This was also cross-posted on LinkedIn.

It’s been two weeks since my summer internship at Readwise as a Software Engineer. Here are the top 6 lessons I learned:

1. Take it slow. Thinking deeply about problems and being patient would likely be faster in the long run.

2. It’s ok to go back to basics. You will tend to forget things. That doesn’t define your capabilities as an engineer.

3. If there’s something bothering you about the codebase, never objectively criticize it.

4. Asking for help is great, but only when you’re able to show the work you’ve put in. It shows respect for others’ time. A good rule of thumb is spending 2h on a problem before seeking help.

5. Communication on corporate Slack may feel intimidating at first. To keep an air of casualness, we often used emojis and slangs.

6. Being open to criticism is the best trait to have, especially as an intern. Always be willing to take feedback as a chance to improve yourself. Remember that once you’re hired, you’re there to learn and not to prove yourself.

I’m so glad to have the opportunity to work on a product that’s on my home screen. This summer was amazing, filled with Friday jam sessions and engaging, nerdy discussions. Huge thanks to Tristan Homsi for this opportunity, and Mitchell van der Hoeff and Artem Litchmanov for being great mentors.

Excited for what’s coming up next! 🚀