There are many ways of experiencing the world of innovation (you don’t just have to own your own company). Below are outlined some of the major ones with links to where you can find more information. If you can, try and talk to someone who’s doing the job you’re interested in, or in the startup that you have your eye on, so you get a real flavour of what it’s like.
- Business founder – therole most people would automatically associate with entrepreneurship.
- Business development – requires a deep understanding of market trends. There are numerous product development roles which require staff members to look for new or existing markets for products.
- Social media – develops brand awareness, increases online engagement and ultimately the customer base. There is often a requirement for content creation, from blog to video production.
- Data research and analysis – reviews data collected about the product and helps the company channel its efforts in the correct direction.
- Product management – requiresan in-depth understanding of how users engage with a product and builds a roadmap for the product’s success. Product managers carefully plan the release of new features and product versions.
Supporting roles
- Venture capital analyst – evaluates companies, performs deal work and coordinates the firm’s data and reporting processes. It is important to know what is going on in the market and to keep the partners up to date with the latest events and deals.
- Fundraising – there are many ways to secure capital for a startup venture and there are many different roles available to fulfil this need, from individual angel investing through personal business capital to working for a venture capital company.
- Consulting –from legal support to HR implications, external advice is often needed. Consultants can provide a fresh perspective, create a realistic budget or source the right people for the team.
- Public policy – the aim is to develop better public policies that encourage and support entrepreneurial activity. Applies quantitative analysis, economics, finance and management skills to social problems. For social entrepreneurs, the role of public policy is central when measuring impact and preparing to tackle future challenges.