Need Advice for Amazon SWE Internship OA
Need Advice for Amazon SWE Internship Online Assessment
Hi everyone,
I’m excited to share my journey as I prepare for the Amazon Software Engineering (SWE) internship online assessment (OA). Having received an invitation recently, I am looking for advice and insights from those who have gone through the process.
What to Expect in the Online Assessment
The Amazon SWE internship OA typically involves a mix of technical challenges and coding problems. Based on feedback from candidates who have taken the assessment recently, here are some key areas to focus on:
1. Data Structures and Algorithms
- Common Topics: Arrays, Strings, Linked Lists, Trees, Graphs, Stacks, Queues, and Hash Tables.
- Algorithms: Sorting algorithms, searching algorithms, and common techniques like recursion, dynamic programming, and backtracking.
2. System Design
- While the focus may primarily be on coding problems, having a basic understanding of system design principles can be beneficial, especially for behavioral interviews later in the process.
3. Problem-Solving Skills
- You might encounter problems that require you to think critically and come up with efficient solutions. Practice problems on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, and CodeSignal can be invaluable.
Difficulty Rating
From various discussions, the overall difficulty of the OA is often rated as moderate. However, the perception of difficulty can vary significantly based on your background and preparation level. It’s essential to practice a range of problems to build confidence and familiarity with various problem types.
Tips for Preparation
- Practice Regularly: Set aside dedicated time each day for coding practice. Consistency is key.
- Mock Interviews: Engage in mock interviews with peers or use platforms like Pramp to simulate the actual experience.
- Review Past Questions: Websites and forums often have shared experiences and sample questions that can give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
- Understand Amazon’s Leadership Principles: Familiarize yourself with Amazon’s core values, as questions related to these principles might come up in behavioral interviews.
Recommended Resources
- LeetCode: Excellent for practicing coding problems and brushing up on data structures and algorithms.
- GeeksforGeeks: A great resource for understanding concepts and finding example problems.
- Cracking the Coding Interview: This book provides insights into common interview questions and effective problem-solving strategies.
Conclusion
The Amazon SWE internship OA is a significant step in the recruitment process, and being well-prepared can make a considerable difference. I appreciate any additional tips or resources that you all can share based on your experiences. Together, we can navigate this challenging yet exciting opportunity!
Thanks in advance for your help!
Feel free to comment below with your insights or if you have any specific questions regarding the preparation for the Amazon SWE internship OA!