As a Software Engineering Intern at Charles Schwab, I developed iOS for thinkorswim (TOS), an app used daily by millions of traders. I also designed and built a Learning Center app with SwiftUI and UIKit, enhancing feedback integration and user experience.
Internship Toolkit
UiKit
Used UIKit to build the Learning Center app foundation and fix TOS bugs
SwiftUI
Integrated SwiftUI into existing UIKit apps, mastering the framework and developing a strong passion for its use.
CreateML + CoreML
Trained a custom ML model using business data to develop a chatbot, seamlessly integrating it into the app with Core ML.
Figma
Created redesigns to highlight improvements and next steps for a better user experience.
XCode
Developed and debugged iOS apps efficiently utilizing XCode.
Jira, Bitbucket, SourceTree
Managed tasks, version control, and code collaboration seamlessly.
Microsoft Teams - Kanban
Facilitated communication and collaboration across project teams.
Internship Highlight:
ML Chatbot
During my internship, I took the lead on developing an ML chatbot for the Learning Center. I started by training a text classifier model with Create ML, using Learning Center data. This involved everything from data preprocessing to model training and refining to ensure the best performance.
After the model was trained, I integrated it into a chatbot built with SwiftUI, using Core ML to incorporate the model. This process involved designing a user-friendly interface in SwiftUI and making sure the chatbot could deliver relevant responses based on user input.
Although the project was a success, it could have been improved. The restriction on using ChatGPT meant I missed out on some advanced techniques that could have enhanced the chatbot further. If allowed, I would have used ChatGPT to refine the chatbot’s responses and capabilities. Moving forward, expanding the chatbot’s query handling and incorporating user feedback for continuous improvement would be the next steps.
Reflections
Reflecting on my internship at Charles Schwab, I’m grateful for the growth and learning experiences it offered. Diving into iOS development with no prior experience and rapidly mastering Swift and UIKit was a significant achievement. Working on the thinkorswim (TOS) app and creating an ML chatbot provided hands-on experience that blended theoretical knowledge with practical application.
In my final discussions with my manager, they highlighted my readiness to learn, enthusiasm, and proactive approach as key strengths. My ability to communicate effectively and tackle challenges head-on was also recognized as a valuable asset. These qualities not only helped me succeed in my projects but also reinforced my commitment to continuous improvement and growth in the tech field.
Overall, the internship was an invaluable experience, equipping me with essential skills and affirming my passion for technology. It prepared me for future challenges and laid a strong foundation for advancing in my career.
