By: Hager
Over the past 10 weeks, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with Coded by, an organization whose work I had admired for some time. I had heard about the transformative impact they were making in the lives of underrepresented children in the Philadelphia area, but it wasn’t until my college coordinator recommended the internship that I seriously considered getting involved.
Trying Something New
Initially, I was apprehensive about the challenges I might face. As someone studying mechanical engineering with no prior experience in product management, the idea of diving into programming and managing a product felt daunting. The thought of stepping into a world where I had little to no background was intimidating, and I wasn’t sure if I could rise to the occasion.
However, my fears were quickly put to rest. The internship was designed as a learning experience, a place where growth was encouraged and supported. From the very beginning, the team at Coded by: was incredibly welcoming. They created an environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, I found myself supported every step of the way. The leads were always available to help, ensuring that none of us felt as though we were thrown in at the deep end.
Challenging Myself
One of the areas that initially discouraged me was programming. With no prior experience, I was unsure if I could grasp the concepts, especially as a non-web developer. But through patience and persistence, I gained valuable knowledge in HTML and CSS, and even explored the fascinating world of UI-UX design, something I had never encountered before. What seemed like a steep learning curve at the outset became an exciting journey of discovery.
Throughout my internship, I saw significant growth in myself, particularly in my communication skills. Whether it was collaborating with leads, coordinating with other teams, or working closely with my own team members, I learned the importance of clear and effective communication. I also developed the ability to make tough decisions, whether it was related to design choices, pitching ideas, or evaluating potential directions for our projects. My self-confidence blossomed, and I honed my presentation skills, emerging as a dependable and effective team leader.
Of course, the experience was not without its challenges. I had to learn to accept and grow from constructive criticism, manage a heavier workload than I initially anticipated, and dedicate extra time and effort to ensure our product was the best it could be. But these challenges only made the experience more rewarding. I was genuinely surprised by how well I performed during the final pitch, and I was deeply moved by the pride the leads expressed in our work.
Unexpected Lessons
While some might question why a mechanical engineering student would choose a non-engineering internship, I can confidently say that this experience has equipped me with valuable skills that will benefit me throughout my career and personal life. The lessons I learned in communication, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability are universal, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have grown in these areas.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. This internship not only challenged me in unexpected ways but also allowed me to discover new passions and strengths. It has been a transformative experience, and I’m excited to carry these lessons forward into the next chapter of my journey.
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The Tech & Innovation Internship gives high school and college students the opportunity to receive hands-on experience in a fast-paced, innovative startup environment, gaining valuable skills and the chance to make strategic connections in the tech and startup industries.
The 2024 internship was made possible thanks to our sponsors: JP Morgan Chase, Comcast NBCUniversal, Comic Relief, NBA Foundation, Seer Interactive, SEI, Infinite Blue, and Salesforce.
Interested in sponsoring Coded by: programs? Reach out to our development team.
