Amazon grad SDE interview

  • Date : September 4, 2024
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Navigating the Amazon Graduate SDE Interview: A Journey from Data Science to Software Development

Hello everyone,

I’m thrilled to share my recent adventure as I embark on preparing for a Graduate Software Development Engineer (SDE) role at Amazon. While the excitement is palpable, I find myself grappling with feelings of overwhelm and uncertainty. As I delve into this new territory, I wanted to document my experience and seek advice from those who have walked a similar path.

The Situation: My Background

Before I dive deeper into preparation strategies, let me provide a bit of context about my current situation:

  • Leetcode DSA Knowledge: To be candid, I have zero experience with Leetcode. This platform is a cornerstone for coding interviews, and my unfamiliarity with it is daunting.

  • Data Structures: I possess a basic understanding of data structures, but I certainly wouldn’t call it extensive. Concepts like arrays, linked lists, and trees are within my grasp, but I need to deepen my knowledge and application of these topics.

  • Professional Experience: I bring three years of experience in data science and analytics from my time at a bank. This experience has honed my analytical skills but is a far cry from the software engineering domain.

  • Coding Background: I am comfortable with Python and have engaged in professional coding within a data science context. However, most of my coding has focused on data manipulation and analysis rather than traditional software development.

  • Leetcode Experience: While I’ve tackled over 50 SQL-based problems on Leetcode, this is not representative of the breadth of challenges I’ll face in an SDE interview.

The Challenge Ahead

I haven’t scheduled my interview yet because I want to ensure I’m adequately prepared. I’m fully aware that the Amazon interview process is rigorous, and I’m keen on bridging the gap between my current skill set and what will be expected of me.

Preparation Plan: Where to Start?

Given my background, I need a structured preparation plan that focuses on the essential areas required for an SDE role. Here’s how I plan to approach my preparation:

  1. Strengthen Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) Knowledge:

    • Study Resources: I’ll start with classic textbooks such as “Introduction to Algorithms” by Cormen et al. and “Cracking the Coding Interview” by Gayle Laakmann McDowell. Online platforms like Coursera and edX offer great courses on DSA that can help solidify my understanding.
    • Leetcode Practice: I’ll create a schedule to tackle problems on Leetcode, starting with easy and gradually moving to medium and hard. I plan to focus on problems related to arrays, strings, linked lists, trees, and graphs.

  2. Build a Routine:

    • I aim for consistent daily practice, dedicating at least 1-2 hours each day to coding problems. This routine will help reinforce learning and build confidence.

  3. Mock Interviews:

    • I plan to engage in mock interviews with peers or use platforms like Pramp or Interviewing.io. This will help me get accustomed to the format of technical interviews and improve my problem-solving under pressure.

  4. System Design Basics:

    • While this may not be the primary focus for a graduate role, having a foundational understanding of system design will be beneficial. I’ll explore resources like “System Design Interview” by Alex Xu.

  5. Networking and Community Support:

    • Engaging with the tech community through forums like Reddit, LinkedIn, and Discord can provide insights and support from others who have gone through similar experiences.

How Long Should I Prepare?

The timeline for preparation is subjective and can vary widely, but I aim for at least 4-6 weeks of dedicated study before scheduling my interview. This will give me ample time to cover the necessary topics and build a solid foundation.

Is It Worth Trying?

Given my three years of experience in a related field, I believe it’s absolutely worth pursuing this opportunity. Transitioning to an SDE role may seem daunting, but my background in data science equips me with a unique perspective that can be advantageous in software development. The analytical skills I’ve developed will aid in problem-solving, which is crucial in coding interviews.

Conclusion

In summary, while the journey ahead is challenging, I’m committed to embracing it fully. By following a structured preparation plan and leveraging my existing skills, I hope to bridge the gap between my current knowledge and the expectations of an SDE role at Amazon.

I would love to hear from anyone who has experience with similar transitions or insights into preparing for coding interviews. What resources or strategies have you found most helpful? Your guidance would be invaluable as I embark on this exciting new chapter.

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to sharing more updates on my progress!

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