Advantages of Working for a Startup

There is no question that there is something intriguing about the idea of working for a startup company. You can't help but feel an adrenaline rush when listening to someone passionately talking about an innovative new idea or new business opportunity.

More than 60 percent of Americans say they would like to own their own business one day. If you've got that entrepreneurial DNA, then working for a startup company can be a valuable learning experience.

Granted, you have to be somewhat of a risk taker. You have to be willing to put in long hours. And there's also the danger that if the startup fails, you're out of a job. But the chance to work under the tutelage of a business trailblazer exploring new, uncharted terrain can be quite exciting.

Here are some advantages to working for a startup company:

Exciting challenges. One of the biggest thrills of working for a startup company is being part of a team that is constantly striving to improve, whether it's a product or a service. Sometimes the goals are even loftier, fueled by a drive to become the leader in the industry. Creative environment. Since startups tend to be more receptive arenas for new ideas, they attract imaginative types who enjoy brainstorming creative and clever ways of doing things. When you're working to constantly build and improve something, success often depends on the ability to think differently. Camaraderie. In many startups and other small businesses, employees are often more like a family than merely a group of coworkers. When you're as friendly with the CEO as you are with the person sitting next to you, you feel a strong sense of togetherness and purpose often lacking in larger, more hierarchical companies. Skill-building opportunities. Employees of startups tend to have more varied duties, which can mean a chance to develop a host of valuable new skills. One day you may be designing a product, the next day closing a sales deal. It's up to you to seize the many challenges and opportunities that come your way in such a fluid environment. Big risks, big rewards. There is definitely a trade-off between risk and reward when working for a startup. If the company is successful and goes public, you can make a lot of money. Bonuses may be based on sales, stock, or equity. Startups are often leaders in offering creative perks to their employees, such as the flexibility of telecommuting. Of course, there's always the very real risk of the business failing. Should this happen (and it often does), you'll still walk away with a wealth of professional experience. Room to grow. Some of the most successful U.S. companies started out as small businesses. Working in a startup with huge growth potential can be very rewarding. Smaller companies can offer things that larger ones cannot, such as the chance to grow as the company grows and the chance to play a central role in the building of the business. Sense of pride. After the hard work of launching a startup is finally over, you can take pride in the company's success and the role you played. And should the startup never become the success everyone hoped for, you can still take pride in having had the guts to take the chance. Find more advice on and at AllBusiness.com. AllBusiness provides practical information and services for business professionals and growing businesses.