This May, as new college graduates charge out into the workforce, many will hunt for jobs at startups instead of big companies. In fact, according to a 2016 survey by Accenture, only 14% of U.S. graduates want to work at a large firm; 44% want to work in a startup or other small enterprise. Going to work at a startup has perks, from an informal atmosphere to faster on-the-job learning and more autonomy, but there are downsides, too. Before you assume that a startup is going to be your ideal first employer, make sure you know what you’re getting into. Based on my work in the startup world and with recent graduates, here are a number of challenges that young workers often don’t know they’re going to face.
6 Things New Grads Should Know Before Joining a Startup
14% of U.S. graduates want to work at a large firm; 44% want to work in a startup or other small enterprise. But although working at a startup has upsides, there are downsides, too. Make sure you know what you’re getting into. For example, startups offer less structure than established firms. Are you ready to operate with little-to-no feedback, and maybe even no boss? That can be a disorienting feeling for anyone, but even more so if it’s your first job. And what about time off? Many startups are a 24-7 environment, and employees feel pressure to be constantly working. Then there’s financial uncertainty. Are you in a position to work in a firm where there might be no benefits, or investors might pull out? If concerns like these keep you up at night, a job in a larger, more established company might be a better fit.