In one sentence, what does Startup Institute do?
We are a program that helps people launch their career into the innovation space.
How did Startup Institute get started?
Startup Institute was created in 2012 to bridge two worlds: the world of fast-growing companies that were desperate for talent and the world of people who were desperate to find careers they love.
Research shows that 70% of jobs are found through networking.
What is Startup Institute’s mission?
Startup Institute is building an inspired workforce, knowing the world is a better place when people do what they love. We achieve this mission by providing people with the skills, mindset, and network to pursue work they are truly inspired by. Success is measured by the outcomes of our students. If they find meaningful work, doing what they love, then we have achieved our goal.
Research shows that 70% of jobs are found through networking. Our ever-growing community is powerful and extensive—and it’s the key ingredient to success for our grads.
What is one thing you wish people knew about Startup Institute?
We are more than just coding. There are a lot of people who want to work in the innovation space—and learning to code is only one of many pathways to get involved. That’s why we offer four different tracks: web development, web design, digital marketing, and sales & account management. Developers and designers make the product, but marketers and sales people drive revenue. Growing companies need both.
We also know that giving people hard skills is only part of what makes them successful. To have a life-long, fulfilling career, you also need a powerful network, and the culture skills that will take you from good to great. Our curriculum is designed to create well-rounded employees who are effective on day one.
What’s coming up for you?
Starting this fall, we are launching a redesign of our curriculum that features online preparatory skills support, an eight-week in-class immersive experience, and eight additional weeks of dedicated career coaching post-graduation. Whether someone is totally new to the material of their chosen track or already have some experience, we’ll provide learning resources to get them ready for the start of the program. Once the program is over, we continue to support our graduates—providing in-person career coaching, introductions to hiring managers, and salary negotiation guidance.
The Boston tech community is built on the simple premise of paying-it-forward. There’s a collective belief that if we help each other be better at our jobs, then the innovation economy will thrive, and everyone wins.
Tell us about some events that you’ve hosted at District Hall.
We’ve hosted two of our triannual Open Doors Parties at District Hall to-date. This is one of our biggest networking events—and it’s grown to over 400 attendees, so we love how big the venue is. It’s great that our guests can spread out and enjoy both the lounge and assembly areas. The staff is very hands-on, and always ensure that everything runs smoothly. We love District Hall because it’s the innovation hub of Boston, it’s centrally located, and a beautiful space in which to entertain our community of alumni, instructors, students, and partners.
What is your favorite thing about Boston’s innovation community?
The Boston tech community is built on the simple premise of paying-it-forward. There’s a collective belief that if we help each other be better at our jobs, then the innovation economy will thrive, and everyone wins. This is why we work hard to help our students get connected to the people and opportunities that will enable them to be successful and make meaningful impacts.
Be sure to follow Startup Institute on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and check out their website here!