What a Senior Program Manager at Deliverr Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Startups
Nicholas, a Senior Program Manager at Deliverr, advises aspiring professionals to understand the intense emotional and time commitment involved in fast-growing startups, stating that "high peaks...also [have] low troughs," impacting mental and physical well-being. The intensity level, Nicholas notes, surpasses even that of consulting or investment banking, requiring significant preparation for the emotionally and physically demanding nature of the work.
Project Management, Stress Management, Resilience, High-Pressure Situations, Emotional Intelligence
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Nicholas Fong
Senior Program Manager
Deliverr
UC Merced, 2014
None
Economics
Technology
Strategic Management and Executive
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. The intensity of the role and the emotional toll it takes were underestimated. High-pressure situations require significant energy, leading to both exhilarating highs and exhausting lows.
2. The time commitment is substantial, similar to consulting or investment banking, but with a consistently higher intensity level.
3. Starting at a fast-growing company ('rocket ship') can be incredibly rewarding, but it is important to anticipate both the highs and lows of this type of work environment and prepare for the significant time and energy required.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
If I could go back and look at my career again, I underestimated the energy required for certain high-pressure situations. Working in startups, especially fast-growing ones, can be exhilarating in good moments, but not as fun during down moments. I didn't anticipate that.
If I were to do it over, I'd advise joining a "rocket ship" startup, one that's growing quickly. Just be aware that with high peaks in the business come low troughs. This can be mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting at times.
There are many aspects to consider, but people generally don't anticipate the amount of emotional stress. The other thing is time; it takes tons of time to build these companies.
It's similar to industries known for long hours, like consulting or investment banking. However, the intensity level remains at a higher pace in startups. It's truly an intense industry.