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Betting on Startups in 2025

Betting on Startups in 2025

When you’re applying to a role at a startup you need to ask some hard questions to set yourself up for success

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Welcome to today's SCALIS CareerHack newsletter! 🚀

Just like another or business, when you’re applying to a role at a startup you need to ask some hard questions to set yourself up for success. Dive into this edition to discover the perfect opportunity for you and learn more about evaluating startups!

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🚀 The Smart Way to Bet on Startups in 2025

Why startups still offer huge upside if you know what to look for.

Startups get a bad rap these days.
Sure, there have been layoffs. Sure, not every pitch deck leads to a rocket ship.

But for ambitious, adaptable professionals, startups remain some of the best places to grow, learn, and lead.

The key? Choosing wisely.

💼 Why Startups Are Still a Smart Career Move

✅ Faster growth tracks. You’re not one of 500 engineers. You’re the engineer. You own big problems early.
✅ Visibility and impact. Your work isn’t buried. It shapes the product, the culture, and the roadmap.
✅ Equity upside. If you join the right company early, it can be life-changing.
✅ Flexibility and creativity. Startups often prioritize trust, remote-first work, and freedom over red tape.

If you’re someone who thrives in change, wants your work to matter, and hates bureaucracy, startups are still where it’s at.

🔍 But… Ask Smarter Questions Before You Say “Yes”

Not all startups are created equal. Here’s how to separate hype from high-potential:

Do they have product-market fit? → Are customers paying, or just promising?
What’s their funding or runway? → How long can they operate without new investment?
Who’s on the leadership team? → Have they built something successful before?
What’s the culture really like? → Ask what success looks like and how failure is handled.
What’s the role evolution path? → Will you be stuck in one lane, or growing as the company grows?

Pro tip: If a company is transparent and open with these answers, it’s a good sign.

In this episode of Career Hack, Brandon Amoroso speaks with Alexa Mikhail, a senior health and wellness reporter at Fortune Well. They discuss the challenges of entering the workforce, the importance of networking and references, and how to ask the right questions during interviews. Alexa shares her personal journey from being laid off at CNN to finding her passion at Fortune, emphasizing the need for flexibility and intentionality in job applications. The conversation also touches on career growth, the significance of learning from experiences, and the importance of enjoying the journey.

Here’s What You’ll Learn:

Navigating early career challenges can be overwhelming.
Finding the right fit in job applications is crucial.
Networking and references play a significant role in job searches.
Asking the right questions in interviews can set you apart.
Career growth requires self-reflection and proactive communication.
Your 20s are a time for exploration and learning.
It's okay to pivot and change career paths.
Building relationships can provide valuable support in your career.
Understanding company culture is essential for job satisfaction.
Enjoying the process is just as important as achieving goals.