Working at a Startup in Syd
By: Doug Sandler, CAS ’25
Douglas and the Downsizer team at the 2022 Proptech Awards.
Business in Sydney, Australia
As a Digital Product Intern with Downsizer this summer, I have taken on a variety of projects within digital marketing, technology development, and market research. Downsizer is a small proptech startup enabling homeowners to downsize into a brand new home with zero cash deposit.
I have found working for a startup to be an extremely fulfilling experience given that I am continuously exposed to different parts of the business and part of exciting accomplishments everyday as we grow. Rather than only contributing to one part of Downsizer, I have taken on a variety of projects and learned so much about new areas such as technology development, managing marketing campaigns, and professional partnerships. Additionally, given that there are only a handful of full-time employees at Downsizer, I am able to play a substantive role in each of my projects and learn from having to be more self-directed at times. Although it has been daunting being given projects I am not always familiar with, it has been a great experience learning from my colleagues and expanding my skills.
One of the qualities I’ve appreciated most about working at Downsizer is the people I work with. My direct supervisor who is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of the startup has been so welcoming to me and made a real effort to loop me in on every part of the business: sales developments, board meetings, technology contractors, etc. I’ve learned so much just by being surrounded by colleagues with years of experience and witnessing how they lead and make important decisions. I know these lessons will be invaluable as I pursue other roles — professional or not — in life.
One experience that was particularly meaningful was being nominated
for and attending Australia’s Proptech Awards with my colleagues and Downsizer’s founders. I enjoyed getting to know my coworkers and the cofounders on a more personal level and receiving advice on everything from career goals to the best spots in Sydney. We even won the ‘Proptech to Watch’ award! Everyone’s truly been so friendly at Downsizer and I can say confidently that I feel part of the Downsizer family.
The Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to intern or conduct research abroad for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer. Participants gain career-enhancing experience and global exposure that is essential in a global workforce.