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Work at a Startup

workatastartup.org

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Re: Work at a Startup

#11

Post by pg »

jf wrote: post #10

Will all the people needed to make a hiring decision be present at this event? I postulate that running a hiring event would attract some very talented people if the one of the stated goals of the event was for people to leave with signed offer letters. I helped run the "Reverse Job Fair" at the Hacker Dojo several months ago - some job seekers flew in from the East Coast and LA just to attend. From what I've heard a…

Yes, typically. I don't know how common that will be, but all or nearly all the presentations will be given by the founders of these companies.

Re: Work at a Startup

#12

Post by rjett »

This event looks like it's geared towards programmers, but aren't at least a few of these companies looking for non-programming positions? Wouldn't the information shared at this event be just as relevant to business-minded folks interested in working at a startup?

I personally have been trying to teach myself programming for the past year and getting to work for a startup in some sort of business development role alongside of top-notch programmers seems very appealing to me because I could provide value while supplementing my learning experience. I understand the need to narrow the scope of this event so that it's easier to manage applicants, but is there any opportunity for non-programmers?

Re: Work at a Startup

#13

Post by pg »

rjett wrote: post #12

This event looks like it's geared towards programmers, but aren't at least a few of these companies looking for non-programming positions? Wouldn't the information shared at this event be just as relevant to business-minded folks interested in working at a startup? I personally have been trying to teach myself programming for the past year and getting to work for a startup in some sort of business development role al…

It will depend on whose resumes the presenting companies like. I know they're most interested in programmers, so I described the event as being for programmers. But there's no coding test to apply or anything like that. Ultimately you get invited if the presenting companies like your resume, whatever it says.

Re: Work at a Startup

#15

Post by mitko »

gsiener wrote: post #2

I'm really interested in attending something like this but am on the East Coast. Will there be any audio/video available from this event?

arhg, me too. I just applied and then found out that it is in MV and I am in Boston. Well, that's life...

Re: Work at a Startup

#16

Post by sayrer »

This comment will sound a little confrontational, but here it goes.

Why would anyone competent enough to work at one of these companies choose that path instead of being a founder?

Re: Work at a Startup

#17

Post by zaius »

sayrer wrote: post #16

This comment will sound a little confrontational, but here it goes. Why would anyone competent enough to work at one of these companies choose that path instead of being a founder?

Everyone's risk tolerance is different. Sometimes, you need to get paid. This will get you in the door at an already funded startup where you'll get a salary and still have the potential payoff of a big exit.

Re: Work at a Startup

#18

Post by branden »

sayrer wrote: post #16

This comment will sound a little confrontational, but here it goes. Why would anyone competent enough to work at one of these companies choose that path instead of being a founder?

I just want to code. I'm okay with the risk and glory going to someone else.

Re: Work at a Startup

#19

Post by johnswamps »

zaius wrote: post #17
sayrer wrote: post #16

This comment will sound a little confrontational, but here it goes. Why would anyone competent enough to work at one of these companies choose that path instead of being a founder?

Everyone's risk tolerance is different. Sometimes, you need to get paid. This will get you in the door at an already funded startup where you'll get a salary and still have the potential payoff of a big exit.

It's also probably good practice for founding a startup. You get to learn about the issues that come up in running a startup without having to make all the big decisions yourself. Think of it as similar to auditing a college course.

Re: Work at a Startup

#20

Post by frederickcook »

sayrer wrote: post #16

This comment will sound a little confrontational, but here it goes. Why would anyone competent enough to work at one of these companies choose that path instead of being a founder?

As Mark Suster says, "there is a time to learn, and a time to earn."
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