although you'll learn a lot at first, over time, it will become clear that your career has been standing still.
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Startup
At startups, you'll be encouraged to learn and grow on a near-daily basis. The thing to remember about startups is that although everyone's personal growth is a priority, no one will be there to hold your hand. Considering that you'll be working with and implementing new technologies, it only makes sense that keeping up to date with the latest innovations is vital to the job.
You'll make real friends
Corporate
These days, many corporations implement teamwork programs to help build relationships between departments. Unfortunately, due to these company's large size, developing true friendships can be hard. Corporations also oftentimes have workplace restrictions concerning socialization in particular parts of the office, which can make getting to know workmates even harder.
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Startup
One of the key reasons why people stay in startups for such a long time is the positive, relaxed atmosphere. At startups, colleagues can quickly become good friends because the company is full of such incredibly bright and inspiring people. In a startup environment where everyone feels free to openly talk about anything, even the tensest moments are relatively easy to deal with.
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