My Amazon JumpStart Journey

JumpStart kicked off with a comprehensive onboarding process that made it clear this was more than just some normal extracurricular activity was a real job experience. In the first week, I completed new-hire tasks like setting up my Amazon laptop with VPN access, configuring my Outlook email, and even setting up direct deposit for my pay. Adapting to the “Amazonian” lifestyle meant I was clocking in at 2 PM after school and working until 6 PM, which quickly taught me time management and workplace etiquette.

My early impressions were shaped by the supportive environment and the excitement of being part of something new at HQ2. On our first days, Amazon leaders and CodePath instructors welcomed our cohort of 21 apprentices and introduced us to the journey ahead. I remember expecting a structured, classroom-like experience, but I soon realized how dynamic and immersive JumpStart would be. We weren’t just going through lectures—we were being treated as young professionals. This was both thrilling and a bit overwhelming, but it set the stage for an incredible learning adventure.

The CodePath curriculum, a core component of the JumpStart program, provided an intense and rewarding dive into web development. We started with the fundamentals: HTML for structure, CSS for styling, and JavaScript for interactivity. Our instructors shared a helpful analogy—building a website is like constructing a house. HTML forms the foundation and frame, CSS is the paint and décor, and JavaScript adds the functional elements that bring it to life.

Each week of the curriculum introduced new concepts and challenges. We progressed from simple static webpages to creating dynamic, interactive sites. I remember the excitement of writing my first JavaScript function to generate a random number—it felt like unlocking a new superpower. As we advanced, we applied these skills to create practical features like dark mode toggles and scroll-triggered animations.

The curriculum was designed to culminate in a series of projects, each building on our growing skillset. Our first major project was an Advocacy Website. I chose to focus mine on childhood nutrition, incorporating features like a dark mode toggle and a petition form. This project was an excellent opportunity to combine our technical learning with a topic we cared about.

Following that, we developed a "Globetrotter" travel blog project. For this, I created a slideshow featuring attractions in London, which challenged me to use DOM manipulation in JavaScript to cycle through images and captions. It was rewarding to see how our skills had progressed, allowing us to create more complex and engaging web experiences.

Throughout the curriculum, we had formal checkpoints (milestones) for our projects. The feedback from CodePath instructors was invaluable, helping us refine our work and deepen our understanding. By the second milestone, I was thrilled to earn a score that exceeded expectations, boosting my confidence in my growing abilities.

The CodePath curriculum's structure of combining theoretical learning with hands-on projects was incredibly effective. Learning in a cohort setting also added tremendous value, as we could collaborate and help each other debug code. By the end of the curriculum, I had not only gained a solid foundation in front-end development but also the practical experience of building multiple projects from scratch. This comprehensive approach set us up well for the challenges ahead in our JumpStart apprenticeship.

JumpStart was not just about technical skills; it was also about personal growth. Throughout the program, Amazon’s emphasis on leadership and the support of mentors played a huge role in my development. We had the opportunity to attend a panel discussion on Amazon’s Leadership Principles – the core values that guide the company. One principle that really resonated with me was “Earn Trust.” Hearing Amazon leaders talk about how trust is built and maintained in a team setting gave me a new perspective on what effective leadership looks like. It’s not just about giving orders or being in charge; it’s about integrity, consistency, and listening to others.

Mentorship was another cornerstone of the JumpStart experience. I was fortunate to have guidance from multiple mentors. Our CodePath instructors were always there to help debug issues or explain tough concepts in a friendly, approachable way. Within Amazon, I had a manager who oversaw my progress; after I presented my advocacy website, he gave me encouraging feedback that helped me improve my presentation skills and boosted my confidence. Having this network of supporters made a huge difference — it showed me the value of reaching out for help and learning from others’ experiences.

Together, the leadership lessons and the mentor support system taught me that success in tech (or any field) isn’t just about coding prowess. It’s also about teamwork, communication, and a willingness to learn from those around you. These insights into professional growth were just as impactful as the technical knowledge I gained.

Reaching this stage of the JumpStart apprenticeship fills me with pride and motivation. Over the past few months, I've gone from a curious student to a capable apprentice, gaining hands-on experience at one of the world’s most innovative companies. From building websites and presenting polished projects to learning how Amazon operates behind the scenes, this journey has shaped me both technically and professionally.

But the learning hasn’t stopped. I’m still actively working at Amazon, now diving deeper into more advanced tools and concepts. I’ve been preparing for the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification and exploring data visualization platforms like Amazon QuickSight and DataGrip, learning how to turn raw data into insights that inform business decisions. These skills are challenging but incredibly rewarding—and they’re giving me a clearer picture of the world of cloud computing and business intelligence.

More than just technical growth, JumpStart has taught me how to advocate for myself, ask better questions, and stay curious even when things get difficult. I've grown more confident in how I present my ideas and collaborate with others, and I’ve come to appreciate that real learning happens when you push through challenges and keep moving forward.

As the apprenticeship continues, I’m excited for what’s next. I plan to stay with Amazon through the rest of high school, continuing to grow, build, and learn every step of the way. Not many high schoolers get to say they’re working on real-world data problems at a company like Amazon—and I’m not taking that for granted.

In the future, when I transition into college, I know I’ll bring all of this with me—every lesson, every struggle, every win. JumpStart has given me the confidence and experience to step into the next phase of my journey with clarity and purpose. This site is my way of celebrating how far I’ve come and sharing that story with anyone who might be just getting started.