Amazon Discover Review

The common sessions provided great insight into the application process. For example the timeline, flow of interviews, tips on writing a good CV or introduction to the Amazon Leadership Principles. Even though I unfortunately couldn’t join every groups session, I found them the most exciting. It was an amazing experience speaking with current developers and working with them to solve technical problems. It was nice to see them apply techniques expected from us in interviews.

Yes, I mostly further developed existing skills. I learnt a lot about applying theoretical concepts we learn at university to more concrete problems. Most notably how to use hash maps and graph search algorithms such as depth first search or breadth first search. These were especially good to learn how to apply since they come up in many interviews.

“Motivating” I believe is the best word to use. I’m motivated to put a great CV and application together and to internalise the Amazon Leadership Principles. Of course, all this with the overarching goal of securing an internship with Amazon.

I was positively surprised how friendly and outgoing everyone was, from the organisers to every developer. It was fun to talk to them. I also really liked the way the developers handled our questions and solutions in the group sessions. They were focused on understanding our thought process and made us feel heard.

Every session I joined I enjoyed extensively. Due to an emergency over the weekend, I could join all the sessions but I’m thankful for the ones I could attend.

Yes

Get the most out of the group sessions. Speak up even if you don’t have an exact solution and converse with the developer who’s leading the session. They’ll help you come up with ideas which is a very empowering feeling.