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How to Land a Job with a Startup

Sydney Everett (Staff)
February 10, 2021
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On February 3, 2021 entrepreneur and Stanford University Lecturer Doug Galen, led a workshop to help students in the St. Louis Entrepreneurial Fellowship and broader WashU community land a job with a startup. Doug has had a handful of careers and built five companies, many of which have had big success (Shutterfly and E-Loan). In all of his adventures following his passion was always key. He also shared the importance of listening to your gut when things feel wrong.

Doug shared four key things to think about when searching for a job at a startup.

  • Figure out what you want to do.
  • Figure out what your story is.
  • Reach out and network.
  • Interview

Once you have landed your start up job, Doug has tips for how to make an impact.

  • Ask to help, be self-directed.
  • Take on anything.
  • Be a problem solver who presents a list of solutions.
  • Work hard.
  • Having soft skills (collaboration, problem-solving, self-direction…) is more important than hard skills.

Doug noted that working for a startup can be different from other experience. Some notable differences are at startups:

  • Decisions will be made last-minute.
  • It will be a mostly flat organization.
  • It will be a bit chaotic, not all the business systems will be built out.
  • There is no handholding, you must be self-directed.

In addition to the tips above Doug Galen shared advice for entrepreneurs and those looking to work at startups. Check out the full presentation!