My Internship Journey at Mobiklinic
Executive Summary
I am excited to share that I have successfully completed my internship at Mobiklinic. I had the privilege to contribute as a backend developer to the company's mission of revolutionizing access to health care. This experience has been a dynamic odyssey filled with challenges and triumphs, all contributing to a journey I am immensely grateful to have embarked upon. In this article, I delve into the whole journey of my internship.
Introduction
To say a few words about, Mobiklinic, with the motto "Revolutionizing access to health care," is a dedicated team based in Kampala, Uganda, striving to democratize and decentralize health care using a blend of physical and digital solutions. The organization's focus on empowering low-income community health systems aligns with the ITED technique: Identify, Train, Equip, and Deploy. My role as a backend developer intern contributed to this mission by implementing technical solutions to enhance healthcare access and delivery.
Duties and Accomplishments
As an intern, I undertook several key responsibilities that contributed to Mobiklinic's goals:
Introduction of Appwrite: I introduced Appwrite, an open-source backend as a service (BaaS), to the team, enabling efficient management of backend services, authentication, and database interactions.
SQL to NoSQL Conversion: I successfully converted the existing SQL schema to a more flexible and scalable NoSQL schema, optimizing data storage and retrieval processes.
Database Model Creation: Utilizing Appwrite, I designed and implemented database models that seamlessly integrate with the mobile app, ensuring smooth data flow and integrity.
Django Backend Enhancement: I identified and rectified vulnerabilities in the Django backend, bolstering security and reliability for the API serving the community health workers' mobile application. I was doing this at the beginning of my internship for a long period.
Skills Learned
My internship experience at Mobiklinic was not only about technical achievements but also about personal and professional growth. I acquired a diverse set of skills that have expanded my capabilities and understanding:
Technical Skills
GraphQL: Before embarking on this internship, my experience had been solely centered around REST APIs, and the realm of GraphQL was uncharted territory for me. In this internship, I gained proficiency in GraphQL, a powerful query language for APIs, enabling efficient data retrieval and manipulation.
Data Modeling: I honed my skills in designing effective data models that cater to complex application requirements while maintaining data integrity.
Technical Documentation: I learned the importance of comprehensive technical documentation, ensuring smooth knowledge transfer and future development.
Appwrite: By implementing database models and services on Appwrite, I gained hands-on experience in utilizing this versatile platform for backend development.
NoSQL Data Model: Converting SQL to NoSQL required understanding the intricacies of NoSQL data modeling, providing me with a broader perspective on data storage.
Soft Skills
Teamwork: Collaborating with a diverse team in a startup environment exposed me to effective communication, idea sharing, and more.
Remote Work: For the entirety of my internship, I was working fully remotely from Nairobi, Kenya. Working remotely taught me self-discipline, time management, and effective communication methods essential for remote collaborations.
Time Management: While doing this internship, I also had academic commitments from my school. Juggling the demands of my internship alongside ongoing academic responsibilities from my school was no small feat. Navigating between multiple tasks and steadfastly meeting deadlines, all while managing my coursework, was a practical masterclass in refining my time management skills.
Challenges
I was initially concerned that I would face many challenges during my internship. However, the Mobiklinic team was very supportive and flexible, and things turned out to be more manageable than I expected.
Despite the advantages of remote work, as I mentioned earlier, I also discovered its downsides, especially when compared to the experience of working in a physical setting. While remote work provided me with the flexibility to balance various responsibilities and effectively manage my time, it did present certain challenges, notably in obtaining immediate and direct technical support from my coworkers. I believe that I might have experienced even greater personal growth through in-person interactions, as I enjoy working around people. However, I also recognize the overarching benefits of remote work; it allowed me to maintain my commitments, such as coursework, which might have been more challenging if I had been working in the office. Despite all this, I successfully navigated these challenges, made significant contributions, and have grown significantly.
Conclusion
My internship journey at Mobiklinic has been a transformative experience, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to the company's noble mission while acquiring a diverse skill set. Beyond technical accomplishments, I gained insights into the challenges and rewards of startup dynamics, adaptability, and embracing new ideas. The exposure to the ITED technique and the fusion of physical and digital means in healthcare delivery has broadened my perspective on technology's potential for societal impact, particularly in healthcare. This internship has inspired me to continue exploring innovative solutions to global challenges and has set a strong foundation for my future endeavors.
Acknowledgments
I am deeply grateful to the entire Mobiklinic team for their guidance, mentorship, and support throughout my internship journey. Their collective dedication to revolutionizing healthcare access has been truly inspiring. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my mentors, colleagues, and community health workers for their invaluable insights and collaborative spirit. Special thanks to my supervisor Alaphat Magezi, David Wampamba, and Daphne (Pearl) Naggayi, who guided me throughout this journey.
In conclusion, my time at Mobiklinic has not only enhanced my technical and soft skills but has also instilled in me a profound sense of purpose and commitment to making a positive impact on society. I am excited to carry the lessons and experiences from this internship into my future endeavors, driving positive change through technological innovation and compassionate service.
And finally, thank you so much for spending your valuable time reading this; your feedback and support would be hugely appreciated.