- You’ll matter. Opposed to interns of larger companies, your voice will make a huge impact. Maybe Rick is just really nice, but I feel like I play a key role at Dashfire. This not only makes me love working, but pushes me to work harder.
- You’ll accomplish things. Personally, I never want a job where my 9-5 consists of sitting at my desk pretending to work, g-chatting, or poking around on Facebook. Everyone has to work – why not do something you love? There are tons of startups these days, choose a promising one that you’re interested in. Interested in learning more about hospitality, sales and Chicago restaurants? Contact TableSAVVY. Love fashion, want to know more about e-commerce, and interested in being a student ambassador? Check out BucketFeet. Want to know more about startups? Contact Rick and he’ll help get you in touch with people you should be in touch with.
- You won’t do the same thing every day. At Dashfire, I’m given the power to be creative. Because of this, tasks that would otherwise seem tedious are less of a chore and more of a fun project that I’m excited about doing. For example, Dashfire’s top secret social media framework for our partners could have been really boring if I wasn’t a social media nerd and Rick didn’t let me be creative with it.
- You will learn, quickly. The hands-on aspect of working for a small company will do this for you, which is why I highly recommend internships at start ups for college students. Things are always changing and start ups must keep up. Though it can be stressful, I love the pace and love working under pressure.
- You’ll grow professionally. Working at start ups will allow you to get a taste of the “real world.” Even though I’m just an intern, I feel like I’ve learned things that most people don’t learn until their first full-time position. An intern’s role at a start up is much different than an intern’s role at a huge company in terms of responsibility. I’ve been thrown into situations that have been out of my comfort zone, forcing me to act like a professional. Scary but totally worth it.
- You will build strong relationships that will only help you in the future. Not only has Rick been an awesome boss, but also a great mentor for myself and college students. In addition to his own advice, he’s introduced me to people who have been really helpful as I begin to look for jobs. Working with people who are happy to help you find a job elsewhere says a lot about the company. I truly understand the power of a good network through working at Dashfire, with Rick, and in the Chicago tech community.
- Start ups will make you happy! If you love high-energy environments filled with high-energy individuals who are really, really excited about what they’re doing and making you a part of it, you’re like me and you’ll love working at a start up. Promise.
Side Effects: After working at start ups, student will begin generating constant flow of new ideas that they are certain will be the next big thing; may develop addictions to WordPress, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest; may experience feelings such as eagerness to work, inability to turn off brain, and a strong urgency to graduate.
