I'm a BSSE student who completed part of a MERN stack course but didn't finish every lesson. Using tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot, I built several websites and eventually created a portfolio. I found a client through a referral, delivered a frontend website with email integration, and was paid $600. I've since accepted another app project.
The issue is that I couldn't confidently build the same projects entirely from scratch. I can usually understand parts of the code and troubleshoot some problems without AI, but I still rely on AI for much of the implementation and don't fully understand everything it generates. I'd like to get an internship so I can learn through practical work, but I'm nervous about interviews and haven't applied yet. How should I improve my skills and confidence, and do I have a realistic path into software engineering?
3 Answers
Using AI doesn’t automatically disqualify you. The problem is relying on code you can’t evaluate. Set limits: try a problem yourself first, ask AI for hints or explanations, then write or rewrite the solution yourself. Also consider getting help from a mentor or instructor and taking on smaller projects where you understand the entire codebase. Your paid client work is useful experience, but it should be combined with deliberate practice.
You already have evidence that you can create something useful and work with clients, which is a good start. But interviews and real jobs will require you to understand, debug, modify, and explain your code. Treat AI as a tutor and productivity tool rather than a substitute for learning. Rebuild parts of your projects without assistance, read every generated line, and practice explaining your technical decisions.
That makes sense. I probably need to slow down and make sure I can reproduce the important parts instead of just accepting working output.
Don’t wait until you feel completely ready before applying. Apply for internships and junior roles, but prepare honestly. Review JavaScript fundamentals, React, APIs, databases, authentication, testing, Git, and basic debugging. For each portfolio project, make sure you can explain the architecture, identify likely failure points, and add a feature without blindly asking AI to do everything.
A technical interview may expose gaps, but that’s a reason to practice—not a reason to avoid applying. Employers can decide whether your current level is enough.