Have you ever considered working for a start-up? Denver and Boulder are home to many start-ups from tech to beer making and everything in between.
According to Forbes, Colorado attracts new businesses because it has a relatively low cost of living, and there is an abundance of young talent. Many millennials move to Denver for a better lifestyle, access to education, and the urban environment. Ring a bell? That was certainly true for me.
So how do you know if a start-up is the right fit for you? After all, start-ups can have a lot of risk or reward. According to the Wall Street Journal, three out of four start-ups fail. But, even if that happens to your employer, it could still be a great way to gain valuable skills. No matter what, the experience could accelerate your career if it’s a start-up that has the right leadership and culture for you. As a former employee of a Denver tech start-up, I can attest to that and have compiled a list of pros and cons.
Pros
- Learn a wide variety of skills
- Gain responsibility quickly
- Empowered to do meaningful work
- Surrounded by innovators and an entrepreneurial spirit
- Opportunity for upward mobility
- Greater work-life balance
Cons
- Pressure to conform to company culture (need to fit in to move up)
- Lack of processes in place
- Often take on multiple roles at one time
- Salaries may not be as high
- Benefits may not be robust
To learn more about start-ups in the area, check out Startup Colorado.
To find job openings in the area, login to your account at Daniels Careers.
Amy Geisert is an MBA candidate and Graduate Assistant at Daniels Career Services.