Highway To HighRadius

Building an AI-Enabled Fintech B2B Cloud Application

An Undergraduate student with a deep interest in AI and fintech, I was always on the lookout for opportunities that could merge these two fields. In early 2022, I got my break when I secured an internship at HighRadius, a company known for its cutting-edge financial technology solutions. This internship, which spanned from January 28th to April 13th, turned out to be a pivotal experience in my journey toward becoming a well-rounded software developer.

Getting the Internship

The journey began with a rigorous application process. It was 2022 and I was doing my bachelor's in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Although I did my bachelor's in Electronics and communication, I always had a keen interest in the field of Machine learning and how software is developed. I came across the "Highway to HighRadius Internship Program" through a campus recruitment drive. At that time, this seemed like that one opportunity where I could get my hands on both the domains of my interest in one go. i.e., Machine Learning and Full-stack Development. The selection process was thorough, involving just one round of technical assessment followed by an interview. The questions were pretty basic and our CGPA was also one of the criteria for the selection. My understanding of basic coding and my good academics helped me get through the selection process and I received the offer letter in less than a week. So, that's how I got my first-ever offer letter for an Internship!!

Let's see how it went...

First Impressions

The first day at HighRadius was a mix of excitement and nervousness. The company’s culture was welcoming, and the orientation program helped me get a grasp of what to expect. I was introduced to my team, a group of skilled professionals who were not just mentors but also collaborators. They made it clear from the start that this internship would be hands-on and that I would be treated as an integral part of the team.

The Work Begins: Building the Product

I was assigned to work on a project that was both challenging and exhilarating—building and deploying an AI-enabled fintech B2B cloud application. The goal was to create a web-based product that could streamline financial processes for businesses. This required a deep dive into full-stack development, from designing intuitive user interfaces to developing robust back-end services.

Understanding User Requirements: My first task was to identify the appropriate user requirements. This involved interacting with potential users, understanding their pain points, and translating these into functional requirements.
Designing the User Experience: Next, I worked on designing a user experience that was both efficient and user-friendly. This involved creating wireframes and prototypes, which were iteratively refined based on feedback from the team.
Building Data Models and Machine Learning Models: One of the most exciting parts of the project was developing the data models and integrating machine learning algorithms. These models were designed to predict financial trends and automate routine tasks, thereby increasing the efficiency of the application.
Developing the UI and Backend: I spent a significant amount of time coding the UI components using React and building the backend with Spring Boot. Ensuring seamless integration between the front-end and back-end was crucial to the product’s success.

Challenges and Learning

The journey was not without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was ensuring that the AI models were both accurate and scalable. There were instances where the models did not perform as expected, leading to hours of debugging and retraining. However, these challenges taught me valuable lessons in problem-solving and perseverance.

Another challenge was managing time effectively. Juggling between different aspects of the project—coding, testing, and refining—required meticulous time management. I learned to prioritize tasks and work efficiently under tight deadlines.

Achievements

By the end of the internship, our team successfully deployed the application. The product received positive feedback from both internal stakeholders and potential users. Seeing the impact of my work was incredibly rewarding and reaffirmed my passion for fintech and AI.

Reflection

Looking back, this internship was a transformative experience. It provided me with hands-on experience in full-stack development and machine learning, but more importantly, it helped me grow as a professional. I learned the importance of teamwork, communication, and the ability to adapt to new challenges.

The experience also shaped my career aspirations. I now have a clearer vision of where I want to go—continuing to explore the intersection of AI and fintech and contributing to innovations that can transform industries.

Advice for Future Interns

To those considering an internship in tech, my advice is simple: embrace the challenges and never stop learning. The tech industry is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to learn. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek help from your mentors—they are there to guide you. An most importantly, If you got an offer to be a part of the Highway to HighRadius program, don't consider it as any other unpaid internships out there. The struggle we go through in this program is worth it. This program can really get you places, if you are dedicated towards that full time job opportunity at HighRadius.

Conclusion

My first internship at HighRadius was more than just a learning experience; it was a stepping stone that helped shape my career path. I am grateful for the opportunity and excited to apply what I’ve learned in future endeavors. As I continue my journey in the tech world, I carry with me the lessons learned and the memories made during those three transformative months.

Thank you for reading my first BLOG!!

My First Internship Experience - @HighRadius