Interested in Startups? The Important 6 Questions You Need to Ask

By Emily Young MA ‘16

Startups can be a great opportunity to wear a lot of different hats and learn different roles in a company.  Whether applying for an internship or a full-time job here are some important questions to consider.

Internship Opportunity:

1) Do you have the right personality to shine in a startup?

In a startup you will not have a defined position, like in most companies.  Are you willing to try new things?  Fine with ambiguity?  Good at spotting opportunities and seizing the initiative to get things done?  You have to have the right energy and initiative to get the most of interning at a startup.  This means not only being excited about the company, but the people, and the grind. Beats getting coffee and making copies though right?

2) Who’s in charge?

Startups are ultimately successful because of the people. Check out the backgrounds of key decision makers in the company and see what past ventures they have been involved in.  Have they been successful?  

Also visit the company to understand the dynamics of the team.  Are these people friendly?  Could you see yourself working with them?  Would they be willing to slow their pace to teach you the tricks of the trade?  If you cannot identify someone who will mentor you, it’s not the place you need to be.

3) What stage is the startup in?

Joining a very early-stage startup is risky.   We all know that familiar story of two guys working in a garage turning into Apple, but good chances are it will be among the 90% of startups that fail. Try and find startups that show growth—sales, customer base, revenue, a product.  You’ll learn more, be able to measure the success for your resume, and have a much better experience.

Fulltime Position:

4) Who’s funding the company and what is the end goal?

Ultimately, you want to work for a startup that launches into great success. Funding from recognized investors is usually a good sign of success.  Plus, it’s also a good sign that you’ll get paid.  Ask what the founders and investors see the end goal as.  Build a world-famous product?  Make a ton of money?  Take a company public?  Raise capital from top-tier VCs?  There is no right answer, but the key is making sure you agree with the direction of the company.  

5) How does this startup job fit within your overall career path? 

If you are interested in furthering yourself in your career in this profession, the ideal company will be excited to help you accomplish those goals in the form of ongoing education, conferences and other opportunities. Since startups are small, make sure there are opportunities to network with individuals outside of the companies.

6) What does your gut tell you?

Startups involve risk.  As much as you can try to weigh the pros and cons you need to follow your gut.  More times than not, your gut is right.  Still scared about not working for a major corporation?  Know that its easier to take risk earlier in your career than later. 

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