ZenLife - From Our Interns' Perspectives

So far, 2021 has been an exceptional year for us at ZenDev. We welcomed over 20 new colleagues, launched new projects, and participated in numerous events. One of the things we are proud of is the successful realization of the first ZenDev internship program.

Famous author Simon Sinek in his book “Start with why” explains the Golden Circle term that consists of Why, How, and What. In this article, we will get you through the why, the how, and the what of the ZenDev Internship.     
If you prefer video rather than text, you can scroll, and there is a video in which our interns shared the whole experience.

ZenDev's co-founder and CEO, Senad Santic, often points out that ZenDev's office is in Mostar because he wanted to create great conditions in his hometown. We take every opportunity to support the community, young people from Mostar, and the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina. After sponsorship at FITCC, we decided to go one step further and organize the first ZenDev internship to provide young people with knowledge, equipment, mentors and prepare them for their first work experience.

We have a special way of doing everything, and we put the same amount of ideas and energy into this internship as well. Interns were provided with the same benefits as employees and could experience firsthand what is like to be a part of the team.  We were learning from each other, drinking coffee, and playing games together. Every team member had their role in the project - frontend, backend, and mobile application development. In that way, all participants gained specific knowledge, and at the same time, they were improving their communication skills and teamwork. 

The three teams were given the same task, and that was to develop the ZenZone app. This app allows employees to participate in a variety of challenges. All teams envisioned this project as a form of a social network. For the frontend, they used React.js, connected via API to the backend. Backend and API were developed in the PHP framework Laravel and vue.js. The database of choice was MySQL. The Mobile version of the ZenZone app was developed using the cross-platform framework React Native. 

The cherry on the top was the presentation of the app. Teams presented their work to the ZenDev management and team leaders. In the interactive session, they demonstrated talent, hard work, and an innovative approach.     
We can conclude that the first ZenDev internship was successful, mentors were extraordinary and teamwork was exceptional. But do not take our word for it, read the intern's experience. 

Halil: I think that each individual after this practice has an accurate vision of how the frontend and backend work, what the frontend requires from the backend, and vice versa.

Atif: Teamwork, playing FIFA after work, parties on Fridays are things that made our time in ZenDev special. 

Miralem: I applied for the internship to find out if the atmosphere at the company was really that good ... and it was even better than I could have imagined.

Nemanja: The mentors were great, accommodating, and patient.

Iva: The communication in the team was great and we all got along great, and I think that made the work on the project much easier.

Ilhana: The best part of the internship was the interaction with people and the warm welcome that you can feel in ZenDev every day. 

Amar: The internship was a great experience, I have learned a lot about mobile development. 

Jasmin: The internship was well organized and mentors had the right approach. 

Edvin: From the very beginning I liked ZenDev because of the spirit in the company.

Berina: ZenDev provides much more than technical skills, people and atmosphere are so motivating. 

Ema: I learned new technologies and the process of developing an application.

Muharem: I sincerely recommend the ZenDev internship to all students. I really liked the relaxed atmosphere and the possibility of everyday learning.