The clichéd startup culture is worlds away from what the highly desirable, “first job out of college,” Gen X-ers dreamed about. It’s no longer about a Monday through Friday grind filled with suits, long commutes, and impressing geriatric CEOs. Instead, startups are the way to go because college grads want to get in on the ground floor, get charged with tasks that matter from the start, and they’re not looking to make copies and coffee all day. Around the world, from Lansing to Houston, startups are popping up and taking off—could a recent college grad be your next great hire?
From a startup manager or owner’s perspective, hiring a recent grad can be a huge risk. They might have minimal or no experience, not be used to the pace of a real business, (especially a startup), and you’re not sure they’re looking for a long-term job. On the other hand, they’re also eager to learn and might have the nerve to, get some great partners, speakers or investors interested in you.
Here’s the case for hiring fresh off the campus employees for your startup:
1. They Have No Bad Habits…
…at least not any bad habits they learned on the job. These employees have some training, (hopefully), that will apply to the job, so they begin with a clean slate. That’s a rarity in the work force, and you basically have an opportunity to customize them to perfectly suit your company, culture, and needs. However, make sure you train them well, with tips from YFS Magazine, and other resources -- because otherwise they can do more harm than good.
2. They Might Fit In Better
More and more often, businesses of all sizes are hiring employees based on their, “fit,” rather than just their education or track record. Many startups have younger and older entrepreneurs, and most recent grads, (older or younger), will segue well into your culture. Just make sure their personality, age, or background isn’t the only factor when hiring. Education may certainly count for something, (including which applicant came from a better program), as does any experience with work study, internships, or graduate assistantships. But, these programs do not always guarantee a perfect fit in your organization.
3. They’re Hungry
These workers aren’t burned out yet, which means they’re more likely to be ambitious, eager to learn/work, and innovative. They might not have much experience to bring to the table, but they’ll be the ones working double time for your business’ success. Plus, they’re not as likely to play hard ball when negotiating salaries or benefits, which are already pretty scarce and limited with most startups.
4. They’re Passionate About What You Do
Many new grads seek out startups because they still have some idealistic tendencies and want to change the world. They’re applying to your company because they sense a camaraderie and they believe in what you’re doing. Passion can make or break your business, and it’s rare to find an, “outsider,” who shares your same love of the company. A recent grad might be the most likely employee to transition into long-term, loyal, and valuable MVP.
5. They Grew Up In The Digital Era
Today’s grads don’t know a time without the internet, think mobile readiness is long overdue, and are adept at oodles of technology. This is the kind of foundation which can be sheer gold to startups, especially in the tech sector. They’ll excel at virtual offices, managing cloud technology, and picking up the latest tools and gadgets.
Recent grads aren’t the only options for startup employees, but sometimes they’re the best. Check out what campuses are dishing up come graduation this spring. You might just find your next great worker.