My Amazon SDE Internship Interview Experience: NIT Jaipur Student Nishant
As a Computer Science student from NIT Jaipur, I recently had the opportunity to interview for a 6-month SDE internship at Amazon, and I’m excited to share my experience along with tips on how to prepare better!
1️⃣ Online Assessment 1: Comprehensive Fundamentals Test
The first round was an online assessment that tested my core technical knowledge across multiple areas. Here’s what to expect:
- 1 Coding Question: Focused on algorithms and data structures, this question required logical thinking and efficient coding. I recommend brushing up on common algorithmic patterns like recursion, sliding window, and dynamic programming.
- 5 MCQs from each of the following topics:
- Data Structures 📊: Practice common DS like arrays, linked lists, trees, and graphs. Emphasize understanding time complexity.
- Algorithms 🧩: Ensure you’re comfortable with sorting, searching, and greedy approaches.
- Linux 🖥️: Basic commands, file systems, and process management.
- Pseudo Codes 🔍: Focus on logic flow and interpreting abstract problems into working solutions.
- Networking 🌐: Understand basic protocols like TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS, and DNS.
- Software Testing Concepts 🧪: Learn about unit testing, integration testing, and edge cases.
- Software Methodologies 📘: Agile, Scrum, and other development frameworks.
- Database Query Languages 🗄️: Be familiar with SQL commands and query optimization.
Preparation Tips:
- Use platforms like LeetCode for coding and GeeksforGeeks for theory.
- Cover a wide range of topics and build a strong foundation.
- Focus on speed and accuracy as time is limited during the assessment.
2️⃣ Online Assessment 2: Focused Coding Challenges
The second assessment was purely coding-based, testing my skills in problem-solving:
- 2 Coding Questions:
- Array-based Problems 📂: I encountered a question related to subarrays and array manipulations. To prepare, practice array problems involving sliding windows and prefix sums.
- String-based Challenges 📝: The string problem tested string manipulation and pattern matching. Topics like two-pointer techniques, regular expressions, and string searching algorithms are key.
Preparation Tips:
- Practice coding questions on sites like HackerRank or Codeforces with time constraints.
- Focus on edge cases, especially for strings (empty strings, special characters).
- Break down problems into smaller components to find patterns and reduce complexity.
3️⃣ Final Interview: Data-Driven Problem Solving
In the final interview, I was presented with a data processing and analysis question. It required understanding how to work with large datasets and manipulate them efficiently using algorithms.
What I Learned:
- The key here was to think critically about data organization and analysis.
- Focus on time complexity, as large-scale datasets need optimal solutions.
Preparation Tips:
- Work on problems involving big data, especially in Python or Java, where handling large arrays and data streams is crucial.
- Learn about data structures that support fast access, such as hashmaps and heaps.
Overall Preparation Strategy:
- Mock Interviews: Simulate the interview environment by practicing with peers or using mock interview platforms.
- Time Management: Practice solving problems under strict time limits to improve your performance during assessments.
- Company-Specific Problems: Look for interview experiences from previous candidates at Amazon on forums like Glassdoor or LeetCode discussions.
- Deep Dives into Basics: Before diving into complex problems, ensure your basics (like recursion, sorting, trees) are solid, as these form the foundation for most interview questions.
With the right preparation, you can excel in each stage and make the most of the Amazon SDE internship experience!