A journey to self-improvement
I would like to share several methods that have helped me grow and improve during my nearly three-month internship journey.
Possessing core skills is of utmost importance in the field of software engineering.
The mastery of at least one programming language and an understanding of interview techniques are essential. After entering a company, learning the use of internal tools and libraries can smoothen the transition to work. In my case, I am well-versed in Java and Python and had previous experiences as a Frontend Intern with several web development projects. This experience proved invaluable when I started developing with PHP and JavaScript at my current company. With my past experience as a guide, I quickly familiarized myself with the company’s product frameworks, development processes, and much more. I further honed my skills and knowledge during bug fixing, often delving into official documents to understand code examples and their use cases. In my opinion, the ability to read, understand, and improve is an integral part of skill enhancement.
Regarding strategies to cultivate my skills, I value continuous learning and identifying my deficiencies during problem-solving.
In addition to these, I actively seek assistance from my superiors and colleagues. Everyone has their areas of expertise, and I find that after guiding others, I am simultaneously revising the knowledge required myself. Not to mention, asking questions proactively has often saved me countless exploration hours thanks to a single hint from a manager or colleague. Embarking on my own projects has been a significant part of my development journey. The freedom is given to me allowed for an end-to-end experience of the software development process, starting from conceptualization, and design, to development. This experience profoundly impacted my skill enhancement. Every step provided me with new learnings and valuable feedback from colleagues and managers, making each completion incredibly fulfilling.
Soft skills play a crucial role during internships.
I already mentioned the importance of communication in fostering effective team collaboration and obtaining valuable feedback. Moreover, the rapport built with colleagues over several discussions has led me to form several friendships. These friendships often bring joy to my workday and help maintain a positive mood, which I believe greatly enhances productivity. Besides communication, problem-solving skills are also invaluable. These skills have been honed with each bug-fixing episode, treating myself as a detective investigating an issue from discovery to resolution provides numerous opportunities for critical thinking.
Time management is another essential soft skill I’ve learned during my internship.
Balancing productivity during limited working hours while ensuring leisure time to relax post-work is crucial. As I mentioned, maintaining a positive mood enhances work efficiency. Hence, no matter how busy, I always set aside time for physical activity. Whether it’s stepping outside for a walk or basking in the sunlight, this channel of stress relief helps me relax, rejuvenate, and ready myself to face the challenges of the next day.
Conclusion
In summary, while the nearly three-month internship may seem neither long nor short, I can definitely sense my growth, both in professional capabilities and soft skills. I hope for continuous growth and success for the company, and after this enlightening experience, I am excited to apply the skills I’ve learned to further my progress in my professional field. The journey continues.
