I began my journey as a Software Developer Intern two months ago, during my third year of engineering studies.
Application Phase:
As I approached the end of my third year, I was eager to secure a summer internship. Like many students from tier 3 colleges, finding an internship was challenging due to limited opportunities and stiff competition. Despite numerous applications, offers were hard to come by. Fortunately, I received an interview call from a startup founded by our alumni. It was a bootstrapped company offering an on-site internship with a small stipend. After consulting with mentors and carefully considering my options, I decided to inquire about the possibility of working remotely. If the company couldn’t accommodate this, I was prepared to decline the offer.
Key Responsibilities:
- Developed backend frameworks using FastAPI.
- Utilized GitLab for version control and collaborative development.
- Implemented various data validation processes.
Benefits of the Internship:
- Gained hands-on experience with backend frameworks.
- Improved my skills in version control tools like GitLab.
- Worked on industry-standard code, enhancing my understanding of professional coding practices.
Confusion on Unpaid Internship:
The company eventually offered me a remote internship, but it was unpaid. This situation posed a dilemma: should I accept an unpaid internship? Many argue against unpaid internships, believing they devalue the intern's work. However, I saw potential in contributing to a growing startup. Startups often can't afford to pay interns but greatly appreciate their contributions. The experience they offer is rich in practical knowledge and skill-building, which I found invaluable. Despite my initial reservations, I chose to accept the unpaid remote internship. In hindsight, it was a decision well-made. Perseverance and consistent effort have led to rewarding experiences and growth.
Conclusion:
This internship has been a significant learning opportunity. It has not only provided me with technical skills but also offered insight into the dynamics of working in a startup environment. The decision to accept this role, despite it being unpaid, has proven to be beneficial in my professional development.
Thank you for reading. Please share your thoughts on this!