"So Jing, have you decided on where you're going to go after graduation yet?"
This is the typical question that my senior friends at Penn have asked me (and I've asked them). Knowing that I had terrific summer experiences as a Program Manager at Microsoft and investment banking analyst at Lehman Brothers, most of them expect me to say "Microsoft" and "Lehman Brothers" as an answer.
"I'll be joining a start-up."
"Wow, really? Why?"
I must admit, when I first got that response, I was a bit startled. Yes, I knew that I was doing something different, but I didn't think it was -that- different. Unlike what feels like the majority of my Wharton classmates, I will not be doing investment banking, consulting, or entering the corporate world. I will not have the prestigious brand names of Goldman Sachs or McKinsey on my resume.
"Well, why not? Is there something wrong with it?"
"Well no, Jing, it's just...unusual."
Am I crazy? While some of my friends may think so, I would definitely say that I'm not as crazy as I'd like be. The truth is that I really want to do something entrepreneurial, something different. This semester has probably been one of the most inspirational and eye-opening semesters out of all my years at Penn. I've come to realize the possibilities out there, especially how quickly technology is changing the world each day. It seems like everyday there's a new start-up out to make a difference in the world. Sure, it sounds cliche, but I'm a firm believer of dreams: You got to dream it. Believe it or else it won't happen, whatever it may be.
If you don't believe it, how can you convince others to? And if you do have a dream, why not pursue it now? Why must you follow the herd and do a "two-year analyst" program? Even if you choose to pursue your dreams sometime in the future, would you be able to promise yourself that you will be able to let go of what you've already accomplished in that field? (i.e. No more stable job or steady income flow.)
While I've had a great time at Penn, it saddens me that Wharton and many other Ivy League schools do not actively encourage entrepreneurship as much as it should. I actually feel that there are many college students who have these aspirations but may not pursue them because they are generally not the "norm."
To all the closet entrepreneurs: Don't listen to what your friends think. Just follow your gut. Whatever you do, make sure you do what you love.
Comments (7)
I support your choice. Good luck at the startup!
Posted by kaisen | December 18, 2006 10:13 PM
Tell me about it, I heard that sort of thing all the time too. It made me get all defensive, even if I attempted to play it off externally.
All I'll say is in the market, status quo earns you the market return. And that is only if you have the prudence to invest in a lot cost ETF (which is, ironically, not status quo either). Herd mentality is killer, and it shows up everywhere. Hey, it's what creates opportunities for those "crazy" enough to not follow the herd. It's just a lot less gratifying when you get started, making eventual success possibly bittersweet. But hey what do I know?
Posted by Dan | December 20, 2006 11:57 PM
i'm working at a startup. i support your choice too.
to wit: working at a large company is all about being averaged out. working at a startup means the effort you put in is directly related to the success or failure of your company.
Posted by Anonymous | December 27, 2006 10:19 PM
i'm working at a startup right now. good for you. large company is all about being averaged with 10,000 other decent people. working at a startup is being critical to success/failure with 3 other guys just as good as you.
read joel on software.
Posted by lin | December 27, 2006 10:21 PM
I'm part of the "Wow, Really?" crowd. In fact, I also did the "No, it's just unusual." So I'm guilty of both.
There is a separation between dreams and conviction. To dream is easy, we all do. To have the conviction to pursue it, unfortunately, is ever difficult. It's not because we think pursuing a dream is foolish or unsound. It's because we don't like to lose the status quo. To have conviction requires a person to do believe either in he or she will only succeed or he or she can accept the failure.
The problem is in "accepting the failure". Not many believe in their dreams enough to do so. In many cases it's because they do not believe in themselves. Status quo becomes this comfortable blanket.
Good Job Jing :)
Congratulations on having enough character to give start-ups a try.
David
Posted by David | December 30, 2006 11:38 AM
To beging wiht, any household name in the industry staretd with a little company. There is simply no exception. For those who'd perfer to follow, it is better to start with an established firm. For those who desire to create something new or build something from ground up, it is better to start with a venture having a vision, passion, and objective.
Being in both places, I'd say I have never had any regret to work in a vendture, but wish I could work less longer in a large corporation (8 years!).
Posted by Charles | January 2, 2007 6:35 PM
Good discussion. Here is a post talking about the herd mentality even among entrepreneurs (and VCs). Good luck.
http://altos.typepad.com/vc/2007/03/raising_sheep.html
Posted by Ho | March 10, 2007 11:32 PM