Despite its size, Facebook is split into many small teams that feel like small communities and move fast when it comes to their work. Additionally, Facebook has a culture of treating interns like full time engineers, whether it be the perks they receive or the work they are given. Working at Facebook on several high impact projects taught me many of the tools necessary to be a full time engineer.
What I wish was different
Facebook's size and its vast codebase mean that many projects span several parts of the company and are often highly complex. As a new intern this can make diving into a project initially quite difficult. More structured learning experiences in the first few weeks of the internship may be beneficial to alleviate this issue.
Advice
The most valuable thing you'll get out of working at Facebook is learning from some of the best engineers in the world. As an intern you'll get to build some really cool things, but learning what its like to work with top engineers on projects that affect billions of people is an experience few other companies can offer.
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Software Engineer Intern
May - August 2019 • Menlo Park, CA
What I liked
The office amenities
What I wish was different
Menlo Park is a pretty boring place.
Advice
Getting off to a fast start is the easiest way to get ahead of your project schedule, complete additional tasks at the internship, and impress your managers.
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Software Engineering Intern
May - August 2018 • Menlo Park, CA
What I liked
I liked the work environment. I was able to learn and ask anyone around me for help. The progression throughout the project was smooth and well executed. The fact that your manager or the director of the team was just a seat over was surreal and I felt like I was an important asset to the team.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Facebook University Software Engineer
June - August 2018 • Seattle, WA
What I liked
--Learned useful Android development skills
-Amazing social events
-Approachable mentor
What I wish was different
Advice
Really good experience for Freshman or Sophomore college students who intend to major in CS
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Software Engineer Intern
May - August 2018 • New York City, NY
What I liked
There was great flexibility and support. I had multiple points of contact if I was struggling with work or with my experience, which really helped me feel like I could make the most of my opportunity. I also had flexible hours, all meals paid for, and so many company-sponsored opportunities to get out and explore NYC!
What I wish was different
I think that at first, it was quite difficult for me to reach out to my mentors and my recruiters for support because they seemed a little removed (just getting through a list of interns to deal with) and while it turned out alright because I am generally outspoken, I can see that that might be difficult for people who might be more shy.
Advice
Genuinely take advantage of every single opportunity that comes your way! Of course, your intern project is important but definitely make the time to go to the intern events or to take opportunity of the benefits like FBNYBFF and FLW -- some of these friends might last a lifetime, and NYC is an awesome place to make them :)
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Information Security Analyst Intern
May - August 2018 • Menlo Park, CA
What I liked
Great culture, awesome place to work
What I wish was different
More technical role
Advice
Don't be afraid to balance your work life with personal life.
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Software Engineer Intern
June - August 2018 • Menlo Park, CA
What I liked
I learned so much and feel so much more confident as an engineer now. Also, Facebook treats its employees very well, the benefits were amazing!
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
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Data Engineer Intern
May - August 2018 • Menlo Park, CA
What I liked
Internship was a great experience. Worked on impactful projects and had the opportunity to meet very smart people. Additionally, Facebook provides their interns with fun activities throughout the summer, which was a great bonus.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Account Manager Intern (PR and Marketing)
June - August 2018 • Austin, TX
What I liked
Facebook has a very open company culture. They embrace interns from day 1 and give you access to a lot of resources and people to help you learn about the company and your job. A lot of interns relocate for the summer so they make sure to set up events where people can explore the city and meet other interns.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Software Engineering Intern
May - August 2018 • Menlo Park, CA
What I liked
My teammates were great engineers, but willing to always stop what they were doing and help when asked. I was given real work to do, even as an intern, and I felt that my work was valued.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Software Engineering Intern
June - August 2018 • Seattle, WA
What I liked
I really enjoyed the program that I was involved in (FBU). I also really enjoyed the people that I worked with. I felt like I was learning so much, both technically (coding) and interpersonally. The activities and amenities were also very nice.
What I wish was different
I wish that the selection process for our managers was a little different. I wasn't sure if mine was really invested in what we were producing. Also, I wish that we got to work in some capacity with the "big data" that Facebook works with everyday.
