The practice of a programmer: what, where, how and why?

The practice of a programmer is another stage of a student’s education at a university. As a rule, it takes place in the summer, and it can be of different types, but the point of all is to ensure that a person can apply the acquisition of knowledge in real work.

The doors of many IT companies are open for trainee programmers. Do not be shy about the lack of experience; practice is needed.

Why does a programmer need to practice?

The practice that students undergo is the most important component of the higher education system. With its help, students can immerse themselves in a professional context and quickly master the necessary skills.

There are three types of practice:

• Educational. It gives undergraduate students a general idea of ​​​​the future specialty. However, they may not be directly involved in the work processes.
• Technological or industrial. Apprentices go to the enterprise and perform the tasks assigned to them.
• Undergraduate. Final-year students participate in work processes and use the information received to write their final qualifying work.

The last two options relate to industrial practice. Thanks to the experience gained, students can use the knowledge and skills they have mastered in the workplace in the educational institution. In addition, they are immersed in a professional context and get to know their specialty.

Student practice is useful not only for students but also for companies. Organizations attract promising professionals and offer jobs to gifted students.

Bachelor’s and Master’s internships usually last two to four weeks. The programmer’s training and technological practices are usually organized in the summer when classes and exams have already ended. This allows the student to unload and focus on the new task. Undergraduate practice as a programmer is carried out in the last year of study.

It is worth clarifying one important nuance. For many specialties, undergraduate practice does not involve being in a particular place (organization, enterprise, etc.). These include IT, economics, and various sciences. In fact, for these students, pre-graduation practice is a specially allotted time for writing the practical part of the final qualifying work.

The working day of students should last up to 8 hours. The student needs to make a report on the programmer’s work experience and provide a diary. In addition, the student needs to receive feedback from the head of the organization.

Where and how to practice as a programmer

The practice of a programmer can be organized in the following places:

• IT companies that develop software or do web programming.
• Organizations that need the services of programmers. For example, some enterprises need to create a website, and software, fill in the database, set up equipment, etc.
• Online stores, web studios, freelance teams.
• The educational institution where the student is studying.

Many large IT companies accept students for internships. This can also be considered a practice for the university. As a rule, their duration is from one to three months. Sometimes, a student programmer may be paid a certain amount for an internship.

The student needs to clarify the terms in advance and submit an application. After that, he must pass the selection by solving certain mathematical or programming tests.

Having settled for an internship, the student must perform various tasks related to his specialty. Let’s look at a few examples:

• Write a workstation for a company employee. For example, a common macro for an office variety will facilitate a person’s work.
• Create a website or landing page.
• Teach company employees how to use this or that software.
• To increase the general computer literacy of the employees of the enterprise.
• Install an operating system, install anti-virus protection, create a network, write instructions for using software, etc.

In some cases, students can practice remotely while being anywhere. When cooperating with an enterprise or organization, you must issue a pass. The student may also be required to undergo a medical examination.

Many students buy practice reports. However, it should be understood that, in this case, a person cannot gain valuable knowledge and skills.

Seven rules for getting the most out of practice for a programmer.

Here are some helpful tips to help you get the most out of your practice:

Take an active position.

You must take the initiative and be taught everything before you are taught everything. The benefits of practice directly depend on your curiosity.

IT companies especially value students interested in gaining new knowledge and skills. Sign up for conferences, look for useful literature, organize discussions with other students, and feel free to ask questions.

The more initiative you take, the better. Practice leaders notice the most active students and treat them more loyally. Express your ideas. This way, you can get useful feedback and become more confident.

Ask the Right Questions

Many students ask questions only to demonstrate their curiosity. Ask what interests you. In addition, try to find the information you need on the Internet first. If you are still waiting for a suitable response, contact your supervisor. Thus, you prove that you are an independent and responsible person.

Be patient.

In large organizations, all decisions are made in several stages. You may have to perform the same task repeatedly, making minor adjustments. The production practice of a programmer at an enterprise is a responsible event, so be prepared for long and monotonous work.

Feel free to talk about a need for more knowledge.

An internship student must admit that he does not understand certain things. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get the most out of your internship. Try to learn, not imitate your competence.

Be natural.

Try to behave as you do in ordinary life, showing politeness and courtesy. Refrain from flattering all the company employees you are doing an internship with. Such behavior causes alertness and, in some cases, even repulses. It is better to focus on the tasks at hand. Look at everything positively and use your sense of humor. This will allow you to join the team quickly.

 Be careful in your judgments.

The theory is often at odds with practice. Only some of the knowledge you receive at the university can be applied in real life. For example, many organizations use outdated software. It is obvious that it cannot be combined with the new software you could be told about at the university. So be careful in your judgments. If you can help the company, invite employees to install new programs. Be polite and unobtrusive.

Be persistent and persevere.

Having shared your ideas with company employees, you may face disapproval caused by a reluctance to complete a difficult task. Consider all the nuances before putting forward your proposals. Try to explain to employees that the task is quite feasible. Thus, you will establish yourself as a good specialist who knows how to achieve his goal.

Don’t treat the practice as a chore. Otherwise, you won’t be able to enjoy the process. Remember that experience comes with time. An internship is a great opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills and prove yourself in the workplace.