My experience as a GIP Intern 2023
By Henry Helm
Introduction: From the moment I first heard about HENNGE’s Global Internship Program, I was intrigued. The prospect of combining my passion for coding with a unique experience in Japan excited me. This report outlines my journey during the 6-week internship at HENNGE, focusing on various aspects of the program.
The Coding Challenge and First Impressions: Upon applying, I encountered HENNGE’s distinctive coding challenge. Solving this challenge was an engaging experience that required me to do a small implementation based on the technical specification of Time-based One Time Passwords (TOTP). This felt very refreshing in contrast to the typical Leetcode like problems in interviews.
Orientation and First Day: My journey officially commenced as I arrived at the HENNGE office. The breathtaking view from the 11th floor offered a glimpse of Tokyo’s beauty. I was pleasantly surprised by the diverse and friendly atmosphere. The first-day briefing sessions and interactions with other interns provided valuable insights into what lay ahead.
Technical Learning: This internship was a great opportunity to enhance my skills. The initial weeks were dedicated to AWS and DevOps training, followed by a real-world project assignment. I delved into technologies like DynamoDB, Terraform and OpenID Connect. The guidance of mentors and collaborative discussions fostered a dynamic learning environment. For the later part of the internship, I was working in the Access Control Department. For someone like me, who is also interested in security, HENNGE has several security-related products like HENNGE One Access Control or Email Security. An overview of the technologies one might encounter as a GIP intern can be found here.
Monthly Technical Sessions (MTS): Attending the Monthly Technical Sessions was an enlightening experience. Sharing my insights on IT-related topics was both challenging and rewarding. It was inspiring to witness the diverse range of discussions and learn from others. My talk was about a practical introduction to CodeQL, a declarative query language to find vulnerabilities in large code bases, and comparing it to similar technologies like semgrep and joern. To prospective interns, I would recommend thinking about a potential topic beforehand since it can be quite stressful to come up with something from scratch during the busy first assignments. The upside, however, is that you can talk about any technical topic you like!
Board Game Nights: One of the most enjoyable aspects of the internship was the weekly board game nights. These gatherings fostered camaraderie among interns and employees, providing a relaxed space to unwind and engage in friendly competition. From Code Names to Werewolf, the variety of games ensured endless entertainment. Besides board games, there are also other after-work activities one can participate in. There are groups for almost everything, for example, bouldering or hiking.
Interaction and Networking: HENNGE’s commitment to openness and inclusivity was evident in its employees. Interactions ranged from casual chats with colleagues during the “Donut” sessions to insightful conversations during GIP lunches. The absence of rigid hierarchies fostered an environment where learning and communication thrived.
Conclusion: In retrospect, my 6-week internship at HENNGE was an incredible blend of learning, exploration, and connection. The technical challenges and projects taught me valuable skills, while the cultural experiences deepened my appreciation for Japan. Whether during MTS, board game nights or simply bonding over meals, HENNGE’s dynamic environment was a breeding ground for growth and fun.
Acknowledgments: I express my gratitude to HENNGE for providing me with this remarkable opportunity. The guidance of mentors, the warmth of colleagues, and the insights gained throughout the internship will remain invaluable. This experience has not only enriched my technical skills but has also left an indelible mark on my understanding of teamwork and culture.
