Starting my new chapter as a Software Developer Intern at Strands
A look ahead at my next challenge, diving into the fintech sector with Java and microservices while balancing my final year of Computer Engineering.
A new step forward at Strands
As September approaches, I am preparing to open a new chapter in my professional journey. After wrapping up my time at ALS Innovation (an experience that taught me a lot about building within real constraints and the human side of software), I will be joining Strands as a Software Developer Intern.
Strands is a fintech company focused on building intelligent banking experiences using AI and machine learning. Moving from a company undergoing digital transformation to a purely product-driven fintech environment is exactly the kind of shift I was looking for to keep growing.
Finding the right place
The process materialized in August after a three-step interview process that left a very strong impression on me.
It started with a first interview with Carlota, followed by a second round with her and two colleagues who will be with me during the internship. The third and final stage was in person with one of those colleagues (Pablo) and the CTO, conducted entirely in English.
This process gave me a clear perspective on the company’s culture, how they approach agile development, and the tangible impact their products have on the financial sector. You quickly realize when an environment is built on solid engineering principles, and I left that office knowing it was the right place to take this next step.
What I will be building
At Strands, I will be working deeply within the backend. This is particularly exciting for me because I will be working primarily with Java and Spring Boot (technologies I have been studying and preparing for, and that I am now eager to apply in a real, large-scale product environment).
My day-to-day will involve:
- supporting the design and development of Java-based REST APIs,
- understanding and working within a microservices architecture,
- participating in automated testing and continuous performance improvements,
- and collaborating closely with an international, agile team.
I want to understand the intricacies of financial software, write clean, maintainable code, and learn from the experienced engineers who will be around me.
Balancing work and my final year
This September brings a dual challenge, as I am also starting my fourth and final year of my Computer Engineering degree (which includes my Final Degree Project, or TFG).
Balancing university and professional work requires discipline, but I have structured a 20-hour weekly schedule that allows me to commit to both spaces without compromising the quality of my work in either. The goal is to make the most out of the internship while successfully finishing my degree.
What I expect from these months
If I have learned anything from my previous experiences, it is that progress is about being present, asking the right questions, and understanding the business context behind the code.
My goal for this new stage is simple: I want to absorb as much as possible and become a useful part of the team. I am looking forward to being surrounded by people who challenge me, to navigating the complexities of fintech architecture, and to continuing to build things that matter.