Week 10: Post 3

 During my internship with WillowTree, I had the opportunity to work on an interactive mobile application project for a large textbook publishing company that has significant potential to bolster my resume and aligns directly with my post-graduation goals. The assignment involved client work and aimed to enhance the overall textbook experience.

One of the most valuable aspects of this experience was being exposed to the modern project development paradigm, particularly Agile/Scrum methodologies. Throughout the summer, I worked in an Agile environment, actively participating in demos, sprint planning, refinement sessions, and other Agile practices. Initially, adapting to this methodology posed a challenge as it was different from my previous academic experiences. However, I quickly embraced the Agile approach and overcame this challenge by demonstrating adaptability and proactively engaging in the team's Agile processes. This hands-on experience with Agile methodology is a significant advantage as it aligns with the practices followed by most companies, strengthening my marketability in the tech industry.

Furthermore, a highlight of this project was the utilization of a modern JavaScript tech stack and tools. As my primary focus was on backend development, I worked extensively on building APIs for our front-end team. This involved using a modern JavaScript framework for POST API building. Notably, gaining proficiency in this tech stack not only makes my resume more appealing, but it also expands the range of job opportunities I can explore. Prior to this experience, I hesitated to apply for positions that required API knowledge or familiarity with modern JS frameworks. However, this project has equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge, boosting my confidence to pursue these roles with enthusiasm.