Advice
Try to say "yes" to every opportunity that comes your way. Knowing that internships are a finite amount of time, treasure each moment, even though you may be tired. Hang out with your coworkers. Play some pickup soccer. Take a spontaneous trip to Vancouver! Try to seize the opportunity that you've been given because it was honestly such a privilege to have been a part of that experience.
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University Engineering Intern
June - August 2018 • Menlo Park, CA
What I liked
I enjoyed getting to experience working at a software-centric company.
What I wish was different
My role was mostly training-focused, so I did not work on the company products as much as I would have liked to.
Advice
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Software Engineer
May - August 2018 • Seattle, WA
What I liked
I like the benefits and the atmosphere
What I wish was different
I wish I was more dedicated to the work. I wish I would of kept my location in Menlo Park.
Advice
Make sure that if you feel as if your manager doesn’t help you , reach out to manager’s manger and let them know what is happening
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Software Engineering Intern
June - August 2018 • Menlo Park, CA
What I liked
Everything! Best summer experience you could ask for as a software engineer. Free food, wonderful working environments, countless perks, and very fulfilling work assignments.
What I wish was different
I was very busy all summer working hard after hours sometimes to try to get a return offer. I wish I had enjoyed the summer a little more by exploring the area.
Advice
The program is there to help you succeed, if you get into it, you'll have a whole network around you helping you to do well and show your value.
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Production Engineering Intern
May - August 2018 • Menlo Park, CA
What I liked
I enjoyed Facebook's culture and perks -- everyone was beyond helpful and friendly. There's a very homely feeling of being at Facebook. Outside of meetings, it felt much less like work than other places. Facebook has set a very high bar for engineering solutions when nothing out there fits their requirements. Free muscle milk and a loaner bike were so cool. The culture strongly encourages personal growth.
What I wish was different
I personally did not find fulfillment in working on the infrastructure for advertisement delivery. Delivering value to people is one of my personal requirements for a job, and ads didn't cut it for me. So, I wish I would have had the option to join a different team than I did (SOLELY because of the work -- my team was incredibly supportive and hospitable).
Advice
If at all possible, try to push for getting one of your preferred areas of work up front (if you have a strong preference).
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Product Data Operations Intern
June - August 2018 • Menlo Park, CA
What I liked
Good community, challenging/impactful project
What I wish was different
Wish it was longer than 8 weeks
Advice
Don't be afraid to take charge when working with full-time employees
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Small Medium Business Partner Manager
June - August 2018 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
Company culture, intern perks (free housing, travel covered, 3 free meals a day), inclusive office, supportive manager, and office outings
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Apply even if you think your skills may not match, all of the interns brought a unique perspective and had different backgrounds.
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Software Engineering Intern
June - September 2018 • New York City, NY
What I liked
I loved how much trust and responsibility was given to me as an intern. I felt that I was working on real problems that a full-time employee would tackle, and my co-workers welcomed and respected me as a contributing member of the team.
What I wish was different
I wish there had been more training at the beginning of the internship, rather than a day of orientation and then pretty much jumping right in and learning as I went.
Advice
Make your coworkers and superiors a resource! Facebook has a decently flat organizational structure and a very open and communicative culture. Go for it, and ask your manager's manager's manager to get a meal together or set up a time to talk! They'll be excited about the initiative you're taking and you'll gain a lot of insight.
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Data Ops Mechanical Engineering Intern
June - August 2018 • Menlo Park, CA
What I liked
I felt that I made a real impact during my summer internship. I was treated as a capable full time employee and was given a project that reflected that. Being given more advanced work helped me clarify what I wanted to do with my career and solidified my passion for HVAC.
What I wish was different
Advice
Embrace the unexpected, this is not a traditional mechanical engineering track for my school but it is a path that I found myself on and that I loved.
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Software Engineer Intern
May - August 2018 • Menlo Park, CA
What I liked
Made a bunch of new friends and the people there are great!
What I wish was different
Some of my friends we’re more accessible the city is still far from Menlo Park especially if you don’t have a car.
