It was an internship for a full-stack developer role. I was given two days - today is the final day, and I did not even start with the project as I was too stressed to complete the task, worrying about designing and modelling the database part, and because I have a really vague idea about system design. The skill requirements for the project are NextJS and MERN stack - which makes little sense. It said nothing about state management library, so I was also really confused about that.

Here are the requirement of the task project:

  • make use of NextJS
  • create a LinkedIn clone, without the feeds
  • must have shareable short-link profile
  • should be SEO-optimized
  • should provide API for creating and editing profile
  • should make use of good UI practices
  • explain the reasoning behind the system design decisions
  • explain the steps required to run this application
  • use of ChatGPT was allowed
  • share this on GitHub

I think that I was being fooled - that I was being made to work on a project for free, and that this test is very unreasonable and a big red-flag into the startup’s WLB. Just wanted feedback on whether I was being unreasonable?

Edit: Here’s what the listing says:

Are you a passionate Full Stack Development intern looking for an exhilarating opportunity? Look no further! <company-name>, an innovative company, is seeking a talented intern with expertise in Node.js, JavaScript, ReactJS, HTML, CSS, MongoDB, and Next.js. Join our fast-paced team and gain invaluable experience in a dynamic work environment.

Selected intern’s day-to-day responsibilities include:

  • Collaborate with the development team to design and implement user-friendly web applications using cutting-edge technologies
  • Develop and maintain scalable backend systems using Node.js and MongoDB to ensure efficient data management and retrieval
  • Create visually stunning and responsive frontend interfaces utilizing ReactJS, HTML, and CSS to deliver an exceptional user experience
  • Conduct thorough testing and debugging to ensure optimum performance and seamless functionality across different platforms
  • Assist in optimizing website performance by analyzing and refining code, and implementing best practices
  • Contribute to the development of RESTful APIs, integrating with third-party services to enhance application capabilities
  • Stay updated with the latest industry trends and emerging technologies, sharing insights and participating in team discussions to drive innovation

If you have a hunger for knowledge, a strong work ethic, and a desire to make a meaningful impact, apply now to become a part of the <company-name> team. Ready to revolutionize the world of web development? We can’t wait to meet you!

  • infinitepcg@lemmy.world
    10·
    9 months ago

    I also think that the task is unreasonable, but at the same time I can’t imagine that this is of any use to the company. What are they going to do with a “LinkedIn clone” made in two days that they don’t even have the IP rights to?

    • xmunk@sh.itjust.works
      61·
      9 months ago

      Use it for identity theft. The “employer” here is probably just a scamming company.

    • Sotuanduso@lemm.eeEnglish
      3·
      9 months ago

      It’s possible that it was a “see how you react to an impossible task” test, perhaps? I don’t like it.

      • PM_Your_Nudes_Please@lemmy.world
        1·
        9 months ago

        Ah yes, the Kobayashi Maru test. It’s important to see how every Starfleet officer programmer reacts in the face of a no-win scenario a manager in Sales who just promised the client a fully functional site in 48 hours, on a Friday at 4:30PM.

    • Solivine@sopuli.xyz
      1·
      9 months ago

      Could be used to scam people, or they can select the best one from submissions and use that to work from for a different product. I’m not sure, I don’t really know what they gain by asking someone to make it at all.