Meet Pranav Jain, a master’s computer science student who interned with Amazon as a Software Development Engineer Intern after going through the recruitment process during the competitive 2023 fall recruiting season. Pranav shares his experience with Amazon’s hiring process, his internship projects, and suggestions for students and alumni seeking a career in software development.

Recruiting and Interview Process

In October, I received a Technical Online Assessment (OA) that tested my coding skills and problem-solving abilities. After that, there was an online situation-based behavioral assessment that focused on evaluating how I approach different scenarios and align with the company's values. Amazon has a standardized recruitment process, so anyone who receives an OA will have a similar format.

In November, I was scheduled for an interview that began with introductions, where I had the opportunity to share more about myself and also took a moment to learn about the interviewer, which helped me build a connection and understand their perspective. The interview included questions centered around Amazon’s Leadership Principles, allowing me to demonstrate how I embody these principles in my work. This was followed by a LeetCode medium-level coding question, which tested my technical expertise. For the remaining time, there were some bonus questions that explored my thought process and further assessed my fit for the role.

Internship Experience at Amazon

My time at Amazon was an enriching and impactful experience. As part of the Amazon Baby Registry team, I focused on enhancing the customer experience by optimizing the checkout process. I worked on building the API for this feature and collaborated with guided services to fetch the necessary data, which allowed me to dive deep into the software development lifecycle at a large tech company and understand the importance of creating scalable and maintainable systems.

Throughout the project, I sharpened my technical skills in Java and MVC architecture, and I also gained valuable experience in writing clear and comprehensive documentation, which is crucial for maintaining code quality and ensuring smooth handoffs. I gained a deeper understanding of Amazon’s Leadership Principles, particularly insisting on the highest standards and making sound decisions. The role empowered me to take ownership of my projects, make critical design choices, and appreciate the impact of my contributions in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.

Advice for Students

Build a strong foundation in technical skills such as coding, data structures, and system design, as these are critical in any tech role. Regular practice on platforms like LeetCode will help sharpen your problem-solving abilities. In addition to technical skills, developing soft skills like effective communication and teamwork is essential. Companies like Amazon value not just what you can do, but also how you work with others and embody their leadership principles. Be proactive in seeking feedback, learning from it, and continuously improving.

Networking is also important - connect with people in the industry, attend tech talks, and participate in hackathons or coding competitions. These experiences help you learn and increase your visibility to potential employers. Applying with referrals can also boost your chances. Lastly, don't be afraid to take on challenging projects or internships; they offer valuable learning opportunities and prepare you for the complexities of working in a fast-paced tech environment.

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