Tomorrow is my last day of work here at Expensify, thus ending what has been an incredible adventure. I joined Expensify in late May as an intern, and now my time has come to return to school. As I write this, I’m watching the sun set over San Francisco and it’s finally sinking in that I won’t be seeing another California sunset for a while. I joined Expensify in late May with nothing but a laptop and high hopes, tomorrow I’ll walk out the door (of the new and better office) with the hope that our paths will cross again. Why? Because it turned out to be so awesome! This city is incredible, the work is fun, and it’s always a good time hanging out with the team. I’m excited to get back to school, but it’s bittersweet to be leaving such an awesome company at the same time. So now as an experienced Expensify intern, here are my pro tips on how to handle working for an awesome and fast paced startup.
Do:
Enjoy yourself. The office is filled with awesome people, you’re in a great city, and you’re working on a product that a million people love!
Listen! Everyone here would love to teach you something, just make sure you’re listening and able take advantage of that.
Be open minded. Your mockup or design document will not always be the best. Be able to take tough feedback because in the end it makes for a better product.
Take ownership of your projects. Plan, implement, and test. Then show it off to everyone and you’ll feel like a rockstar.
Don’t:
Expect someone to hold your hand. Be able to work independently and help will be there when you’re actually stuck.
Miss your last ride home. If you’re staying late it’s a good idea to know when the last BART train leaves (1:04 AM if you’re headed south).
Sit on the couch all weekend. After all, this is San Francisco.
Adjust Witold’s chair. Leave it alone and nobody gets hurt.
Bonus: Pictures!
Expensify went wine tasting after hitting the 1 Million user mark in June.
San Francisco from the top of Twin Peaks
A night out with Thomas and the other interns
Took a trip down to Big Sur
Sunset on the Golden Gate
This summer was great, guess I’ll just have to come back.
-Andrew
Expensify Blog 