No matter what stage in your career you are in, whether you’re looking for your first job or have accumulated years of experience, you might face the decision of whether or not you want to go for the job at a startup company or a position at a larger company. Some people ask the question: what’s my career outlook in taking position “X” at the startup versus the same position “X” at the later stage company? Here’s some background information and a few answers to guide your thought process.
What is a Startup and Later Stage Company
Startup companies, as their name suggests, are in their initial stages of operations. Startups are founded by a few entrepreneurs and tend to market one type of product or service. They are also likely to receive funding from private individual investors or venture capital or private equity firms.
Later Stage companies are more established businesses with sizable employee counts. With multiple departments and products and/or services, their capital structure is more extensive and normally consists of both traditional debt from borrowed money, as well as equity holders who buy shares of stock.
Working at a Startup Company
Though there are more risks in choosing a startup, these are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about choosing a position at this type of company. One of the main opportunities that a startup offers is the likelihood of establishing close relationships with everyone you work with, including senior leaders. Having interactions with the Company’s executives promotes a learning environment and gives you access to advice, shadowing and mentorship that may not be possible in a larger environment.
One of the things that makes startups so attractive is the opportunities to learn and grow in your career quickly. You will get to see all aspects of the Company’s inner workings, you might have a few different functions within your role instead of just one, and you will have the opportunity to explore your interests. Additionally, the chances of uncovering opportunities and moving up in the ranks faster is much higher than in an established company. If your short or long term career goals are to achieve senior leadership status, startups tend to get you there faster.
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Working at a Later Stage Company
If you’re early in your career or are considering choosing a position at a later stage company, be prepared for a few things. One common frustration for people who work at large later stage companies is feeling stuck in their position. It can be hard to receive promotions or move up in the hierarchy as quickly as most would like as there are typically many people in line in front of you vying for the same promotion. Also, given that there are more specialized functions within a larger Company, it can be harder to have direct exposure to other departments or functions should you see yourself wanting a different focus in the future.
However, working at a later stage company can often offer more security in position, retention and finances. In addition, having at least one experience at a later stage company can increase the attractiveness of your resume long term.
Before You Decide
There’s nothing set in stone that says “this is better than that”; your decision should be based on where you think you will thrive. If the culture of a startup is appealing to you and you are willing to take on the challenges that a startup can pose, that could be the right choice for you. If the stability and structure of a later stage company is appealing to you and you’re not too focused on an in house promotion, a later stage company could be the right choice for you.