Most internships give you a taste of one department — but mine gave me a tour of the entire company.
Working in the Founder's Office at a fast-growing startup was more than just an internship — it was a crash course in strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and operational excellence. As part of the Growth Office, I was the right hand of the right hand — assisting the founder indirectly through my manager and supporting initiatives that had company-wide impact.
Here’s what my experience looked like — and why I believe this is one of the most transformative roles any early-career professional can take on:
🔑 Strategic Project Management
From launching new product initiatives to driving key business decisions, I was part of high-impact projects that touched nearly every department. I tracked deliverables, collaborated with functional leads, and stayed on top of timelines and progress. You’re not a spectator — you’re in the room (or on the call in my case) while things are being built and launched.
(Secret: You’ll always know what’s brewing before it hits the roadmap.)
⚙️ Operational Support
Startups move fast — and behind that speed is a lot of operational coordination. I managed internal workflows, kept meetings on track, followed up with teams, and made sure deadlines were met. I also got to contribute to event growth and business development, which required a blend of creativity and execution.
🧠 Strategic Thinking Across Functions
This wasn’t just a "do what you’re told" kind of internship. I was encouraged to think strategically, analyze trade-offs, and contribute ideas. Whether it was mapping out a new process or refining an existing one, I had the space to operate like a business owner — not just a support function.
⏳ Prioritizing the Time
One of our most important tasks was optimizing the founder’s time. That meant figuring out what needed their attention vs. what we could handle, preparing brief updates, and often getting to the crux of complex tasks to enable quick decision-making.
💬 Communication & Coordination
You become the go-to person — people from every department will eventually come to you for something. This builds your soft skills fast: clarity in communication, empathy in follow-ups, and agility in context switching.
🎯 Representing the Founder/Manager
While I didn’t sit in investor meetings (yet 😄), I did get to speak and act on behalf of the founder in day-to-day conversations. Whether it was assigning tasks or aligning teams, I had to communicate with authority and professionalism.
📈 Building & Refining Processes
Startups are a work-in-progress — and that’s the best part. I worked on improving internal workflows, handled confidential data management, and helped streamline processes for scalability and speed.
👥 Talent & People Operations
A surprising and exciting part of my role was working on hiring, recruitment, onboarding, and training. Being part of how a team is built from scratch gave me insight into both operations and culture — and how to set people up for success from day one.
🌱 Culture Building
You’re not just a silent operator — you represent the company’s energy, mindset, and values. Whether it’s helping a new hire feel welcomed or aligning departments on shared goals, you play a key role in shaping how the company feels.
🧩 Cross-Functional Learning
I got to touch product, marketing, ops, HR, and growth — all in one internship. The learning curve is steep, but so is the personal growth. This role is perfect for generalists, problem-solvers, and fast learners.
💭 My Thoughts ??
This wasn’t any typical internship — and that’s what made it so special.
I walked in thinking I’d support a few projects, and walked out with hands-on experience across strategy, operations, hiring, and more. The Founder's Office is an incredible role if you’re curious, adaptable, and ready to wear multiple hats. It teaches you how to think critically, communicate effectively, and operate like a founder — even if you're still early in your journey.
If you're someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and loves learning by doing, I can't recommend this kind of experience enough.
Feel free to reach out if you’re exploring similar roles or just want to chat about what my working looks like day-to-day. Always happy to share more!
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