Nia joined Fannie Mae as a tech intern, eager to gain experience in front-end development. This role provided a unique opportunity to dive into the world of user interfaces (UI). UI is a field she has been passionate about, but it wasn’t extensively covered in her computer science studies, so Nia was excited for the chance to expand her skills.
Read Nia’s story to see how the culture at Fannie Mae helped foster her growth as a future front-end developer.
Jumping right into the action
Within the first week of her internship, Nia was assigned to a current tech project at Fannie Mae — which she found both challenging and thrilling.
“I was excited that the project I worked on was being actively implemented at the company,” Nia shared. “It made me realize that my team trusted me enough to create and update features on a project that is being deployed.” In her software engineering class, Nia studied the concept of agile development. This project allowed her to see the process up close — and take part in the action.
Throughout the summer, Nia honed her skills with key tools used by today’s front-end developers. “I now feel extremely comfortable working with React and utilizing GitHub Copilot,” she said. She also gained a deeper understanding of Fannie Mae’s tech infrastructure and the housing market, broadening her knowledge and sparking interest in obtaining new technical certifications.
Teamwork at Fannie Mae played a crucial role in Nia’s experience. “I enjoyed being on a team where everyone helped each other to resolve issues quicker,” she noted. The collaborative and supportive environment not only enhanced her technical skills but also taught her the importance of teamwork and communication.
Becoming part of the team at Fannie Mae
Internships that emphasize hands-on experience and supportive teamwork help interns be fully engaged and involved in Fannie Mae’s purpose. Working closely alongside colleagues and learning about their work experiences helped Nia understand and feel a part of the foundational role that the company plays in the U.S. housing industry.
Nia actively participated in the development of new features and updates for her assigned project, ensuring that it met the high standards of the technology department. Her ability to work effectively within the agile framework and her proactive approach to problem-solving were highly valued by her team members. “Nia’s work on the project was instrumental in its successful implementation,” said her team lead. “Her enthusiasm and dedication were contagious and helped boost the team’s morale.”
Feeling future-ready through tackling real-world challenges
Reflecting on her summer at Fannie Mae, Nia is grateful for the experience and the confidence she gained in using her skills — and she’s excited to take her new skills forward on her career path. “I learned so much technically and about the housing market,” she said. “I was constantly challenged with higher-level tasks, which made me feel qualified and more confident in my abilities.” Nia’s experience validated her choice to pursue front-end development as she enters her senior year of college.
For future interns, Nia offers valuable perspective: “I recommend interning in a role related to your possible dream career path or adjacent to it. In past internships, I gained useful knowledge despite not being a front-end developer yet.”
Learn more about working at Fannie Mae
If you are a student or early career professional looking to gain valuable experience with an organization that stands as a cornerstone the American economy, consider internship opportunities at Fannie Mae.
Visit Fannie Mae’s Early Careers page to learn more and apply today.
