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Backend Training Track (NestJS)

Interns: 3

Tech Stack: JavaScript, TypeScript, Node.js, NestJS, GraphQL, Apollo Federation, PostgreSQL

Prerequisites: CS graduates with programming fundamentals

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Phase 1: Foundation Learning (Week 1-4)​

Week 1: JavaScript + Node.js Fundamentals​

Topics:

  • Development environment setup (VS Code, Node.js, Git)
  • Git fundamentals (clone, branch, commit, push, pull, PR workflow)
  • JavaScript for backend (modules, file system, streams)
  • Terminal/CLI proficiency
  • npm/package management
  • HTTP basics (methods, status codes, headers)

Self-Learning:

  • Git tutorial + practice
  • JS crash course
  • Node.js basics tutorials
  • Build CLI scripts

Deliverables:

  • Dev environment fully set up
  • Git workflow understood (branch, commit, PR)
  • Node.js CLI tool built (file operations)
  • HTTP concepts understood

Checkpoint: Friday review with buddy

Week 2: Modern JavaScript + TypeScript​

Topics:

  • ES6+ features (arrow functions, destructuring, spread, rest, modules)
  • Array methods (map, filter, reduce, find)
  • Async JavaScript (promises, async/await, error handling)
  • Working with JSON and APIs
  • TypeScript fundamentals (types, interfaces, generics)
  • TypeScript with classes and decorators

Self-Learning:

  • ES6+ tutorials and practice
  • Async JS exercises
  • TypeScript fundamentals course

Deliverables:

  • 15+ JS practice problems (ES6+ focused)
  • Async exercises completed
  • TypeScript basics assessment passed
  • Small TS project built

Checkpoint: Friday review with senior

Week 3: NestJS Core + REST & GraphQL Fundamentals​

Topics:

  • NestJS architecture (modules, controllers, services)
  • Decorators and dependency injection
  • REST API basics (controllers, routing, response formatting)
  • GraphQL fundamentals (schema, queries, mutations)
  • NestJS GraphQL module (@nestjs/graphql)
  • Resolvers and schema-first vs code-first approach
  • DTOs and validation (class-validator)
  • Error handling and exceptions
  • API testing (Postman for REST, GraphQL Playground)

Self-Learning:

  • Official NestJS documentation
  • GraphQL official documentation
  • Build basic NestJS app with both REST and GraphQL endpoints
  • Understand DI pattern

Deliverables:

  • NestJS app with 3+ modules
  • REST CRUD endpoints created
  • GraphQL queries and mutations implemented
  • DTOs with validation
  • APIs tested with Postman and GraphQL Playground

Checkpoint: Friday review + assessment

Week 4: NestJS Applied + Apollo Federation​

Topics:

  • Database integration (Prisma ORM)
  • Entity design and relationships
  • Migrations
  • Apollo Server and Apollo Federation basics
  • Subgraph development for microservices
  • Federated schema design
  • Authentication basics (JWT, Guards)
  • Middleware and interceptors
  • API documentation (Swagger for REST, GraphQL schema docs)
  • Introduction to project codebase and microservices architecture

Self-Learning:

  • Database + Prisma ORM tutorials
  • Apollo Federation documentation
  • Auth implementation practice
  • Explore actual project codebase

Deliverables:

  • Database connected with entities
  • Apollo Server configured with federation
  • Basic subgraph created
  • Basic auth implemented
  • API documentation generated
  • Project codebase explored and documented

Checkpoint: Month 1 Evaluation

Phase 2: Guided Real Projects (Week 5-8)​

Work on actual project features with close senior supervision

Week 5: First Real Task​

Focus:

  • Assigned first real API feature/task (small, well-scoped)
  • Understanding codebase patterns and conventions
  • Code review process
  • Daily check-ins with buddy

Deliverables:

  • First task assigned and understood
  • Implementation started following codebase patterns
  • Questions documented and clarified
  • Daily standups attended

Checkpoint: Friday code review

Week 6: Feature Implementation​

Focus:

  • Completing first feature
  • Writing tests (unit + e2e)
  • PR submission and review process
  • Addressing review feedback

Deliverables:

  • First feature completed
  • Tests written
  • PR submitted and reviewed
  • Feedback addressed and merged

Checkpoint: Friday review with senior

Week 7: Second Feature + Collaboration​

Focus:

  • Second feature (slightly larger scope)
  • Collaboration with frontend team
  • API design and documentation
  • Cross-team communication

Deliverables:

  • Second feature in progress
  • Frontend integration coordinated
  • API documentation updated
  • Team collaboration demonstrated

Checkpoint: Friday review + peer feedback

Week 8: Feature Completion + Learning Gaps​

Focus:

  • Complete second feature
  • Address any learning gaps identified
  • Performance and code quality
  • Prepare for independent work

Deliverables:

  • Second feature completed and merged
  • Learning gaps addressed
  • Code quality standards met
  • Ready for Phase 3

Checkpoint: Month 2 Evaluation

Phase 3: Independent Ownership (Week 9-12)​

Own features end-to-end with minimal guidance

Week 9: Independent Feature Start​

Focus:

  • Assigned feature to own completely
  • Self-driven planning and implementation
  • Seek help only when truly stuck
  • Document decisions and trade-offs

Deliverables:

  • Feature spec understood/clarified independently
  • Implementation plan created
  • Development in progress
  • Decision log maintained

Checkpoint: Friday check-in (guidance only if blocked)

Week 10: Independent Feature Completion​

Focus:

  • Complete the independent feature
  • Thorough testing
  • Documentation
  • Demo preparation

Deliverables:

  • Feature completed and tested
  • PR approved and merged
  • API documentation updated
  • Demo to team

Checkpoint: Friday demo to team

Week 11: Ownership + Knowledge Sharing​

Focus:

  • Take on additional tasks/bugs
  • Help other interns if needed
  • Document learnings for future interns
  • Process improvement suggestions

Deliverables:

  • Additional tasks completed
  • Knowledge document created
  • Process improvements suggested
  • Peer support provided

Checkpoint: Friday review

Week 12: Final Wrap-up & Presentation Prep​

Focus:

  • Complete any remaining work
  • Final presentation preparation
  • Self-assessment writing
  • Documentation cleanup

Deliverables:

  • All tasks completed and handed over
  • Final presentation prepared
  • Self-assessment document written
  • 12-week learning summary drafted

Checkpoint: Friday review

Week 13: Final Evaluation & Conversion​

Focus:

  • Final presentation to leadership
  • Evaluation meetings
  • Feedback discussion
  • Conversion decision

Deliverables:

  • Final presentation delivered
  • Evaluation completed
  • Feedback collected
  • Conversion decision received

Checkpoint: Final Evaluation Meeting