Starting my HNG 8.0 internship journey
Tags: internship, hng, frontend
Published: 2021-08-16 23:58:14

I’m Ifeanyi, but people call me “Codack.” I’m a frontend developer, and I specialize in efficient React web application and CSS & HTML that just work across all platforms and browsers. I care deeply about building interfaces that are usable and pleasant for the most number of people possible. My professional life has been 100% driven by my passion for design and structure. I was sketching crazy detailed 3d models for fun when I was a kid, I started building promo websites for small businesses in school. 

When I first started the search for an internship during the lockdown, my focus was to find a virtual internship where I can learn as much as possible within the long period of time that I had. Luckily I found HNG internship on Twitter, I was not able to register for HNG7 because of it deadline so I had to follow up for the next cohort that just started . 

Right now, I’m excited about the opportunity to be part of HNGi8 internship, and working towards becoming a senior React dev. In the following years, I also plan to explore the “server-side” more and become a better-rounded full-stack dev.

<h2>About HNG internship</h2>
The HNG internship is a competitive non-paid and a 
limited-time virtual work program organized by an agency called Hotels.ng for developers with no experience  in tech 
looking to build experience or skills in a particular field. The internship is sponsored by <a href="http://zuri.team/">Zuri</a> and <a href="http://ingressive.org/">Ingressive for good (I4G)</a>, A big shout out to them! 
The internship supports different skill tracks like Backend web development, frontend web development, digital marketing, Mobile development, UI/UX designing, and more. </p>

<h2>
My goals for this internship</h2>
<ol><li><p><strong>Experience</strong> Aside from the fact that it will help my chances of getting a job, my primary goal for this internship is to gain as much experience as possible. As an intern it’ll give me a chance to learn valuable job skills. I’ll learn how to take direction from a manager, how to communicate 
with coworkers, how to pace my workday, and much more.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Learn New Skills</strong> To learn as much as I can about the ins and outs as a Frontend developer. For example, to become familiar with the project planning process, how to conduct initial client interviews and familiarize myself with the most frequently used software programs.</p></li><li><p><strong>Put what I’ve learnt into practice</strong> What I've learned so far is primarily theoretical, so I want the opportunity to put my knowledge into practice.</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Make Contacts</strong> I will also get to make professional connections with the mentors and fellow interns. These connections can be professional friendships that could even lead to job opportunities. One never knows where someone will end up down the road, and establishing initial inroads as an intern will give me a solid foundation of professional contacts to build on. I’ll plan to stay in touch with those I meet after the internship is complete.</p></li></ol>
<p>Starting HNGi8 internship is an exciting opportunity for me and as a whole I believe that this internship will successfully further the knowledge of my career as a frontend developer.
 </p><h4">My advice for newbie developers who would love to join the next internship</h4><ol><li>I honestly think that everyone, before being allowed to intern as a developer you're not expected to know everything before you get started, you should have at least a curriculum to follow, starting from now, you can use <a href="https://eloquentjavascript.net/">eloquentjavascript.net</a>. Just start coding and see where your passion takes you!</li><li>Always take initiative in everything that you do.</li><li>Make a log of everything which you have learnt at the end of each day of internship.</li><li>Talk to new people and make connections, be 
 it mentors, seniors or fellow interns.</li></ol>

In general, I want to thank all HNG mentors for this opportunity, your mentorship and supervision are highly appreciated.