Amazon Discover: Spring Insight Participant Review

Since this was my first insight week, I was unsure of what to expect. The EMEA team at Amazon got in touch with a detailed schedule for the three day event. Links and passwords were sent in prior to help us meet the minimum technical requirements. On the first day we were given an insight into Amazon's work culture and were introduced to our mentor and fellow mentees. On the second day, we solved group coding challenges as well as got to ask questions to current employees and recruiters. On the last day, we solved fun challenges, a pop quiz as well as learnt about the affinity groups at Amazon.

Through this insight program, I greatly developed my interpersonal skills through the various pair programming and small group workshops we had. Further, I learnt some industry specific skills and requirements through my mentor as well as through the various workshops we had. Through the constructive feedback I received in the coding workshops, I got an insight into the quality of code required at the industry level. Further, collaborating with students from different universities across the UK helped me learn different point of views and build my connections.

There was a primary focus given to Software Development Engineer roles. While the three day event covered in-depth the requirements, mentorship programs and skills required to secure an offer for this role, I would have liked if there was introduction given to the other technical internship opportunities available at Amazon as well particularly in the fields of Data Science and Engineering. While this was not a con, it would have definitely been a pro if included in the program.

The general atmosphere was very relaxed. Through the various talks and individuals they introduced us to, I could see the diverse culture of Amazon being represented. The affinity groups talk helped me learn more about inclusivity at Amazon. Being put in a workshop with a majority of female mentees gave me the confidence to shine. The employees seemed very delighted to talk about their respective roles which reveals a positive company culture. I know that if I ever land a job at Amazon, I will always feel represented and will be able to rely on my mentor and fellow employees for support.

I thoroughly enjoyed the insight program. I am grateful for being selected for this opportunity. I had heard of this opportunity from my friend and would highly recommend this program to my classmates as well. The company culture deeply interested me. I align with Amazon's leadership principles. I enjoy working in groups so I thoroughly enjoyed the group coding workshops. My mentor was warm and lovely and although the insight program was remote, he made sure to involve each one of us to make us feel valued.

Yes

To anyone else thinking of applying at Amazon, I would only like to say: every day is day one! so if you are unsuccessful with your application you can always start again but don't think twice to apply! I enjoyed my experience as a spring intern at Amazon and would highly recommend this insight program to all my classmates and friends. I have learnt invaluable information about the application process at Amazon and would like to thank the organizers for the same!