You’ve heard a lot about the startups emerging in Chicago. Now you’re ready to throw your hat into the ring and join a new company that could become the next Groupon or Grubhub. But where do you start?
Whether you’re a lawyer, teacher, or even a chef, you can get a job with a startup in Chicago. New jobs are sprouting up every day and you don’t need to be in the industry or have a connection.
Your skills are transferable, I promise. I pivoted from a career in law enforcement to working with startups in e-commerce, education, and healthcare. What sets Chicago apart from other cities with major startup ecosystems, is Chicago's wealth of entry and junior level job opportunities.
Best Startup Job Websites in Chicago
Built In Chicago is my number one recommendation. Their job board has hundreds of postings and it's updated daily. To make things even easier, you can signup to receive a customized weekly newsletter with new jobs that you might be interested in.
The biggest difference between Angel List and Built in Chicago is the cost to the employer. Angel List is completely free to post a job, while Built In Chicago costs $50. Why does this matter to you? Free job postings mean more startups with lower budgets have the ability to attract talent. You'll have access to smaller startups that have received little or no funding from investors.
DOES SIZE MATTER?
Startups come in all different sizes. There are pros and cons working for a less established or early stage venture. Let’s start with the pros. A much smaller team means exposure to highly skilled founders and entrepreneurs that you can learn from.
A boss of mine always said, "don't drink from a glass, DRINK FROM THE HOSE."
Be a sponge and soak up all the knowledge you can from the experts you work with. The great majority of my marketing skills, I've learned working side by side with experienced marketers at small startups. People that I wouldn't have access to at a larger company. The experience that you'll gain working with a 5-6 person team is more valuable than the money you might be making elsewhere, especially in an entry level role.
The cons, less money. You knew that was coming.
Best Startup Events in Chicago
There are three event newsletters that I recommend to keep you in the loop. With a handful of events each week, you're bound to find one that will be valuable to you.
My go-to is “The Beat”, a daily newsletter focused on the Chicago startup and tech community. I look forward to seeing this in my inbox every day for events, tech stories of the day, new investments, and gossip. Ooooh, sizzle, hiss!
If there’s an event in town that’s worth going to, Built In knows about it. They’re the most established Chicago startup focused news source in the city, and they prove it week to week.
The 1871 co-working space is an enormous hub for Chicago’s digital startup community. 1871 houses more than 400 early-stage startups. You can count on 1871 hosting at least one event every day.
Event Mindset
It’s okay if you don’t have a clear goal. You don't need to know exactly what company or industry you want to work for. Keep your mind open and don’t limit yourself. However, I recommend you keep a few questions in mind. What are you interested in? Why do you want to work with a startup? Why do startups interest you? What are you good at?
People to Follow
Brent was formerly with Chicago Startup Institute, a boot camp that teaches students the skills needed to break into the startup game. This guy has connected hundreds of people from every industry imaginable with Chicago startups looking to hire people, just like you. Brent now runs the Startup Institute Chicago alumni community, a networking group specifically for people working in Chicago.
Nicole is the founder of Ms. Tech, a social impact organization that provides women with education, and mentorship needed to take their career to the next level or launch a business of their own. She is the most accessible and knowledgeable person in Chicago when it comes to the startup community and I'll stand by that. Nicole just launched the Fear Paradox Summit, a seminar designed to motivate women to get closer to fear, the paradox to success.
Now Your Journey Begins
Trust me, I’ve been in your shoes. These are the things that worked for me and will help you take the next step. Always remember to be opened minded. You can reinvent yourself anytime.
Original Post on Medium: How to Get a Job with a Chicago Startup
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