Starting my internship was both exciting and intimidating. As someone who had just begun exploring the world of web development, I knew I had a lot to learn. My first couple of days were spent setting up my work environment — something that took longer than I expected. While my fellow intern breezed through it in a day, I took two. At first, I felt a bit anxious, thinking I might be judged for being slow, but I soon realized that everyone’s journey is different.
One of the biggest challenges I faced wasn’t even technical; it was communication. As an introvert who wasn’t very comfortable speaking English fluently, interacting in team meetings made me nervous. We had regular discussions with the team lead, who was also the founder of the startup, and I always felt shy about speaking up. To avoid awkward moments, I focused on getting my work done on time, which actually pushed me to work harder and stay consistent.
The main task during the internship was working with React.js, a framework I had little experience with at the start. Every day, I dived into building components, managing states, and learning how to improve user interfaces. What began as a daunting task quickly became an exciting challenge. I also got familiar with Git and GitHub, which were crucial for collaborating with the team.
Midway through, I was given the opportunity to explore Flutter for mobile development. Despite being completely new to it, I embraced the challenge and started learning. It was a valuable experience that broadened my understanding of app development across platforms.
Throughout my internship, I learned more than just coding. Working Monday to Saturday taught me the value of consistency and discipline. There were times when things didn’t go as planned, but I realized that persistence is key. You have to keep searching for solutions and learning from mistakes, because that’s how you grow.
By the end of my internship, I had contributed to improving the app’s performance and user experience. Through React.js, I helped optimize load times and user engagement. Collaborating with designers and backend developers also taught me how important teamwork is in speeding up project timelines and solving problems more effectively.
Looking back, one thing that stands out is the importance of consistency. It’s easy to procrastinate or feel overwhelmed, especially when you’re just starting out. But pushing through and sticking to a routine made all the difference for me. I also learned that no matter how tough a task may seem at first, continuous learning will eventually get you there.
This internship helped me understand that you have to actively look for opportunities. No one’s going to hand them to you — especially when you’re on your own, with no major backing from your college. You have to be proactive in building your skills and seeking out experiences that push you to grow.
In the end, my internship wasn’t just about learning React.js or working on projects — it was about stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing challenges, and staying consistent. It showed me that being a developer isn’t just about writing code, but about constantly improving and being open to learning, no matter where you are in your journey.
