Working as a student developer for 3 months at a startup - expected to build entire backend alone and facing major issues

Backend
1

I took this position because I really wanted to break into development and thought it would be an amazing learning opportunity.

I’m collaborating with my NON-TECHNICAL project manager who tries to help, but honestly the environment isn’t great for actually improving my skills.

We started using Jira for planning and creating feature tickets, but since I’m the only developer it became pointless. I kept switching between core features, authentication, user registration and other stuff. Then we hit a major problem - our CEO is so cheap he won’t arrange a meeting with the outsourced development team we had before, probably because it costs money.

With limited resources and just my brain, I’ve been relying heavily on AI tools to get things done.

It sort of works, but now they expect me to deliver API endpoints while I’m still learning 20 Java classes with AI help and testing everything in Postman. We currently have 36 endpoints to handle.

I’m really struggling here. But I keep thinking if I can pull this off somehow, I’ll be the star employee, right?

Now he even hired a frontend developer even though our backend is nowhere near complete. Suddenly I have deadline pressure again. Remember - I’m a student worker and can only work 20 hours per week maximum.

Can someone please help me figure out this mess?

I’m located in Berlin.

Update: I should mention that after launch, I’m expected to be the only developer handling new features going forward. My boss mentioned this casually when I assumed we’d eventually hire a proper development team.

I’ll probably stay because the job market is tough right now, but I think this situation needs attention. If you’re a student and a potential employer tries to convince you to build something “simple” by yourself, be very careful.

2

Huge red flags here. Building 36 endpoints while you’re still learning Java basics? That’s terrible project scoping and completely unrealistic expectations. And bringing on a frontend dev before the backend’s even done? Your management clearly doesn’t understand how development actually works.

I’ve been at early-stage companies before - sustainable growth needs proper mentorship and realistic timelines. What you’re dealing with sounds like they’re setting you up to fail, not helping you grow professionally.

Here’s what I’d do: document everything you’ve built so far, then have a real conversation with leadership about what’s actually possible given your student schedule and current skill level. That whole ‘star employee’ pitch? Usually just code for exploiting junior devs who don’t know they can push back on unreasonable demands.

3

Wait, did you get any actual training when you started? Sounds like they just threw you in without help. What does your contract say about responsibilities? 36 endpoints solo is way beyond normal student dev work. You might want to hit up other Berlin dev communities for advice.

4

man, i feel for you! this kinda situation is super tough. definitely keep your options open and look for something better. juggling all these endpoints alone is a lot, especially with that amount of time. don’t let them push you too hard, you deserve support!