Tanvi Gupta, SEAS Masters in Computer & Information Science, 2024
During my summer internship, I achieved significant milestones in my professional development. The internship experience at SciFeCap has equipped me with valuable technical skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions in my future endeavors. During the first two weeks of the internship, I dedicated myself to mastering the principles and intricacies of blockchain technology. This encompassed studying the fundamental concepts and exploring its real-world applications across various industries.
A critical aspect of my internship involved gaining expertise in smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. My proficiency in python made the task easier for me. This also entailed learning about the underlying programming languages and the design principles for secure and efficient
contract execution. I also delved into the workings of the Stellar network, a decentralized
blockchain-based platform that facilitates cross-border transactions and asset exchanges.
Understanding its features and capabilities enabled me to comprehend its potential impact on financial systems and contribute to developing a product with SciFeCap. Additionally, I dedicated time to learning Next.js, a popular and powerful JavaScript framework used for building server-side-rendered React applications. This knowledge has enhanced my ability to create robust and dynamic web applications efficiently. One of my practical accomplishments during the internship has been conceiving, designing, and developing a website from scratch.
The course ‘Programming for the Web’ that I took in Fall ‘22 at Penn provided me with an arsenal of skills and ideas to take the lead on this project and implement cutting edge technology. Through this project, I have had the opportunity to apply my knowledge of various technologies and frameworks, resulting in the successful creation of a functional and visually appealing website.
Throughout the course of the internship, several aspects proved effective in ensuring the success of the project. The collaborative approach taken by the team greatly facilitated the exchange of ideas and problem-solving. Regular communication and transparent discussions enabled us to align our efforts and overcome challenges more efficiently. The decision to prioritize learning and incorporating cutting-edge technologies was also a key factor that worked well. The acquisition of new skills, such as blockchain and smart contract development, not only enriched our expertise but also empowered us to deliver a more innovative and sophisticated end product. However, there were a few challenges during the initial phase of the project. The initial phase suffered from a lack of comprehensive planning, which led to occasional scope adjustments and delays. This helped me learn about the importance of meticulous project planning and clear definition of objectives before implementation. To conclude, the project’s success was the result of effective collaboration, technological exploration, and a commitment to continuous learning. Addressing the challenges faced and integrating more structured project management approaches will undoubtedly contribute to even more successful outcomes in the future.
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.
