brief
During my 4-month full-stack developer internship at ExcelR, I shifted from my usual focus on UI/UX and graphic design to learning coding. It was definitely a challenge but also super rewarding as I dove into both front-end and back-end development. We had weekly assignments that really helped me get the hang of things, and even though coding felt overwhelming at first, I picked it up pretty quickly—especially front-end stuff, where my design background gave me an edge. By the end of the internship, I had built a portfolio full of projects that showcased both my technical and creative skills. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me the tools to tackle both design and development work confidently.
challenges
Starting a full-stack developer internship at ExcelR was a big change from my usual job as a UI/UX and graphic designer. Learning to code, especially both front-end and back-end development, was super tough at first. It was so complex and new that I felt overwhelmed. Every week, I had new assignments that pushed me to apply what I was learning while still making sure my work was good. It was hard to balance my creative thinking with the logical coding processes. They’re so different! And understanding back-end development, like database management and server-side logic, was especially tough because it was completely new to me. But the structured program and consistent practice helped me get better quickly, especially in front-end development, where I could use my design skills. These challenges taught me to be tough, patient, and to keep learning. They turned into stepping stones for my growth.
Learning and Growth
My internship at ExcelR was an incredible journey of learning and self-discovery. I started as a UI/UX and graphic design enthusiast, but I decided to dive into full-stack development. It was a total game-changer! Learning front-end coding and back-end logic was tough at first, but the structured assignments and hands-on projects helped me build confidence and become a coding pro, especially in front-end stuff. Guess what? My design skills turned out to be a perfect match for my coding abilities. I could create functional yet super cool interfaces! Plus, I got to practice my problem-solving skills every week by tackling challenges and applying coding concepts in real-world ways. It was an amazing experience that taught me not only technical skills but also how to be resilient and adaptable. I learned to balance creativity with analytical thinking, and by the end of the internship, I had a portfolio full of awesome projects and a deeper understanding of development processes. I’m ready to bring my skills and experiences to both creative and technical projects in the future!
takeaway
The biggest thing I took away from my full-stack developer internship at ExcelR is realizing how adaptable and resourceful I can be when faced with new challenges. Coming from a UI/UX and graphic design background, I didn’t have much experience with coding. But with dedication and regular practice, I picked up front-end development quickly and even got a decent grasp of back-end processes. This whole experience taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing things that feel unfamiliar. The weekly assignments helped me learn how to break down complex problems and approach them logically, which boosted my technical and problem-solving skills. Building a portfolio during this time showed me how to combine my design skills with coding in a practical way. Overall, I’ve learned that continuous learning and adaptability are essential, and now I feel confident tackling interdisciplinary challenges in the future.