Claire Xu, SEAS Masters in Electrical Engineering, 2024
This summer, I embarked on a transformative journey as a front-end software engineer during my internship. Armed with a toolkit comprising HTML, CSS, and TypeScript, I embarked on a mission to craft dynamic and interactive webpages with diverse functionalities. The experience not only provided me with invaluable practical insights but also solidified my career aspirations and ignited a passion for software engineering.
Throughout the internship, I had the opportunity to work hands-on with the core building blocks of modern web development. HTML, the backbone of the web, allowed me to structure content effectively, while CSS empowered me to bring life to the pages through creative designs and layouts. TypeScript, a powerful superset of JavaScript, enabled me to infuse interactivity and functionality into the webpages, making them more engaging for users. These technologies formed the cornerstone of my learning, equipping me with the skills necessary to thrive in the dynamic world of front-end development.
The satisfaction derived from transforming lines of code into fully functional features was immeasurable. Every time I successfully implemented a new function, whether it was creating an intuitive navigation menu or developing a real-time data display, a sense of accomplishment surged through me. These achievements not only boosted my confidence but also reinforced my belief that I was on the right path. The feedback and encouragement from my mentors and colleagues further fueled my determination to excel.
Undoubtedly, the internship has shaped my career aspirations. The exposure to real-world projects and the challenges they presented made it abundantly clear that a future as a software engineer was not only feasible but excitingly within my reach. The experience not only enhanced my technical skills but also broadened my horizons in terms of problem-solving, teamwork, and project management.
This internship served as the bedrock upon which I will build my future endeavors. The knowledge gained during these months has provided me with a strong foundation for the challenges that lie ahead in my career. The practical insights into the industry’s best practices, collaboration with professionals, and hands-on coding experience are all invaluable assets that will undoubtedly prove instrumental in my future job roles.
Looking back on this transformative journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities and growth it has offered. From mastering intricate CSS animations to constructing responsive layouts that adapt flawlessly across devices, each accomplishment has fortified my conviction that front-end development is not just a technical pursuit, but an art that marries aesthetics with functionality.
In conclusion, my summer internship as a front-end software engineer has been a pivotal chapter in my journey towards realizing my career aspirations. The hands-on experience with HTML, CSS, and TypeScript has equipped me with practical skills that will undoubtedly serve me well in my future endeavors. The sense of achievement that accompanies each successful implementation and the knowledge that this internship has laid a robust foundation for my forthcoming career have both solidified my commitment to becoming a software engineer. With a newfound passion, enhanced technical abilities, and a clear career trajectory, I am eager to continue this exciting journey into the world of software engineering.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2023 GAPSA Summer Internship Funding Program that is coordinated by Penn Career Services. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here.
