I recently went through the recruitment process for a 6-month SDE Intern position at Amazon, and though I didn’t receive an offer, the experience was highly insightful. Here’s a detailed account of my journey to help you prepare for a similar opportunity.
Application Process
The process started on 21st July 2023 when I received an email titled:
"Amazon invites you to apply for a 6-month Amazon Internship."
The email outlined the following steps:
- Step 1: Fill out the Hiring Interest Form via the provided link.
- Step 2: Watch for the next steps email scheduled for 24th July 2023.
I promptly completed the form and awaited further communication.
Online Assessment Details
On 24th July 2023, I received an email outlining the details of an Online Assessment (OA) scheduled for 26th July 2023.
Assessment Structure:
| Role | Competencies | Time |
|---|---|---|
| SDE 1 Intern | Coding Assessment | 70 minutes |
| Workstyles Assessment | 15 minutes | |
| Feedback Survey | 5 minutes |
Instructions:
- Read guidelines on dos, don’ts, and technical troubleshooting.
- Fill out the application form (estimated 30 minutes, no time limit).
- Receive the OA link immediately after submitting the form.
- Complete the OA within the given 90-minute time frame.
I ensured I was well-prepared and completed the assessment in the allotted time.
Clearing the Online Assessment
On 29th July 2023, I received an email congratulating me on clearing the Online Assessment. The email also detailed the next step:
- A single interview round scheduled for 9th August 2023.
- Links to preparation materials were provided to assist in getting ready for the interview.
Interview Details
Key Interview Information:
- Mode: Online (meeting invite to follow).
- Duration: 45-60 minutes.
- Competencies:
- Coding (Data Structures and Algorithms).
- Coding (Problem Solving).
- Preferred Language: Any programming language (Java preferred).
Interview Experience
The interview took place on 9th August 2023 and comprised three parts:
1. Introduce Yourself
I gave a brief overview of my education, interests, and aspirations.
2. Project Discussion
The interviewer asked me to discuss the projects listed in my resume. I explained:
- Mental Health Prediction App
- Chat Application
- Music Web App
I highlighted the technologies used, challenges faced, and my contributions to each project.
3. Coding Question
The interviewer presented the following problem:
Problem: In a given sorted array, find the index of a specified element.
Approach:
- I used binary search and explained the logic, edge cases, and time complexity during implementation.
Outcome
On 11th August 2023, I received an email stating that I was not selected for the role. Although the outcome was disappointing, the process provided invaluable learning experiences.
Key Learnings
- Time Management: Completing assessments within strict timelines requires practice.
- Project Explanation: Be ready to clearly explain your projects, emphasizing their impact and your role.
- DSA Mastery: Concepts like binary search and foundational algorithms are essential—master them thoroughly.
- Resilience: Rejections are part of the journey. Treat each experience as a learning opportunity.
Conclusion
While I didn’t secure the internship, this process taught me essential lessons and motivated me to improve further. For anyone preparing for an Amazon internship, I recommend:
- Practicing coding regularly.
- Strengthening problem-solving skills.
- Staying confident and focused throughout the process.
I hope my experience helps you in your preparation!