10 Reasons to Work for a Biotech Start-Up

1. Opportunity. Start-up companies are riskier, but with that risk comes increased opportunity. Not just financial opportunity, either. You will have increased opportunity to try new things, and maybe even be part of a team that does great things in biotechnology. Working for a start up biotech company could be the fast-track to professional recognition.
   
   


2. Autonomy. If you like independence, a smaller company may be best for you. You are more likely to be able to work independently, without people looking over your shoulder and telling what to do.
   
   


3. Opportunity to Learn. At a start-up company, you will probably not be limited to just working in your area of expertise. You will probably have to learn all kinds of new skills. That can be exciting, and it gives you a more well-rounded background for future job hunting.
   
   


4. Getting in on the Ground Floor. You get to be part of something from the beginning. You can be part of the planning, and part of making the company grow and become successful.
   
   


5. Potential for Financial Reward. Start up companies often share the profits. Think of the people who started working at Microsoft in the early years. They are all millionaires now.
   
   


6. Less Structure. If structure drives you crazy, a small start up biotech firm could be a good fit. Because there are fewer resources, things tend to be more fluid, and structures are minimal.
   
   


7. More flexibility. Not only is there less work structure, but you may have more personal flexibility with your schedule. If you have to work around childcare or school schedules, or if you need time off for appointments, or if you prefer non-traditional working hours, you can find that flexibility at a start up.
   
   


8. Initiative. You have more opportunities to take initiative in a start up company. Your ideas don’t have to go through as many hierarchical filters. You will have the chance to implement your own ideas, and to take charge of your own projects.
   
   


9. Social Advantages. People in small start up companies become friends. There are fewer people to know, and you all tend to have the same lifestyle. You work hard, and usually work long hours, and you get close to the people you work with.
   
   


10. Responsibility. If you want professional responsibility, try to work for a start up biotech company. Responsibility goes with autonomy, opportunity and initiative. You don’t have to get every expense or every project approved. You take responsibility for your own work…and reap your own rewards.