I recently came across a study about what German millennials value when weighing job options. It raised a few eyebrows. Where we once put emphasis on a company’s name or its reputation, there has been a decided shift to another set of factors. Namely, how can I best grow or have an influence within this organization?

The average age at RCKT. Rocket Communications is 25. That’s young, but by design. When we branched off from Rocket Internet, we were faced with the challenge of building a staff that could handle our expected client load. That meant seeking out people who not only bring a diverse set of skills, but fill the office with the youthful enthusiasm and drive that Rocket has always valued. We needed rock stars.

We see our staff as the creative force behind our projects, displaying not only an innovative zeal but the knowledge of the latest social media platforms and how to best use them in our work.

In that study, compiled by the Department for Journalism and Communication Research at the Hannover University for Music, Drama and Media, 778 graduates from 45 German institutions were asked what would influence their decision to work for a company. Forty percent responded that they would actively pursue working in a startup, citing the desire for a dynamic office environment as well as the opportunity to be involved in decision-making.

That confirmed what we already knew. Cultural fit is important. So important, in fact, that we actively recruit based on how well a candidate meshes with our culture. If you’re humble, think quickly on your feet and hustle, we have a place for you. If you’re a risk-taker and one day see yourself launching your own startup, we definitely want to talk.

We are an agency, but in practice we operate like a startup staffed with entrepreneurs. For us that doesn’t translate to a kicker table in the break room or tossing around overused terms like “disruption” in meetings. We put an emphasis instead on a culture of openness, where ideas and feedback flow freely and everyone takes initiative and license of their own projects.

That of course carries a lot of responsibility, but no one will be micromanaged or have their hand held at RCKT.

Of course, no formula is perfect and our approach has its detractors, as I read recently in the Sueddeutsche Zeitung, which states that nearly half of businesses in Germany are unsatisfied with their young workers.

Nevertheless we believe in our philosophy. RCKT. hires young people because we are a young company. And we want our staff to grow with us, or perhaps venture off and build their own businesses from scratch. So we invest in their development, whether it’s visiting companies we admire or hosting events like the #RCKTAcademy.

If you’re a recent graduate and want to learn more about how our agency functions, come by the office and grab a coffee with us. Perhaps you’re the perfect fit for one of our openings.