We choose a vector $v_0$ such that $u^{n-1}(v_0)$ is nonzero. Verify that the family $(v_0, u(v_0), \ldots, u^{n-1}(v_0))$ is free and that the subspace $W$ it spans contains $v_0$ and is stable by $u$. Write the matrix of the induced endomorphism $u_W$ in this basis.