Small companies offer more freedom and responsibility during summer internships than large firms. Read a Duke Fuqua MBA's experience of the start-up recruitment process.
During orientation in the first year of my MBA program, we were presented a list of upcoming recruiting events. From company presentations on campus to hosted coffee chats, many employers’ events had been scheduled through to the end of the academic year.
Noticeably absent from this list, however, were recruiting events hosted by start-ups. With the fast-paced nature of early-stage companies, it is challenging for start-ups to anticipate internship hiring needs a year in advance.
As I explored various start-up opportunities during that first year, I identified three characteristics unique to small firms’ recruitment for MBA interns – an individualized process, unique timeframes, and performance-oriented interviews.
Individualized Process
Many of the world’s largest companies come to present to MBA cohorts each year. These employers have been recruiting on campuses for many years, and their recruiting process is structured and defined. There’s a seasonality and predictability about their recruiting efforts, with company presentations in the fall, interviews starting in January, and internship offers handed out by March.
Most start-ups do not have the same amount of resources or institutional knowledge. This creates variability in how early-stage companies recruit – from differences in the recruiting timeframe, application process, and number and type of interviews.
Because of these characteristics, the internship search is more personalized than large companies’ recruitment processes.
Career services offices are great as a sounding board – they provide connections and offer advice – however, they are less familiar with start-ups.
Unique Timeframes
A friend of mine who recruited for start-up internships began a conversation with a potential employer as early as our first academic term. During the course of the year, she continued the conversation about a potential internship – but it wasn’t until March that her interview process actually began.
Many friends with similar career interests didn’t even start internship conversations until as late as April. Because many start-ups are unsure about their hiring needs, internship positions may open early or very late in the academic year.
Some friends spoke with start-ups who initially wanted interns, but ultimately these small companies’ paths changed, and they could no longer offer any summer positions.
In addition to the long recruiting cycle, start-ups also have varying expectations of the length of the interview process. Many traditional MBA recruiters are comfortable with a two-to-three-week process, but small companies are often not familiar with these timeframes. Some start-ups may make an offer after one phone call; others may want a more extensive process.
Performance-Oriented Interviews
Interviews with MBA employers who actively recruit on campus most often consist of some combination of behavioural, case, or problem solving activity. To help with these interviews, second-year MBAs in the US often help first-year students, as well as career services officers, to provide information about interview techniques and best practices.
While start-ups may also conduct similar interviews involving case studies or problem solving activates, many also require an additional step: firms may ask for a project proposal and even a demonstration of technical skills, or a research task.
Some of my friends interviewing with start-ups took this additional task a step further: some began their proposed projects to show initiative.
Given that many start-ups have limited resources, early-stage firms want to ensure that their summer hires will be able to provide immediate and impactful work. You may need to go a step further to ensure you land the job.
Student Reviews
Duke University Fuqua School of Business
Supportive atmosphere
The professors at Duke university exhibit exceptional commitment to the success and well-being of their students by ensuring their academic growth and fostering a supportive social atmosphere. Moreover, the entire community is recognized for its amicability and inclusiveness.
Diversity
The people or the students are without a doubt Duke's greatest asset. While all students are driven to succeed, they are also enthusiastic about a variety of hobbies. You run across a huge lot of diversity. It is the ideal example of a school with well-rounded students and the ideal balance of campus life in a metropolis.
Happy to school
All I could ever hope for is Duke University. That really epitomizes the "work hard, play hard" philosophy that elite colleges frequently pursue. Even though you'll have a lot of schooling to complete over the week, it's simple to keep focused because all of your friends are putting in similar amounts of effort. Many events taking place on and around campus on the weekends provide a great way to unwind. The combination of demanding academics and traditional college fun strikes the perfect balance.
Good schooling
Living, eating, learning, and developing who you want to be as an adult are all fantastic at Duke. I participated in student athletics, and I couldn't have asked for a better interaction with the faculty and other students. I appreciate all of the help I get from the Duke community more than anything. Furthermore, the teachers take the time to get to know you, and the lectures are diverse and demanding (if you do the same). I'd give it a 10 out of 10.
Beautiful School, Nice Classes
DU remains one the greatest and best universities that I have ever stepped in. The school is beautiful and neat. The classes are spacious and also very nice. I enjoyed attending my Lectures in those lecture halls. I also loved the Lecturers because of the good work they did. The university also has very good dorms that are given to students on first come first serve basis and they are affordable
Amazing experience
I received my B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Global Health with a minor in Chemistry from Duke University. I was able to grow as a student, scientist, and global health advocate with the help of my friends, professors, and other mentors I met along the way. A lot to learn if you look and ask, a great place to learn for those who want to learn.
whirlwind of growth and change
An amazing 2 years, with covid and everything else happening Duke has been a place of growth for me. The courses , classes were one of a kind, online and on campus. But the valuable lessons learned in the classes are irreplicable. The students are amazing here, so much diversity , I had no problem fitting in. The teachers are down right brilliant and so helpful. Don't be afraid to ask them anything. Graduated with my MBA with Duke and now my future awaits.
One of the best for Business students
Graduated with an MBA. The classes were very insightful and engaging. The staff are very easy to deal with. The teachers and students, are truly amazing people. Grateful to all the people I've met along the way at Duke. I've learnt a great deal that will help me in my future endeavors. The campus itself is a marvel, it is beautiful.
The university campus is awesome
I graduated with a masters degree in Religious Studies from Duke University. One thing I really liked about the university is its huge campus. It is spread in a large area with a lot of greenery and also have the facilities of reading rooms for single person also. My department building was very well taken care of. The library is immensely populated with books for all your needs. The faculty is very nice to students. The classes are equipped with latest technology to cater the needs of students. The University also provides room rentals for international students. They are very well maintained and priority is given to the International students for a comfortable stay there. There are weekly events conducted by the University as well as Student clubs for the entertainment of students. Anybody can take part in them and show their talents. I enjoyed my degree and I graduated in 2021 and was very happy that I had graduated from a reputed University.
Program Flexibility and Vibrant Campus Life
Duke University is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life. The university offers a diverse range of majors and research opportunities, supported by world-class faculty.
What I particularly liked about Duke was its strong sense of community and the wealth of extracurricular activities available to students. The campus is beautiful, with top-notch facilities and a supportive atmosphere that fosters both personal and academic growth.
Overall, I would highly recommend Duke University for its excellent educational offerings and strong alumni network. If you're looking for a place that challenges you academically while offering numerous opportunities for personal development, Duke is an excellent choice.
