Being the youngest one in a start-up is not easy, and trying to keep pace with colleagues who are extremely experienced in their fields has been a challenge. I think I’m getting there, but it hasn’t been easy and it certainly didn’t happen overnight, as frustrating as that can be.
It’s been a steep learning curve for me from the very start and it continues to escalate. As I complete a year in NOW, I would like to share my personal tips for someone with little work experience who’s thinking of joining a start-up.
- Be prepared for everything
Working in a start-up is not a piece of cake and there is nowhere to hide. You are a core member of the team and every action of yours is reflected on the business. Be prepared to learn new, unexpected things, this is your opportunity to gain knowledge, so seize it – don’t shy away!
Tasks given to you might not be in your job description. But guess what, those are the tasks that will help develop your career in a more holistic way and bring out the best in you!
- Keep a learning log
During your average day at work, when you see or hear something that is new to you, note it down.
It will remind you of the things you’ve learnt that change you from a good employee to a great one. It’s especially important in a start-up when there is so much to learn, writing down those points allows you to reflect over how much you’ve learnt over a short space of time.
- Set Targets
Make a to-do list with strict deadlines. Be honest with yourself and organise your time well. Ticking each task off your list gives you a real sense of satisfaction and makes you feel motivated to accomplish more! It’s also a tangible way of showing yourself the value you bring into the business.
- Your best friend
Working for a start-up you’re going to be expected to get involved with many new things and, of course, you won’t know how to do it all. Remember Google is your best friend!
It answers your tiniest doubts and things you just don’t know at all. Over time you will learn how to get things done within your capabilities. Starting something new is never easy, so be patient and enjoy the learning process.
- Have fun as a team
Be open to conversations with your team members, it can be as simple as ‘good morning’ each day, or ‘how was your weekend?’ at the start of the week, or ‘let’s have lunch together?’. Having fun with your colleagues really helps the day go by in an enjoyable way.
Make an effort to organise a get-together when it’s your cultural festival, teach them about your culture and have a great time together. Be a team player, spread good vibes and it won’t even feel like work!
I like to think that working at NOW Money has made me a more rounded individual and broadened my professional skill set. I have been exposed to a two-way learning corridor about different cultures, beliefs, and traditions.
I didn’t realise working here was going to be so fulfilling, and I’d even go so far as to say the best time of my life. From having lunch together every day, to our never ending conversations, planning team activities, working together and winning awards for our achievements, this journey has been absolutely fantastic.
Here are few of my favourite snaps from the whole year:
