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This is a guest post by Nadia Jones. Nadia is a freelance higher education blogger who specializes in all topics relating to traditional and accredited online colleges. She welcomes your comments at nadia.jones5@gmail.com

There are many different options for employment after college. Out of all these options, though, are two main categories of businesses; established companies and startup companies. Established companies are just as their name implies; well-known and operating on a well-defined organizational path. Startup companies are just the opposite; relatively unknown and operating on an ever-changing system of trial and error.

Although recent college grads may make more money and receive better benefits working for a well-established employer right out of school, there are many different reasons why choosing a startup company may be a better professional move.

More Opportunities for Upward Mobility

Because startups are still getting their feet wet, job titles and management levels are usually not set in stone. New job titles are added on a regular basis, as the need for additional help and professional specialty arises. Those who are already with the company are usually considered first for promotions (which happen on an everyday occurrence as the company expands and grows). In addition, because startups are so new, there are usually more upper-level opportunities available than at established companies (where managers remain in their jobs for years and new upper-level positions are rarely created). Keep in mind, though, that startups not only require their management team to be innovative but also capable of solving problems without precedent.

Increased Ownership

As one of the first employees at a startup company you may earn the opportunity to buy your own portion of the company, making you a part-owner of the business. This is a great opportunity for those who are expecting to stay with the company for the long haul and are personally interested in the business’ success and growth. It is also a great opportunity for anyone wanting to own and operate their own business without the heavy risks associated with sole entrepreneurship.

The Opportunity to Wear Many Hats

(Photo: vimeo.com/bwahdigital)

Startups usually can’t afford to hire a lot of workers in the beginning, so they often ask one person to do the job of two or three people. This may sound daunting, but it is an opportunity that most well-established companies rarely give their employees. It is an opportunity in that the company trusts that you have the knowledge and ability to complete several different tasks, even if it means learning new skills. Granted, you may not get paid fairly for your work in the beginning, but the experience you gain will be well worth the paycheck deficit. If you ever decide to leave the company, your resume will be stacked with a strong display of talent and skills, and if you stay with the company, your sacrifices will likely be well compensated in the end.

The Opportunity to Work with True Colleagues

In a startup, most workers begin on the same level. Everything is new to everyone, and all employees are given an equal opportunity to show their worth and make their mark. Because the structure of startup companies is more fluid and adaptable, management usually works hand-in-hand with regular employees; there is no “Wizard of Oz” behind a curtain handing down commands. Everyone works together toward the greater cause of success, and every employee’s ideas and opinions are valued for their potential to make the business more competitive.
The question that every college graduate should ask when choosing between a startup or an established company is, “How much am I willing to sacrifice in exchange for the adventure of working for a startup?” Established companies have already gained success and can afford to pay their employees higher salaries and better benefits. Startups haven’t reached their pinnacle of success, so they can’t yet afford to give their employees the most competitive salaries and benefits. However, this doesn’t mean that in the future they won’t be just as competitive, if not more so.

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Tags: college, jobs, startup

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 15th, 2012 at 1:45 pm and is filed under Business Education. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.