Alex (Qiuhao) Zhu

Internship Overview

During my time as an intern, I had the chance to work on a variety of projects that really pushed me to grow both technically and professionally. The experience was incredibly diverse, ranging from data analysis and forecasting to working with databases and web development. I also took advantage of Udemy and YouTube that helped strengthen my foundation in programming. Every project taught me something new, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to apply what I learned in the classroom to real problems.

What I Learned

This internship was eye-opening in so many ways. I gained hands-on experience with Python, working on everything from data manipulation to creating visualizations that made complex information easier to understand. I also got comfortable with PostgreSQL and learned how to design and optimize relational databases, which was completely new territory for me. Beyond the technical skills, I learned how to manage my time better when juggling multiple projects and how to communicate my findings clearly through documentation and reports. The feedback from senior engineers and mentors was invaluable and gave me insights I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else.

Personal Growth

What stood out most was how diverse the experience was. I wasn’t just working on one single project; instead, I worked across different domains and got exposure to various technologies and methodologies. This variety helped me discover what I’m truly passionate about and where my strengths lie. I also learned the importance of writing clean, readable code and keeping track of errors and unexpected outcomes, which is crucial for maintaining and improving any project. Working alongside experienced engineers taught me not just technical skills but also how to think critically and approach problems from multiple angles.

Moving Forward

Looking back, this internship gave me a solid foundation for my future career in technology. The skills I developed, from programming and database management to problem-solving and project coordination, are things I’ll carry with me into whatever comes next. I’m excited to continue building on what I’ve learned. This experience motivated me to keep pushing myself to learn and grow in this field.