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January 6, 2015

Introducing… Startup Career Advice from Team VFA!

2015 is here! Whether you’re in school or have already ventured into the working world, you’re probably trying to get back into the swing of things (Projects, presentations, reports…oh my!) all while trying to sticking to those New Year’s resolutionsthat sounded like such a great idea on December 31st. Either way, you’re under enough stress as it is, and the last thing you want is some disembodied blog to tell you what to do right now.
Wait! Before you start reading this in the voice of your out-of-touch great aunt– the one who always gives advice like, “You look em in the eye and ya say, ‘When do I start?’ That’ll get you hired right quick,” consider this: We’re experts on how to get a startup job and thrive once you’re there.

As an organization, VFA has:

  • Poured through thousands of applications
  • Conducted hundreds of interviews
  • Built relationships with some of the coolest startups you’ve never heard of from Providence to Miami to San Antonio (and tons of places in between)

Our expertise doesn’t end at the “you’re hired!” handshake– we have bird’s eye view of hundreds of Fellows’ experiences on the ground. That perspective, combined with ongoing dialogue with their employers, provides us real, unique insight into the skills, mindsets, and actions that make young professionals happy, successful startup warriors.
And me? I sit at the helm of all things ‘talent’ at VFA, running fellowship admissions and spearheading much of VFA’s internal hiring. In my time here, I’ve had thousands of interactions with potential hires and have seen the merits and downfalls of various approaches. I’m still wondering how I got lucky enough to land this gig. I mean, who else gets the privilege of interacting with so many badass future entrepreneurs and generally awesome humans!? Not one to hoard the wealth, l’ll be regularly sharing what I’ve learned.
Stay tuned to get the most practical, actionable advice out there on how to land (and kick ass at!) a job at a growth-stage organization as a recent grad.
– Lauren Gill, VFA Talent Guru


>>CHECK OUT LAUREN’S FIRST POST HERE: Questionable Questions: Avoid without question.

Posted in: Career Advice

VFA Has Ceased Operations


Since its first cohort in 2012, Venture For America (VFA) has championed entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth across the nation. As of August 6, 2024, VFA has ceased its operations. While this marks the end of an era, it also provides an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary accomplishments and lasting impact that we have achieved together.

Please click here to read the full update.

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