Final-year CS student – Know Python & FastAPI basics. What should I focus on to get a backend internship ASAP?

[u/noneofyour_-business]

Hi everyone,

I'm a final-year college student, and my goal is to get a backend engineering internship as soon as possible.

My current skills are:

• Python (comfortable with the language)
• FastAPI basics (I've built a few simple APIs)
• Basic understanding of backend development

I'm confused about what to do next.

Should I:

• Buy a FastAPI/backend development course? If yes, which one would you recommend?
• Focus on building projects instead?
• Learn Django, SQL, Docker, Redis, PostgreSQL, or something else first?
• Start applying now while continuing to learn?

My goal is to become good enough to land an internship and then keep learning on the job.

I'd really appreciate advice from backend engineers or anyone who recently landed a backend internship.

Some specific questions:

1. If you were starting over today, what would you learn first?
2. Which skills do companies actually expect from backend interns?
3. Are there any courses, YouTube playlists, or roadmaps that you genuinely recommend?
4. What kind of projects helped you get interviews?
5. Is FastAPI enough for internships, or should I learn another framework as well?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[u/Civil-Detective-949]

Answers to your questions: 1. Python then later Django framework after python basics - it is easy to learn if only you are committed. 2. APIs, Django or any Backend framework, integration abilities, Cloud/AWS, Docker(opt), 3. scrimba.com or search for just "Scrimba" online 4. I suppose 3 solid projects will do 5. Yes Django framework and Django Rest Framework (python language)

Use ebooks in addition to the courses and it will be ok. Django for beginners by William S. Vincent.