A Summer at Endowus: My Journey as a Software Engineer Intern

Shernice Sng is a Year 3 Computer Science undergraduate at the National University of Singapore who recently completed a summer internship with the Endowus engineering team.

Over the past summer, I had the privilege of joining Endowus as a Software Engineer Intern. For three months, I contributed to meaningful projects, learned from talented colleagues, and grew both professionally and personally.

My Journey

Starting an internship can be daunting, but from the very first week, I was welcomed into a collaborative and supportive environment. I was entrusted with a project that not only challenged me but also allowed me to make a real difference to my colleagues and the company, which was deeply rewarding.

A particularly fulfilling aspect was collaborating with another team to streamline their workflow by automating manual processes. This gave me valuable experience in building practical solutions that supported the needs of others, and it showed me how teamwork extends beyond a single team.

My project also gave me the autonomy to dive deep into technical concepts such as the CQRS pattern and event sourcing. Along the way, I also gained skills in understanding data pipelines, programming in Scala, and working with a range of new technical tools. This process taught me not only the technical details but also how to adapt quickly to unfamiliar areas and apply new knowledge in a real-world context.

Of course, the journey was not without its challenges. The learning curve was steep at times, but I found it reassuring that my colleagues, especially my mentor, were always there to help—offering advice, sharing different perspectives, or jumping on a call to troubleshoot.

One instance that stands out was when I hit a roadblock. My mentor guided me through a structured approach to analyze the issue within IntelliJ, which not only helped me solve the problem but also equipped me with a systematic way to tackle similar challenges independently. Beyond that, he often shared valuable and transferable insights that will benefit me throughout my career.

This experience gave me a holistic view of software development that goes beyond just coding. I was able to apply concepts from university while developing professional skills that can’t be taught in a classroom. Being part of sprint meetings, taking ownership of tasks, and contributing to planning gave me a glimpse of what it’s really like to work as a software engineer.

Lessons Beyond the Code

Beyond the technical skills, one of the most valuable lessons I took away from my internship was the importance of collaboration and communication. Regular check-ins with the team ensured project requirements were clear and progress stayed on track, while documenting key discussion points and sharing concise summaries helped keep everyone aligned.

I also learned the value of buffer planning—accounting for the time needed for code reviews and feedback so that projects proceed smoothly. These practices helped me build a foundation in project management that complemented my technical work.

Another key takeaway was the importance of connecting with colleagues across the company. I was encouraged to reach out for coffee chats and informal discussions. While I was initially intimidated by the idea, I quickly realised these conversations were an invaluable way to learn, not just about projects, but also about different perspectives, experiences, and career paths. This made me appreciate how taking the initiative to connect with others opens doors to learning opportunities—a practice I am determined to continue in the future.

The People and Culture

I genuinely enjoyed my time at Endowus, but what stood out most was the culture. Everyone across the company was approachable and generous with their time. My mentors guided me patiently, encouraging me to ask questions and explore new ideas. The atmosphere struck a balance between professional and friendly, creating a safe space to learn, make mistakes, and grow. In that space, I felt like a valued member of the team, not “just an intern.”

Reflections and Next Steps

My internship at Endowus was a transformative experience. It reinforced my interest in software engineering, deepened my appreciation for building products that solve real problems, and gave me the confidence to tackle challenges beyond the classroom.

I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute and learn, and I want to thank my mentors and colleagues at Endowus for their guidance and support throughout this journey. Moving forward, I will continue to build on what I have learned here by sharpening my skills, working on areas for improvement, and continuing to grow as a developer and teammate.

This experience has shaped my growth, motivated me to push my boundaries, and inspired me to embrace challenges with confidence. Thank you, Endowus, for the opportunity to hone my skills under your guidance. I look forward to carrying these lessons with me wherever my journey leads.