Interning with Zuri/HNGi8

I have spent some months learning how to build and deploy software, yet, confident as I am in my ability to write and research, I have never done this as part of a team. Writing software, for majority of the use cases, is inherently collaborative.

Good software, used by millions of people around the world, is almost always built by a team. Collaborating with other developers and designers to achieve the goals of the given tasks/projects is why I have decided to intern with Zuri. An organization whose long running partnership with HNG offers professionals with prior programming experience the opportunity to build software and connections.

My goal is simple. Finish the HNGi8 internship with another portfolio-worthy project whose backend is built mainly with Javascript. I believe that by completing each challenge for every stage of this program, I would apply the base knowledge I have gained learning programming, version control, deployment, and containerization. In achieving this, I expect to build good connections with fellow interns as we journey together.

In the event that you are looking to transition to software development like I have, these are recommendations of the best resources to level up:

1. Programming: Python is a popular language, with a clean, uncluttered style that makes it easy to read and learn. To gain intermediate proficiency, I highly recommend Jose Salvatierra’s “The Complete Python Course | Learn by Doing”. It is beginner-friendly and project-focused. You get the feeling of having a deep understanding of the language upon completion. For Javascript, Colt Steele and Stephen Grider’s “The Modern Javascript Bootcamp Course” comes highly rated on Udemy. It is split in two broad sections, where the first is focused on understanding the syntax of the language, and the second on building projects with it.
2. Versioning: Version control with git is a mandatory skill all software developers must have. The knowledge of which underpins collaboration in team projects. LinkedIn Learning’s “Git Essential Training: The Basics” is a good place to start. The course is taught by Kevin Skoglund, covers the basics, and introduces new learners to the Git Workflow — a recommended approach to using git effectively.
3. UI/UX Design: Design analyses user interface and experience for products. Figma is tool that has gained mainstream popularity in recent years, appearing to be the defacto standard for mobile and web products. A good place to start learning is Andrei and Daniel’s Udemy course titled “Complete Web & Mobile Designer in 2021: UI/UX, Figma, +more”
4. Scripting: Looking to add structure to your mobile and web products? HTML does just that. It is an easy to learn scripting language that is the foundation of all web applications. A good place to start is LinkedIn Learning’s “HTML Essential Training” by Jen Simmons.

Please do not hesitate to message me if you want more information about the recommendations I have made, other courses you can take, and or general updates about my progress with Zuri and HNG.