In the last few years, the benefits of working at a startup have become highly publicized. This has meant that the startup community has become an increasingly attractive option for job seekers, many of whom see the challenge of building a company and "getting in on the ground floor" as an exciting environment to work in.

However, since startups are risky in their nature, more risk-adverse professionals may not find that the start-up environment is right for them. Furthermore, those who prefer a more traditional environment with established ways of doing business may also be more comfortable in a corporate setting.

On the other hand, professionals who can handle unpredictability and want to join a business that is first starting to establish itself, might thrive in the startup culture.  While there is no guarantee that any given startup will be the next big social network or go-to technology, for the right person, a startup can be an excellent way to advance a career.

Whether or not the startup environment works for you, there are some key benefits that can be derived from working with these fledgling companies.

Key benefits
For instance, jumping into the startup pool can be a rewarding experience in terms of understanding how an industry works as a whole. A startup culture is, in many ways, all hands on deck, so an employee may find themselves responsible for a variety of shifting tasks in different areas. The fact that job descriptions may change depending on need not only gives startup employees invaluable exposure to how a business runs but also the ability to gain more experience in a shorter amount of time.

Additionally, taking the chance to join a firm in its infancy gives an individual not only the chance to communicate ideas and strategies, but also the opportunity to potentially see them to fruition. This means that employees at startups are typically afforded many chances to increase their visibility within the organization, both amongst their coworkers and founders who are receptive to hearing their staff's input and implementing some of these suggestions in their business plan. This sense of visibility also allows employees to grow as the organization grows. Professionals who show their potential early on can set the stage for future leadership opportunities for themselves.

Founders of business ventures do so because they see a demand for a product or service that is not being met. If you are a professional who appreciates the startup's vision, shares their passion, and understands that success may not happen overnight, pursuing a career within the organization may present you with a wide array of opportunities.