Throwback Post: Four Things I have Learned from Working at a Startup
(Previously published on my Medium in 20222)
Four Things I Have Learned from Working at a Startup
I am a rising junior in college and a computer science major with a passion for science — especially computer science. So when I was able to apply what I had been learning at school as an engineer for a startup (not just any startup, but one that rebuilds the internet for you), I said YES. Throughout my time working as a software engineer at Sonr, I have learned things I would not have in the traditional college setting. Here are the four main lessons I have learned:
School is a starting point — it is up to you to finish the rest
My computer science coursework mainly focused on object-oriented programming, and the fact that I have taken applicable math and science courses has aided in the comprehension of my work tasks. However, working in the field has gifted me with irreplaceable knowledge. For example, in the classroom, we are not working in teams, so using Git Flow did not apply to the scope of our coursework. While working at Sonr, I have been able to learn and apply Git Flow. Git Flow is one of the most common tools used by engineering companies; it describes the project’s release cycle and adds specific roles to different branches.
You don’t learn to swim by reading a book on how to swim
During the school year, one of my greatest resources was my textbook; it was essential to read before lectures. However, to be a good programmer, you don’t just read or solve school problems; you build. I had two goals this year: get a certification and add more to my GitHub because my GitHub was actually barren. I can proudly say I have achieved both goals. I received my Chainalysis Cryptocurrency certification, and my GitHub has new additions from work and personal projects. I used to fear personal projects, but with the coaching of my coworkers, I have begun to make them. Currently, I am working on personal projects that intertwine my love of art and science, such as a Y2K-inspired GitHub-hosted website and a pink tic-tac-toe game.
Feel stupid every day
Before my job, I had reached a plateau. I was doing well in school, but I knew there were things I needed to learn because “the wise man knows what he does not know.” Working at a startup gave me the ability to learn what I didn’t know and learn things ahead of when I would be in school. Therefore, I am confident this upcoming fall semester will be less taxing than previous semesters.
Read about everything
In our office, there are a lot of books. Books about math, science, philosophy, and more — you name it. One thing I’ve noticed from reading and absorbing a multitude of literature is that it makes you a better thinker and person. By exposing yourself to a variety of literature, you open your mind to diverse thoughts and perspectives and start to see the world differently. Working at Sonr has made me a better learner, thinker, developer, and person. It has shown me how to be resilient, work harder, and adapt to change. This is your sign to go work at a startup.