Summer 2024 Intern Profile: Ahlam Mohamed
This summer, Ahlam worked as a Frontend Development Intern at Impact Inside, where she gained hands-on experience in web development and professional collaboration. She honed her skills in version control, writing clean and maintainable code, and troubleshooting real-world challenges.
The supportive and collaborative atmosphere at Impact Inside allowed Ahlam to learn from experienced developers, receive constructive feedback, and grow her confidence while working within Agile processes. In her profile, Ahlam reflects on these experiences, discussing the importance of teamwork, clear communication, and embracing diverse perspectives to create innovative solutions.
Can you first tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a committed frontend developer with a solid foundation in web development and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology Infrastructure from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. I am passionate about building user-friendly and visually captivating web experiences, thriving in collaborative environments where I bring innovative ideas to life alongside diverse teams.
What variety of projects did you work on during your internship, and what skills did you develop?
I worked on developing an “assign program manager” functionality for the website. I learned a lot from this, like taking the user's input for a new manager and sending that to the API so it could be registered into the database. I also learned how to use MUI autocomplete.
I was still new to using APIs so it was a challenge for me. One way I had been approaching it was looking at how other functionalities in the website are sending data to the API, then breaking down the code and understanding how it works. I used that and Google to help me build.
What was the atmosphere and culture like at your work placement site, and how did it influence your experience?
At my internship, the atmosphere was collaborative, supportive, and focused on growth, which had a positive influence on my experience. The team was open to questions and encouraged learning, making it a great environment for someone like me, transitioning from a bootcamp. There was a strong emphasis on communication and teamwork, which helped me feel connected and involved in the projects. The culture promoted feedback and continuous improvement, so I was able to learn from experienced developers without feeling pressure to be perfect. The supportive atmosphere boosted my confidence and helped me grow both professionally and personally.
How has the internship shaped your views on leadership and diversity within the tech industry?
My interactions with my mentor and coworkers had significantly enhanced my internship experience. My coworkers on the frontend side provide personalized guidance, helping me navigate challenges and offering constructive feedback on my code, which accelerated my learning. I had regular check-ins with my mentor ensuring I stay on track with my goals and feel supported in my development journey. This sense of community not only helped me improve my technical skills but also taught me the importance of teamwork, communication, and adapting to a professional work environment. Their encouragement and openness made my internship a highly enriching experience.
How is the internship shaping your views on leadership and diversity within the tech industry?
My internship shaped my views on leadership and diversity in the tech industry in several meaningful ways.
“I’ve realized that strong leadership isn’t just about giving direction but also about fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where team members feel empowered to share ideas and take initiative. ”
I’ve observed how effective leaders encourage collaboration, provide constructive feedback, and actively support their team’s growth. Regarding diversity, I've seen firsthand how having team members with different backgrounds and perspectives leads to more creative problem-solving and innovative solutions. It’s also clear to me that diverse teams are key to building products that are more inclusive and reflective of a wide range of users.
What are the biggest learnings and takeaways you gathered during your internship?
My internship provided significant personal and professional growth by allowing me to apply bootcamp skills in real-world projects, work within team dynamics, and receive valuable feedback from my coworkers. It helped me build my confidence and independence as I tackled tasks and learned to troubleshoot on my own, while also exposing me to Agile processes and professional collaboration.
“The internship helped me expand my professional network and gain insights into working effectively in a development team, all of which are crucial for my career growth.”
Working with live codebases has reinforced the importance of writing clean, maintainable code and following best practices, which was more theoretical during my bootcamp. I've also learned the significance of version control (Git) in a team setting, especially how to manage branches and resolve merge conflicts. Additionally, collaboration with cross-functional teams has highlighted the importance of effective communication and understanding the bigger picture of a project. Lastly, I’ve realized how essential feedback is for growth—every piece of feedback helps me improve, both technically and professionally. Overall, the internship has deepened my problem-solving skills, expanded my knowledge of development processes, and strengthened my adaptability in a professional environment.
What advice would you currently give to future interns to make the most out of their internship experiences based on what you’ve learned so far?
To make the most of your frontend internship, be proactive in seeking learning opportunities, ask questions, and actively seek feedback. Get comfortable with version control systems like Git and prioritize writing clean, maintainable code over simply completing tasks. Take initiative on projects, document what you learn, and focus on building strong relationships with your cohorts and mentors.
To connect with Ahlam, you can view her LinkedIn profile here and her Github here.
This programming is part of Ramsey County and the City of Saint Paul's Learn and Earn program. Find more information on the program here.