By Meta Careers
Here at Facebook, it’s hard to believe that our time with the summer 2016 Facebook University (FBU) interns has come to an end. Over the course of their internship, they connected with teams on campus, enjoyed events, met new friends, developed their strengths and worked on meaningful projects. But what left a lasting impression? Here's what they shared with us...
Nothing at Facebook is someone else’s problem
Ana C., Client Solutions Management Intern: Before starting my Facebook internship, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I hoped I would grow, learn and meet people. I imagined my last day (before my first day had even begun!) and saw myself satisfied and happy, but I had no idea what was going to make it so.
I interned as a Client Solutions Manager intern with the automotive team. My manager designed projects that enabled me to meet and collaborate with others often. The flexibility in shaping my main project allowed me to take an active role in developing it, which was sometimes difficult. What was the goal and outcome? How was this project going to affect the greater culture of the company? And why was it important? Having the freedom to form my project also meant that I was responsible for its impact. The room for creativity and freedom challenged me to make tough decisions. I had to scratch out some ideas, expand others, hear the harsh truth on certain proposals, develop a ‘so what?’ pitch and evaluate what was going to make the biggest impact.
From my meetings, I got clarity, direction and guidance. Whether it someone on my team or on another team, my manager, other interns or someone I just met for coffee, the varied perspectives I gained helped to clarify my vision for the project. The project I developed and presented at my final presentation was possible because of the input and feedback I received. Because of their advice, I resolved issues along the way and improved upon on my project. The people I met made a great impact on me.
As I reflect on the past eight weeks, I realize that my FBU internship experience was all the more meaningful because I was surrounded by driven, passionate and intelligent employees who took to heart the mantra, “Nothing at Facebook is someone else’s problem” and in turn, inspired me to be even more driven and passionate. .
Strengths-Based Company
Alicia M., Global Marketing Solutions Intern: At the beginning of my internship, I knew my weaknesses inside and out, but struggled a bit listing more than three or four of my strengths. Thankfully, because Facebook is so diverse, it didn't take long for me to discover and understand the areas where I excelled. Diversity at this company goes way beyond race and cultural background. Everyone thinks, acts, and responds very differently in a given situation. We all have contrasting communication styles, work habits, planning techniques, and so on. Being in an environment like this helped me realize what I love to do and what I can bring to the table.
One aspect about Facebook people that resonates with me is that instead of entering a job position and simply completing tasks, employees focus on what they can contribute to the company through the lenses of both their role and authentic selves. Many employees have a number of projects under their belt because they understand their skills and do work that matters to them and makes Facebook better.
Here at Facebook, we are surrounded by a skilled and diverse workforce that propels the best in each of us. And if you need help, there's someone who can either teach you or help direct you to the right path. In only a couple of weeks, I have learned so many things and improved greatly as a whole. 
Collaboration, Community, Impact
Dimitris S., Infrastructure Data Science Intern: It's already time to say goodbye to a beautiful summer spent interning at Facebook. This journey has taught me how a big company that serves over a billion people every day works and scales to accommodate even more users. I learned how to be part of a team and collaborate with other team members, each of whom had different backgrounds and levels of experience. I am now more confident in my own skills and knowledge, and I believe that this experience has enabled me to be ready to face any challenges that lie ahead.
Facebook's work environment is awesome, but it's also demanding and competitive, which prepared me for my future endeavors. I enjoyed accomplishing important milestones with huge impact on the Facebook community.
In addition to the interesting work, I enjoyed different intern events such as Facebook Summerfest and a trip to the Giant’s game! I met and hung out with interns from all over the world. This multi-cultural environment is one of the most important reasons why Facebook is so successful, since it fosters fresh and diverse ideas every day. It was truly a unique and unforgettable experience. 
Be the Social Value You Seek
Marketing intern Laura M. created this video to show us how interns enriched the environment at Facebook through a collaborative and supportive network!
Missed any of the blogs in this series? Read them all here:
About Facebook University
Facebook University (FBU) is an immersive, hands-on training program, which exposes interns to Facebook culture, people, products and services. The internship offers experience across engineering, business, and analytics roles to college students of color and those who are historically underrepresented in the tech industry. In just 8 short weeks, FBU interns are exposed to opportunities that can redefine the way the world connects. Interns are mentored and encouraged to develop their strengths as they contribute to making meaningful impact with their teams.
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