As I logged on to the first Zoom meeting for my internship in backend development, I was filled with excitement and apprehension. Eager faces stared back at me, eyes sparkling with curiosity. Although I was joined by other high school interns, this was still my first professional experience in the computer science industry, and I couldn’t help but feel intimidated. However, the prospect of getting practical experience, learning from industry professionals, and delving deeper into a subject I am passionate about outweighed my initial fears. In just a few months, I have already learned more about APIs, non-relational databases, and other backend development concepts than I ever could from a class or textbook. This experience has highlighted why internships are essential for all students: they provide invaluable real-world experience, professional networking opportunities, and a glimpse into potential career paths. Internships offer students practical, hands-on experiences that apply theoretical learning. They provide opportunities for students to apply their skills in real-world situations. For example, in my experience, after learning certain backend concepts like writing APIs, connecting non-relational databases, and creating schemas, I was asked to apply what I had learnt through a project, simulating the process of setting up a fully operational backend server. I gained experience setting up my own database, writing my own API endpoints, and structuring my own schemas and documents. This was significantly more insightful than any computer science class I had taken. Instead of memorizing and regurgitating facts and concepts, I was able to put what I had learned into practice and fully grasp how each concept was interlinked. Internships enable students to create a network of professional contacts, which is a significant advantage for a future career in the industry. Seeing that my mentor is an industry professional, it is comforting and encouraging for me to know that I already have a contact in the industry this early in my academic and professional career. Additionally, working with the other interns has allowed me to meet peers who share the same passion and will potentially be on similar career paths in the future. These newfound connections can lead to future job opportunities, collaborations, and a supportive professional network that will help me navigate the early stages of my career. Internships give students a taste of their potential career paths and help them make informed decisions about their future. They provide exposure to the daily operations and responsibilities that a job in a given field entails, which can help students refine their career goals early on. Gaining experience as a backend engineer during my internship has given me insight into this area of computer science. It has presented me with a potential career choice that highlights my strengths of organization, logic, and problem-solving. It strengthened my desire to pursue a career involving programming and sparked a new interest in handling databases. Lastly, internships contribute to personal growth and boost students’ confidence. Students leave internships feeling