Need help on how to start looking for executive positions in clean energy startup companies

Shubhashree·Oct 11, 2022

Posted in:Advice

Hello,

I have 25+ years of experience in the tech industry. I am really good at building teams and driving cloud-architectures. In my current company, I grew a team from 3 to 37 dev and 7 managers in 3.5 years. I would like to use these skills to become a co-founder / own all of software engineering or cloud engineering in a clean-energy startup. I have been going thru companies listed in VC portfolios or climate job listings and sending linkedIn messages or general company contact info. Blind messaging like this is not very fruitful - I was hoping that people here might have some ideas on what to do / where to start? More specifically - if I would like to connect with somebody here - https://www.boundarylayer.tech/ - how do I do it?

rachelserwetz·Oct 12, 2022

Hi @Shubhashree. If you're having any challenges with job searching, here are a few job search best practices I'd consider:- Determine what support system you have in place to help you be effective throughout your job search -- Most people feel they have to go it alone and end up guessing where to spend their time versus leveraging a coach, mentor, peer or other tools and resources to be strategic- Most importantly is understanding how/where to spend your time wisely -- its not all about the online apps but networking is a critical component, as well as balancing some time for other key activities in job search (virtual events, thought leadership, research, reflection, etc)- Determine your accountability plan to make sure you're staying on top of your goals & staying organized- Reflect on how things are going on a weekly basis to iterate & improve your approach and thus your outcomes-Be sure not to approach the job in a transactional, check-the-box sort of way -- see networking and interviews as a mirror into the job you would land and an opportunity for two-way assessment of fit- Consider how many roles/industries you're applying to-- this may be a sign that you'd want to take a step back and pursue career exploration to clarify your ideal fit direction; career clarity will help make your search more efficient, targeted, and effective- Don't ignore your self care to ensure your mindset is staying resilient during your search Additionally, I’m linking a blog on the exercises you can do each week to reflect and assess your job search so that you can strengthen your approach to more efficiently landing a fitting role — https://www.iamwoken.com/post/follow-this-weekly-reflection-exercise-to-assess-improve-your-job-search PS, I’m Rachel, a Career Coach. I’d be happy to discuss this further if you want to hop on a call -- check my profile for how to book time with me. I’m here to help! Talk soon!

Shubhashree·Oct 13, 2022

thank you Rachel. I am part of a women in startups forum that YCombinator is running. I will see how that goes and will definitely take up your offer if needed.

summerlindman·Oct 12, 2022

@Shubhashree if you're looking to go down the co-founder route, I'd recommend YCombinator's co-founder matching: https://www.ycombinator.com/cofounder-matching. It can be a great way to meet others looking to build a startup. It looks like On Deck is also building something similar: https://www.beondeck.com/cofounder-search.For Boundary Layer specifically, do you have any mutual connections (or even 3rd degree connections) with any of the team on LinkedIn? Or any affiliations with the schools they went to? I'd start by trying to find someone you know who could intro you to someone else and make your way to a warm intro to one of the founding team members.Happy to chat more about either of the above if it's helpful!

Shubhashree·Oct 13, 2022

thanks Summer. I am part of a women in startups forum that YCombinator is running. I will see how that goes. I might definitely look into the options you mentioned about joining as a co-founder. Boundary Layer is funded by YC and I now have connections there - would that help ?

summerlindman·Oct 13, 2022

That's great! I think that would definitely help. I believe that a warm intro from someone is always the best way to get noticed. I'd ask some of the partners/mentors at YC if they know anyone at Boundary Layer and would be willing to make an intro.

Shubhashree·Oct 20, 2022

Hi Summer, could we chat sometime? I would like to explore the options you mentioned above - but I am not seeing how I can do it

summerlindman·Oct 21, 2022

@Shubhashree sure thing! Want to find some time here? https://calendly.com/created-with-confidence/30-minute-connect

Shubhashree·Oct 22, 2022

thank you so much - I set up a 30 min window on tuesday