Amazon Discover Review

The Amazon Discover Tech Insights 2023 was a vibrant, three-day virtual event that offered an in-depth look into the world of Amazon, specifically its technology and software development sectors. Each day was packed with activities starting from 9 a.m. and ending at approximately 5 p.m., with regular breaks to ensure participants stayed refreshed and focused. The first day began with a warm welcome from the Student Programs team, followed by an introduction to Amazon from a senior speaker. Participants were then introduced to their workshop groups and mentors. My group, consisting of four other girls and I, was lucky to be paired with our mentor, who was both knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The days were structured with a blend of panel discussions, coding activities, and technical workshops. Each coding activity was skillfully guided by our mentor, creating a collaborative and supportive learning environment. We also had the chance to learn about Amazon's culture and various affinity groups, providing an inside look into the life and culture of the company. Day 2 continued with more coding exercises and workshops. We delved into technical topics like DFS/BFS and hashing, along with more debugging exercises. The coding exercise dubbed 'Kata' was particularly interesting and challenging, pushing us to apply the skills we learned during the event.

I had ample opportunity to improve my coding and debugging skills, particularly in relation to specific concepts such as hashmaps and depth-first search (DFS) or breadth-first search (BFS) algorithms. This has strengthened your technical competence and problem-solving abilities. Participation in a variety of coding activities and technical workshops provided an excellent opportunity to hone my practical skills in software development. Furthermore, group work under the guidance of my mentor, Fedor, fostered collaborative skills and my ability to work effectively in a team setting. The event also included sessions aimed at professional development, such as an Interview/Online Assessment Workshop and a Recruiter Drop-In Q&A. This improved my understanding of the recruitment process and sharpened my interview skills.

Gaining insights into the business and potential roles available at Amazon was an enlightening and exciting experience. The event provided a clear picture of the expansive scale of Amazon's operations, particularly in the technology and software development sectors. The introductory sessions and panel discussions provided a deep dive into the day-to-day life of grads and interns at Amazon, shedding light on the roles and responsibilities that come with these positions. It was inspiring to hear from those already working in the field, understanding their journeys, the challenges they face, and how they find solutions within their roles. This provided a realistic perspective on what a career at Amazon might look like, which was both informative and motivating. Learning about Amazon's culture and affinity groups during the panel discussions was another highlight. This provided a unique view into the company's values, principles, and the diverse and inclusive work environment they strive to create. It was reassuring to see Amazon's commitment to diversity, equal opportunity, and an inclusive culture. This understanding of the company culture added another layer to the potential roles available, beyond just the technical aspects. The event also provided valuable insights into the recruitment process at Amazon, with workshops and a Q&A session with recruiters. This demystified the application process and provided actionable steps for pursuing an internship or grad role at Amazon. It was beneficial to understand what recruiters look for in potential candidates, how to best prepare for interviews, and how to navigate the online assessment.

I was thoroughly impressed by the company's culture and the overall atmosphere of the event. The culture at Amazon was portrayed as being very inclusive and diverse. The company's commitment to diversity was evidenced by the fact that the event was primarily aimed at women in technology, but was inclusive to all, regardless of gender. This approach made it clear that Amazon values diverse perspectives and is actively working to increase representation in the tech sector. Further insights into Amazon's culture were provided during the panel discussion on Amazon's Culture & Affinity Groups. This session highlighted the various communities within Amazon that support different demographics, interests, and causes. It was inspiring to see the breadth of support networks and the emphasis on community within such a large organization. The atmosphere during the event was both collaborative and supportive. Group coding exercises and technical activities fostered a sense of team spirit and shared learning. The presence of our mentor, Fedor, was instrumental in creating this atmosphere. His guidance and enthusiasm made the learning process enjoyable.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The event offered an incredible balance of learning, networking, and professional development opportunities that made it highly engaging and rewarding. The technical workshops and coding exercises were especially enjoyable. They offered a hands-on approach to learning, providing a practical context that made complex concepts much easier to understand. Being able to immediately apply what we were learning to solve problems and complete tasks was highly satisfying. The chance to collaborate with others in the group, under the guidance of our mentor Fedor, made the learning process even more engaging and enjoyable. The panel discussions were another highlight. Hearing directly from professionals in the field, understanding their experiences, and getting to ask them questions provided a unique and valuable perspective that you don't often get from textbooks or lectures. I also appreciated the focus on professional development, with sessions dedicated to understanding the recruitment process and improving interview skills. These sessions were not only informative, but they also provided a clear path forward for pursuing career opportunities at Amazon. Lastly, the atmosphere of the event was fantastic. Despite being a virtual event, there was a real sense of community among the participants. The chance to meet and interact with other students from different backgrounds, all interested in technology, was a unique and enjoyable aspect of the event.

Yes

Understand Amazon's Leadership Principles: Amazon places a lot of emphasis on its 14 Leadership Principles. These principles guide their decision-making process, from day-to-day management to long-term strategy. Familiarize yourself with these principles and be prepared to demonstrate how you have embodied them in your past experiences during your application or interview process. Technical Proficiency: Amazon is a technology-driven company. Having a solid foundation in coding and problem-solving skills, particularly in the language you'll be using in the role you're applying for, is critical. Stay current on technology trends and continuously work on enhancing your technical skills. Problem-Solving Skills: Amazon values innovative thinking and problem-solving. When discussing your experiences, focus on situations where you identified a problem, came up with a solution, and the impact of your actions. Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Amazon interviews often include behavioral questions. Practice answering these types of questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly convey your experiences and their outcomes. Teamwork and Collaboration: Amazon values collaboration and the ability to work well in a team. Highlight instances where you have successfully worked as part of a team, particularly in problem-solving or project completion. Diversity and Inclusion: Show that you value diversity and inclusion, as Amazon is committed to these principles. If you've had experiences working in diverse teams or contributing to inclusive environments, be sure to mention them.