It was an internship for a full-stack developer role. I was given two days - today is the final day, and I did not even start with the project as I was too stressed to complete the task, worrying about designing and modelling the database part, and because I have a really vague idea about system design. The skill requirements for the project are NextJS and MERN stack - which makes little sense. It said nothing about state management library, so I was also really confused about that.

Here are the requirement of the task project:

  • make use of NextJS
  • create a LinkedIn clone, without the feeds
  • must have shareable short-link profile
  • should be SEO-optimized
  • should provide API for creating and editing profile
  • should make use of good UI practices
  • explain the reasoning behind the system design decisions
  • explain the steps required to run this application
  • use of ChatGPT was allowed
  • share this on GitHub

I think that I was being fooled - that I was being made to work on a project for free, and that this test is very unreasonable and a big red-flag into the startup’s WLB. Just wanted feedback on whether I was being unreasonable?

Edit: Here’s what the listing says:

Are you a passionate Full Stack Development intern looking for an exhilarating opportunity? Look no further! <company-name>, an innovative company, is seeking a talented intern with expertise in Node.js, JavaScript, ReactJS, HTML, CSS, MongoDB, and Next.js. Join our fast-paced team and gain invaluable experience in a dynamic work environment.

Selected intern’s day-to-day responsibilities include:

  • Collaborate with the development team to design and implement user-friendly web applications using cutting-edge technologies
  • Develop and maintain scalable backend systems using Node.js and MongoDB to ensure efficient data management and retrieval
  • Create visually stunning and responsive frontend interfaces utilizing ReactJS, HTML, and CSS to deliver an exceptional user experience
  • Conduct thorough testing and debugging to ensure optimum performance and seamless functionality across different platforms
  • Assist in optimizing website performance by analyzing and refining code, and implementing best practices
  • Contribute to the development of RESTful APIs, integrating with third-party services to enhance application capabilities
  • Stay updated with the latest industry trends and emerging technologies, sharing insights and participating in team discussions to drive innovation

If you have a hunger for knowledge, a strong work ethic, and a desire to make a meaningful impact, apply now to become a part of the <company-name> team. Ready to revolutionize the world of web development? We can’t wait to meet you!

  •  Lilith   ( @WaterLizard@beehaw.org ) English
    11•4 months ago

    Many others have mentioned an internship is meant for you to learn, but the job posting reads as if you already need years of experience. If you haven’t done so already, report the posting as fraudulent if you’re able too. This is flat-out farming for free work by taking advantage of students. See if your college/university has a career center or any resources connecting with companies that recruit from your school. Those connections would be more reliable than shady startups.

    Any interview process that asks for this level of work from a take hone project is a redflag for abuse. It tells me they will literally do any incredulous thing just to keep costs low.