Get a Software Engineer Intern Return Offer

Summary

This video offers valuable advice for excelling in a software engineering internship and securing a return offer. Key recommendations include mastering coding, testing, and Git, as well as understanding databases. The speaker emphasizes the importance of documentation for self-evaluation and performance reviews, seeking consistent feedback, and asking the right questions. Additionally, they suggest creating a design document for projects, networking, and being a positive team player. The video concludes with personal feedback received by the speaker during their internships, highlighting the importance of communication, initiative, and confidence.

Takeaways

• 💻 **Coding Skills**: Strengthen your coding abilities, including bug handling and understanding unfamiliar code.
• 🔍 **Testing and APIs**: Gain experience in writing tests and working with APIs to enhance your software development toolkit.
• 📚 **Educational Courses**: Enroll in software development courses to learn about the software life cycle and test-driven design.
• 💾 **Database Knowledge**: Familiarize yourself with relational databases to understand querying and data management.
• 📝 **Git Proficiency**: Develop a solid understanding of Git, including its workflow and command etiquette.
• 📑 **Documentation**: Keep thorough documentation of your work, wins, and areas for improvement to aid in self-evaluation and resume updates.
• 🗣️ **Consistent Feedback**: Regularly seek feedback from managers or mentors to track your progress and areas for self-improvement.
• ❓ **Asking Questions**: Cultivate the art of asking the right questions to demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• 📈 **Project Involvement**: Take ownership of your projects, create design documents, and justify your decisions for clarity and accountability.
• 🤝 **Networking**: Network and build connections with experienced engineers to gain insights into the industry and company culture.
• 🙂 **Positive Attitude**: Maintain a positive and cooperative demeanor during your internship to foster good relationships and a strong reputation.

Q & A

What is the most overlooked skill for interns according to the speaker?

The most overlooked skill for interns, according to the speaker, is experience with Git and having a good understanding of the Git workflow etiquette.

Why is documenting important during an internship?

Documentation is important during an internship because it helps with self-evaluations, performance reviews, and updating resumes. It provides a reference for your progress and work that can be easily recalled and shared with managers or during future meetings.

What is the speaker's advice on seeking feedback during an internship?

The speaker advises seeking consistent feedback by talking to your manager or mentor at least once a week. It's important to come prepared with questions and to record the feedback received to track your progress and areas for improvement.

How can interns stand out by asking questions?

Interns can stand out by not being afraid to ask questions but ensuring they are the right questions asked in the right way. This shows critical thinking and problem-solving skills and helps in getting the desired answers.

What should be included in a design document for a project during an internship?

A design document for a project should include the technologies used, flowcharts of method calls or endpoints, files created, and justifications for the choices made, such as why a particular database or endpoint was chosen.

Why is networking important during an internship?

Networking is important during an internship because it allows interns to build connections with experienced engineers, gain insights into the industry, and learn about different roles and expectations within a company.

What is the significance of ambiguity in different levels of software engineering roles?

The significance of ambiguity in software engineering roles increases with the level of the role. Interns and junior engineers are given more direction, while senior roles involve handling a greater scope of ambiguity and potentially unknown problems.

What should an intern's response be when asked about future employment with the company?

The speaker advises that if asked about future employment with the company, an intern should express a desire to return, even if they are using the opportunity to leverage a higher offer elsewhere.

How can an intern demonstrate being a team player during their internship?

An intern can demonstrate being a team player by not gatekeeping information, helping fellow interns, taking feedback positively without taking it personally, and being a positive and resilient person to work with.

What feedback did the speaker receive during their internships and how did they apply it?

The speaker received feedback to work on communication, take more initiative, and have confidence in their ability to handle projects. They improved by engaging more with colleagues, directing their learning, and trusting themselves to figure out solutions despite initial overwhelm.

Why is using Version Control essential for an intern?

Using Version Control is essential for an intern to prevent losing work, as the speaker experienced when their code was wiped away after clicking save in a console without Version Control. It ensures that work is saved and can be tracked over time.