Why You Should Never Work at a Startup
April 16, 2015

Why You Should Never Work at a Startup

by Brian de Haaff

You’re graduating or recently graduated. Congratulations. Here comes the future. And life is really going to get interesting. This is true for graduates this year and just about anyone who is just getting started in his or her career.


As a graduating senior, you have put time and energy into success. You studied hard, got the right grades, and will earn your degree from one of the world’s most prestigious universities. You can do anything — what choice will you make next?

Some of you will stay in school to pursue advanced degrees. Others will choose to join the workforce. Many of you will choose the path of entrepreneurship and look longingly at the startups in the Bay Area. As someone who graduated from U.C. Berkeley and has been CEO of three startups, I relate to that desire. We are fortunate to have quickly grown our current company, Aha!, from a startup to an emerging software powerhouse.

I also have worked at a number of large businesses too. Citrix [CTXS] acquired my last company and I spent three years as a VP of Product and Strategy.

The past few years have seen startup mania. Some articles lure you to “heed the siren song” of starting your own business. Others call startups “the new master’s degree.” But I must caution against being dismissive of starting your career in a larger company. Businesses with thousands of employees are training grounds that can shape your career. They teach you what you’re great at, how you’re most productive, and what you want to gain out of work.

Early on in your career, one thing matters above all else — always choose the option that offers the most personal growth. In this regard, most startups fail.

For new graduates fresh out of college, startups limit:

Learning At companies with thousands of employees, you’ll get a front row seat to how businesses function. These companies also tend to have strong training programs — they are willing and able to invest in the right graduates so they can train them to be leaders over time. Startups are often strapped for resources. Their CEOs will focus on what you can do for them — not the other way around. For that reason, startups are often better options for entrepreneurs who have more experience.

Diversity Within big businesses, you’ll meet diverse groups of people. As you network and make friends within the company, they will share their insights and become your best career advisors. Remember a startup is a small business. They tend to be homogenous; founding teams often knew each other from previous companies and have migrated to create something new. This is a great option for you years down the line. But right out of college, this can limit your growth and lead to burnout.

Opportunities A manager once told me that your twenties are for learning what you don’t want to do. There’s a lot of truth in that statement. Many join startups once they have a solid idea of where they are going and how they want to get there. Larger organizations allow you to build your network, learn new skills, and figure out how you’re most productive. Regardless of which path you choose, that knowledge will help you.

For employees who have worked for a few years to hone their skills and narrow their passions, startups can be a rewarding path. But for many of you, they may stunt your development.

Larger companies are often maligned for their bureaucracy and lack of innovation. And they definitely have it. But they are also great places for recent grads to improve their skills and find their passions. Your earliest jobs might not leave you feeling the most fulfilled. But if you are astute, you can create your own career path.

This path might take you up the corporate ranks, or lead you to build something that matters as your own boss. Regardless, I think global corporations with thousands of employees have a lot to teach you about work and what you really love to do.

Brian de Haaff

Brian de Haaff

Brian seeks business and wilderness adventure. He is the co-founder and CEO of Aha! — the world’s #1 product development software — and the author of the bestseller Lovability and The Startup Adventure newsletter. Brian writes and speaks about product and company growth and the journey of pursuing a meaningful life.

Follow Aha!

Follow Brian

Related articles

The Best Cover Letters That CEOs Love to Read
April 13, 2017
The Best Cover Letters That CEOs Love to Read

A well-crafted cover letter is a great way to get noticed. Find out what to include in your cover letter to catch the attention of a CEO.

New Marketing Managers — Do These 8 Things in the First 30 Days
January 28, 2019
New Marketing Managers — Do These 8 Things in the First 30 Days

Are you a new marketing manager? Check out these suggestions from eight marketing experts on how to show your true value in your first 30 days.

The tragedy of 'good enough'
June 4, 2024
The tragedy of 'good enough'

Leaders create an environment that fosters continual improvement when they: 1. Hire for achievement. 2. Invest in training. 3. Keep raising the standard.

6 Characteristics of the Best Bootstrapped Businesses
July 19, 2022
6 Characteristics of the Best Bootstrapped Businesses

Founding and running a startup takes courage and conviction. Bootstrapping is a mindset that can also serve as an operating model for sustainable growth. These are the…