Journey Through a Dev Degree Intern’s First Placement

Carmela, Dev Degree student, shares how she learned to appreciate the stages of learning, dispel the myth of the “real developer”, combat imposter syndrome by asking for help, and the power of valuing representation.

Shopify logo
Shopify
•
Carmela Leung
•12 min read•intermediate•
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•View Original
GraphQLJavaScriptPHPRailsRubyTypeScript

Overview

The article chronicles the journey of a Dev Degree intern at Shopify, focusing on their experiences and lessons learned during their first placement as a back-end developer. Key themes include overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of representation, and the collaborative nature of learning in software development.

What You'll Learn

1

How to create an Achievement Log to track personal progress

2

Why asking for help is crucial in overcoming imposter syndrome

3

How to approach learning new programming languages effectively

4

Why representation in tech matters for personal and community growth

Key Questions Answered

What is the purpose of the Achievement Log mentioned in the article?
The Achievement Log serves as a tool for tracking personal victories, both large and small, which helps in recognizing progress and combating feelings of stagnation during the learning process.
How can developers combat imposter syndrome according to the article?
Developers can combat imposter syndrome by actively asking for help, which not only aids their learning but also provides context to their teams about the challenges they face. This approach fosters collaboration and normalizes the learning process.
What lessons did the intern learn about representation in tech?
The intern learned that valuing representation is essential as it empowers individuals and fosters a supportive environment. It helps in acknowledging differences and encourages open communication about needs and accommodations.
What challenges did the intern face while learning PHP?
The intern faced challenges in learning PHP due to their inexperience and the feeling of falling behind compared to their teammates. This experience highlighted the importance of collaborative learning and seeking feedback during the development process.

Technologies & Tools

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Backend
Ruby
Used in the Dev Degree program for teaching programming concepts.
Tool
Shopify CLI
A command-line tool to help developers create Shopify apps.
Backend
Typescript
Used in the Shopify Admin API Library for Node.
Backend
Php
Used in the Shopify Admin API Library for PHP.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Create an Achievement Log to document your progress and victories in your development journey.
This practice helps in recognizing small wins, which can boost confidence and provide motivation during challenging learning phases.
2
Don't hesitate to ask for help when faced with challenges; it's a normal part of the learning process.
Asking for assistance not only aids your understanding but also fosters a collaborative team environment, making it easier for everyone to progress together.
3
Embrace the learning curve when transitioning to new programming languages.
Understanding that learning takes time and effort can alleviate frustration and encourage a more positive approach to acquiring new skills.
4
Value representation in your workplace and advocate for inclusivity.
Recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives can enhance team dynamics and lead to a more supportive work environment.

Common Pitfalls

1
Underestimating the importance of asking for help can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration.
Many developers, especially juniors, may feel that seeking assistance is a sign of weakness. However, recognizing that collaboration is essential for growth can help overcome this barrier.
2
Comparing oneself to more experienced colleagues can create unnecessary pressure and feelings of inadequacy.
It's important to remember that everyone has their own learning pace, and focusing on personal progress rather than comparisons can lead to a healthier mindset.

Related Concepts

Imposter Syndrome
Collaborative Learning
Representation In Tech
Achievement Tracking