Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Startup Executives
Rashi suggests that undergraduates interested in startups should consider internships at startups or venture capital firms to gain experience and understanding of "who's on the other side of the table." Entry-level roles in related fields, such as teaching if interested in education, also provide valuable hands-on experience to better understand "what the problems are" and create effective solutions.
Entry-Level Positions, Internships, Venture Capital, Startup Experience, Industry Networking
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Rashi Jindani
Startup Executive
Startup
University of California, Berkeley
UCLA Anderson School of Management - MBA
Political Science, American Studies
Arts, Entertainment & Media, Technology
Strategic Management and Executive
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Seek internships at startups to gain firsthand experience.
2. Consider internships at venture capital firms to understand the investment side of startups.
3. Gain relevant experience in your field of interest (e.g., teaching in education) before joining a startup to better understand the problems and create effective solutions.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
The biggest opportunities are internships within startups. You can reach out to startups and see how you can get involved.
Another option is internships at venture capital funds. This allows you to work with a large portfolio of startups. You could also work on the investing side to understand who is on the other side of the table as you enter the workforce.
Getting a role in the industry you are interested in is also beneficial. For example, if you are interested in education, working as a teacher provides hands-on experience. This helps you understand the problems in that area when you work at a startup.
So, consider a role like teaching, or working at an ed tech company as an associate or coordinator on a team you're interested in. An analyst role is also a good option. These roles will help you better understand the people you are working with.
Whether it's your first role or your first few weeks at a company, it's important to spend time with the population you are serving. This helps you better understand their needs, so you are not blindly creating solutions.
Ultimately, get a role that gives you exposure to what you are passionate about. This will help you better understand the problems and create more effective solutions.
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