Here's how you can gain practical experience in launching and growing a startup through internships.

Joining a startup as an intern can be one of the best choices you could make. You get exposed to all sort of area of a business, that alone can allow you to truly discover what you enjoy the most, what skillset you need to develop. Lastly, you can make a tangible impact.

A startup can be an incredible place to hyper scale one's growth journey. Startups are like our homes, if we ordered pizza last night and no one threw out the boxes, the following morning, it would still be there since no one threw it out. In large orgns there a layer of support staff that do stuff like that. This subtle difference means you will learn boatloads when you work at a startup. An intern is the best way to get your feet wet at a startup. You are likely to work with senior folks working either the fringes of some important work or at the core of it, if you have earned the trust. It can be free education that will be hard to find elsewhere.

Internships at early-stage startups, with which I mean companies with less than 20 employees and/or preferably less than a million revenue per year, can provide you with a great insight in how life in the trenches really is. At my startup in San Francisco during the dotcom boom 25 years ago (yes, that long ago...) I had a McKinsey employee request to do a 6 month internship, unpaid, with us. He was clearly on track for a great career at McKinsey and they allowed him to take a year unpaid leave, to broaden his horizon. He is to this day one of the best hires we ever had and he learned something valuable: early stage startups were not for him. He later joined a biotech firm just before its IPO and was a C-level executive there for many years.

Interning at a brand new startup offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain practical experience. Startups are often a rollercoaster ride, and the best way to understand their dynamics is to be a part of them. If you have the chance, consider interning at several startups. Each one presents its own unique experiences and challenges, allowing you to learn and grow in diverse ways.

When choosing an internship, it's essential to ensure that the startup’s values align with your own. This alignment is not just a matter of preference; it profoundly influences your motivation and the overall quality of your experience. Startups are often driven by a strong mission or vision, so finding one that champions a cause you believe in can make your work more meaningful. This connection transforms your internship from a mere learning opportunity into a personal journey, where your contributions resonate with your own passions and goals, leading to a more fulfilling and impactful experience.

Tip: check if the value statement is actually implemented to the life of the startup. I mean, can you feel their values in the way they describe themselves? Or in the way of spending out of the office time, planning workflows or onboarding new team members? It is very important to check if the startup founders/CEO/C-levels really believe n what they are promoting or they are impostors.

Aligning with the mission of a startup is crucial. In this fast-paced environment, your role may shift frequently, and the highs can quickly turn into lows. This volatility is inherent to startup life. To stay motivated and engaged, it’s essential that your drive to contribute aligns with the startup’s mission. It should resonate with you on a deep, personal level, fueling your commitment and passion for the work.

Specially for university students, choose internships at startups that share your core values and vision. When working with companies that resonate with your own beliefs, you can contribute meaningfully and gain experience that aligns with your long-term goals, making the internship more fulfilling and relevant to your career path. MTS

Do not be afraid of taking up different responsibilities, and seek mentorship from founders or senior team members to learn from their experience.

I see, Hands-On Learning is the most profound option for gaining practical experience in launching and growing a startup. Direct involvement in real-world tasks allows you to internalise and transform knowledge into wisdom, deeply embedding the lessons learned. A game-changer approach would be to actively seek internships that offer project-based roles where you can lead or collaborate on actual startup initiatives. This immersive experience equips you with critical skills, making you more prepared and confident to launch your own venture in the future.

Curra como el que más, se esponja , ofrécete , pregunta , échale morro y créete que eres un empleado más. Gánate el puesto con tu esfuerzo y el trabajo en equipo

Learn fearlessly, contribute tirelessly, and get shit done! In the dynamic world of startups, hesitation is your enemy and initiative is your ally. Dive headfirst into the chaos, tackling any task that comes your way. This all-hands-on-deck approach accelerates learning across every facet of the business. Combine practical knowledge from colleagues with self-directed learning through online resources. Soon, you'll become an indispensable team player, capable of not just executing tasks but also proactively solving problems. When challenges arise, come armed with potential solutions. This proactive mindset, coupled with your expanding skill set, will make you invaluable and set you on the fast track to startup success.

Focus on internships that offer hands-on learning experiences. Search for roles where you can actively participate in real projects, tackle challenges, and take on responsibilities that mirror the tasks involved in running a startup. Accordingly, it helps you develop the skills and knowledge needed to launch and grow your own startup in the future. MTS

Participate in key projects that impact the business, and focus on developing essential skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and communication for exposure. It's always tough until it's done

Asistir a eventos, ferias y actos formativos de todo tipo, con una estrategia clara te a ayudará a conseguir tu objetivo . A mí hubo chavales que me perseguían para colarse en mis charlas y formaciones, que se lo curraban como “pinches” de lanzadera,demostrando con el ejemplo que querían más que yo . Se ganaron con su esfuerzo una oportunidad de currar con nosotros

I was at a professional engineering internship when I got the idea for my first investor-backed startup. I got the privilege to see colleagues in their element, how did they act around each other, their boss, the client? Here is also where I got to meet who would become my co-founder. It was clear how well we worked together and how much professional trust was built.

Feedback matters ALOT. It's as important as finding the right internships. Regularly request feedback to aid your personal and professional growth. Reflect on your experiences to align your learnings with your career goals, and maintain relationships even after the internship, as they can lead to future opportunities.

Building a network during your internship is essential. Make it a point to connect with mentors, colleagues, and industry professionals. Attend startup events, workshops, and meetups to broaden your connections. These relationships can provide valuable guidance, support, and might even lead to future job opportunities. In India’s close-knit startup community, a strong network can be one of your biggest assets, helping you navigate challenges and opening doors to new possibilities in your career.

Take out 10 minutes at end of each day to reflect on what you learnt. Find what you loved doing, draft a plan to focus on that specific area for your future goals. Remember, the key is to learn, unlearn and relearn. Also, there is no shortcut to success.

Regular reflection is crucial for making the most of your internship experience. Take time to document the challenges you face, the successes you achieve, and the lessons you learn along the way. This habit not only helps in solidifying your learning but also prepares you to clearly articulate your experiences during future job interviews. By understanding what you enjoy and where your strengths lie, you can better align your career path with your aspirations in the startup world. In a dynamic environment like India’s startup ecosystem, this self-awareness will guide you toward opportunities that truly resonate with your goals and passions.